Train From Jakarta to Yogyakarta – Complete Review

If you are heading to Yogyakarta and need to make your way there from Jakarta, don’t think that flying is the only option. In fact, it is definitely the most expensive option. There are ways that you can save a lot of money and stress and still get to Yogyakarta feeling rested and refreshed. My personal favorite is the KAI train, and here, I have put together a complete review of the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta.

Table of Contents

• Why catch the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta?
• Where to buy tickets for the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta
• How much are tickets for the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta?
• A look inside the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta
  • The Seats
  • The Legroom
  • Power outlets
  • The service
  • The restrooms
• How long does the trip take?
• Summary

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Why catch the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta?

While this is a good question, I believe the answer is a simple one.

In this this day and age of restrictions and security checks, flying can be an interminable waste of your time. Between turning up for flights so early, getting though to the gate and then waiting for your plane, your time could be better spend elsewhere. That is why catching the train is such a better option. It is quick, clean, WAY more comfortable than flying, and you actually get to view the scenery along the way. In my opinion, catching the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta is a no brainer!

Where to buy tickets for the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta

Buying tickets is actually pretty simple. Like most train stations in the world, you can actually buy tickets at the station. You can find a google maps location of the station HERE. There are several train stations in Jakarta, each providing a different service. Follow the link I provided and you will end up at the right one for the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. For record, it is called “Stasion Pasar Senen”, and is actually pretty close and handy to such locations as Monas, Central Jakarta, and even Kota Tua.

The other way to get tickets, and possibly easier is to book them online through Traveloka. Follow THIS LINK directly to the ticket website.

How much are tickets for the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta?

The tickets range in price depending on how you like to travel, and how comfortable you want to be. This is another reason that I personally choose to travel by train anywhere I go. Typically a train ticket will be a fraction the cost of an airfare, and usually if you pay the same price, you will have a lot better conditions on the train than in the plane. Being a tall person, I place a great deal of importance on that.

So how much are the tickets for the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta? Take a look:

• $17 AUD will get you an economy ticket, which is great value.
• $30 AUD will get you an executive ticket, which is akin to Business class on a plane.
• $75 AUD will get you a first class ticket.

For this review we will be concentrating on the $30 Executive class, as that is generally what I stick to when I use the train. I find it is a great medium for both comfort AND value.

You can find train tickets easily online at 12go Asia at THIS LINK.

Getting on the train was SO much easier than at the airport! You literally walk into the station, up to the gate, show your ticket (and PCR/vaccination if required) and then straight onto the platform. From taxi drop off to getting on the train takes 3 minutes. There is even a porter to carry and stow your bags for you!

Booking.com

A look inside the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta

OK, so let’s take a quick look inside the train. This is one of the most important things for anyone considering catching a train in South East Asia. Everyone likes comfort and safety, and believe me, the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta has it all.

The Seats

First, the seats. They are clean, wider than airplane seats, (that’s not hard) and have a generous recline. All seats are vinyl, which means they are easy to clean, and in my entire carriage I didn’t see any that were dirty in any regard.

The headrests on the seats are shaped generously in order to allow you to sleep and lean your head against them. This was very comfortable for my partner, but being tall I sort of had to scrunch down in my seat to be able to utilize this function. This wasn’t really an issue for me. Being tall, I realize most things are designed for the average size person!

There are also footrests available that fold down nicely in front, and have a release lever that is controlled with a tap of the foot to snap the rest back into position. This is a nice touch for shorter passengers to get some comfortable rest.

There is even a single seat at the front of the carriage. I have never tried to book this seat, as I travel as a couple, but if you are alone and don’t wish to be rubbing shoulders with your neighbor, maybe you should try and book this one!

The Legroom

The legroom in the Executive Class is amazing. I am 6ft3 tall and I could basically stretch out my legs as far as I wanted. I have NEVER been able to do that on a plane, even in business class. (I lie, I did that once in the very front row). This was a game changer for me on the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, and I have never looked to travel any other way since. Planes around Java are a secondary option for me now!

Power outlets

One of the other things I liked was the Power outlets available. There are two, and they are attached to the wall just under the window. They are good, reliable outlets, and even with the bit of jolting and shaking that you get on a train, my power plugs always held solid in the sockets.

Just above the outlets is a little shelf, which seems to be designed to place your drink on. While I used this at certain points to place my coffee cup, I also found it handy to sit my phone on when it was recharging.

The service

There is a restaurant car on the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, but to be honest, you rarely have to go near it. The reason for this is because of the service cart that comes by once an hour, especially in the first half of the trip. You can buy coffee or water, Nasi Goreng, Ayam Goreng, and crisps from the cart for pretty decent prices!

There is also a conductor that makes his way regularly through the train. This is great for security reasons. Also, several cleaners make the rounds with monotony, so the train stays clean and sanitized.

The restrooms

Last but not least – the restrooms. The train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta took me by surprise with the state of cleanliness in here. I had fully expected to be “holding it in” when I first took this train, and am so glad I didn’t have to!

The toilet is rather clean by train and Indonesian standards. I suspect this has something to do with the cleaners that make their way up and down the train all day. The seat is comfortable, floor is dry, and there is plenty of tissue paper available. The small sink has a tap of clean water and plenty of hand wash supplied.

There are two toilets to every carriage too, so you don’t have to run far when you feel the urge, and that dodgy rendeng from the night before comes back to haunt you!

How long does the trip take?

Typically the train takes around 8.5 hours. Honestly, though, it never seems that long! I spend so much time gazing out the window that the hours fly by. There is some absolutely amazing scenery, between the rice paddies early in the trip, to the volcanoes and mountains as the train cuts its way across the island to the southern coastline. There is no way you can get bored, and it beats sitting in an airport for hours.

The other great thing about the trip, and I may have mentioned it already, is that with power outlets available you can work on the go. As a travel blogger, last trip I wrote an entire article on my laptop that soaked up a couple of hours, then recharged my phone as well while pumping out the tunes with my headphones. Great way to spend a relaxing day in my opinion.

The other thing worth mentioning is that the train stops several times at other stations along the route. But really, that was only about half a dozen times. My last trip was on a Sunday and only a few extra people got on the train, meaning my carriage was only about half full at any given time.

Summary

The train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta is a great option, and in my opinion a lot better way to travel than catching a plane. You save a lot of time and money, and can rest easier and even get some work done on the trip. Relax, stretch out, and just enjoy the journey whilst dreaming of those Borobudur Sunrises!

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