Visit Yogyakarta by Train

One of the cheaper and enjoyable ways to visit Yogyakarta from Jakarta is to take the train and it is strongly suggested if this is your first trip to Yogyakarta. You may experience local traveler atmosphere. And if you take the morning train, you may see some beautiful views and some of uncovered views as well. :)

Principally there are two choices: the Executive class (air conditioned) and the Business class (fan only). Traveling from Jakarta to Yogyakarta needs approximately 8 hours, so you'll eat in the train. Food is provided free, but it tasted uhmm... not preferable if you are able to spend more.

The train attendants will offer you some drink or newspaper - but remember, it's absolutely not free. You should especially pay attention if the train attendant asked you whether you want a steak of fried rice.

Usually if this is the passenger first train trip, then (s)he will take the meal. BUT as I told you, it is not free. The free meal is offered about 30 - 45 minutes later. And the free meal is plain rice with fried egg and few local vegetable, which actually eatable but not tasting good. The steak or fried rice tasted much better but it will cost you about Rp 20,000 (twenty thousand rupiahs) per portion.

My suggestion: Always ask if the train attendants offer you something, is it free or how much it will cost you. May be the sum you pay is nothing comparing with your wealth, but the feeling of being cheated is always awful, and I can tell you this because I'd experienced that once. LOL

Below is the Train Schedule from Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta Tugu Station 0274-589685

Destination Jakarta

Train/Departure/Arrival

Fajar Utama 08:00/16:20

Argo Lawu 08:53/15:58

Taksaka Pagi 10:00/18:17

Senja Utama YK 18:15/03:12

Senja Utama Solo 19:00/03:37

Taksaka Malam 20:00/04:13

Argo Dwipangga 20:53/03:55

Bima 22:10/05:56

Gajayana 22:30/06:37

there are some other routes from Bandung, Surabaya, Malang and Solo. For the more detailed information, please check the schedule at Kompas daily (one of the most popular national newspaper) or at the nearest train station. Usually the train ticket is always available as long as the day you choose is not peak season.

If you need to take a train in Jakarta - take it from Gambir station (which is reachable using the TransJakarta bus or taxi if you preferred). Gambir station is the Central train station, it offers complete routes. Some route services does not provided at other stations.

You will arrive in Tugu station in Yogyakarta (of course if your destionation is Yogyakarta, not other city). Tugu station is located at the middle of Yogyakarta city, if you walkout the station through the front gate and turn left to the east side), then you'll meet Jln. Pasar Kembang or Pasar Kembang road, there you'll meet Pasar Kembang market which is one of the tourist oriented market offering many souvenirs) and if you walk again to the southeast, you will meet the famous Jln. Malioboro (Jln. is the short writing of jalan, which means road or street in Indonesian language). Malioboro is about 2 (two) kilometers, many shops and local merchants and even malls are there.

So take the train trip and Pasar Kembang - Malioboro walk before checking in to the hotel. It will make you tired, a little confused, a bit hungry (actually there are so many food merchants in Malioboro, but who knows you see none), :D and it will became a never forgotten experiences.