If you’re thinking about taking the train from Yogyakarta to Jakarta but are unsure about choosing seats, booking tickets, figuring out the schedule or picking a station, this guide is for you.

Flight tickets in South East Asia are usually very cheap, especially if you fly with low-cost airlines. However, if you’re planning to go from Yogyakarta to Jakarta (or vice versa) my advice would be to take a train instead.

The Indonesian train system is actually quite convenient and easy to use. The trains are comfortable and reliable, and ticket prices can be as low as IDR 74,000 (~ €4.70) for economy class. The train route between Yogyakarta and Jakarta is very scenic, and you will get a great impression of life in the countryside as you travel.

To make the idea of booking a train in Indonesia less daunting we’ve come up with this guide to tell you all you need to know. I’ve taken the train between Yogyakarta and Jakarta plenty of times and love to use it to explore Java. After years in Indonesia, it’s become a routine, and I know everything you’d have to know before you go.

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Where to buy train tickets from Yogyakarta to Jakarta

The best and easiest way to book your tickets from Yogyakarta to Jakarta is online. If you’re unable to do that you can also purchase train tickets in some Indonesian convenience stores such as Alphamart or Indomaret. It’s much easier to get tickets online though, and you can avoid inflated tourist prices.

You can also buy tickets directly at the train station if you’re in Yogyakarta already. I’ve tried all three methods, and although they all work, I always do it online for the sake of convenience.

Ticket.com is a great website to use when booking train tickets. You can pay by credit card, and the website is available in English. After booking your tickets will be sent to you by email which includes all the details you need for your train journey.

Our tip: Looking for the train schedule from Yogyakarta to Jakarta? It changes frequently, so it’s best to check Tiket.com for up-to-date times and departures.

When to buy tickets for trains in Indonesia

Train tickets are only available on Tiket.com approximately six weeks in advance. They do tend to sell out, especially during weekends and public holidays so it’s worth booking as soon as you can. However, if you’re travelling more spontaneously you can always check when the prices are especially cheap.

Don’t wait until the last minute or you’ll risk not getting the train, class or departure time you want.

Our tip: Want to take a train on a certain day, but tickets online are sold out? Head to the train station and ask if they have last-minute tickets available in a lower class. You may not get a designated seat, but if you’re desperate it could be an option.

The different train classes: Economy, Business or Executive?

Indonesian trains have three classes; Eksekutif, Bisnis and Ekonomi. Executive (Eksekutif) are the most luxurious and expensive trains while Business and Economy offer cheaper prices but less comfort.

It is worth noting that usually, not all classes are available on one train. An Executive train from Yogyakarta to Jakarta is usually exclusively Executive while Business and Economy are sometimes combined. For some reason, there seems to be a lack of Business class seats on the train Yogyakarta to Jakarta route. For most dates, the only options available are usually Executive and Economy.

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Executive Luxury Train from Yogyakarta to Jakarta

Since 2018, there is another class available in the system on a select number of luxury trains from Yogyakarta to Jakarta. The Executive Luxury class looks almost like an airplane business class with more separate pods and only one seat on either side of the aisle. There is a banket provided, but the seats do not allow you to lie flat, so it’s not the most comfortable if you’re looking for a sleeper train.

Each seat has its own TV, and there are two versions of this class, depending on the age of the train. Prices are usually significantly higher than Executive, but the added value is definitely apparent.

Our tip: The luxury train seats can be difficult to find on the route from Yogyakarta to Jakarta and are only available on a few days for this route so make sure you have flexible travel dates if you want this experience.

Which class should you pick on the train from Yogyakarta to Jakarta?

The main difference between the classes is the seat type. Executive seats are large and comfortable and can be reclined for sleeping. They also have a little fold-out table. In Business class the seats are not separate but a bench for every two people. They cannot be reclined. Economy class is very similar to business class although there is less legroom and the seats are slightly more narrow.

All three classes are air-conditioned and have power sockets next to the seat. The journey between Yogyakarta and Jakarta takes around eight hours which can get uncomfortable if you cannot recline your seat.

