Bandung - My journey on WHOOSH, Indonesia’s impressive high-speed train, turned out to be one of the smoothest and most enjoyable travel experiences I’ve had in the country. The name itself — Waktu Hemat, Operasi Optimal, Sistem Handal — reflects exactly what it offers: a fast, efficient, and reliable rail service connecting Jakarta and Bandung in under an hour.
Jakarta to Bandung (Padalarang station) – Economy Class Experience
I began my journey in economy class, and for the price of Rp250,000, it was truly excellent value. The boarding process was efficient, the station modern and spacious, and the ambience felt more like a regional airport than a train station. Once onboard, I was pleasantly surprised by how clean, bright, and comfortable the economy cabin was. The seats were arranged neatly, with enough legroom for a comfortable ride.
The moment the train started moving, I immediately felt the difference. WHOOSH glided along the tracks with such smoothness that I hardly felt any vibration. It was quiet, steady, and incredibly fast — reaching speeds of over 350 km/h. Watching the landscape change rapidly outside the window was surreal, as rice fields, towns, and hills zipped past in a blur.
Despite being economy, the experience didn’t feel basic at all. The ride was peaceful, stable, and spacious enough for a stress-free journey. Before I knew it, Bandung was already approaching. It was amazing how quick the trip felt, especially compared to traditional trains or driving through traffic.
Bandung (Padalarang station) to Jakarta – Business Class Comfort
For the return trip, I upgraded to business class, priced at Rp450,000 — still very reasonable for a premium experience. The difference was apparent the moment I stepped into the cabin. The seats were wider, more plush, and fully reclinable, offering far more comfort than economy. Each seat had generous space, and a design that felt more like a premium airline cabin.
What made it even better was the complimentary snack box and bottled water provided to passengers. It was a thoughtful touch that elevated the experience. The staff onboard were polite and attentive, adding to the pleasant journey.
Once again, the ride was incredibly smooth. WHOOSH seems to glide effortlessly, without the shakes and rattles usually associated with trains. The silence inside the cabin made the journey relaxing, and the extra comfort of business class seats made it easy to sit back, unwind, and enjoy the scenery.
A New Era of Travel in Indonesia
There is a free feeder train from Padalarang station to Bandung station - just show the ticket counter your HSR ticket and you can get onboard this smooth train ride about 20 mins to the city.
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| Feeder train of HSR |
Traveling on WHOOSH between Jakarta and Bandung gave me a clear sense of how transformative high-speed rail can be. Both classes offered comfort and efficiency, but business class was definitely a luxurious upgrade worth considering.
What impressed me most was not just the speed, but the overall stability, cleanliness, comfort, and professionalism of the entire journey. Whether you're a tourist exploring Indonesia or a local traveling for business, WHOOSH is truly a game-changer.
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