Surabaya to Solo

Roughly 250km from Surabaya Gubeng to Solo Balapan, taking between three and a half and four and a quarter hours. Every westbound train on Java's southern line passes through here, so there is plenty of choice.

Which trains run this route: the Sancaka runs several times a day between Surabaya Gubeng and Yogyakarta, with eksekutif and premium ekonomi, and is the obvious default. Long-distance services heading for Yogyakarta, Bandung and Jakarta also stop at Solo, including the all-eksekutif Argo Wilis and Bima, plus Mutiara Selatan, Wijayakusuma, Gaya Baru Malam Selatan and Sri Tanjung.

The route. The line leaves Surabaya through Mojokerto and Jombang to the junction at Kertosono, then runs west via Nganjuk and Madiun into Central Java, with Mount Lawu rising on the left as you approach Solo.

Getting off at the right station. Long-distance trains call at Solo Balapan, the main station and the one you want for the city centre and the airport rail link. If you are going on to Yogyakarta, stay on the Sancaka: it is another hour or so (see Solo to Yogyakarta for the commuter alternative).

Check current departures and fares in Access by KAI, as the mix of trains varies by day.