Bandung to Yogyakarta by train – one of the most scenic rail journeys in Southeast Asia

The train from Bandung to Yogyakarta is one of the most scenic rail journeys in Southeast Asia. I’ve been on most of the rail lines in Southeast Asia, so I feel confident making such a claim. In fact, I would say that this rail journey through West and Central Java should be more globally famous.

This article details what train to book to get the best views, and details of the train.

Why get the train from Bandung to Yogyakarta?

There are intercity trains that start in Jakarta, but if you are travelling across Java by train then you should experience the Jakarta – Bandung high-speed railway (Whoosh). Apart from helping a brother out by buying a ticket on this expensive rail project, it’s an amazing travel experience that should be part of any Java rail itinerary.

Getting the Whoosh train also lets you explore the historic city of Bandung before moving on. Bandung to Yogyakarta is the most logical route across Java if you are visiting for the first time. The cultural city of Yogyakarta is a good base to visit Borobudur and Prambanan.

The best train from Bandung to Yogyakarta for scenery

There are numerous trains that ply the route between Bandung to Yogyakarta. Some of the trains start in Jakarta (or Surabaya in the other direction), but the main thing to look out for is the time of day it travels from Bandung to Yogyakarta.

Service KA Lodaya is the best train if you want to see the scenery of Java in daylight hours. Every rail service in Indonesia has a unique name in addition to a number. KA Lodaya is service #92.

KA Lodaya is a train service from Bandung to Surakarta (Solo), which is the next big city after Yogyakarta.

KA Lodaya
Depart Bandung: 6:55
Arrive Yogyakarta: 13:55

[The route map of KA Lodaya is displayed in the train.]

When booking a ticket, book station Yogyakarta (YK) as there are different Yogyakarta stations shown in the booking process. The central station of Yogyakarta is also referred to as Tugu Station, and there are many guesthouses and budget hotels opposite the station.

Tickets can be booked at KAI (the official railway website) but the English site is clunky. I use booking sites such as 12Go.

Search for train tickets from Bandung to Yogyakarta.

Tickets usually sell out so don’t wing it by trying to buy tickets on the day of travel. Book in advance once you know your travel dates.

Bandung Station

Bandung Station is in the city centre and walkable from the main historic sites. There are shops in Bandung Station, but the cafes don’t open until after this train has departed.

[Bandung Station.]

The platforms show the name of the train and not the number, so remember your train name.

The good thing about this service is that it originates in Bandung, so you can go to the train early and not have to wonder if the train is going to be on time.

Onboard KA Lodaya

There are different seating classes, though KAI don’t use the traditional 1st/2nd class designation.

Eksekutif Class has comfortable padded seats in a 2×2 configuration.

This class has enough legroom to stretch out and not feel guilty about reclining.

There are two power outlets next to the window, so a window seat is best for views and charging devices. There is no onboard wifi.

The cheaper seats are in Premium Class. At first glance it doesn’t look like much of a downgrade as the seats are also in 2×2 configuration and the seats are padded.

The downside of Premium is that there is barely any legroom.

The toilets are either squat or seated toilets. The train had Man and Woman toilets, which I’ve not seen before. I was waiting for a Man toilet and the train attendant told me to use the Woman toilet.

I always like to see the various rules of trains around the world. “No Durian” is a common sign in Southeast Asia, Snakes On A Train isn’t a movie I want to be in, and not lying down on the floor seems to be good advice for any train.

Food and drink

I had a crappy convenience store breakfast at Bandung Station, so I was looking forward to something more substantial on the train. The food service is pre-packaged nasi goreng (fried rice).

The pack included fried rice, chicken, an egg, cucumber, and prawn crackers. Nasi goreng is the sort of food that can travel well so this was fine.

A drink/snack cart makes its way up and down the train throughout the trip.

I got a coffee with milk, which was an instant coffee that is branded as cappuccino.

There is also a cafe carriage on the train if you want to stretch your legs. .

There is a bit more variety on the menu here, but not much for vegetarians (which is not news for travelling vegetarians).

The view from Bandung to Yogyakarta

Once the train escapes the suburbs of Bandung the scenery gives way to open rice fields and distant mountains.

The Bandung Plateau is a sea of rice fields, which was a nice change of pace after travelling by train through the palm oil plantations of South Sumatra.

The train soon starts its climb through the mountains of West Java province.

Volcanos and rice fields are the dominating feature. Riding the train gives you a better understanding of the geography of Java. Basically the island of Java is a bunch of volcanos that formed land through lava flows (the Volcanism of Java).

The mountainous terrain is no deterrant for the rice farmers of Java.

There are so many scenic rice terraces here that it made me wonder why everyone goes crazy for that one specific rice terrace in Bali that has become Instafamous.

There are many scenic ravines and some stunning bridges, which if you are paying attention you will get a fleeting glance.

I used Google Maps to look for river crossings along the route.

The train then travels through Central Java province along the flatlands of the southern coast, avoiding going through the mountains.

It’s not as mountainous but no less scenic here.

[I always silently thank the farmers for the nasi.]

One thing that stood out in this journey is how much of the route is through farmland and nature. If you travel by road in Java, the roads are usually built-up with shops and houses along the way.

It always blows my mind when I remember that the island of Java has a population of over 150 million people. It’s a believable stat when you are stuck traffic in the urban centres of Java, but somehow this trains winds its way through these peaceful rural settings.

Yogyakarta Station

KA Lodaya arrives at Yogyakarta at 13:55. This is not the last stop, but the amount of passengers getting off here should alert you to the fact you are in Yogyakarta.

The total journey time from Bandung to Yogyakarta is 7 hours to cover 387 km, with an average speed of just over 55 km/h.

Onward to Solo

KA Lodaya continues to Solo Balapan Station in Surakarta. KA Lodaya arrives at Solo Balapan (SLO) 14:50 (55 minutes from Yogyakarta).

Solo is a worthy city to visit if you have time on your Java journey. There are frequent commuter trains that run between Yogyakarta and Solo throughout the day, so you don’t need to get an intercity train for that leg.

This train travel review is part of my Southeast Asia railways guide.