Introduction
I recently took the Wijayakusuma Train from Banyuwangi to Solo, and I wanted to share my experience. This journey gave me a comfortable and scenic way to travel across Java, offering stunning views, great service, and even some surprisingly good food along the way. Here’s everything you need to know about what I experienced during this trip.
1. Preparing for the Journey
Choosing the Right Train
After doing some research, I found that the Wijayakusuma Train was the only train option for traveling directly from Banyuwangi to Solo. The Wijayakusuma Train offers both economy class and executive class, giving passengers the flexibility to choose based on their budget and comfort preferences.
I decided to go with the executive class for this trip, and I’m glad I did. The price difference between economy and executive was minimal, but the added comfort and privacy made the journey much more enjoyable.
The executive class offers wider seats, more legroom, and a quieter atmosphere, which was perfect for a long trip like this. Prices for executive class start from IDR 420K to IDR 660K, while economy class ranges from IDR 320K to IDR 410K. The price depends on the time of booking—the earlier you book, the cheaper it tends to be.
Make sure to select Solo Balapan Station as your destination, as it is the main stopping point in Solo for most trains.
Booking Tickets
Booking my ticket was easy and stress-free. I used the KAI Access app, which allowed me to select my seat and pay online. I booked my ticket a few days in advance, which I recommend, especially if you’re traveling during peak season or on a public holiday. It gave me peace of mind knowing that my seat was secured.
You can also book tickets through platforms like Traveloka for added convenience, especially if you prefer using your credit card. Alternatively, you can go directly to the nearest train station to purchase your ticket. Keep in mind that if you're booking on the day of departure, online booking may no longer be available, and you’ll need to buy your ticket at the station.
Packing Essentials
As you prepare for your journey, it’s important to pack wisely. Bring along snacks and drinks, as the journey is quite long, lasting around 10-11 hours. A neck pillow, a good book, or a playlist of your favorite music can make the trip more comfortable. Don’t forget to pack your travel essentials, including personal hygiene items, a power bank, and any necessary medications.
2. Departure from Banyuwangi
Banyuwangi Baru Station Overview
My journey started at Banyuwangi Kota Station (formerly Karangasem Station), located right in the heart of the city. The station is easy to reach and offers basic amenities like waiting areas, restrooms, and small kiosks for snacks and drinks, making it a convenient starting point for travelers. You’ll also find Roti Boy, famous for its sweet butter bread, and if you're in the mood for a quick caffeine boost, you can grab a cup of cappuccino to take away.
Nearby Attractions
If you have some time before your train departs, consider exploring a few nearby cafés. Palm Sugar is a great option, where you can enjoy a smoothie bowl, pizza, or fried rice if you’re looking for a quick meal before your journey.
3. The Train Journey: My Experience
Scenic Highlights
As the train pulled out of the station, I settled into my seat, excited for the journey ahead. The first few hours were a visual treat. The train passed through endless rice fields, dotted with farmers working under the sun, their wide-brimmed hats shielding them from the heat.
The landscape shifted as we moved along, from lush green forests to hilly terrains, each offering its own unique charm. I found myself glued to the window, watching as the scenery changed with every mile.
Culinary Experience
One of the unexpected highlights of the journey was the food on the train. The Wijayakusuma Train offers a variety of Nusantara foods, giving passengers the chance to enjoy authentic Indonesian culinary experiences while traveling.
What surprised me was how fresh and tasty the meals were. The train staff freshly prepare the meals using a blast chiller technique to prevent spoilage. When it’s time to serve, the food is reheated in a microwave, ensuring it’s served hot and ready.
I was skeptical at first, but the taste exceeded my expectations. The flavors were rich and authentic—just the way I like Indonesian food. It was a delightful surprise to enjoy such good meals while watching the beautiful landscapes pass by outside the window.
4. Arrival in Solo
Solo Balapan Station Overview
After many hours on the train, we finally arrived at Solo Balapan Station, just as the evening was settling in. As you approach your stop, the train staff will instruct you to use the right door to disembark.
Once you’re off the train, make sure to head towards the left side of the station for the exit gate. This is important because most Grab and Gojek drivers wait on that side. If you need a pickup, it's also a good idea to head over to the nearby Alfamart, which is a common meeting point for ride-hailing services.
What to Do in Solo
After checking into my hotel in Solo, I didn’t waste any time and immediately began my exploration of the city. Instead of heading straight to the tourist spots, I started with coffee hopping and food exploration, which is a great way to get a feel for the local vibe.
Some of my top coffee shop recommendations include Sekutu, Nanairo, and JULI The Bakery, all offering great atmospheres and delicious coffee. For food, you can't miss Sate Pak Manto, where I enjoyed some of the best satay in town.
Later, I explored Kampung Batik on foot, a neighborhood known for its traditional batik-making. Walking through the narrow streets, I was able to see local artisans crafting vibrant batik fabrics, and it gave me a closer connection to Solo’s cultural heritage.
Solo’s rich culture can be experienced not just through its historic sites but also through its modern coffee shops, local cuisine, and traditional arts like batik.
If you're wondering where I stayed during my trip, I chose Loa Living Solo Baru (Google Maps link). As an alternative, I also recommend JW Naungan Co-Living & Villas (Google Maps link).
The reason I picked these places is that they offer great value compared to 3-4 star hotels. Both accommodations are affordable and equipped with modern amenities such as a kitchen with a full set of utensils, a refrigerator, and hot water.
The buildings are new, with a semi-apartment style that provides spacious rooms. Plus, they offer cheap laundry services, which can be really handy if you need it during your stay.
My Stop at Sekutu Rumah Karya
Since I had 7 hours to spare before my train back to Banyuwangi, I decided to spend some time at Sekutu Rumah Karya, a place I highly recommend. They offer really good food, and I was especially impressed by their Ubi Crème Brulee and Nasi Goreng. As a specialty coffee shop, they also serve amazing coffee, which was a great way to pass the time.
You can also buy Sekutu’s coffee beans here, which are known for their exceptional quality. They source really good local coffee and roast it carefully to perfection. What makes the coffee so special is that the owner is a national jury for the Indonesia Cup Tasters Championship, which ensures that the coffee you enjoy here is prepared by someone who truly understands coffee at a high level.
What makes Sekutu Rumah Karya even more interesting is their collaboration with Rumah Atsiri, a well-known brand that produces a variety of products made from essential oils. While you’re there, you can also browse and purchase their natural products, making it a perfect spot to relax, enjoy great food and coffee, and pick up something unique.
Conclusion
Looking back, I’m really glad I chose the train over flying or taking the bus. The bus could have brought more hassle with traffic and less comfort, while the train gave me the chance to enjoy Java’s landscapes in a relaxed setting.
I recommend checking the train schedule a day before your trip to confirm the departure time, and be sure to pack enough snacks and water—especially if, like me, you enjoy snacking during a long journey. Also, keep an eye on your belongings, as the train can get crowded at times.
If you’re looking for a travel experience that’s as much about the journey as the destination, I highly recommend taking this train route. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after the trip is over.
Additional tips while in Solo
If you need to store your luggage after checking out and have a few hours before your train departs, there’s also a safe or locker service available in Solo. It’s perfect if you still have up to 5 hours before your departure and want to explore the city without dragging your luggage around.