Get to Know the 5 Longest-Distance Train Routes in Indonesia

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) provides a range of long-distance train services connecting cities across Java Island. Among these services, there are five trains with the longest routes, covering distances of approximately 825 kilometers to more than 1,000 kilometers.

These long journeys offer a unique experience for customers. From the train windows, customers can enjoy changing landscapes ranging from urban areas, rice fields, mountains, coastal regions, to the natural scenery at the eastern end of Java Island.

Vice President Corporate Communication KAI Anne Purba stated that the variety of long-distance train routes provides the public with many intercity travel options, including services with travel distances exceeding 1,000 kilometers.

“Each train has its own travel characteristics, stopover cities, and destination areas. The public can choose services according to their needs, whether for holidays, visiting family, working, pursuing education, or conducting business activities,” said Anne.

The following are the five trains with the longest routes in Indonesia:

1. Blambangan Express Train operating on the Pasarsenen–Ketapang round-trip route
   Distance: approximately 1,030 kilometers. In 2025, this service served 533,988 customers and in the first semester of 2026 served 247,142 customers.
2. Sangkuriang Train operating on the Bandung–Ketapang round-trip route
   Distance: approximately 1,002 kilometers. Since commencing operations from May to June 2026, the Sangkuriang Train has served 133,119 customers.
3. Pandalungan Train operating on the Gambir–Jember round-trip route
   Distance: approximately 919 kilometers. In 2025, this service served 409,200 customers and in the first semester of 2026 served 211,325 customers.
4. Gajayana Train operating on the Gambir–Malang round-trip route
   Distance: approximately 904 kilometers. In 2025, this service served 308,106 customers and in the first semester of 2026 served 162,379 customers.
5. Gaya Baru Malam Selatan Train operating on the Pasarsenen–Surabaya Gubeng round-trip route
   Distance: approximately 825 kilometers. In 2025, this service served 389,736 customers and in the first semester of 2026 served 198,582 customers.
    

The Blambangan Express Train ranks first as the train with the longest route in Indonesia. Its journey connects Jakarta with Ketapang in Banyuwangi through several cities along the northern and eastern coasts of Java, such as Cirebon, Semarang, Cepu, Bojonegoro, Surabaya, Probolinggo, and Jember.

Upon arrival in Banyuwangi, customers can continue their journey to various tourist destinations, such as Ijen Crater, Alas Purwo National Park, Pulau Merah Beach, the Banyuwangi city area, as well as Ketapang Port for onward travel to Bali.

In second place, the Sangkuriang Train connects Bandung with Ketapang via the southern corridor of Java. Along its journey, this train serves several cities such as Tasikmalaya, Banjar, Kroya, Yogyakarta, Solo, Madiun, Surabaya, Probolinggo, Jember, and Banyuwangi.

The presence of the Sangkuriang Train expands direct travel options for the people of West Java to Central Java, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, and East Java. Customers can undertake long journeys on a single train without the need to transfer services mid-trip.

The Pandalungan Train ranks third with the Gambir–Jember route. This train connects central Jakarta with the Tapal Kuda region of East Java through Cirebon, Semarang, Bojonegoro, Surabaya, Sidoarjo, Pasuruan, Probolinggo, and Jember.

This route supports public travel to centers of education, government, trade, and tourism in East Java. From Jember, customers can also continue their journey to various natural and cultural destinations in Jember, Lumajang, Bondowoso, and surrounding areas.

In fourth place, the Gajayana Train serves travel between Gambir and Malang. Its route passes through several cities along the southern corridor, such as Cirebon, Purwokerto, Yogyakarta, Solo, Madiun, Kediri, Tulungagung, Blitar, and Kepanjen.

This journey provides access to several tourist and cultural cities. Customers can plan holidays to Yogyakarta, Solo, Blitar, and Malang, which are known for historical tourism, culinary experiences, mountainous landscapes, and various family destinations.

Completing the top five, the Gaya Baru Malam Selatan Train connects Pasarsenen with Surabaya Gubeng. This train serves travel through Cirebon, Purwokerto, Kutoarjo, Yogyakarta, Madiun, Nganjuk, Kertosono, Jombang, and Mojokerto.

With the many cities served, the Gaya Baru Malam Selatan Train is one of the options for the public to travel between regions along the southern corridor of Java. This service supports travel to economic activity centers, educational areas, tourist destinations, and family residences.

Anne explained that the presence of long-distance trains also provides benefits to the regions they pass through. Customer activity at stations can support connecting transportation, accommodation, culinary businesses, souvenir centers, and local enterprises around stations and destination areas.

“Long-distance train travel provides space for customers to rest, converse with family, read, work, or enjoy the scenery. The holiday experience can begin from the moment the train departs from the origin station,” said Anne.

KAI encourages the public to plan their journeys in advance by checking schedules, routes, stop stations, and ticket availability through the Access by KAI application. Customers are also advised to arrive early at the station and ensure their belongings are kept secure during the journey.

“KAI will continue to evaluate services at stations and during travel so that the public can more easily reach various cities in Indonesia safely and comfortably,” Anne concluded.

VP Corporate Communication KAI