“Wait. You took a six-hour train with toddlers across Java?”
Yep. And honestly, I’d do it again tomorrow.
If you’re trying to figure out how to get to Yogyakarta with kids, I’ve got you. We just spent 26 days exploring the city as a family, and let me tell you, this is one of those places that feels worth the effort. It’s deeply cultural, packed with locals on holiday, and a world away from the tourist scene in Bali. It felt safe. It felt real. And even though it’s not the easiest city to reach, especially with little ones, I’ll walk you through everything we did to make it smooth, from booking the train to arriving stress-free in the heart of Yogyakarta.
Why Yogyakarta Is a Hidden Gem for Families
If you’ve only ever heard of Bali, you’re not alone. Most people flying into Indonesia head straight for the beach. But Yogyakarta, or Jogja, as locals call it, was a completely different experience. The streets are definitely alive. But the difference? You’re surrounded by locals, not crowds of backpackers or beachgoers.
We were there for 26 days, and it honestly felt like we were getting to know a more intimate side of Indonesia. If you’re thinking about family travel that’s a little off the typical path but still full of kid-friendly things to eat, see, and do, this city really delivers.
Here’s what stood out most to us:
- It felt safe, even in the busier parts of the city. We walked everywhere with our kids.
- The people were kind, helpful, and genuinely curious about our family.
- It’s a deeply Muslim city, modest clothing is appreciated, but also modern and very welcoming. Think call to prayer echoing through the streets alongside a busy shopping mall or trendy café.
- It’s packed with history and culture, from Borobudur and Prambanan temples to batik workshops and puppet theaters.
- And the food? So good. Spicy sambal, fried noodles, fresh juice for the kids, and the best satay we’ve had in Southeast Asia.
But one thing to keep in mind: getting to Yogyakarta can be a little more complicated than just showing up and hailing a taxi. The city is located right in the middle of Java, and while it does have an airport, it’s not a direct international hub. That means you’ll need to plan ahead.
In the next section, I’ll walk you through all your options so you can figure out the route that makes the most sense for your crew.
How to Get to Yogyakarta Without Losing Your Mind
There are three ways to get here: by plane, by train, or by private car.
We seriously considered both the train and the plane. Private car wasn’t realistic, it would have taken forever from Jakarta, and we weren’t about to white-knuckle a road trip with two kids and unpredictable traffic.
We ended up choosing the train, and I’m so glad we did.
Why the Train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta Is the Way to Go (Especially with Kids)
On paper, the decision looks simple. The plane takes about one hour. The train? Around six to seven.
Let’s talk through what flying is really like.
If you’re flying out of Jakarta, you’ll probably need to leave your hotel at least two to three hours ahead of time, Jakarta traffic is no joke. Just getting to the airport can take well over an hour even if your close by.
The actual flight? Short. Maybe an hour and ten minutes. But then you have to take a 45 minutes to an hour in a car from the airport into central Yogyakarta.
Now let me tell you about the train.
We booked a train from Gambir Station in central Jakarta. We showed up just 45 minutes before departure. We printed our tickets, had our passports quickly checked by a staff member, and walked to the platform. That’s it.
Once on board, we had wide, reclining seats with footrests and huge windows. There was air conditioning, clean bathrooms and space for the kids to move if they got restless. We packed snacks and downloaded some shows on the iPad, and for six hours, we just… chilled.
When we arrived in Yogyakarta, the train station was right in town. We walked outside, found the Grab pickup zone, and were at our Airbnb in about 15 minutes. That entire day felt doable
If I had to choose again? I’d take the train every time.
What to Expect on the Train: From Booking to Arriving in Jogja
We booked our Executive Class seats online via Tiket.com after researching options on Seat61. (Highly recommend both!) There are even Luxury Class tickets with lie-flat seats if you want to splurge.
We departed from Gambir Station in Jakarta which was busy, but manageable.
Here’s what to know:
- Arrive about 45 minutes early to print your tickets
- Foreigners have to go through passport verification with a person (locals use facial recognition tech to breeze through)
- There’s a basic security check
- You’ll find a few food stalls, bathrooms, and even Starbucks inside the station
- Seating is limited in the waiting area, so don’t expect airport-style lounges
Onboard, we had:
- Reclining seats with footrests
- A fold-out table
- Room to store our car seat in the back
- Quiet, clean bathrooms nearby
- Optional food service (we brought our own snacks just to be safe)
The kids watched shows, ate crackers, and napped. It was peaceful. I honestly forgot we were even moving at times.
The Case Against Flying: Why Airports + Toddlers = Mayhem
We’ve done it. Plenty of times. And sure, there are moments where flying is the right call. But when you’re traveling with toddlers, and you actually have a choice? We’ll always pick the option with fewer moving parts.
Because flying with young kids looks a lot different than it does in travel brochures.
Let me paint you the real picture.
What a “Quick” Flight Day Usually Looks Like
- You wake them up way too early, hoping they’ll fall back asleep in the taxi. Spoiler: they don’t.
