KA Argo Parahyangan Panoramic Train from Jakarta Gambir to Bandung by Train (Kereta Panoramic)

The Kereta Panoramic is the newest train accommodation offered by PT KAI on long-distance trains. I’ve been wanting to try the Kereta Panoramic, but schedules are limited, and often expensive, as they are found on trains spanning Java. This time, I finally managed to get a ticket on the twice-weekly Argo Parahyangan Panoramic 44PC to finally try the Kereta Panoramic service on a short trip.

Jakarta Gambir Railway Station

Jakarta Gambir Railway Station is the main railway station for long-distance limited-stop trains across Java, most of the time with Executive Class accommodation on board.

Heading in to Jakarta Gambir Railway Station by the south entrance.

The departure hall of Jakarta Gambir Railway Station.

Train information for arrivals and departures are displayed on a roundel in the middle of the departure hall.

Check-in

Heading to the check-in kiosks to get my boarding pass.

The check-in kiosk is simple to use with a simple scan of my booking code and clicking yes to print my boarding pass.

Printing out my boarding pass from the check-in kiosk.

My boarding pass for my Argo Parahyangan Panoramic 44PC train from Jakarta Gambir to Bandung.

Beside the check-in kiosks, there is also a face recognition registration counter for boarding. PT KAI is moving to face recognition in place of a boarding pass scan and identity check.

However, when I attempted to register myself for face recognition, I could not do it because I was using a passport, and I have no KTP because I am not Indonesian.

Perhaps this will be the next stumbling block in PT KAI ticket purchases. For local trains, I can’t do it since I do not have an Indonesian mobile number or QRIS, and now I possibly can’t board long distance trains in future because I do not have a KTP.

From 1 September 2023, boarding at the departure hall via this southern gate is by face recognition only.

Ticket Checking

Heading for manual ticket checking on the right.

My Argo Parahyangan 44 train information is displayed on the screen at the ticket checking area.

From 1 September 2023, boarding at the departure hall via this southern gate here is by face recognition only, which I cannot register for as a foreigner with my passport.

Heading for manual checking at the southern gate for the last time.

Heading up the escalator to the concourse.

My will be departing from Platform 1. However, I arrived earlier than necessary for a good reason.

KAI Luxury Lounge

As a Panoramic Train passenger, I could use the KAI Luxury Lounge while waiting for my train.

My boarding pass was checked and a photo was taken of it, to grant me entry into the KAI Luxury Lounge.

The interior of the KAI Luxury Lounge.

A buffet area is available in the middle of the KAI Luxury Lounge.

Sweet and savoury snacks are available in the KAI Luxury Lounge.

A variety of drinks are available on the other side of the buffet line.

To my dismay, the coffee machine was not working. Probably the most essential thing for a morning journey.

However, instant coffee in sachets were provided as an alternative.

My selection for breakfast this morning in the KAI Luxury Lounge.

Charging stations are available in the KAI Luxury Lounge.

There is also a sofa area at the end of the KAI Luxury Lounge without dining facilities.

A lift in the KAI Luxury Lounge leads directly up to Platforms 1 and 2.

Boarding

My Argo Parahyangan 44 was already at Platform 1 about half an hour to departure. Reska staff are also on the platform to greet passengers on board the Argo Parahyangan.

Heading to the front of the train where my Panoramic coach is.

Panoramic Train (Kereta Panoramic)

Boarding my Argo Parahyangan Panoramic 44PC at the Panoramic coach.

The Panoramic coach stewardess welcomes passengers on board and tags any luggage to be stored at the luggage racks.

Panoramic train luggage tags have been prepared for all passengers, to tag luggage as everyone boarded. However, as I was travelling without any luggage, the stewardess handed me my luggage tag directly as a souvenir.

The interior of the Panoramic coach.

My seat at 7D. Unfortunately, my seat had a pillar by my window when facing the direction of travel.

Do note that coaches in Indonesia may be rotated randomly, even in the same rake, and there is no fixed row number according to the direction of travel.

There are 10 rows of seats on the Panoramic coach, with 38 seats in total.

A bar area is available at the end of the coach with free flow of hot drinks prepared by the stewardess.

A clean and spacious toilet is available on one end of the Panoramic coach, with an automatic tap and hand dryer.

CC 206 13 90 leads my from Argo Parahyangan Panoramic 44PC from Jakarta Gambir to Bandung.

CC is the bogie arrangement of the locomotive (Co-Co), 206 or (CC 206) is the class of locomotive, 13 represents the year of manufacture (2013), and 90 represents the number in the series.

CC 206 13 90 coupling with the front end of the rake with my Panoramic coach.

My scenic accommodation for the next 2 hours and 56 minutes.

The legroom available on board the Panoramic coach, similar to Executive Class.

A 2-pin power socket is located behind the footrest with a spring cover.

A tray table is located in the armrest.

The seat can be reclined with the recline button located at the side of the armrest.

A reading light is also available, in case the Panoramic coach isn’t already bright enough.

WiFi is available on board the Panoramic train at reasonable speeds. The internet speed is subject to the location of the train and mobile connection.

Boarding music is played on the entertainment system before departure.

Departure

My Argo Parahyangan Panoramic 44PC departed from Jakarta Gambir on time at 9.30am.

Crossing over the Ciliwung River.

Passing through Manggarai Railway Station (Low Level).

Splitting away from the Bogor Line towards the rest of Java.

The morning sun was rising and it started to get quite glaring inside the Panoramic coach.

Passing through Matraman Railway Station.

Passing through Jatinegara Railway Station.

Passing by Cipinang Depot.

Snack Box Service

shortly after departure, a snack box was distributed by the Panoramic train stewardesses.

The inclusive snack box and mineral water provided on board the Panoramic train.

