The train covers 720 kilometres (447 mi) in 8 hours and 5 minutes along Java's north coast, stopping at Bojonegoro, Semarang Tawang, Pekalongan, and Cirebon.

Its predecessor, the JS950 Argobromo, made the Jakarta–Surabaya run in about nine hours and was inaugurated on 31 July 1995 by the President of Indonesia, Suharto, ahead of the 50th anniversary of Indonesian Independence in 17 August (hence the JS950, for "Jakarta–Surabaya in nine hours, launched to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Indonesia's independence"[2]).

The difference between Argo Bromo Anggrek and the original JS950 Argobromo train service is the usage of a set of more sophisticated passenger coach with bolsterless bogies, which are made locally by Indonesian Railway Industry (INKA).

Although initially hailed as technological innovation of its day, even nicknamed as "747 on rail" by Tourism Minister Joop Ave, they were later downgraded in later years by having the disc brakes replaced with conventional brake shoes, and automatic doors replaced by manual ones due to poor maintenance, especially during and after the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and a derailment at Manggarai station in 2010.

[4] Argo Bromo Anggrek provides entertainment facilities during the journey in the form of audio-video (Show On Rail).