Argo Wilis Train
Argo Wilis train is an executive class train which belongs to Operational Region (Daop) II Bandung. This train connects Bandung and Surabaya through Bandung Station Hall and Gubeng Station. This 18-year-old train should travel 699 kilometers daily with an average speed of 70-100 kilometers per hour. It needs 11 hours 50 minutes to 12 hours to reach Surabaya from Bandung, and vice versa. During the trip, Argo Wilis train will only stop at nine transit stations, namely Cipeundeuy Station, Tasikmalaya Station, Banjar Station, Kroya Station, Kutoarjo Station, Yogyakarta Station, Solo Balapan Station, Madiun Station, and Jombang Station.
The train travels once a day, and it may carry 350 - 450 passengers in one trip. Thus, the average daily passengers can reach 700-900 people. This train departs from Bandung Station at 8.30 am and from Gubeng Station in Surabaya at 7 am.
The ticket price for Argo Wilis train is varied based on the train subclass, period of ticket reservation, and the train schedule. Tickets are available ranging from Rp345,000.00 to Rp460,000.00. For a shorter distance, such as from Surabaya to Solo or from Bandung to Kroya, the ticket prices are offered around Rp210,000.00 - Rp280,000.00 per passenger.
As an executive class train, Argo Wilis train provides full services to its passengers. The passenger carriage is equipped with a leather sofa seat that can be rotated with adjustable backrest that allow the passengers to sit more comfortably. There are armrests, reading lamps, folding tables, vomit bags, pillows, and blankets on each seat. Plus, on each side of the seat, there are two electric sockets that the passengers can use to charge their electronic device during the trip. Each passenger carriage is also equipped with air conditioning, LED TV, and toilet. The passengers can ask for food menu to the train attendant, both in passenger carriages and in the dining car.
Interesting Info about Argo Wilis Train
The Name of Origin
The word "Argo" in the train name is a brand image of the highest level of train service provided by PT KAI. Meanwhile, the word "Wilis" comes from the name of Mount Wilis. Mount Wilis is a volcano as high as 2199 meters above the sea level located in East Java. Its vast expanse area makes this mountain included in the territory of six regencies; they are Kediri, Tulungagung, Nganjuk, Madiun, Ponorogo, and Trenggalek.
The Train History
Argo Wilis train first operated on November 8th, 1998. Since its first launch, this train has been using the latest series of trains made by PT INKA. This train is the only executive class train that serves the line outside Jakarta. Thus, making the train as the icon of Surabaya – Bandung mean of transportation, and vice versa.
The Train Series
Argo Wilis train is currently operating using CC206 locomotive. The locomotive which is famous for being low-noise is followed by a series of one generator train, one dining car, and seven to nine executive class train carriages with a capacity of 50 passengers each.
Argo Wilis Train in Popular Culture
Argo Wilis train is one of the popular culture phenomenon. This train became the inspiration for a campursari song entitled "Sepur Argo Lawu." This song is composed by Cak Diqin, a singer and a songwriter from Banyuwangi. The song meant to be a funny love song and has mentioned the names of several trains on its lyric, one of which is Argo Wilis train.