Top 10 Fastest Long-Distance Trains as of June 1, 2023

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) will increase the travel time of 140 long-distance train journeys. This is being implemented with the enactment of the 2023 Train Journey Schedule (GAPEKA).

A number of trains experiencing reduced travel times include executive, business, and economy classes for various routes such as Jakarta - Surabaya round trip, Jakarta - Solo round trip, Bandung - Surabaya round trip, and others.

“This reduction in train travel time is a form of KAI's service improvement for customers. With faster travel times, it will further enhance public mobility through rail transport,” said VP Public Relations KAI Joni Martinus, as quoted from the KAI.id website, Tuesday (16/5/2023).

The faster train travel times vary, even reaching up to 78 minutes, such as on the Purwojaya train on the Gambir - Cilacap route, with its travel time reduced to 6 hours and 5 minutes, from the previous 7 hours and 23 minutes.

"With less travel time, customers can utilize that time for various other activities because their journey is more efficient," said Joni.

Here are 10 long-distance train journeys experiencing the greatest reduction in travel time as of June 1, 2023:

1. Purwojaya Train (72-73), Gambir - Cilacap route, previous travel time 7 hours 23 minutes, now 6 hours 5 minutes (78 minutes faster).
2. Mutiara Selatan Train (85), Surabaya Gubeng - Bandung route, previous travel time 12 hours 15 minutes, now 11 hours 3 minutes (72 minutes faster).
3. Mutiara Selatan Train (86), Bandung - Surabaya Gubeng route, previous travel time 12 hours 15 minutes, now 11 hours 8 minutes (67 minutes faster).
4. Mataram Train (90), Pasarsenen - Solo Balapan route, previous travel time 9 hours 6 minutes, now 7 hours 59 minutes (67 minutes faster).
5. Mataram Train (89), Solo Balapan - Pasarsenen route, previous travel time 9 hours 18 minutes, now 8 hours 12 minutes (66 minutes faster).
6. Bima Train (60), Gambir - Surabaya Gubeng route, previous travel time 11 hours 31 minutes, now 10 hours 30 minutes (61 minutes faster).
7. Lodaya Train (93), Solo Balapan - Bandung route, previous travel time 8 hours 59 minutes, now 8 hours 0 minutes (59 minutes faster).
8. Bima Train (59), Surabaya Gubeng - Gambir route, previous travel time 11 hours 35 minutes, now 10 hours 40 minutes (55 minutes faster).
9. Fajar Utama Solo Train (88), Pasarsenen - Solo Balapan route, previous travel time 8 hours 34 minutes, now 7 hours 40 minutes (54 minutes faster).
10. Lodaya Train (91), Solo Balapan - Bandung route, previous travel time 8 hours 50 minutes, now 8 hours 0 minutes (50 minutes faster).

Joni stated that this reduction in travel time was achieved through several infrastructure improvements by KAI and the Directorate General of Railways of the Ministry of Transportation, such as the double track on the Gedebage – Haurpugur line.

Further steps, he continued, include the operation of the double-double track (DDT) Cakung - Bekasi line, increased infrastructure speeds on various lines up to 120 km/h, changes to the signaling system, and the operation of BH 1120 on the Bumiayu - Linggapura line.

KAI advises prospective passengers to recheck their travel schedules. According to Joni, the reduction in travel time on almost all long-distance trains starting June 1, 2023, may result in changes to train departure times.