Yogyakarta to Cilacap (Indonesia) by Train
Travelling by train is a comfortable way to get around Indonesia, as I discovered on a journey between Yogyakarta and Cilacap on the island of Java.
Yogyakarta to Cilacap by train
Although Indonesia has a high-speed train called Whoosh connecting Jakarta and Bandung (with plans to eventually extend it to Surabaya), most rail services on the country’s main island of Java are still operated by InterCity trains.
I’ve travelled many times on InterCity trains in Indonesia, including one on the railway line along the south Javanese coast from Yogyakarta to Cilacap.
A short YouTube video of the train ride from Yogyakarta to Cilacap, which I made, can be viewed below.
Travel classes on Indonesian InterCity trains
The Indonesian InterCity train from Yogyakarta to Cilacap I travelled on featured both Eksekutif class, similar to first class, and Ekonomi, akin to third class.
Some Indonesian InterCity trains also feature Biznis class, which is akin to second class.
Eksekutif class is spacious, with comfortable recliner seats arranged in a 2+2 configuration, while Ekonomi is more cramped, featuring 3+2 seating on very upright benches.
For what it’s worth, some luxury InterCity trains in Indonesia offer an even more premium travel class than Eksekutif.
For example, this is the case on the Argo Bromo Anggrek between Jakarta and Surabaya, where you’ll find suites offering a premium product with seats in private cubicles that can turn (almost) fully flat, similar to business class on a plane.
Eksekutif class on an Indonesian InterCity train. ©AndyBTravels
Ticket costs
Train travel is highly affordable for western travellers.
For example, my Eksekutif class ticket for the 173-kilometre-long (107 miles) journey from Yogyakarta to Cilacap was IDR 165,000 (£8.06, €9.38, or $10.24).
Ekonomi class is cheaper, but not by much, as for the same journey you would pay IDR 135,000 (£6.60, €7.67, or $8.38).
Unless you’re an extremely frugal budget traveller or only travelling for a short journey, I’d always choose Eksekutif class, as the small price difference really offers much more comfort, personal space, and legroom.
Yogyakarta station. ©AndyBTravels
Indonesian InterCity at Yogyakarta station. ©AndyBTravels
Arrival at Cilacap. ©AndyBTravels
Conclusion
I had a comfortable journey on an Indonesian InterCity train between Yogyakarta and Cilacap, travelling along the railway line on the southern coast of Java.
When travelling on an Indonesian InterCity train, it’s worth paying for Eksekutif class (1st class), as the price difference between Eksekutif and both Biznis (2nd class) and Ekonomi (3rd class) is only marginally higher, while you get significantly more comfort and legroom in return.
