Passengers Report Higher Train Ticket Prices Ahead of Eid 2026
Table of Contents
- 1. Passengers Report Higher Train Ticket Prices Ahead of Eid 2026
- 2. Social Media Fuels Concerns
- 3. KAI Responds To Price complaints
- 4. Additional Trains and Discounts Imminent
- 5. Government Stimulus Package to Ease Travel Costs
- 6. Transportation Discounts Included in Stimulus
- 7. Looking Ahead
- 8. What are the main reasons behind the recent increase in long‑distance train fares ahead of the 2026 Eid travel rush?
- 9. Passengers Protest Surge in Long‑Distance Train Fares Ahead of 2026 Eid Travel Rush
Jakarta – Reports are surfacing from passengers claiming Long-distance train tickets for teh upcoming Eid 2026 holiday are considerably more expensive then usual, prompting concern and discussion on social media. The issue centers around a perceived price increase for travel during this peak season, a common occurrence but one that is drawing increased scrutiny this year.
Passengers have taken to platforms like X,formerly known as Twitter,to voice their complaints.One user, with the handle @cmbhsh*t, expressed their surprise at the increased cost, stating simply, “This is just my feeling that train tickets have become really expensive.” Another passenger, @h**wtt*y*, reported potential increases of IDR 200,000 (approximately $13 USD) compared to off-peak travel periods.
KAI Responds To Price complaints
Responding to the rising concerns,anne Purba,Vice President of Corporate Communication for Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI),the country’s main railway operator,confirmed that currently available long-distance tickets for Eid 2026 are for regular train services,without any added discounts or promotional fares. she stated that no additional trains with discounted rates have been released yet.
Additional Trains and Discounts Imminent
Purba further assured the public that plans for additional train cars and discounted fares are underway and will be announced shortly. The company is actively preparing to meet the anticipated surge in demand during the Eid holiday, which is a major travel period in Indonesia.
Government Stimulus Package to Ease Travel Costs
The Indonesian government is preparing a substantial stimulus package, totaling IDR 12.83 trillion (approximately $820 million USD), aimed at supporting citizens’ purchasing power and facilitating travel during Eid 2026. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, announced the package, emphasizing its response to domestic economic conditions and the need to bolster economic activity.
Transportation Discounts Included in Stimulus
A key component of the stimulus package focuses on reducing transportation costs. For air travel, the government plans to offer discounts of up to 16 percent through a Value Added Tax (VAT) policy, covering economy class tickets on domestic routes. This measure mirrors similar initiatives from previous years, aiming to make air travel more accessible during the holiday season. According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics of Indonesia, domestic air passenger traffic increased by 18.5% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year, highlighting the demand for affordable air travel.
| Stimulus Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Package Value | IDR 12.83 trillion (approx. $820 million USD) |
| Air Travel Discount | Up to 16% (through VAT absorption) |
| Applicable Flights | Domestic, Economy Class |
| Other Components | Social food assistance |
The governmentS actions reflect a broader effort to manage inflation and ensure smooth travel experiences for millions of Indonesians during Eid, a period marked by traditional homecoming journeys known as “Mudik.”
Looking Ahead
As Eid 2026 approaches,passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant and monitor official announcements from KAI regarding the release of additional trains and discounted fares. Understanding the potential for price fluctuations and planning accordingly will be crucial for a stress-free travel experience.
Will the government’s stimulus package effectively mitigate the rising cost of train travel during Eid 2026? And what measures can passengers take to secure the most affordable fares amidst high demand?
Share your travel plans and experiences in the comments below!
What are the main reasons behind the recent increase in long‑distance train fares ahead of the 2026 Eid travel rush?
Passengers Protest Surge in Long‑Distance Train Fares Ahead of 2026 Eid Travel Rush
Rising Costs and Public Outcry
Across the nation, passengers are voicing strong opposition to a significant increase in long-distance train fares, timed just weeks before the anticipated 2026 Eid al-Adha travel rush. the price hikes, announced by National Rail on January 28th, 2026, have sparked protests at major railway stations and a flurry of online petitions. Many families rely on train travel to visit relatives during Eid, making affordability a critical concern.
Details of the Fare Increases
The fare increases vary depending on the route and class of travel, but averages show a 15-20% jump in ticket prices. Specific examples include:
* London to Glasgow: Standard class fares have risen from £85 to £98.
* Manchester to Edinburgh: Peak-time tickets now cost £112, up from £95.
* Birmingham to Cardiff: Off-peak fares have increased from £60 to £70.
National Rail defends the increases,citing rising operational costs,including energy prices and infrastructure maintenance.However, passenger advocacy groups argue that the hikes are excessive and disproportionately impact low-income families.
Protest Actions and Passenger Responses
Protests have been organized by several groups, including the Rail Passengers Alliance and the National Federation of Eid Travel Associations. Demonstrations have taken place at stations in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow, with protestors holding signs and chanting slogans demanding fare reductions.
Online, a petition calling for a reversal of the fare increases has garnered over 50,000 signatures in just one week. Social media platforms are flooded with complaints and calls for government intervention. Many passengers are now exploring choice travel options, such as long-distance buses and carpooling, despite the added inconvenience.
Impact on Eid Travel
Eid al-Adha is one of the most important holidays in the Muslim calendar, and millions of people traditionally travel long distances to celebrate with family and friends. The increased train fares are expected to significantly reduce the number of people able to afford train travel during the holiday period.
A recent survey conducted by the Eid Travel Survey Group indicates that 35% of respondents are planning to reduce or cancel their Eid travel plans due to the fare increases. This could have a ripple effect on local economies in towns and cities that rely on tourism during the holiday season.
Government and Rail Company Responses
The Department for Transport has acknowledged the public concern and has stated that it is “monitoring the situation closely.” However, no concrete measures have been announced to address the fare increases.
National Rail has offered a limited number of discounted tickets for families and seniors, but critics argue that this is insufficient to mitigate the impact of the overall price hikes. The company maintains that the fare increases are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the rail network.
Ancient Context: previous Fare Disputes
This isn’t the first time train fare increases have sparked public outcry. In 2022, a similar surge in prices led to widespread protests and a temporary suspension of some fare increases. The government eventually intervened, offering subsidies to rail operators to keep fares more affordable. This precedent has fueled expectations that similar action will be taken this year.
Alternative Travel Options and Cost Comparisons
Passengers are actively comparing the cost of train travel with other options:
* Long-Distance Buses: Generally 40-60% cheaper than train travel, but journey times are significantly longer.
* Carpooling: Can be a cost-effective option, especially for groups traveling together, but requires coordination and may involve fuel costs and parking fees.
* Flights: While potentially faster, flights are often more expensive than train travel, especially during peak season.
Tips for Travelers Facing Increased Fares
* Book in Advance: while not always possible, booking tickets well in advance can sometimes secure lower fares.
* Travel Off-Peak: Avoid traveling during peak hours (typically mornings and evenings) to take advantage of lower fares.
* Consider Split Ticketing: Splitting your journey into multiple tickets can sometimes be cheaper than buying a single through ticket. Websites like TrainSplit can help identify potential savings.
* Explore Railcards: Railcards offer discounts on train travel for eligible groups, such as seniors, students, and families.
* check for Promotions: Keep an eye out for special promotions and discounts offered by rail operators.
The Role of Infrastructure Investment
Experts point to the need for sustained investment in rail infrastructure