Sancaka Utara Train Gains Popularity, Connecting Surabaya–Cilacap via Java’s North–South Lines
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded a positive performance for the Sancaka Utara Train operating the Surabaya Pasarturi–Cilacap round-trip route. From January to May 2026, this service handled 142,135 passengers, a surge of 70,440 passengers compared to the same period in 2025, which recorded 71,695 passengers. This growth is equivalent to a 98.25 percent increase.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communications Anne Purba stated that this increase demonstrates that the Sancaka Utara Train is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for intercity travel, connecting the northern regions of East Java and Central Java with Yogyakarta and up to Cilacap.
“The Sancaka Utara Train has a unique travel character as it connects Surabaya Pasarturi, Lamongan, Babat, Bojonegoro, Cepu, Solo, Yogyakarta, Kutoarjo, Kroya, all the way to Cilacap. This service offers a direct travel option for the public requiring access to education, employment, tourism, family visits, and economic activities,”
The Sancaka Utara Train made its inaugural run on December 1, 2019. Over time, this service has evolved into a vital connector for residents of Lamongan, Babat, Bojonegoro, Cepu, Randublatung, Grobogan, Solo, Klaten, Yogyakarta, Purworejo, Kebumen, Banyumas, and Cilacap. This route is highly strategic as it hooks up the northern region of East Java to the central and southern corridors of Central Java/DIY through a single train service.
Departing from Surabaya Pasarturi, passengers can travel toward Lamongan, Babat, and Bojonegoro, which are rich in local economic activities, culinary attractions, and regional tourism. In Bojonegoro, passengers can reach Kayangan Api alongside various nature- and culture-based destinations. The journey then continues to Cepu, Randublatung, Kradenan, Gambringan, and Gundih, which serve as crucial nodes for public mobility in northern and central Central Java.
Upon entering Solo, the Sancaka Utara Train provides access to the city's cultural and tourist landmarks, such as the Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace, Pura Mangkunegaran, Pasar Gede, batik centers, and diverse culinary heritage. Afterward, passengers can proceed to Klaten, known for its historical sites and water tourism spots, including the Prambanan area, Plaosan Temple, and Umbul Ponggok.
Yogyakarta stands as one of the primary junctions along the Sancaka Utara Train route. From Yogyakarta Station, passengers can easily reach Malioboro, the Yogyakarta Palace, Tugu Yogyakarta, Kilometer Zero, culinary hubs, shopping districts, as well as various educational and cultural activities. This travel pattern makes the Sancaka Utara Train highly relevant for weekend getaways, family visits, student commutes, and worker mobility.
Past Yogyakarta, the journey continues toward Wates, Kutoarjo, Kebumen, Gombong, Kroya, Maos, Gumilir, and finally Cilacap. In Kebumen and Gombong, passengers can access historical landmarks like the Van der Wijck Fortress as well as natural tourism spots across the Kebumen region. Meanwhile, in Cilacap, passengers can visit Teluk Penyu Beach, Pendem Fortress, downtown attractions, and marine tourism spots that define the southern coast of Central Java.
“The customer growth on the Sancaka Utara Train indicates that the public demands practical, comfortable, and direct connectivity. In a single journey, passengers can reach educational cities, economic centers, tourist hubs, and family hometowns without having to change modes of transport frequently,”
In terms of rolling stock, the Sancaka Utara Train offers two service classes: Executive and modified New Generation Economy. The Sancaka Utara trainset consists of 4 executive cars and 4 modified New Generation economy cars, providing a total capacity of 488 seats.
The modified New Generation economy class features individual seats in a 2–2 configuration, adjustable backrests, enhanced legroom, AC, toilets, power outlets, luggage racks, and onboard safety equipment. In the executive class, passengers enjoy wider seats, reclinable backrests, and an onboard ambiance designed to optimize comfort throughout the journey.
KAI also provides onboard catering services via a dining car, alongside food and beverage pre-ordering via the Railfood feature on the Access by KAI application. Passengers can purchase Sancaka Utara Train tickets through Access by KAI, the official website kai.id, and other authorized KAI ticket sales channels. Fares adjust according to class, route, and seat availability.
“KAI invites the public to plan their journeys through official channels like Access by KAI to obtain accurate information on schedules, seat availability, and services. With a route that bridges many cities coupled with increasingly comfortable facilities, the Sancaka Utara Train is expected to remain a safe, practical travel choice that boosts local economies along the lines it traverses,”
VP Corporate Communications KAI