The Malioboro Train from Yogyakarta to Malang is the best way to get from city to city. This 8-hour ride is very comfortable for Asian standards. The route is even faster than with the car since the train is almost a direct ride to Malang. This train is a great way of transport during your Java Route. It has a couple of very short stops in between.
Train Yogyakarta to Malang
The Malioboro Express train departs in the evening or at night from Tugu station in Yogyakarta and is always on time. The train is mostly occupied by locals; however, if you didn’t know this already, the Javanese people are one of the friendliest in Indonesia.
There is an AC in every cabin, the seats are just fine, and you can store your luggage in the overhead compartment. You can take a suitcase, but this has to stay on the walking path, which is not the most convenient for other passengers.
Also read: 8-day Java Route Guide
Every four seats have two power plugs so you can charge your phone, tablet, or laptop. There are good toilets in every cabin. The whole train is clean and kept clean throughout the whole train ride.
In Malang there are two stations. Make sure to get off at the last one, as this is where you’ll find Jodipan, the colorful rainbow village of Java.
Food on the Malioboro Train
Once in a while, a trolly with two staff members passes who offer you an assortment of water, coffee, soft drinks, snacks, and Indonesian food. The Indonesian food cost us 25.000 IDR (1.70 USD), which was fantastic, and we even received snacks from a friend we made on the train.
Train Tickets & Times
The train departs daily at 00:56, 01:29, 10:50, 16:35 and 21:10. It’s easiest to see the most recent schedule via Tiket.com. The train ride to Malang takes about 8 hours. You can order tickets online or get them at the train station. If you order them online, you’ll get an e-ticket that you have to scan while entering the Tugu train station.
Depending on what type of ticket you choose. An economy ticket costs 260.000 IDR (15 USD) and an executive class ticket costs 380.000 IDR.
Where to Stay in Malang
Malang offers hotels and guesthouses in any kind of price category. Base yourself in the center to be close to the main sites.
Staying anywhere near the main train station is a great idea, as you’ll be located just a few minutes walk from the colored village.
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Bought a train ticket (13 Apr 2025, Yogyakarta to Malang) from the Tugu Station in Yogyakarta. The price for Economy Class has now increased to IDR 260,000 (US$ 15.60). Executive Class now costs IDR 380,000 (US$ 22.80). The train I booked leaves at 10:50. The other departures are at 00:56, 01:29, 16:35 and 21:10. You can check tiket website for the most up to date schedule.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I will update the article with the latest information.