Highest in 5 Years: 129,105 Foreign Tourists Traveled via Long-Distance Trains in Q1 2026
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded that international tourist ridership on long-distance trains reached 129,105 passengers in the first quarter of 2026, marking the highest figure in the last five years.
Vice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, Anne Purba, stated that train travel has increasingly become a preferred option for international tourists looking to enjoy intercity journeys across Indonesia.
Numbers have grown steadily over the years. In the first quarter of 2022, international tourist ridership stood at 26,225. A year later, it surged to 103,722, then climbed further to 121,329 in 2024, reached 128,933 in 2025, and ultimately touched 129,105 this year. Train travel is now frequently integrated into their travel itineraries.
This shift is evident across multiple aspects—ranging from enhanced train comfort and increasingly practical ticket-purchasing processes to highly predictable travel times. Together, these elements shape a more enjoyable travel experience from departure to arrival.
Examining departure points, international tourist movements are concentrated around several major stations. Below are the top 10 stations with the highest international tourist departures during the first quarter of 2026:
1. Gambir: 20,881 tourists
2. Yogyakarta: 17,912 tourists
3. Bandung: 11,371 tourists
4. Pasar Senen: 7,691 tourists
5. Surabaya Gubeng: 6,481 tourists
6. Semarang Tawang: 4,875 tourists
7. Malang: 3,516 tourists
8. Surabaya Pasar Turi: 3,271 tourists
9. Cirebon: 3,138 tourists
10. Solo Balapan: 2,764 tourists
Departing from Gambir, passengers can easily travel to multiple cities simultaneously. Yogyakarta remains a favorite due to its strong cultural ambiance, spanning from Malioboro to temple complexes. Bandung offers the appeal of mountain scenery and continuously evolving creative hubs.
Semarang Tawang presents a distinctive old town atmosphere, while Cirebon and Solo offer unique cultural and culinary experiences around every corner.
Shifting to East Java, Surabaya serves as a vital transit point before continuing journeys to various destinations, including natural attractions like Mount Bromo. Malang provides a calmer environment characterized by cool air and diverse nature tourism options.
Anne added that train travel provides international visitors with an opportunity to experience Indonesia up close.
"Throughout the journey, tourists can directly witness changing landscapes from one city to another. That is what makes the trip feel so memorable," said Anne.
The development of railway services in Indonesia continues to advance. The travel experience currently delivered to passengers is steadily improving and capable of competing with railway services in developed nations, all while retaining a uniquely Indonesian character.
"KAI will continue evaluating our services by listening to customer feedback while adapting to technological advancements and evolving travel needs. With broader connectivity, intercity travel is now easier to plan and accessible to a wide range of travelers," Anne concluded.
VP Corporate Communication KAI