Latest update: June 2026
One of our favourite travel experiences in Indonesia was taking the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. While flying is faster, the train offers something you simply can’t experience from the air: a chance to watch the landscapes of Java slowly unfold outside your window.
We first travelled this route in 2018 and enjoyed it so much that we took the train again a few years later. While some of the booking processes have become more digital over the years, the overall experience remained largely the same. Comfortable seats, friendly staff and some beautiful scenery make this one of the best train journeys in Indonesia.
If you’re travelling between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, we highly recommend taking the train at least once.
Jakarta to Yogyakarta Train Overview
Distance: Approximately 530 km
Journey Time: Around 6 to 9 hours depending on the train service
Cost: Usually between €15 and €35 depending on class and how far in advance you book (for executive class with air-con).
Departure Stations: Various stations in Jakarta, including Gambir and Pasar Senen
Arrival Station: Yogyakarta Tugu Station
We travelled in Executive Class, which we found well worth the extra cost.
How to Book Train Tickets
On both of our journeys we bought our tickets directly at the station.
When travelling from Jakarta, we used Gambir Station. While there may be queues at some ticket windows, there are usually dedicated service counters where staff can help foreign visitors purchase tickets.
You will need your passport when buying tickets, so make sure to bring it with you.
After purchasing our tickets, we were able to check in using the station’s self-service machines before departure.
These days there are also various online booking options available, but we have always found buying tickets at the station to be straightforward and easy. Make sure to book at least a day in advance since they might run out.
If possible, try to reserve a window seat. The scenery is one of the highlights of the journey.
Food and Drinks on the Train
Staff regularly pass through the carriages selling drinks, snacks and simple meals.
There is also a dining car where passengers can buy hot food, coffee and instant noodles.
The food is fairly basic, so we usually bring some extra snacks for the journey. That said, grabbing a bowl of noodles while watching the Javanese countryside roll past the window is part of the experience.
The Journey Through Java
This is where travelling by train really stands out.
Shortly after leaving Jakarta, the urban landscape begins to fade and is replaced by rice fields, villages and endless stretches of green countryside. As the journey continues, volcanic peaks begin appearing in the distance and the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic.
The route offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in Java. Small towns, local markets, farms and railway stations pass by throughout the day, giving you a perspective you would completely miss if you flew.
The journey is long enough to feel like an adventure but comfortable enough that the hours pass surprisingly quickly.
Is the Train Better Than Flying?
Flying is undoubtedly faster, especially if you are short on time.
However, if you have a flexible schedule, we think the train is by far the more enjoyable way to travel between Jakarta and Yogyakarta. Also getting to the airport in Jakarta can be a pain depending on time of day and traffic.
The cost is comparable, the seats are comfortable and the scenery alone makes the journey worthwhile. Rather than spending half a day navigating airports, you can simply sit back and watch Java unfold outside your window.
Would We Take the Train Again?
Absolutely.
In fact, we already have.
After taking the train for the first time in 2018, we chose to travel the same route again a few years later. That alone probably says more than any review could.
For us, the Jakarta to Yogyakarta train is more than just transportation. It is one of the best ways to experience the landscapes, culture and atmosphere of Java, and we would happily choose it again on a future trip.