Return Travel Gains Momentum as Eid Train Ticket Sales Reach 96.5 Percent, Passenger Mobility Continues to Rise

Ticket sales for PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) 2026 Eid (Lebaran) Transport period continue to rise as the return flow phase progresses. High public mobility following Eid al-Fitr has driven trains to become the preferred travel choice due to their reliable schedules and travel time certainty. 

As of March 25, 2026, at 10:00 WIB, total ticket sales reached 4,342,343 tickets, representing 96.5 percent of the 4,498,696 total seats provided for travel between March 11 and April 1, 2026. This figure reflects strong public interest in utilizing rail services during this year's Eid season. 

Vice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, Anne Purba, stated that this trend indicates a shift toward more planned travel habits among the public. 

"Travel by train has continued to rise since mid-March and is currently entering the return flow phase. Passengers choose trains because they are comfortable, scheduled, and provide travel certainty," said Anne. 

For Long-Distance Train services, ticket sales reached 3,713,781, or 104.0 percent of the 3,571,760 total seat capacity. Meanwhile, Local Trains recorded 628,562 tickets sold, or 67.8 percent out of the 926,936 total seats available. Seat availability remains open, particularly on specific routes that are not traveled in full by passengers. 

During the period from March 11 to March 24, 2026, KAI served 3,125,958 passengers across Java and Sumatra, consisting of 2,629,334 Long-Distance Train passengers and 496,624 Local Train passengers. This volume demonstrates growing mobility distributed across various regions. 

A sharp increase in passenger movement was evident over three consecutive days. On March 22, 242,773 passengers were recorded with an occupancy rate of 150.7 percent; this increased on March 23 to 247,025 passengers (154.1 percent occupancy) and rose further on March 24 to 250,616 passengers (153.3 percent occupancy). 

Daily long-distance train passenger volumes and occupancy rates for March 11–24, 2026, were recorded as follows: 

• March 11: 101,617 passengers (63.7%)
• March 12: 126,208 passengers (79.2%)
• March 13: 165,675 passengers (101.4%)
• March 14: 185,873 passengers (113.7%)
• March 15: 180,836 passengers (110.6%)
• March 16: 173,753 passengers (106.3%)
• March 17: 191,413 passengers (117.1%)
• March 18: 205,842 passengers (125.9%)
• March 19: 196,324 passengers (120.1%)
• March 20: 167,659 passengers (104.6%)
• March 21: 193,583 passengers (120.2%)
• March 22: 242,773 passengers (150.7%)
• March 23: 247,025 passengers (154.1%)
• March 24: 250,616 passengers (153.3%) 

Entering March 25, 2026, the trend continues. As of morning hours, at least 205,975 Long-Distance Train passengers are scheduled to depart within this single day, yielding a preliminary occupancy rate of 126 percent. This figure continues to move upward as ticket sales remain ongoing. 

Along with the increasing return flow movement, seat availability on several trips can still be utilized by choosing alternative departure dates and routes. For this occasion, KAI is introducing the *Promo Silaturahmi* program, offering a 20 percent ticket discount for executive-class trains valid for purchases and departures between March 25 and April 1, 2026, giving the public an opportunity to return home and connect with loved ones at more affordable rates. 

This pattern is also influenced by travelers departing after performing Eid al-Fitr prayers in their destination areas, resulting in a more even distribution of the return flow. 

Anne explained that occupancy rates exceeding 100 percent are standard in long-distance train operations. 

"On a single journey, one seat can be used by more than one passenger across different route segments. This scheme enables the total number of passengers served to exceed the available physical seat capacity," Anne explained. 

High-demand train services during the Eid period include KA Airlangga, KA Joglosemarkerto, KA Sri Tanjung, KA Bengawan, KA Kahuripan, KA Rajabasa, and KA Jayakarta, which remain popular choices for medium- to long-distance travel. 

Despite high demand, travel opportunities remain available through various alternatives, such as choosing different departure dates, alternative routes, or utilizing connecting train options. 

"With capacity still available, the public can plan their return journeys with greater flexibility so that trips remain comfortable, smooth, and enjoyable by train," Anne concluded. 

VP Corporate Communication KAI