Imagine this: you’re sitting in an elegant dining car with live music, rice terraces and Java’s volcanoes gliding past the window, while a waiter serves Indonesian dishes. It’s not a fantasy—these trains will launch in Indonesia in 2026.
Indonesian Railways (KAI) are developing unique tourist trains built around three concepts: luxury, experience and heritage. The project is already 38% complete, with testing set to begin in June 2026.
Tourism in Java is growing rapidly. In 2025, the island welcomed almost 778 million domestic tourists—10% more than the year before. The number of foreigners travelling by train has doubled in three years: from 300,000 in 2022 to nearly 700,000 in 2025.
The trains are being created from restored carriages from the 1980s and 1990s, keeping the historic feel while adding modern comfort. The plan includes 12 carriages: reception lounges with designer doors, restaurants with live music, and entertainment lounges.
The routes will pass through Java’s most scenic areas, linking the island’s key tourist spots. Java is famous for its volcanoes, ancient temples and rice fields—all of which you’ll be able to enjoy from the window of a comfortable train. The project is aimed at travellers who want to see the real Java without the hassle of airports and traffic jams. The train lets you relax, take in the views and travel comfortably between cities.
This is part of a global trend: tourist trains are becoming more popular because they offer more than just transport—they offer a full travel experience. There are similar trains in Japan, Switzerland and India—now Indonesia is joining the club.
The first routes will launch at the end of 2026. These will be themed journeys featuring the best panoramas of Java. The project is expected to attract even more tourists and strengthen rail as the main way to travel around the island. For Indonesian tourism, it’s a major step forward: the country will get a world-class product that can compete with tourist trains in Asia and Europe.
At the moment, several luxury trains with enhanced comfort already run across Java, including sleeper services. Here are five main routes connecting major cities:
1. Jakarta – Malang (KA Gajayana Luxury) Want to visit the popular mountain resort of Batu without exhausting flight connections? Gajayana Luxury is the perfect choice for travelling from Jakarta to Malang. Comfortable carriages and scenic views from the window will make the trip unforgettable.
2. Jakarta – Yogyakarta (KA Taksaka Luxury) Dreaming of Yogyakarta with its laid-back atmosphere and exclusive service? Taksaka Luxury is the answer. This train offers premium service on one of the island’s most popular tourist routes.
3. Jakarta – Solo (KA Argo Lawu and KA Argo Dwipangga) The city of Surakarta (Solo) is served by two luxury trains: Argo Lawu and Argo Dwipangga. Both are known for their comfort and are ideal for business trips as well as family travel.
4. Jakarta – Surabaya (KA Sembrani Luxury) If you’re travelling to Surabaya via the northern route, Sembrani Luxury is a reliable choice. A full range of amenities makes this train a great option for overnight trips.
5. Bandung – Malang (KA Malabar). Malabar offers a direct service between Bandung and Malang—an ideal option for those who want to explore two tourist cities in one trip. The route runs through the mountainous areas of West and East Java.
These routes already show growing interest among Indonesians and international tourists in comfortable rail travel. With the launch of the new heritage trains, the choice will be even wider, offering not only comfort but also a unique retro-style travel experience.
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