How to travel from Jakarta to Yogyakarta by train

The route from Jakarta to Yogyakarta is one of the most popular train journeys in Indonesia, linking the capital with the cultural heart of Java. A range of services operate along the line, from faster, limited-stop trains to slower services that make more stops along the way.

Although the journey takes between six and eight hours, depending on the service, it is one of the most comfortable and straightforward ways to travel between the two cities. With central stations, frequent departures, and a choice of travel classes, the train is often preferred over flying.

Whichever service you choose, this guide covers everything you need to know about routes, timetables, ticket booking, and prices.

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Route map and details

Gambir and Pasar Senen stations are less than two kilometres apart, both located in the heart of Jakarta. After around 5 km, the two lines converge at Jatinegara, before continuing along the same route for the next 500km to Yogyakarta.

After passing through the northern port city of Cirebon, the line turns inland across Central Java, travelling through rice fields, small towns, and rural landscapes as it heads towards the south coast, before arriving in the popular tourist destination of Yogyakarta.

Timetables

Trains to Yogyakarta depart from two stations in Jakarta: Gambir and Pasar Senen.

Gambir to Yogyakarta timetable

Pasar Senen to Yogyakarta timetable

How to buy tickets

The easiest way to buy train tickets in Indonesia is online rather than going to the station. You do pay a very small commission but the ease and convenience makes it worthwhile in our opinion.

For the normal train, Tiket is the best place to book and has a simple to use interface and accepts international credit cards. It’s also a good place to check availability, timetables and prices.

How much does it cost?

Several types of train operate on the route from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, including some of the country’s best trains (branded as ‘Argo’), which have airline-style lie-flat beds and complimentary meals and refreshments.

On the Argo trains from Gambir station, the most expensive option are in the Panoramic carriages, costing from IDR800,000 (US$50). As you drop down the various classes on this and other trains (Luxury, Executive, Economy), tickets can be bought for as little as IDR240,000 (US$15).