How to Travel from Jakarta to Bandung With Train
Taking a train journey from bustling Jakarta to the cooler climate of Bandung is an experience that many locals and travelers enjoy. The train provides a break from the notorious traffic of Indonesia’s roads and offers an opportunity to appreciate the scenic views of West Java. In this guide, you will find all the information you need to take the train from Jakarta to Bandung, including speed, comfort, ticket booking, and when you should go.
Planning Your Train Journey from Jakarta to Bandung
Train travel is a popular option for traveling from Jakarta to Bandung as it offers a combination of convenience, speed, and scenic beauty. The journey can take as little as 50 minutes with the high-speed train, bypassing the traffic of the highway.
KAI trains which are the normal trains use 2h 45min – 3 hours. Head to Gambir station in Jakarta to embark on this railway adventure, where you can catch most trains to Bandung. You can buy tickets online, at the station, or through various travel agents and booking services.
How to Take the Train From Jakarta – Bandung
KAI operates the normal trains in Java, while Whoosh has the fast train. KAI is the biggest train operator in Java and you can tickets on tiket.com. Make sure you head to the correct station, for most travelers Gambir station is the best one. It’s easy to make the mistake of just saying Jakarta. Doing that can make you book from the wrong station, and then you not will be able to board the train. The same goes for your departure, which for most travelers will be at Bandung Station.
KAI Train From Jakarta To Bandung
Taking the normal train (KAI) from Jakarta to Bandung is very easy and there are several departures every day.
You can also choose between different classes, it’s a short ride so if you are on a budget you will be fine with the economy class. Although the legroom is not great. Read more about the different classes on KAI trains here.
On this train from Jakarta to Bandung, the Economy seat was very good!
Argo Parahyangan Luxury
This is a luxurious option if you want to try traveling first class in Indonesia, and it’s more first-class than many Western travelers are used to! Not all trains to Bandung offer this, some of the other trains just offer executive.
How to Buy the Ticket
The route from Jakarta to Bandung, and Bandung – Jakarta is very popular with locals. Many Indonesians go to Bandung to shop and enjoy the weekend in a cooler and more relaxed environment. Therefore the tickets are often sold out, or only economy tickets are available.
We recommend buying your ticket in advance on tiket.com, as soon as you know when you want to go.
Is it the first time you travel by train in Indonesia? Read our complete guide for train traveling through Java!
Cost of Traveling Jakarta – Bandung With Train
Economy class for Jakarta-Bandung starts from around 150,000 IDR. Executive train services running on this route offer a premium traveling experience, with prices ranging from 250,000 to 550,000 IDR, depending on the class and the level of service.
For the ultimate in comfort, luxury trains such as Argo Parahyangan Luxury offer travelers first-class service, with features such as much better seating and general luxus. The higher ticket price reflects the added comfort and amenities in a fair way in our opinion.
Departure and Arrival: Train Stations in Jakarta and Bandung
When departing from Jakarta, you’ll likely leave from Gambir station, located in the heart of the city. Upon arrival in Bandung, trains will pull into the Bandung train station, conveniently situated in the city center.
Both from Gambir and Bandung Station you can get picked up, or delivered using Grab. I just had to pay a fee of 5,000 at Gambir station when we drove out from the station. You could walk outside the station to avoid the fee.
Fast Tracks to Bandung: Understanding the High-Speed Rail Service (Whoosh)
Indonesia is improving its railway service, with a high-speed train that will significantly reduce travel time between the two cities. Although the bullet train/ High Speed already is possible to use it’s not easy to buy tickets yet.
Alternatives to Train Travel
If the train schedule doesn’t fit your plans, other methods of transport include buses, which are more frequent but subject to traffic, or renting a car for a more private journey. We Highly Recommend Taking the Train to avoid traffic and enjoy the scenic route with nice rice fields.
Whether you’re traveling for the cooler climate of Bandung or its colonial history and shopping, the train is an excellent choice for your journey. With a variety of economy and luxury options available, train travel between Jakarta and Bandung caters to all preferences and provides a memorable part of your Indonesian experience.