Since the price for a train ticket from Yogyakarta to Jakarta is not very high even for Executive class I would recommend splurging and getting the more expensive tickets. If you’re on a very tight budget, you can, of course, go for Economy class to save money. But if your time in Jakarta is limited it’s so much nicer to relax and enjoy your train ride and arrive rested and ready for the day. The price difference won’t be very large.

Executive seats

Yogyakarta to Jakarta train ticket price

Prices vary according to when you book, what time of day you’re departing and which class you pick. Economy trains start at IDR 74,000 (~ €4.70) but go as high as IDR 300,000 (~ €19) if there aren’t a lot of seats left. Executive trains can start as low as IDR 280,000 (~ €17.75) but go up past IDR 400,000 (~ €25.35) during high-demand times.

Our tip: When choosing your train always have a look at the duration of the journey. Some trains are slower than others which can make the tickets cheaper.

Is it better to take the day or night train from Yogyakarta to Jakarta?

Trains on this route run from around 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM. This means you can often find cheap tickets for a night train that arrives in Jakarta early in the morning.

As tempting as it sounds to save money on a hotel, I would not recommend taking the night train. Especially if you’re choosing Business or Economy class you will be exhausted by the time you arrive.

You also have to consider when you’re checking in and out of your hotel and whether you can leave your bags there. Plus, if you’re taking the train at night you won’t be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and volcanos you’re driving past.

Our tip: You might be used to comfortable sleeper trains from other countries in South East Asia. However, there is unfortunately no real sleeper train from Jogja to Jakarta available in the current system. There is an Executive Luxury Class on a few select trains, which comes close but resembles a business class in an airplane more than a sleeper. It’s not possible to lie flat.

Which train station to choose in Yogyakarta and Jakarta?

Both Jakarta and Yogyakarta have several train stations to choose from. The best strategy is to check where your accommodation is and book a train that departs or arrives close to that station. Don’t book a train without looking up where the station is first. Some of them are very far out of town.

If you’re using Tiket.com it is easiest to type in “all stations” when searching for trains. Then you can find your station from the list of trains offered.

In Yogyakarta, it is best to depart from Tugu Station. This is the most central train station right at the top of Malioboro Street. Most travellers stay close to Malioboro Street which will make getting to Tugu Station very convenient.

In Jakarta, Pasar Senen Station is a good choice, depending on where you’re staying. It is centrally located and easy to reach.

Our tip: Are you arriving at Yogyakarta airport? Check out this post on how to get to Malioboro Street for only 0,20€.

When to go to the train station

It’s always good to arrive early when taking a train in Indonesia. You should come to the train station 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled departure, so you have plenty of time to get your boarding pass and find your platform. There is a large waiting area and several shops in the station.

Checking in before getting on the train

You have to get your boarding pass once you arrive at the train station. Without it, you will not be allowed to get on the train.

The boarding pass is an orange slip of paper that you can get from a check-in counter or more conveniently from a check-in machine at the train station. At Tugu Station in Yogyakarta, you’ll find these machines to your right when you enter through the main entrance.

Simply scan the barcode on your ticket on your phone, and your boarding pass will be printed. It’s easy and quick. There is no need to print the ticket from your phone.

Tugu Train Station in Yogyakarta

Tugu Train Station is not very large and easy to navigate. Once you have your boarding pass you have to have your passport and ticket checked before you can proceed to the platforms. You cannot go further if you do not have a valid boarding pass and ID.

There are multiple large screens that display departure times for the trains. Make sure to check them regularly while you wait for your train in case there is a delay or change of platform.

You’ll find some small eateries and a convenience store at Tugu Train Station in case you want to buy some last–minute snacks.

There are luggage lockers available at Tugu Station in Yogyakarta where you can leave bags for a small fee.

Our tip: Have you planned your trip to Yogyakarta? You’ll love our complete 3-day itinerary, and list of unusual things to do, which includes a church shaped like a giant chicken. Don’t forget to read about the popular batik scams that Yogyakarta is known for, so you know what to look out for.

