Argo Lawu Train
Argo Lawu or Sepur Harga Lawu is an executive and luxury class express train from PT Kereta Api Indonesia which connects Solo Balapan Station in Solo and Gambir Station in Jakarta. The train which is originally a former Solo Jaya train can deliver up to 400 passengers in one trip with 571 kilometers within 8.5 hours.The train belongs to the management of Operational Region (Daop) VI Yogyakarta and serves Solo – Jakarta trip, and vice versa, once a day. Throughout the journey between the two cities, Argo Lawu train will only stop at six stations other than the departure station and the arrival station. The stations are Klaten Station, Yogyakarta Station, Karanganyar Station, Purwokerto Station, Cirebon Station, and Jatinegara Station (Jakarta end-route only).
The morning train departs from Solo Balapan Station every day at 8 am. Meanwhile, the night train departs from Gambir Station in Jakarta every day at 8.15 pm.Argo Lawu train tickets are now available through the online reservation, including travel agents who become official partners of PT KAI. The ticket prices for online purchases usually ranges from Rp285,000.00 - Rp380,000.00 per passenger. The price depends on the seating position and the subclass of the train. The time of purchase and the traveling period also affect the ticket price as it tends to become more expensive when entering the holiday season. For a closer distance trip which is to stopover stations, for example, Solo Balapan Station to Cirebon Kejaksan Station route, the ticket price is lower (between Rp215,000.00 - Rp285,000.00 per passenger).
The passengers of Argo Lawu train can enjoy the executive train facilities during the journey, such as air-conditioned carriages, LCD TVs, toilets, and a more comfortable seat that can be rotated with adjustable backrest. Each passenger seat is equipped with a footrest, a reading lamp, an electric socket, and a folding table. Passengers can enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains on Bumi Banyumas, Kali Serayu and Kali Progo along the way from Solo to Jakarta.
In addition to the executive class, Argo Lawu is also available in luxury class. This Argo Lawu luxury train has more complete facilities and a more luxurious interior than the executive class. The passenger capacity of the Argo Lawu luxury train is also less, so it will give you more privacy. The main facilities of the Argo Lawu luxury train include train seats that can be reclined up to 140 and 180 degrees, electric footrests, entertainment for each passenger seat, sockets, minibar to reading lights. The price of this Argo Lawu luxury train ticket starts from Rp. 750,000
Interesting Info about Argo Lawu Train
Name of Origin
The name of Argo Lawu train comes from Mount Lawu. Mount Lawu is a 3,245 meters mountain that located on the northeast side of Surakarta regency. The mountain is famous for having three peaks, namely Hargo Dumilah, which is the highest peak among the three, Hargo Dumiling, and Hargo Dalem. The word "argo/harga" represents the highest level of PT KAI’s train services.
Train History
Argo Lawu train was originally known as Solo Jaya train. The train was first launched with the tagline JSO 751 on September 21st, 1996. The tagline is an abbreviation of Jakarta - Solo, with 7 hours long trip, at the 51st celebration of the Independence Day of Indonesia. Originally, Argo Lawu train had a typical trapezoidal air conditioning shape, a lower window glass design, and a higher carriage position.
Train Series
The latest series of Argo Lawu train is the CC206 locomotive which is a modified version of the 1950s economic train series from PT INKA. This Bogie K8 train consists of one generator train, one dining car, one baggage car, and eight executive train carriages.
Argo Lawu Train in Pop Culture
Argo Lawu train is quite popular in pop culture after being an inspiration for Campursari songs. The song titled "Sepur Argo Lawu" was created by Cak Diqin, a Campursari singer, and songwriter from Banyuwangi. He also mentions Dwipangga train, Argo Wilis train, Argo Muria train, Argo Bromo Anggrek train, and Sri Tanjung train on its lyric.
