Something interesting is happening with how foreign tourists move around Indonesia. More of them are choosing trains. At the center of this shift is Gambir Station. During the first quarter of 2026, it became the most preferred departure station for international visitors. The numbers make that clear. A total of 20,881 foreign passengers departed from this station alone using long-distance trains.
Across the wider network, the figure is even more telling. In the same period, 129,105 foreign tourists used long-distance train services. That marks the highest level recorded in the past five years.
“This figure is the highest in the past five years,” said Anne Purba.
The growth did not happen overnight. It has been building steadily. In the first quarter of 2022, there were 26,225 international passengers. A year later, that number jumped to 103,722. It continued rising to 121,329 in 2024, then 128,933 in 2025, before reaching 129,105 this year.
“Train travel is increasingly becoming part of their travel plans,” Anne said.
Behind this trend, there are clear reasons. Over the past five years, long-distance train services have improved in many ways. The trains are more comfortable. Buying tickets is simpler. Travel times are more predictable. These changes shape the overall experience, from the moment passengers leave to when they arrive.
Location also plays a big role. Many major stations across Java sit close to popular tourist destinations. That makes trains a practical choice for travelers who want to move efficiently between cities.
But there is also something less obvious. The journey itself becomes part of the experience.
“During the journey, tourists can directly see the changing landscapes from one city to another. That’s what makes the trip more memorable,” Anne explained.
Read also: Nuca Molas Gains Attention for Its Jurassic Park-Like Landscape
From Gambir Station, travelers can reach many destinations. Yogyakarta remains one of the top choices, known for its strong cultural atmosphere.
When looking at departure patterns, foreign tourists tend to concentrate in several key stations. These are the top 10 stations with the highest number of foreign tourist departures in the first quarter of 2026:
- Gambir Station recorded 20,881 passengers
- Yogyakarta Station recorded 17,912 passengers
- Bandung Station recorded 11,371 passengers
- Pasar Senen Station recorded 7,691 passengers
- Surabaya Gubeng Station recorded 6,481 passengers
- Semarang Tawang Station recorded 4,875 passengers
- Malang Station recorded 3,516 passengers
- Surabaya Pasar Turi Station recorded 3,271 passengers
- Cirebon Station recorded 3,138 passengers
- Solo Balapan Station recorded 2,764 passengers
Taken together, the pattern is clear. Train travel is no longer just an option. For many foreign tourists, it has become part of how they experience Indonesia itself.
