Bandung to Semarang

Roughly 450km from Bandung to Semarang, taking around seven hours. Two named trains make the journey direct: the Ciremai, which runs between Bandung and Semarang Tawang, and the Harina, which calls at Semarang Tawang on its way from Bandung to Surabaya Pasarturi.

The route. Both trains leave Bandung westbound through Cimahi and Padalarang, then drop out of the Priangan highlands via Purwakarta to join the main north-coast line at Cikampek. From there they run east along the coast through Cirebon, Tegal and Pekalongan into Semarang. The first stretch is the best: the line crosses the high steel arch of the Cisomang bridge and winds through hill country before it flattens out onto the coastal plain.

Which train? The Ciremai terminates at Semarang Tawang, so there is no rush to get off. The Harina carries on to Surabaya, which makes it the one to take if you plan to continue east along the north coast later; it also gives you a morning option, since KAI restored a daytime Harina in February 2025 alongside the evening service. Both carry eksekutif and premium ekonomi carriages.

Arriving in Semarang. Tawang sits on the edge of Kota Lama, the old Dutch quarter, so you can walk into the historic centre from the platform. From here the Banyubiru continues south to Solo (see Semarang to Solo).

Departure times on both trains have shifted between timetables. Check current departures and fares in Access by KAI before you plan around them.