Jakarta-Bandung Panoramic Train: A Must-Know Guide for Muslim Travelers

Bandung has always been a favorite escape for Jakartans seeking a break from the city bustle. Whether it's exploring its urban areas brimming with culinary delights and exciting activities or venturing into its highlands for nature-based adventures and relaxation, the "Flower City" holds a special appeal. Beyond its attractions, Bandung's popularity is also due to its easy accessibility via a comfortable toll road journey.

Also read: Indonesia Launches High-Speed Jakarta-Yogyakarta Train: 6-Hour Journey to Boost Tourism

However, there's an even more captivating way to reach this beloved destination. Forget the sometimes monotonous toll road views, because traveling to Bandung aboard the Panoramic Train guarantees a truly awe-inspiring journey.

Special experiences throughout your journey

Image credit: KAI Wisata | Official Website

The Panoramic Train is a unique tourist train service by PT KAI, Indonesia's state-owned railway company, and it stands as the first panoramic train in the country. Launched in 2022, this special train offers a comfortable and exclusive travel experience.

Image credit: KAI Wisata | Official Website

The Panoramic Train carriage features 38 seats with expansive glass panels on the sides and above, providing unobstructed views of the passing scenery. You won't have to worry about the heat, as the carriages are equipped with air conditioning, and the thick glass is designed to block UV rays. Prefer to rest without the outside views? There's a button to control the panoramic glass blinds – though it might feel like a shame to use them!

During this approximately two-hour journey, your eyes can feast on everything, from the lush green hills and sprawling rice fields to elevated highway views and gracefully flowing rivers. Don't forget to prepare your camera, because the view would be too good not to capture.

They have everything you need!

Image credit: KAI Wisata | Official Website

Beyond the stunning vistas, your journey is further enhanced by a range of complementary facilities, including Wi-Fi connectivity, blankets, dedicated luggage racks, and attentive train staff ready to cater to your needs. When it comes to food, you can rest assured. A variety of snacks, main courses, and beverages are served, all of which are halal.

Furthermore, Panoramic Train ticket holders enjoy access to the executive lounge at Gambir Station – truly treating you to an exclusive pre-departure experience, wouldn't you agree?

Route and ticket prices

Image credit: Garakta Studio | Canva Pro

The Panoramic Train operates on the Jakarta to Surabaya line, with stops at Garut, Banjar, and, of course, Bandung. For the scenic and delightful journey from Jakarta to Bandung, you can board at Gambir Station, conveniently located near the National Monument (Monas). The train travels for approximately two and a half to three hours before arriving at Bandung Station.

A seat on this panoramic train costs between IDR 300,000 and IDR 400,000 (around S$24 to S$32). While the ticket price differs from regular trains, the experience and quality you receive are certainly worth it.

The train typically departs in the afternoon and evening from Jakarta, with schedules around 1:40 PM (arriving in Bandung at 4:42 PM) and 6:25 PM (arriving in Bandung at 9:20 PM). Conversely, departures from Bandung are available earlier in the day, around 5:00 AM (arriving at Gambir Station at 8:00 AM) and 10:25 AM (arriving at Gambir Station around 1:13 PM).

Tickets can be purchased through online travel agents like Traveloka for individual bookings and the official KAI Wisata website for group travel.

Facilities for Muslim travellers

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As previously mentioned, the food served throughout the train journey, from snacks to main meals, is halal, keeping in mind that Indonesia has a majority Muslim population. But what about prayer facilities during the trip?

While there isn't a dedicated prayer room inside the train itself, you can easily find prayer facilities at both the departure and arrival stations.

At Gambir Station, Masjid At-Tanwir is located at the end of the station. From the Luxury Lounge, it's just a short 3-minute walk. Meanwhile, at Bandung Station, Masjid Al Mu’min is situated within the station area. Both mosques are well-equipped, ensuring your comfort during prayer, with prayer mats, clean ablution areas, and restrooms available.

The availability of mosques at both the origin and destination stations makes traveling on the Panoramic Train convenient for Muslim travelers. Our tip is to perform your prayers before starting your journey, as there aren't specific facilities for ablution inside the train, even though the seating area is spacious.

Also read: 8 Bakery in Bandung Every Muslim Tourists Need to Visit for Their Sweet Escape

Imagine embarking on a train journey where the destination is just part of the allure. The Jakarta-Bandung Panoramic Train invites Muslim travelers to indulge in breathtaking views of West Java's stunning scenery through its expansive glass windows, all while enjoying halal-certified meals and the peace of mind that comes with readily available prayer facilities at both departure and arrival stations – a truly captivating and spiritually harmonious way to travel.