TRANS-JAVA CORRIDOR

Train Route: Merak Station to Ketapang Station (Banyuwangi)

Official Route Summary:

The longest continuous railway journey across Java Island spanning ~1,120 km from the western tip (Merak Station, Banten) to the eastern tip (Ketapang Station, Banyuwangi). This route can be completed with 4 transfers combining Commuter Line Merak, KRL Rangkasbitung Line, Intercity Trains to Surabaya, and East Java regional express to Ketapang.

Total Distance 1,120 km

Est. Travel Time ±23 – 26 Hours (Including Layover)

Transfers 4 Transfers

Operational Gapeka 2025

Check Live Timetable & Ticket Pricing Run real-time schedules from Merak to Ketapang (Banyuwangi) on the interactive engine.

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Step-by-Step Travel Itinerary

Leg 1 • KA Lokal PSO KAI Commuter

Commuter Line Merak (Merak ➔ Rangkasbitung)

Stasiun Merak Stasiun Rangkasbitung ±1 jam 50 menit

Depart from Merak Station (connected to Merak Ferry Port) to Rangkasbitung Station. Book via Access by KAI app up to 7 days in advance.

Transfer Tip: Alight at Rangkasbitung Station, tap-in at electronic gates for KRL Commuter Line.

Leg 2 • KRL Komuter Jabodetabek KAI Commuter

KRL Commuter Line Rangkasbitung Line (Rangkasbitung ➔ Tanah Abang)

Stasiun Rangkasbitung Stasiun Tanah Abang (Jakarta) ±1 jam 45 menit

Ride the commuter line heading into central Jakarta. Pay using Multi Trip Card (KMT), Bank Contactless Card, or GoTransit.

Transfer Tip: Transfer at Tanah Abang Station to connect towards Pasar Senen Station.

Leg 3 • KRL Cikarang Loop / Angkutan Terpadu KAI Commuter / TransJakarta

Inter-Station Jakarta Transfer (Tanah Abang ➔ Pasar Senen)

Stasiun Tanah Abang Stasiun Pasar Senen ±25 – 35 menit

Can be reached via KRL Cikarang Loop Line (alighting directly at Pasar Senen) or road transport (TransJakarta / ride-hailing).

Transfer Tip: IMPORTANT: Allow at least 90 minutes layover at Pasar Senen prior to Intercity train boarding.

Leg 4 • KA Jarak Jauh (Ekonomi / Eksekutif) PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero)

Intercity Express Train (Pasar Senen ➔ Surabaya)

Stasiun Pasar Senen (Jakarta) Stasiun Surabaya Pasarturi / Surabaya Gubeng ±10 jam 30 menit – 12 jam

Board KA Airlangga (PSO Economy ~Rp 104,000), KA Jayabaya, KA Kertajaya, or KA Dharmawangsa along the northern Java corridor to Surabaya.

Transfer Tip: Arrive in Surabaya, proceed to Surabaya Gubeng (if arriving at Pasarturi) for connecting trains to Ketapang.

Leg 5 • KA Antarkota / Ekonomi PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero)

East Java Regional Express (Surabaya ➔ Ketapang Banyuwangi)

Stasiun Surabaya Gubeng Stasiun Ketapang (Banyuwangi) ±6 jam 30 menit

Board KA Probowangi (Economy ~Rp 56,000), KA Sritanjung, or KA Blambangan Ekspres traveling through eastern Java to Ketapang Station.

Transfer Tip: Arrival at Ketapang Station: only a 200-meter walk to the ferry terminal connecting Java and Bali (Gilimanuk).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tickets from Merak to Ketapang be purchased as a single through-ticket?

No. Because this journey combines different ticketing systems (Local Train Merak via Access by KAI up to 7 days ahead, Commuter Line via contactless cards, and Intercity via Access by KAI up to 45 days ahead), each ticket must be booked separately.

What is the recommended minimum layover time between connecting trains?

We strongly recommend a minimum 90-minute layover in Jakarta (between KRL and Intercity departure at Pasar Senen) and at least 60 minutes in Surabaya to safeguard against schedule variations.

What is the total estimated ticket cost from Merak to Ketapang Banyuwangi?

Using the most economical government-subsidized (PSO) combination (Local Merak Rp 3,000 + KRL Rp 8,000 + transfer Rp 3,000 + KA Airlangga Rp 104,000 + KA Probowangi Rp 56,000), the total fare is approximately Rp 174,000 (~$11 USD).

Is Ketapang Station close to the ferry port to Bali?

Yes, Ketapang Railway Station is located directly adjacent (~200 meters) to the Ketapang Ferry Port, accessible via a 3 to 5-minute pedestrian walk.

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