- You hit morning traffic trying to get to the airport, which is somehow 12 miles away but takes over an hour to reach.
- At check-in, you’re juggling passports, bags, sippy cups, and a toddler who wants to sit on the floor.
- Security lines are long. They want you to unpack your snacks, take out your iPad, and empty your liquids, all while holding a squirming child.
- You finally get to the gate, but now you’ve got to wait. Your kid needs to pee… again.
- Boarding starts, and you’re in the last group. By the time you get on, the overhead bins are full.
- Once you’re seated, your child drops a snack under the seat, the tray table won’t stay up, and someone behind you keeps bumping your chair.
- You’re in the air for barely an hour, but with all the announcements, the seatbelt signs, and the lack of legroom, it feels longer.
- When you land, there’s a wait to deplane. Then you’re standing around baggage claim, praying your suitcase made it.
- You still have to grab a car and sit through another 45 minutes of traffic into Yogyakarta.
At that point, the one-hour flight has eaten up nearly your whole day.
What Makes It So Hard?
- Timing: With kids, you’re always adjusting for naps, snacks, bathroom breaks, and meltdowns. Airport schedules don’t flex for that.
- Space: Airplane seats are tight. Even in short-haul flights, there’s barely room to wiggle, much less manage a snack explosion or a diaper change.
- Noise and control: You can’t move around freely. You’re stuck in your seat, quietly negotiating toy trades and snack rations while trying not to disturb anyone around you.
- Unpredictability: Flight delays, gate changes, or extra security checks throw everything off. And toddlers? They don’t thrive on surprise chaos.
Still Want to Fly? Here’s What You Should Know About Flying into Yogyakarta
If you decide to fly, you’ll land at Yogyakarta International Airport, also known as YIA. It’s a newer airport, modern, clean, and definitely a step up from older terminals in Java. But here’s the thing: it’s not exactly close. The airport is located in Kulon Progo, about 45 minutes to over an hour from central Yogyakarta, depending on traffic.
We didn’t fly in, but I looked into it enough to understand how it works, especially for families who might prefer speed over a train ride.
Where You Can Fly From
- Most flights into YIA are domestic, connecting from cities like Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar), Surabaya, and Medan
- Several budget airlines operate this route, including Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air, and AirAsia
- International flights are limited. You may find occasional routes from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, but these aren’t always consistent and often change by season
- If you’re flying in from abroad, Jakarta is the most common layover before connecting to Yogyakarta
What Happens After You Land
- Once you arrive at YIA, you’ll collect your luggage and exit the airport
- There’s no airport train, so you’ll need to book a Grab or taxi to your hotel or Airbnb in central Jogja
- The ride typically takes 45 to 75 minutes, depending on time of day and traffic
- If you’re using Grab, expect a small airport surcharge
- Taxis are available too, but will usually charge more. IDR 150,000 to 200,000 is typical for the ride into town
- There’s food at the airport, but expect airport pricing. You’ll get a better deal once you’re in the city
Is Flying Worth It?
If you’re on a tight schedule or arriving late in the day, flying might be the better call. The flight itself is only about an hour, and for some families, cutting down the time in transit matters more than the overall experience.
But if you’ve got half a day to spare and want to avoid multiple transitions, the train is still my pick. It’s less hectic, more spacious, and just feels easier with kids in tow. No early wakeups, no sprinting through terminals, no surprises.
Booking Your Train: Apps, Websites, and Seat Classes
If you’ve decided the train is the way to go, and honestly, I think it’s the best call for families, here’s exactly how to book your ride from Jakarta to Yogyakarta without overcomplicating it.
We used Tiket.com, which is super easy to use. You just plug in Jakarta Gambir as your departure station and Yogyakarta (Tugu Station) as your arrival. The app will show you the available train options, times, and seat classes. You can select your seats, pay with a card, and get your booking confirmation right to your email or in the app.
Another great resource, especially if you’re trying to understand the different train classes, is Seat61.com. It’s not a booking site, but it explains exactly what the seats look like, what to expect on board, and how everything works, it’s super helpful if you’re new to train travel in Indonesia.
Train Classes to Know About
We went with Executive Class and it was perfect for us. The seats recline nicely, there’s AC, and everything felt clean and comfortable. There’s also Luxury Class on some trains, which gives you fully reclining seats and a bit more space and privacy. Honestly, if you’re traveling solo with kids or want to splurge, it might be worth it. For us, Executive Class was spacious enough. The kids had room to stretch, and I wasn’t bumping elbows with a stranger.
What to Do Before Departure
- Arrive at the station early. I recommend getting there at least 40–45 minutes before your train leaves, especially if it’s your first time at Gambir Station.
- Print your tickets. Even if you book online, you’ll need to print a physical ticket at the station using the self-service machines. It’s quick, but it helps to give yourself a buffer.
- Bring your passport. As a foreigner, you’ll need to show your ID at the gate to get through. Locals can scan in, but you’ll be directed to a staff member who checks yours manually.
