Train travel to Blitar emerges as popular alternative for Eid al-Adha 2026 holiday
Passenger movements at Blitar Station exceeded 146,000 between January and April 2026, signalling strong public interest in visiting this historical tourist city in southern Java. Eid al-Adha holidays typically create distinct mobility patterns, with some travelling home while others opt for short family getaways, making public transport with reliable schedules and intercity access a preferred choice.
Among East Java destinations, Blitar has shown steady growth in travel trends. Known as the final resting place of Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, the city is increasingly accessible via Java’s rail network. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) data shows Blitar Station served 70,638 boarding and 75,761 alighting passengers from January to April 2026, totalling 146,399 movements. April 2026 alone saw 17,497 boardings and 17,698 alightings, with numbers expected to rise further during the Eid al-Adha holiday period in May 2026 due to heightened demand for train travel.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communications Anne Purba noted rising interest in medium-distance and long weekend travel via public transport. ‘Blitar combines historical, cultural, natural, and culinary attractions in a relatively accessible area via rail. This connectivity offers practical travel options with predictable journey times,’ she said.
Blitar Station’s strategic location serves multiple rail lines across southern, central, and northern Java, providing flexible access from major cities including Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo, Purwokerto, and Malang. Southern Java services include the Malabar train (Bandung–Malang return) and Kahuripan train (Blitar–Kiaracondong return). Central and northern routes feature Gajayana, Brawijaya, Majapahit, Matarmaja, Brantas, Singasari, Kertanegara, and Malioboro Ekspres trains. Regional mobility is further supported by Dhoho and Penataran Commuter Lines connecting East Java cities.
This interconnectivity directly impacts tourism and local economic activity. Visitors typically explore historical sites such as Bung Karno’s Mausoleum, Gebang Palace, and PETA Monument, while natural attractions like Serang Beach, Rambut Monte, Chocolate Village, and Blitar Park draw weekend and holiday travellers.
Purba added that improved transport access has shifted travel behaviour toward more spontaneous and flexible trips. ‘Rail travel is now part of modern mobility, allowing efficient, comfortable journeys connected to multiple destinations. During holidays like Eid al-Adha, short getaways and family trips typically increase,’ she said.
KAI urges passengers to plan ahead and book tickets via the Access by KAI app or official channels for greater travel flexibility during peak periods.