The predecessor of Prameks was known as
Kuda Putih (the
White Horse train in English), as there were two horses used as decoration above of the driver's window. The train had been operating from 1963 to 1980. It was one of the first
diesel multiple unit (DMU) ever operated in Indonesia. Because of a lack of spare parts, the service was terminated in 1980s. Due to the increasing demand from commuters, the rail service was relaunched as
Prameks train on 20 May 1994, connects Solo and Yogyakarta. The train consists of four business class passenger cars hauled by a
diesel locomotive. In response to intense enthusiasm for the service, executive class cars were added. The train was replaced by
diesel multiple units manufactured by
Nippon Sharyo, Japan. In 2006, the
diesel-electric multiple units (DMUs) made by PT Inka Madiun was introduced to support Prameks. Citing the higher enthusiasm of passengers using this train, in 2007 Prameks began opening the Yogyakarta-Kutoarjo-Solo (and vice versa) route. The route is served by three sets of diesel-electric multiple units (DMUs) and five sets of diesel multiple units (DMUs). While Prambanan Express still serving Yogyakarta, Kutoarjo, and Solo, the train is a mainstay of public transport for the community in these three cities. It was popular among daily commuters as well as tourists who visit this area known as center for
Javanese culture and heritage. It was served over 20 trips from Solo to Yogyakarta (and vice versa) at total. Starting October 2020, the operations of
Prambanan Express, previously managed by KAI, were transferred to KAI Commuter after obtaining the operation permit from Ministry of Transportation on 3 June 2020. As the
Surakarta–Yogyakarta railway line is electrified,
Prambanan Express operations is replaced by the KRL Commuterline Yogyakarta–Solo starting from 10 February 2021. As a consequence, Prameks route is shortened from previously Solo Balapan-Kutoarjo into Yogyakarta-Kutoarjo vice-versa. ==Route and fare==