Solo, formally Surakarta, is the quieter of Java's two court cities and an underrated base. Solo Balapan station is central and sits on the main southern line, so nearly every service running between Jakarta and Surabaya calls here. It is also closer to Prambanan than much of Yogyakarta, without the tourist congestion. The commuter line west to Yogyakarta runs throughout the day for the price of a coffee.