So, I finally got the chance to ride the fastest train in the world—well, at least the fastest one in operation. And no, it’s not in China or Japan. It’s in Indonesia! This is the brand-new, high-speed railway connecting Jakarta to Bandung, and let me tell you, it’s an absolute game-changer.
First Impressions at Halim Station
The journey starts at Halim Station in Jakarta, and while the station was still under construction when I visited, you can tell it’s going to be massive. It actually reminded me of those giant high-speed rail stations in China. Right now, it’s a bit far from the city center, but there are commuter trains and buses to get you here.
Inside, there’s a small exhibit about the railway’s development, plus some food outlets (although most weren’t open yet). Oh, and there was even a pop-up Subway (yes, the sandwich chain). Pretty cool. I also checked out a little merchandise shop and an art gallery before heading up to the waiting area.
The Train Itself
The train I boarded was the KCIC 400AF, which is part of China’s Fuxing Hao family. It’s built for speeds of up to 400 km/h, though it runs at a max of 350 km/h in service. Even at the station, this thing looked incredible. The sleek red design and aerodynamic nose make it look like something straight out of the future.
I had a seat in premium economy, which is the lowest class available. But honestly? It didn’t feel like “economy” at all. The seats were surprisingly comfy, with a Batik Megamendung motif, a nice nod to local culture. There was plenty of legroom, and the seats reclined nicely. It’s a 2-3 seating layout, so if the train was full, it might feel a bit packed. But today? Super spacious.
Speeding Through Indonesia
As we left Jakarta, the acceleration was no joke. In just minutes, we were flying past traffic on the highway, covering 141 km in just 46 minutes—a trip that takes over three hours by car. The craziest part? It was unbelievably smooth. I even tested the old “coin-standing-on-its-edge” trick, and it stayed upright for over 10 minutes at 350 km/h!
Along the way, we passed through tropical rainforests, tunnels, and hills, with glimpses of the old railway route still in use. One of our main stops was Padalarang Station, which serves as a hub connecting the high-speed line to Bandung’s local train network.
Other Classes & Onboard Features
The train has a few different seating options:
- Business Class – More spacious 2-2 seating with leather seats, ideal for longer trips.
- First Class – Even more luxurious 2-1 seating, with wider seats and extra comfort.
There’s also a buffet counter, but it was closed during my trip. The toilets were clean, stocked with tissue, soap, and even a bidet (a nice touch for local travelers).
Is It Worth It?
Now, let’s talk money. Normally, a one-way ticket costs up to 300,000 IDR (around $19), but I rode for free during the promotional period. Considering it’s only slightly more expensive than the older, much slower trains, this is a fantastic deal.
This high-speed railway is a huge step forward for Indonesia’s transport system. Just a decade ago, the trains here were nowhere near this modern, so seeing this transformation is really exciting. And with plans to extend the route all the way to Surabaya? Would you take a ride on Indonesia’s bullet train?