The Sarangan Express Train, a business class service serving the Madiun-Surabaya Gubeng route, officially launched on February 6th, 2014 at Madiun Station. The name “Sarangan” itself is taken from the charm of Sarangan Lake which is located at the foot of Mount Lawu, Plaosan, Magetan, East Java.
This series of trains uses the Mutiara Selatan train formation and reaches several strategic stations, such as Nganjuk Station, Kertosono Station, Jombang Station, and Mojokerto Station, until finally ending at Surabaya Gubeng Station. Before the existence of the Sarangan Express Train, the Madiun-Surabaya route was served by 12 train services.
However, these trains only operate in the morning, afternoon, and evening. With the Sarangan Express Train launch, passengers have more travel options, connecting two main cities in East Java more efficiently.
Unfortunately, Sarangan Express Train can’t maintain its operational continuity. In 2016, this train was officially closed, due to a lack of interest from passengers, which caused revenues can’t be commensurate with operating costs.
One of the characteristics of the Sarangan Express Train is the business class which is the main attraction. This class doesn’t just provide an extra seat, but it’s a special travel experience with various superior facilities.
The business class on the Sarangan Express Train is designed to provide extra comfort to passengers. With limited capacity, passengers can enjoy a calmer and more exclusive atmosphere. Business class facilities create a different travel experience than any other class, making every trip a memorable moment.
Each Sarangan Express Train carriage is carefully designed to create a maximum layout to provide comfort to passengers. Neatly arranged business chairs provide enough space so that the passengers can sit comfortably.
Apart from that, one of the advantages of the Sarangan Express Train is the flexibility of seat directions. Passengers have the freedom to adjust the directions of a seat according to their wants. Passengers can adjust their seating position so that they can sit more comfortably along the trips.
Trips fares with Sarangan Express Train vary, with prices around IDR 50.000 to IDR 60.000 for trips from Surabaya to Madiun, or Madiun to Surabaya. Meanwhile, tickets for the Jombang to Surabaya route with the Sarangan Express Train can be obtained at prices around IDR 40.000 to IDR 45.000.
These are the following arrival and departure schedules for Train Number 144 (Madiun to Surabaya) and Train Number 143 (Surabaya to Madiun):
Station |
Arrive |
Depart |
Madiun |
- |
13.30 |
Nganjuk |
14.32 |
14.41 |
Kertosono |
15.03 |
15.07 |
Jombang |
15.23 |
15.26 |
Mojokerto |
15.47 |
15.50 |
Boharan |
16.12 |
16.20 |
Sepanjang |
16.29 |
16.43 |
Gubeng |
16.55 |
- |
Station |
Arrive |
Depart |
Surabaya Gubeng |
- |
09.35 |
Mojokerto |
10.14 |
10.17 |
Peterongan |
10.35 |
10.44 |
Jombang |
10.50 |
10.53 |
Kertosono |
11.08 |
11.13 |
Nganjuk |
11.34 |
11.43 |
Madiun |
12.37 |
- |
The Sarangan Express Train series consists of 6 business class trains (K2 BD) and 1 generator dining train (KMP2 BD). The Sarangan Express Train series comprises 6 business class trains (K2 BD) and 1 generator dining train (KMP2 BD).
The interior of the generator dining train provides seats for the train crew which includes the conductor, train engineers, security officers, and cleaning staff. In addition, this train is equipped with an additional mini kitchen space that train passengers can enjoy.
In one carriage, are 64 seats arranged in a 2-2 format. This arrangement provides enough space for each passenger, creating a more spacious and comfortable atmosphere.
The Sarangan Express Train for the Madiun to Surabaya route has an early departure schedule from Madiun Station at 13.30 WIB. Along the trips, this train crossed several important stations, including Nganjuk, Kertosono, Jombang, Mojokerto, Boharan, and Sepanjang, until finally arriving at Surabaya Gubeng Station at 16.55 WIB. Arrival time is scheduled well, ensuring regularity and comfort for passengers, along the trips.
Meanwhile, for the return trip, from Surabaya Gubeng to Madiun, the Sarangan Express Train has an early departure schedule at 09.35 WIB from Surabaya Gubeng Station. Along the trips, trains go through stations like Mojokerto, Peterpngan, Jombang, Kertosono, and Nganjuk, and finally arrive at Madiun Station at 12.37 WIB.