The snack box consisted of a chocolate bun, a spicy chicken floss bun, and a box of guava juice.

Hot drinks were also served after the snack boxes have been distributed. A choice of chocolate or tea is available immediately from the trolley, while coffee orders can also be taken by the stewardess to be served later.

Bekasi Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Bekasi Railway Station.

After Bekasi, it’s a non-stop journey to Cimahi and Bandung.

Reska Food and Drinks Trolley Sales

After Bekasi, the Reska trolley also came round to the Panoramic coach to sell food and drinks.

Passing through Cikarang Railway Station.

Passing by the stabling sidings for KRL trains after Cikarang and the end of electrification in Jabodetabek.

After exiting from the electrified area, I took a walk around the train.

The very simple route map of my Argo Parahyangan 44. Very limited stops with 2 main terminals and 2 intermediate stops at the outskirts of the main cities.

K1 2018 Stainless Steel Executive Class

4 K1 2018 Stainless Steel Executive Class coaches are attached on the Argo Parahyangan 44 train, which was very fully seated.

Kereta Makan (Restaurant Car)

A kereta makan or restaurant car is in the middle of the train in between the Executive Class and Premium Class coaches.

A mushola is also available on board the kereta makan for Muslim prayers.

K3 2018 Stainless Steel Premium Class

The other half of the train is made up of 4 K3 2018 Stainless Steel Premium Class coaches, which was also very fully seated.

After my short walk around the train, I headed back to the Panoramic coach and ordered a coffee. A choice of coffees from Nespresso coffee capsules are offered.

Passing through Purwakarta Railway Station.

My coffee was served to me at my seat.

The rural scenery along the way.

As it got quite sunny, the retractable sunshade was opened and closed repeatedly to offer some shade and yet keep the view in.

Passing by rice fields along the way.

More scenic views out of the very glassy Panoramic train.

Passing by Jalan Tol Purwakarta–Bandung–Cileunyi or Jalan Tol Purbaleunyi.

Cilame Railway Station (Crossing only)

Making a brief stop at Cilame Railway Station for crossing with an opposing train.

Crossing with the Argo Parahyangan 39 at Cilame Railway Station.

Continuing alongside the Jalan Tol Purwakarta–Bandung–Cileunyi or Jalan Tol Purbaleunyi.

Cimahi Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Cimahi Railway Station on the outskirts of Bandung. Station upgrades are under way to better cater for the Commuter Line Bandung Raya and the future Feeder Kereta Cepat shuttling Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway passengers between Padaralang and Bandung via Cimahi.

Passing by Bandung Depot.

Passing under the Pasirkaliki Bridge west of Bandung Railway Station.

Bandung Railway Station

My Argo Parahyangan Panoramic 44PC train arrived at Bandung Railway Station at 12.34pm – 8 minutes delayed. This makes the total actual journey time from Jakarta Gambir 3 hours and 4 minutes.

Disembarking from the Argo Parahyangan Panoramic 44PC train via the luggage area, with the stewardess confirming with me that I do not have any luggage left behind on the luggage racks.

Thank you, Kereta Panoramic, for the scenic ride and inclusive refreshments from Jakarta to Bandung! Something that the future Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway cannot replicate for sure.

Bandung Railway Station Skybridge

Heading up to the new Skybridge to exit from the platforms via travellators.

Crossing the Skybridge to the north station building of Bandung Railway Station.

The old sheltered walkway directly across the tracks is no longer in use and the footpath has been removed.

The wayfinding signs in Bandung Railway Station have been updated to include the Feeder Kereta Cepat.

Heading down the travellators to the north station building of Bandung Railway Station.

Heading out of the Skybridge.

Looking back at what was once a direct 10-second route across from the platform to the station building.

The new Platform 7 will be used by Feeder Kereta Cepat trains. Hopefully with a new upcoming walkway across the tracks and not a maze of Skybridges.

Heading to the exit.

With passengers not using the footpath across the tracks any more, the welcome sign now reads gnubnaB.

Heading out of the passenger area of Bandung Railway Station.

The arrival end of Bandung Railway Station north building is undergoing renovations.

The façade of Bandung Railway Station north building for long-distance trains.

Heading out of Bandung Railway Station north building via the footpath.

The main entrance to Bandung Railway Station north building.

Bandung Railway Station north building is located on Jalan Kebon Kawung. Onward travel by angkot, Trans Metro Pasundan bus, and ride-hailing is available here.

Conclusion

The Panoramic train is a novel and scenic way to travel from Jakarta to Bandung by train. It’s great for the ‘gram and for the additional services such as snacks, drinks, and extra announcements to look out for scenery along the way.

However, realistically, I did not find the Panoramic train much of a premium, especially with the higher fare charged at Rp 450,000. The Panoramic seat was almost identical to Executive Class with the exception of the colour of the seat cover and the location of the power sockets. In comparison, Executive Class on the same train costs Rp 250,000, and Premium Class costs Rp 150,000. I’m not sure if the additional snacks and drinks are worth the Rp 200,000, though granted, the views could be argued to be “priceless”.

My best experience on the Argo Parahyangan so far has still been the Argo Parahyangan Priority which I took in 2019, with a true premium above the rest with a separate bar area with drinks and snacks, personal entertainment screen, and superb hotel-quality toilet. And I paid just Rp 297,500 for it. Too bad the Argo Parahyangan Priority service is no longer available.

Nevertheless, the Panoramic trains are still highly sought-after by locals and tourists alike, and all services are running almost-full to full for every trip. The limited schedules also make it even more elusive, making it an accomplishment to have ever been on board the Panoramic coach. With such high demand, looks like the Panoramic train will be in service for a long time to come.

Having spent my money on this Panoramic train ride, I headed back to Jakarta in Premium Economy Class.