Garut to Bandung

Garut's passenger railway reopened in March 2022 after almost forty years, and the short run back to Bandung is now one of the easiest scenic rides in West Java. Everything leaves from Garut station near the town centre.

Your options:

Papandayan — the long-distance train to Jakarta Gambir leaves Garut around lunchtime and calls at Bandung station roughly two hours later. It carries eksekutif, premium ekonomi and a Panoramic car with a glass roof, and is the most comfortable way to make the trip.

Cikuray — the subsidised ekonomi train to Jakarta Pasar Senen leaves Garut in the morning and calls at Kiaracondong and Bandung on the way. It is the cheapest long-distance option and suits an early start.

Commuter Line Garut — the local train run by KAI Commuter between Garut and Purwakarta, stopping at every station via Cibatu, Nagreg, Cicalengka, Kiaracondong, Bandung and Cimahi. It is slower but very cheap; services are few, so check the day's timetable before you rely on it.

The ride: the line leaves the Garut basin through the rice fields of Kadungora and Leles, joins the southern main line at Cibatu, then climbs over the Nagreg pass before dropping down to Cicalengka and the Bandung plain. Sit on either side and keep the window clear for the first hour.

Station tip: book the long-distance trains in Access by KAI and check whether yours stops at Bandung or Kiaracondong, which are a few kilometres apart. For the outbound trip see Bandung to Garut, and for the full run to the capital see Garut to Jakarta.