Surabaya to Bandung by Train

Around 700km and eleven to thirteen hours across the full width of Java, from Surabaya Gubeng through Madiun, Solo, Yogyakarta, Kroya, Banjar and Tasikmalaya into Bandung.

Take Argo Wilis and take it in daylight. It is one of very few long-distance Indonesian services timed to run the whole way in daytime, which matters enormously here: the final stretch through the Priangan highlands into Bandung is the best railway scenery in the country, and the overnight alternatives waste it entirely.

Which trains run this route: Argo Wilis is the daytime eksekutif service. Turangga runs overnight. Mutiara Selatan offers a mixed-class option.

Pack for a long day. The trolley service is adequate rather than generous, and eksekutif air conditioning runs cold enough that a jumper is genuinely necessary rather than a nicety.