Overview
Jakarta's public transport system consists of several integrated networks serving the capital and surrounding Greater Jakarta area. The system is designed around integrated ticketing, meaning you can use a single payment method across trains, buses, and trams. As a visitor, you'll primarily use the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) for faster trips through central Jakarta, the TransJakarta Bus system for wider city coverage, the commuter rail (KRL) for trips to surrounding areas, and the LRT (Light Rapid Transit) for connections to satellite cities. Payment is straightforward via e-money cards or single-trip tickets purchased at stations or machines.
The network
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT Jakarta)
The Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit (Moda Raya Terpadu Jakarta) system, operated by PT Mass Rapid Transit Jakarta (Perseroda), currently has one line partially operational. The MRT North-South Line runs from Lebak Bulus Station in South Jakarta to Bundaran HI Station in the city centre, covering 13 stations. The first phase of this line was officially opened on 24 March 2019. A second phase extending northward from Bundaran HI toward Kota Tua is under construction and was originally expected to be completed in 2024 but is believed to be delayed until 2025. The MRT is the most reliable option for schedule adherence and passes through main business districts along Sudirman and Thamrin.
Light Rapid Transit (LRT)
The LRT system serves satellite cities outside central Jakarta. The network includes the Bekasi line, the Cibubur line (which connects to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah cultural attraction), and the Jakarta/Kelapa Gading line. These lines significantly reduce commute times from suburbs—what once took over two hours by car or bus now takes 30–45 minutes—though the LRT has lower capacity and speed than the MRT, and users report occasional delays and low service frequency.
Commuter Rail (KRL Commuterline)
The KRL Commuterline network connects Jakarta with outlying suburbs and cities in Greater Jakarta such as Bekasi, Depok, Tangerang, Bogor, and Rangkasbitung. This rail system is operated by the national railway operator and offers a cost-effective way to reach areas beyond the MRT and LRT networks. Major stations include Jakarta Kota (the historic 1929 terminus used mainly for local and regional trains), Gambir and Pasar Senen (main stations for long-distance trains), Halim (terminus for high-speed trains), and Jatinegara (in East Jakarta).
TransJakarta Bus (BRT)
The TransJakarta Bus Rapid Transit system operates 14 corridors with dedicated bus lanes separate from general traffic. Feeder services called MikroTrans and RoyalTrans connect passengers to the main corridors. The standard BRT fare is very affordable, and transfers between corridors incur no additional charge. Note that real-time schedules can be unreliable due to traffic conditions, so allow extra time for longer journeys.
Ferries
Passenger ferry services operate from Jakarta to destinations across the Indonesian archipelago. The main ferry terminal is Tanjung Priok port in North Jakarta. Smaller speedboats, particularly to and from the Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu), depart from Ancol and Muara Angke, also on Jakarta's north shore. These services are operated by national ferry companies such as ASDP Indonesia Ferry and Pelni.
Tickets & fares
Integrated Ticketing System
Jakarta's public transport network features integrated ticketing across all modes. You can use one payment method to travel on the MRT, LRT, KRL commuter trains, TransJakarta buses, and feeder services. Payment is made via e-money cards or single-trip/multi-trip tickets purchased at station vending machines or ticket counters.
E-Money Cards
E-money cards are widely available for purchase at ticket machines, convenience stores, banks, and via digital payment apps. These rechargeable cards simplify payment across all transport modes and are essential for using MikroTrans feeder services, which are free to use if you tap in and out with an e-money card.
Fares by Mode
Fares vary by distance and mode of transport:
- MRT: Approximately IDR 4,000–14,000 (distance-based)
- LRT: Approximately IDR 5,000–25,000 (distance-based)
- TransJakarta BRT: IDR 3,500 per ride, with no extra charge for transfers between corridors
- MikroTrans feeder services: Free with e-money card tap-in/out
- RoyalTrans premium service: IDR 20,000–35,000
- KRL commuter trains: Fares vary by distance and service class
Note that fares are approximate and subject to change. Current fares and exact fare tables are best confirmed at station ticket counters or via the official operator websites.
Tourist Passes
The sources do not provide information about dedicated tourist passes or multi-day travel cards for visitors. It is advisable to inquire at major stations or airport information desks about any visitor packages that may be available.
From the airport
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is located 20 km northwest of the city in the neighbouring city of Tangerang and handles most commercial flights. Several public transport options connect the airport to central Jakarta:
- KAI Commuter's Soekarno–Hatta Airport Commuter Line: Operates direct service from the airport to downtown for IDR 70,000. This is a reliable option with scheduled service.
- DAMRI buses: Operate services to various major transportation hubs including trains and other buses throughout the day. Fares are reported at up to IDR 50,000.
- JAConnexion buses: Serve a number of hotels and shopping malls within the metro area for up to IDR 50,000.
- Hotel shuttles: Many hotels offer complimentary or discounted shuttle services from the airport.
- Taxi and ride-hailing: Conventional and online taxis are available, but expect higher charges during rush hours (avoid if possible as fares can exceed IDR 300,000).
A dedicated tollway connects the airport to the city and typically takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (HLP)
Halim Perdanakusuma Airport is a smaller facility much closer to the city in East Jakarta and serves domestic scheduled flights. DAMRI operates bus services from this airport to Rawamangun Bus Terminal, Pulogebang, Gambir Station, Bekasi, Depok, Bogor's Botany Square, and Soekarno Hatta Airport. Taxi services are also available but should be avoided if using pre-arranged services within the airport area due to potential overcharging.
Etiquette & customs
Observing local transport customs helps ensure a smooth and respectful journey:
- Queuing: Queue politely when waiting to board buses, trains, and ferries. Priority is given to the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
- Priority and courtesy seating: Seats near the doors or marked as priority seating are reserved for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and parents with small children. Vacate these seats immediately if someone in these categories boards.
- Rush-hour behaviour: Expect crowded conditions during peak hours (typically 06:00–09:00 and 16:00–20:00). Be patient and considerate of other passengers, and hold tight to handrails.
- Eating and drinking: Food and beverages are generally permitted on public transport, though it is considerate to avoid strong-smelling foods and to dispose of rubbish properly in designated bins.
- Escalators: When using escalators, stand on the left side to allow others to walk past on the right (though this convention may vary—observe local behaviour).
- Noise and behaviour: Keep noise levels low on trains and buses, avoid loud phone conversations, and be mindful of other passengers' personal space in crowded conditions.
Official links
Survival terms
- Moda Raya Terpadu (MRT) – Mass Rapid Transit / metro
- Tiket – Ticket
- Jalur – Line
- Pintu masuk – Entrance
- Pintu keluar – Exit
- Pindah – Transfer
- Tarif sekali jalan – Single fare
- Kartu e-money – E-money card
- Stasiun – Station
Download a maps application with offline capability before your trip, as it will help you navigate Jakarta's complex public transport network without relying on mobile data.