The Whoosh high-speed train is Indonesia's latest addition to its railway network. It offers a quick and efficient way to travel, much like Japan's shinkansen and other fast trains around the world.
As of now, Whoosh connects just Jakarta and Bandung, but there are plans to expand its routes to enhance intercity travel in Indonesia.
If it's your first time considering the Whoosh and you're unsure about the process, don't worry. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ride this speedy train.
The first thing you'll need to do is get a ticket. You can buy them either online or in person. Online purchases can be made via the Whoosh app, its official website, or other services like KAI Access.
But I think it's best to buy your ticket online. It's convenient because you can do it from anywhere, anytime, and it reduces the risk of the tickets selling out, which can happen if you wait to buy at the station.
If online buying isn't an option for you, don't worry. You can also purchase tickets at the station either from the ticket counters or from automated ticket machines. Tickets are available from 14 days up to a few hours before the train's departure.
When you buy a ticket online, it will be emailed to you. Your ticket will include important information such as:
Whether you have a physical or an electronic ticket, make sure to keep it safe until the day you travel on the Whoosh train.
On your travel day, simply head to the Whoosh station selected during your ticket purchase. For both Halim and Tegalluar Summarecon stations, you can arrive using private or public transport.
If you're traveling from Padalarang station, consider taking the feeder train available from Bandung Station and Cimahi Station. These feeder trains are conveniently timed to coincide with Whoosh departures.
I suggest you to arrive at the station about an hour early. This gives you plenty of time to avoid any last-minute rushes and also allows you to explore the station's amenities, such as restaurants and souvenir shops.
Remember to carry a valid ID like your ID card, driver's license, or passport, as you might need to show it for identity verification by station staff.
When you arrive at the station, you can head directly to the boarding gate if you've bought your ticket online, as you'll just need to scan the QR code to enter. However, if you prefer to have a physical ticket, you can print one at the station.
You can use the ticket machines to print your ticket, which will provide a paper copy containing all the same details as your electronic ticket.
As your departure time approaches, head to the departure area where security officers will check your luggage and scan your boarding pass. All luggage, bags, and other belongings must go through a scanning machine.
Be sure not to carry any prohibited items like flammable objects or sharp weapons. Also, ensure your luggage doesn't weigh more than 20 kg and the dimensions of any suitcase should not exceed 100 x 40 x 30 cm.
After clearing the security check, you can relax in the waiting lounge. It's a comfortable spot to wait until your boarding time. The lounge is equipped with amenities like seating, restrooms, and a playground for children.
While you wait, keep an eye on the monitors displaying the train schedule and platform information. This will help you know where and when to board your train.
When it's time to board, the attendant will announce for all passengers to proceed to the platform, often mentioning the specific platform number.
Once you hear this announcement, go to the gate. If you're using an electronic ticket, just scan the QR Code at the entrance. If you have a physical ticket, insert it into the slot at the front of the gate, then retrieve it from the top.
Head straight to the platform indicated, and board the train by finding the carriage number listed on your ticket. This number is displayed on the side of each carriage, along with details about the train series and the destination station.
If you're in a rush, you can board the nearest carriage and then walk through the connecting aisles to find your designated carriage.
Once you’re on the train, look for your seat number, which is usually below the luggage compartment. It will also indicate whether the seat is by the window or the aisle.
In Premium Economy class, your seat will have amenities like a dining table, a hook for your bag or jacket, a power socket, and a USB slot. The seats recline, so you can adjust them for comfort during your trip.
During your journey, you can use a variety of facilities on the Whoosh high-speed train:
There are two areas where you can store your luggage on the Whoosh. The first is the overhead compartment above your seat, suitable for bags and suitcases that fit within cabin luggage dimensions.
Additionally, there's a larger storage area near the toilets where you can place bigger suitcases.
Each carriage has a toilet located at the end, near the luggage storage. Check the door indicator before entering; a green indicator means the toilet is vacant and ready to use.
The facilities include a sink, soap, paper towels, and a trash bin. Please keep the toilet tidy for the next user.
For dining on board, head to the restoration car in carriage number 5, where an Indomaret minimarket offers a variety of food and drinks.
You can eat in the dining car where tables and chairs are available, or if it's full, you're welcome to take your food back to your seat.
As you approach your destination, an attendant will announce the upcoming stop. Pay attention to this announcement to prepare for disembarking. Gather all your belongings, making sure to leave nothing behind in the overhead compartments or under your seat.
As the train pulls into the station, it's a good idea to move closer to the exit door to expedite your departure. Once the train stops, you can exit and follow the signs to the station exit.
Exiting involves the same process as boarding; scan your QR Code or insert your physical ticket at the gate. Once through, you can continue on to your next destination.
Following these steps ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience aboard the Whoosh fast train, making your trip both memorable and pleasant.
