Eid Holiday Train Ticket Sales Reach 3.25 Million, KAI: Seats Still Available
Train ticket sales for Eid holiday 2026 managed by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) continue to increase as public mobility rises ahead of Eid al-Fitr. As of 16 March 2026 at 10:00 WIB, ticket sales reached 3,250,246, or approximately 72.2% of the total 4,498,696 seats provided during the travel period from 11 March to 1 April 2026.
Anne Purba, Vice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, stated that travel patterns began to emerge from mid-March, particularly for long-distance rail services.
“Demand for train travel began to increase from mid-March. Sales data indicates that people are starting their holiday journeys earlier than usual, especially on long-distance rail services,” Anne said in a press statement received on Monday (16 March).
From total sales, long-distance rail tickets reached 2,976,853 or 83.3% of total capacity of 3,571,760 seats. This means approximately 594,907 seats remain available for public use for holiday journeys and return trips.
Meanwhile, KAI’s local rail service tickets sold reached 273,393 or 29.5% of total capacity of 926,936 seats. Thus, approximately 653,543 seats remain available for customers to book. Local rail ticket sales typically increase closer to departure dates, as most services can only be booked seven days in advance.
During the first five days of the Eid holiday transport period (11–15 March 2026), KAI served 760,209 long-distance rail passengers.
Daily occupancy rates for long-distance rail services were recorded as follows:
11 March: 101,617 passengers from 159,404 seats (63.7%)
12 March: 126,208 passengers from 159,404 seats (79.2%)
13 March: 165,675 passengers from 163,432 seats (101.4%)
14 March: 185,873 passengers from 163,432 seats (113.7%)
15 March: 180,836 passengers from 163,432 seats (110.6%)
Anne explained that occupancy rates exceeding 100% occur due to dynamic travel patterns, whereby passengers board and alight at intermediate stations during a single journey.
“In a long-distance rail journey, a single seat can be used by more than one passenger on different routes. This pattern allows the number of passengers served to exceed the number of available seats,” she explained.
Based on provisional data as of 16 March 2026 at 10:00 WIB, long-distance rail passenger movement remains high. Today, an estimated 156,762 passengers are expected to travel by long-distance rail, or approximately 95.9% of total capacity of 163,432 seats.
Several trains experiencing high demand during the Eid period include Airlangga, Joglosemarkerto, Sri Tanjung, Bengawan, Kahuripan, and Rajabasa trains.
Nevertheless, passengers can still find seat availability on several other services such as Argo Lawu service (Gambir–Solo route), Argo Anjasmoro service (Gambir–Surabaya Pasar Turi route), and Kaligung service (Cirebon Prujakan–Semarang Poncol route).
Anne added that the public can consider alternative travel options by adjusting departure schedules, choosing different routes, or utilising connecting train schemes.
“With remaining travel capacity, KAI invites the public to plan their Eid journeys early so that holiday travel is more comfortable, well-organised, and enjoyable by train,” Anne concluded.
PT KAI Daop 6 Yogyakarta recorded increases in passenger numbers and Eid holiday transport ticket sales, which are continuing through late evening. KAI also offers the free motorcycle (Motis) transport programme during the 2026 Eid period, operated under the Directorate General of Railways until 29 March.