- Pack your snacks and water. There’s a food trolley on the train, but we always bring our own food for the kids. It just makes life easier.
- Bathroom situation? Not bad. They’re clean, basic, and spaced out across the train cars.
Luggage and Strollers
There’s plenty of space overhead for small bags, and at the end of each carriage, you’ll usually find an area to stash larger items like a stroller or car seat. We had a bulky car seat that fit just fine behind the last row of seats in our car. No one gave it a second glance.
If you’re wondering whether to go Economy, Executive, or Luxury, my honest advice? With kids, Executive is the sweet spot. It’s comfortable without being expensive, and it made the 6.5-hour trip feel easy and relaxed.
Arriving in Yogyakarta: Easy, Calm, and Close to Everything
Getting off the train at Yogyakarta Tugu Station was easy.
We stepped off the platform and into the station, which is small, but manageable. There are signs, but I’ll be honest, they’re not always super clear. We followed the general flow of people and when in doubt, we asked someone. Everyone we spoke to was kind and more than willing to point us in the right direction, even with a language barrier.
Getting to Your Accommodation from the Station
- Right outside the station, you’ll find the Grab pickup zone. It’s not marked with a giant sign, so don’t hesitate to ask a staff member where it is. Most will understand if you say “Grab” and can point you in the right direction.
- We had already ordered our car from the app before we exited, so it was ready within five minutes.
- There’s no need to haggle or negotiate like you might with a street taxi. That alone makes it worth it.
- Our ride to central Yogyakarta took about 15 minutes and cost just under IDR 30,000–40,000. That’s around 2–3 USD.
A Few Things to Know
- If you arrive during a local holiday or festival, it might be busier around the station. We were there during what felt like nonstop school breaks and citywide events, and it was still manageable.
- If you’re staying in the city center, most Airbnbs and guesthouses are within a short Grab ride. Jogja is pretty compact and very walkable in many areas, which is a relief when you’ve got kids and luggage.
Tips for Traveling with Kids on Indonesian Trains
Here’s what made our Jakarta to Yogyakarta trip way smoother with two little ones on board.
What to Pack and Prep Before You Board
- Download shows, movies, or audiobooks ahead of time. The train has power outlets, but no WiFi. We loaded up the iPad with offline content the night before and it kept our kids happily entertained for hours.
- Bring a reusable water bottle for each kid. There’s a trolley cart with drinks and snacks, but having water on hand makes everything easier. It also cuts down on spills because the kids know how to use their own bottles.
- Pack a small blanket or light hoodie. The AC can get chilly, especially during nap time. A cozy layer helped our youngest fall asleep with no fuss.
- Snacks, snacks, snacks. Even if you plan to buy something from the trolley, bring your go-to favorites. We packed fruit, granola bars, crackers, and those little shelf-stable yogurts.
- Wipes are your best friend. They’re useful for messy hands, quick table wipe-downs, and even a little freshen-up when everyone’s starting to feel sticky toward the end of the ride.
Keeping Kids Comfortable During the Ride
- Let them stretch their legs. Kids are allowed to move freely within the train car. Ours loved walking up and down the aisle, especially between the seats and to the windows. It gave them a little sense of independence and helped burn off that “we’ve been sitting forever” energy.
- Use bathroom breaks as movement breaks. Bathrooms are located at both ends of the car, so even just walking there and back helps get some wiggles out.
- Sit near the middle of the car if possible. It’s usually a smoother ride and keeps you away from the noise near the doors or bathrooms.
Bonus Tips
- Assign a window seat early. It helps with motion sickness and also gives your kids something to watch. Java is beautiful with its rice paddies, villages, farms.
- Don’t overpack your carry-on. There’s overhead storage, but keeping things simple and easy to grab means less stress for you.
- Dress everyone comfortably. Think soft, breathable clothes, nothing with too many buckles or accessories that can get tangled during naps or when they twist in their seat.
Honestly, I wish more countries had train systems like this, affordable, clean, spacious, and family-friendly without needing any special arrangements.
Final Thoughts: How to Get to Yogyakarta with Kids and Actually Enjoy It
We’ve taken planes, ferries, buses, and plenty of cars over the last year of full-time travel. But if I had to do this particular route again, from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, I would take the train every single time. No hesitation. It was calm. It was simple. It gave us space to breathe and let our kids just be kids without the usual tension that comes with airports and airplanes.
Would I Recommend the Train?
Absolutely. Especially if you’ve got young kids and you’re craving one day of your trip through Indonesia that doesn’t feel like a scramble. The Jakarta to Yogyakarta train gave us that. And surprisingly, it wasn’t just efficient it was enjoyable.
So if Yogyakarta is on your list, and it should be, by the way, I hope this guide gave you everything you need to choose the route that actually works for your family. Because in the end, travel is not just about where you go. It’s about how you get there. And when the getting there is peaceful, the whole trip just hits differently.
