The train trip Jakarta to Bandung is worth taking just for the sake of it, though a number of Indonesians use it to commute as a traffic free alternative to taking the toll way. The trip itself is 3 and a half hours and winds out through Jakarta kampungs, passed rice fields and then winds up through mountains, valleys and waterfalls. For the best views book seats C-D for the Jakarta Bandung trip or seats A-B for the return Bandung Jakarta trip. This ticket was Rp. 130,000 or slightly less than $15 USD.
Unfortunately the rail operator does not have an online booking facility yet, though you can check the schedule via their website here, if your Indonesian is good enough. It’s important to know that there is several classes of train, some with AC some without, some express and some not and so on, it would be lovely if they labeled these as A,B,C class etc, but they do not. You need to know the name (however, price is an indication too). The executive class carriages are for allocated seating, AC (which also means no smoking) and a TV. Apparently Argo trains are the best, and Trasaka are also very good. The platforms at the station have signs for each type of train, though the staff will assist you in getting to the right direction as well.
Once seated, sit back and enjoy the ride. Some servers will pass by occasionally with food, drinks and magazines to purchase.
However, I have to confess, I had our driver head to Bandung and meet us with our car, so that we did not have to deal with the notorious public transport in Bandung.
Always Restless Feet 
We’ll have to try that train ride. Good call on having your driver waiting for you there. Have a great weekend!
He thought we were a little bit mad, but then I suppose everything ‘bule’ do is always a little bit mad.
🙂
thanks !
The far east is on my bucket list, as well as a ride on the Orient express. Have gotten as far as South Africa so far. Great pics really impressive trip.
And I have not yet managed to make it to Africa…. 🙂
have been done Taksaka (malam), Sembrani, Cirebon Ekspress, Argo Parahyangan for Jalur 3 & 4. go native!
haha, No thanks! I still prefer some comfort! 😉
I didn’t take the train when I went to Bandung. Now I can see what I missed. Maybe next time then. Keep up the good work.
Great pics! The snake road in the mountains looks intimidating.
Ooops, my bad photography skills, that’s actually a river.
Great pics – very “in the moment” 🙂
And thx for the follow!
That’s ok, I appreciate the feedback and comment also.
I also want to do Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, for some reason I have been telling myself I am retired, as soon as it sinks in, I will get moving again. Happy trails, I’m sure I will never match your treks, but I will die trying.
All great countries to visit, but don’t forget Laos and Cambodia as well, not to mention Myanmar and Malaysia. So many places to visit, never enough time.
So true.
Very beautiful trip! Thanks!
It was a beautiful trip, thanks for stopping by!
it was, thank-you!
Here is another person’s description of the Jakarta-Bandung train.