How to travel from Yogyakarta to Jakarta by train

The journey from Yogyakarta to Jakarta is one of Indonesia’s most popular rail routes, connecting the cultural heart of Java with the capital. A variety of trains run along the line, from faster services with limited stops to slower options that call at more stations.

Journey times range from six to eight hours, depending on the service, but it remains one of the most comfortable and straightforward ways to travel between the two cities. With centrally located stations, regular departures, and a range of travel classes, many travellers choose the train over flying.

Whatever option you go for, this guide has all the information you need on routes, timetables, ticket booking, and prices.

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Route map and details

After departing from the popular tourist destination of Yogyakarta, the line heads inland across Central Java, passing through rice fields, small towns, and rural landscapes before reaching the northern port city of Cirebon.

From there, the route continues for around 500 km towards Jakarta. After passing Jatinegara, the line splits, with trains terminating at either Gambir or Pasar Senen stations, both located less than two kilometres apart in the heart of the city.

Timetables

Trains from Yogyakarta to Jakarta arrive at two stations in the capital: Gambir and Pasar Senen.

Yogyakarta to Gambir timetable

Yogyakarta to Pasar Senen 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 Yogyakarta to Jakarta, 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 to Gambir station, the most expensive option are in the Panoramic carriages, costing from IDR980,000 (US$60). As you drop down the various classes on this and other trains (Luxury, Executive, Economy), tickets can be bought for as little as IDR270,000 (US$15).