Panoramic Train Tourism Gains Popularity, Passengers Grow 38.6 Percent Throughout 2025
Rail travel is increasingly becoming part of people’s tourism experiences. No longer simply a means of getting from one city to another, a journey is now seen as an opportunity to enjoy the time, atmosphere, and natural beauty along the railway route. This trend is reflected in the growing public interest in the Panoramic Train service, which offers a different travel experience from the moment of departure.
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded 150,176 passengers using the Panoramic Train service managed by KAI Wisata throughout 2025, representing a 38.6 percent increase compared to 2024, when the service served 108,337 passengers. This growth shows that train travel is increasingly being chosen as part of tourism itineraries, particularly by people who prioritize comfort and the value of the experience during their journey.
The positive performance of the Panoramic Train was also evident in December 2025. During this period, 16,632 passengers chose the Panoramic Train service, making it the highest monthly figure throughout the year. This high level of interest coincided with the year-end holiday period, when train journeys were used as part of family tourism and recreational activities.
During the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year transportation period (Nataru), from December 18, 2025 to January 1, 2026, KAI Wisata recorded 20,433 passengers enjoying various railway tourism services, including Panoramic, Priority, and Imperial. This figure reflects the public’s preference for travel services that offer comfort, uniqueness, and memorable experiences.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba said that this trend marks a shift in the way people view travel.
“The Panoramic Train is designed to provide a different travel experience, allowing passengers to enjoy wider and more comfortable views of the natural scenery. Train travel is no longer merely a means of mobility, but has also become part of the tourism experience itself,” said Anne.
Currently, the Panoramic Train service is available on several flagship services, namely the Argo Wilis Panoramic train serving the Surabaya Gubeng–Gambir round-trip route, the Turangga Panoramic train serving the Bandung–Surabaya Gubeng round-trip route, the Parahyangan Panoramic train serving the Gambir–Bandung round-trip route, the Pangandaran Panoramic train serving the Gambir–Banjar round-trip route, the Papandayan Panoramic train serving the Gambir–Garut round-trip route, and the Mutiara Timur Panoramic train serving the Surabaya Pasar Turi–Ketapang round-trip route.
The Panoramic Train, managed by KAI Wisata, is the first Panoramic Train in Indonesia. This rolling stock was developed by modifying an executive-class train car, featuring an automatic sunroof and larger panoramic windows, allowing passengers to enjoy the natural beauty along the journey.
In terms of facilities, the Panoramic Train has a capacity of 38 seats and is equipped with a Dedicated Train Attendant, meals and beverages, in-train movie entertainment, and free WiFi service. All these facilities are designed to provide comfort while creating a memorable travel experience.
The beauty of the southern route of Java Island is one of the main attractions of this service. Views of hills, expansive rice fields, and distinctive natural landscapes along the route create a strong visual experience that sets train travel apart from other modes of transportation.
The increase in Panoramic Train passengers also contributes to local economic activity and MSMEs in various destination areas. Increased tourist flows drive growth in culinary businesses, souvenirs, and tourism services around stations and areas along the railway route, allowing the economic benefits to reach a wider segment of the community.
“Going forward, KAI remains committed to developing travel services that focus on customer experience, in line with the mobility needs of the public and efforts to strengthen national tourism through railway transportation,” Anne concluded.
VP Corporate Communication KAI