Shops and lockers at Tugu Station

Boarding the train from Yogyakarta to Jakarta

There will be announcements in Bahasa Indonesia before your train arrives. There is usually plenty of time to get on the train so no need to panic once it arrives.

At Tugu Station not all platforms are directly accessible. You might have to cross other train tracks to reach your train. There are always station attendants available to help you out if you are unsure which one the right train is.

Have a look at your boarding pass or ticket to find out what your car number is. Try to get on the correct one, so you don’t have to walk through the whole train with your luggage. You can find your seat number on your ticket and boarding pass. Usually, you can pre-select your seat when you book the tickets online.

Luggage on the train

There is no luggage car on most trains from Yogyakarta to Jakarta, so you are responsible for your own bags during the entire ride. Do not give your luggage to anyone who offers to carry it for you to avoid being scammed.

You will have plenty of space in the overhead bins in Executive or Business class, but Economy can get cramped. If your bag is too large or heavy to store there, you can find space at the back of each cart. Technically there is a 20kg weight limit for luggage, but it is rarely checked.

Our tip: I’ve taken the train from Yogyakarta to Jakarta many times and have never had anyone check the amount of luggage I have, so if your bags are too heavy or you have several I wouldn’t worry about it.

Food on the train

During the train journey, a food cart with drinks and snacks will pass you several times. There is also a designated catering car on the train where you can get hot meals (mostly nasi goreng, fried chicken or meatballs) and drinks.

My advice is to go get food early on because the most popular meals tend to sell out quickly. Definitely bring some of your own snacks if you can since the food on the train is relatively expensive (at least for Indonesian standards) and not the best. Meals cost between €2 and €5.

Train toilets

Every cart has at least one toilet. They are usually western, but some of the older carts do have squat toilets. For a train, these toilets were surprisingly clean. You can usually even find toilet paper and soap here.

How safe is the train from Yogyakarta?

Indonesian trains are one of the safest ways to travel the country. They are not very fast which means accidents are uncommon.

You can leave your luggage unattended at your seat if you go to the bathroom or the dining cart. Take your most valuable belongings with you just in case, especially if you’re travelling in a cramped Economy class train. Like anywhere in the world, you could have something stolen, but it’s not a common occurrence.

The train from Yogyakarta is definitely safe for tourists.

Arriving in Jakarta by train

If you’re arriving at Pasar Senen Station in Jakarta you won’t be far from the city centre. You can either take a bus or a grab to your accommodation, or a local taxi. Just make sure that the driver uses a taximeter.

Jakarta can be a dangerous city for inexperienced travellers. Only use official taxis or grab cars. Do not give anyone your luggage. Always keep your belongings close to you, especially your phone. There is a lot more petty crime here, and tourists are always a target.

Calling a Grab can be difficult at Pasar Senen Station in Jakarta because they are only allowed to stop in certain places. Be patient and double-check that you are waiting in the correct spot, which you can see on the grab or gojek app. Traffic in Jakarta is one of the worst in the world, so expect to be stuck in a traffic jam for a while even if you’re only going a short distance.

Is taking the train from Yogyakarta to Jakarta worth it?

Flying can be so convenient, but it robs you of the experience of actually seeing the country. This route is the ideal train journey for backpackers who want to try something new and don’t feel like sitting in the same AirAsia plane again. Plus, taking the train from Yogyakarta to Jakarta is much cheaper than a flight, so you can save money.

Make use of Indonesia’s cheap and convenient train system and see more rice fields and volcanos than you could have ever imagined.

Our tip: Planning to see Borobudur Temple in Yogyakarta at sunrise? Read about all you need to know, including how to get in early, where to buy tickets and when to go in our complete guide.

Train from Yogyakarta to Jakarta FAQ

Before you go…

Looks like you’re exploring Indonesia at your own pace and seeing some fantastic cities along the way. We can’t let you leave before sharing our travel guides to incredible destinations like Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida (and how dangerous it really is), Gili Trawangan and how to swim with turtles right at the beach, Kuta Lombok and its unusual things to do, and a hike in Bali you might not have heard of before. We think you’ll love it.

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If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.