Get to Know the 5 Longest Train Routes in Indonesia
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) offers a variety of long-distance train services connecting cities across Java. Among these, five routes stand out for their length, covering distances from 825 kilometres to over 1,000 kilometres. These extensive journeys offer passengers a unique experience, with views transitioning from urban areas and rice fields to mountains and coastal landscapes in eastern Java.
Vice President Corporate Communication KAI, Anne Purba, stated that the diverse long-distance train routes provide the public with numerous intercity travel options, including services exceeding 1,000 kilometres. “Each train has distinct travel characteristics, stopover cities, and destination areas. The public can choose services according to their needs, whether for holidays, visiting family, work, education, or business activities,” Anne said.
The five longest train routes in Indonesia are:
Blambangan Ekspres, serving Pasarsenen–Ketapang (round trip), covering approximately 1,030 kilometres. It served 533,988 passengers in 2025 and 247,142 passengers in the first half of 2026.
Sangkuriang, serving Bandung–Ketapang (round trip), covering approximately 1,002 kilometres. Since its launch in May 2026, it has served 133,119 passengers up to June 2026.
Pandalungan, serving Gambir–Jember (round trip), covering approximately 919 kilometres. It served 409,200 passengers in 2025 and 211,325 passengers in the first half of 2026.
Gajayana, serving Gambir–Malang (round trip), covering approximately 904 kilometres. It served 308,106 passengers in 2025 and 162,279 passengers in the first half of 2026.
Gaya Baru Malam Selatan, serving Pasarsenen–Surabaya Gubeng (round trip), covering approximately 825 kilometres. It served 389,736 passengers in 2025 and 198,582 passengers in the first half of 2026.
The Blambangan Ekspres ranks first as the longest train route in Indonesia. Its journey connects Jakarta to Ketapang in Banyuwangi, passing through several cities along the north and east coasts of Java, including Cirebon, Semarang, Cepu, Bojonegoro, Surabaya, Probolinggo, and Jember. Upon arrival in Banyuwangi, passengers can continue their journey to various tourist destinations, such as Kawah Ijen, Alas Purwo National Park, Pulau Merah Beach, or cross to Bali via Ketapang Port.
In second place, the Sangkuriang connects Bandung with Ketapang via the southern Java route. It serves cities including Tasikmalaya, Banjar, Kroya, Yogyakarta, Solo, Madiun, Surabaya, Probolinggo, Jember, and Banyuwangi. The presence of the Sangkuriang expands direct travel options for people in West Java heading to Central Java, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, and East Java, allowing passengers to complete a long journey without changing trains.
The Pandalungan, in third place, links Gambir with Jember. This train connects central Jakarta with the Tapal Kuda region of East Java via Cirebon, Semarang, Bojonegoro, Surabaya, Sidoarjo, Pasuruan, and Probolinggo. The route supports public travel to centres of education, government, trade, and tourism in East Java. From Jember, passengers can continue to various natural and cultural destinations in the surrounding areas, including Lumajang and Bondowoso.
In fourth place, the Gajayana serves the route between Gambir and Malang. It passes through several cities on the southern line, such as Cirebon, Purwokerto, Yogyakarta, Solo, Madiun, Kediri, Tulungagung, Blitar, and Kepanjen. This journey provides access to a number of tourist and cultural cities, allowing passengers to plan holidays to Yogyakarta, Solo, Blitar, and Malang, which are known for historical tourism, culinary experiences, mountains, and family destinations.
Rounding out the top five, the Gaya Baru Malam Selatan connects Pasarsenen with Surabaya Gubeng. This train serves the route via Cirebon, Purwokerto, Kutoarjo, Yogyakarta, Madiun, Nganjuk, Kertosono, Jombang, and Mojokerto. It provides a popular option for inter-regional travel along the southern line, supporting journeys to economic centres, educational areas, tourist destinations, and residential areas.
Anne Purba explained that long-distance train services also benefit the regions they pass through. Passenger activity at stations can support onward transportation, accommodation, culinary businesses, souvenir centres, and local entrepreneurs near stations and destinations. “Long-distance train journeys give passengers space to rest, chat with family, read, work, or enjoy the scenery. The holiday experience can begin the moment the train leaves the departure station,” Anne said.
KAI encourages the public to plan their journeys early by checking schedules, routes, stopover stations, and ticket availability through the Access by KAI application. Passengers are also advised to arrive at the station early and ensure their belongings are kept safe throughout the journey. “KAI will continue to evaluate services at stations and during travel so that the public can more easily reach various cities in Indonesia safely and comfortably,” Anne concluded.