Growing in Popularity, KAI’s Panoramic Train Passenger Volume Surges 62.32 Percent from January to May 2026
Train journeys are increasingly becoming an integral part of the travel experience itself. It is no longer just about relocating from one city to another, but rather an opportunity to savor the expansive landscapes that unfold along the way. This trend is vividly reflected in the rising public interest in the Panoramic Train service, which offers an enhanced, wide-angle scenic experience from the rails.
From January to May 2026, the Panoramic Train served 79,933 passengers, marking a 62.32 percent surge compared to the 49,244 passengers recorded during the same period in 2025. This growth demonstrates the expanding demand among travelers for journeys that offer both visual experiences and premium comfort while onboard.
This upward trajectory aligns with broader national tourism trends. The Ministry of Tourism recorded that from January to November 2025, domestic tourist trips in Indonesia reached 1.09 billion journeys, growing by 18.95 percent compared to the same period the previous year. This figure sets an all-time high record for domestic tourism movements in Indonesia in recent years.
Globally, a similar inclination is reshaping the tourism industry. The Mastercard Economics Institute, in its Travel Trends 2025: Purpose-Driven Journeys report released on May 12, 2025, noted that travelers are increasingly prioritizing experiences, personal interests, and the quality of the journey as primary factors when deciding their destinations and modes of travel. This trend indicates that the value of travel is increasingly defined by the experiences felt throughout the journey itself.
KAI’s Vice President of Corporate Communication, Anne Purba, stated that the passenger growth on the Panoramic Train reflects a shift in public preferences regarding how they enjoy rail travel.
"The journey itself has now become part of the tourism experience. Passengers want to savor every single moment during their trip, including the panoramic views the train passes through. The Panoramic Train is here to deliver exactly that experience,"
Currently, the Panoramic Train is integrated into several train routes, including the Argo Wilis (Bandung–Surabaya Gubeng round trip), the Turangga (Bandung–Surabaya Gubeng round trip), the Pangandaran (Gambir–Banjar round trip), the Papandayan (Gambir–Garut round trip), and the Argo Parahyangan (Gambir–Bandung round trip).
Most of these routes traverse the southern rail network of Java, renowned for its diverse geographical characteristics. Passengers can enjoy vast expanses of rice fields, deep valleys, rolling hills, majestic mountain ranges, flowing rivers, and scenic countryside stretching across West Java, Central Java, and East East Java. These landscapes offer a unique allure that makes the rail journey highly memorable.
The Panoramic Train, currently managed by KAI Wisata (KAI Tourism), is the first panoramic train in Indonesia. The rolling stock is a customized executive-class train equipped with significantly larger panoramic glass windows and an automatic sunroof, allowing passengers to view the scenery from both the sides and the top of the carriage.
With a capacity of 38 seats, passengers can experience a more spacious and comfortable travel environment. Various supporting amenities are also provided, including a dedicated train attendant, complimentary meals and beverages, movie entertainment systems, and Wi-Fi access throughout the journey.
Anne added that Indonesia’s rich geographical traits give rail transport a unique edge in delivering a distinct travel experience.
"Indonesia's railway tracks pass through many areas with stunning panoramas. Through the Panoramic Train, passengers can enjoy these landscapes from a much wider and highly comfortable vantage point throughout their journey,"
Panoramic Train tickets can be purchased via the Access by KAI application, enabling passengers to plan their trips and select services that best fit their travel needs with ease.
VP of Corporate Communication KAI