Getting Around Jakarta: A Practical Guide
Jakarta is a sprawling metropolis with diverse transportation options, though navigating the city can be challenging due to traffic congestion and heat. The public transport system has expanded significantly but remains underdeveloped compared to the city's size. Your choice of transport will depend on your destination, budget, and tolerance for crowded conditions.
Integrated Payment Systems
Jakarta's public transport network uses integrated ticketing, meaning you can travel across multiple modes with a single payment method. This makes getting around more convenient once you understand the payment options available.
- Jak Lingko Card: A dedicated transit card you can purchase and reload specifically for public transport
- Electronic Banking Cards: Several Indonesian banks issue cards accepted across the network, including BRIZZI (Bank BRI), TapCash (Bank BNI), e-Money (Bank Mandiri), Flazz (Bank BCA), and Jakcard (Bank Jakarta). These cards also work for toll road payments and parking
You can purchase electronic banking cards at bank branch offices or through e-commerce. To reload either card type, visit convenience stores (Indomaret, Alfamart, Alfamidi, Bright Store), e-Money card vending machines, ATMs, or use NFC-enabled mobile banking.
The Metro and Rail Network
Jakarta's rapid transit system consists of several interconnected rail networks that form the backbone of public transport:
- Jakarta MRT: Underground metro system serving central areas
- Jakarta LRT: Elevated light rail serving various parts of the city
- Jabodebek LRT: Light rail connecting Jakarta with surrounding cities including Bekasi, Bogor, and Depok
- KRL Commuterline: Commuter trains linking Jakarta with outlying suburbs and cities in Greater Jakarta such as Bekasi, Depok, Tangerang, Bogor, and Rangkasbitung
- Whoosh High-Speed Railway: A newly built high-speed rail line connecting Jakarta to Bandung with hourly service
- Soekarno-Hatta Airport Rail Link: Dedicated rail service connecting the main airport to downtown
The city is developing transit-oriented development (TOD) projects to facilitate easier transfers between different transport modes.
Long-Distance Train Travel
Jakarta has several major railway stations serving different types of service. The main stations for long-distance passenger trains are Gambir and Pasar Senen, both located in Central Jakarta and well-connected to public transport including the TransJakarta bus system.
Halim Station in East Jakarta serves as the terminus for the high-speed Whoosh trains connecting to Bandung, with onward connections available via Jabodebek LRT to the city center. Jakarta Kota, a historic colonial-era terminus, primarily handles local and regional trains. Jatinegara Station in East Jakarta serves trains from Eastern Java and connects to commuter trains heading to Jakarta Kota.
National operator Kereta Api runs multiple daily trains to cities across Java including Bandung, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta.
Bus and Busway Services
Buses are a major component of Jakarta's transport network and come in several forms:
- TransJakarta: A modern bus rapid transit (BRT) system with dedicated lanes and numerous corridors covering much of the city
- Minitrans and Metrotrans: City buses that have replaced older private bus systems
- Mikrotrans: Microbuses offering flexible routing
- Angkot: Traditional shared microbuses that play a major role in local transport, particularly in back streets
- Bajaj: Auto rickshaws available for local transportation in some parts of the city
For longer journeys, Jakarta has multiple bus terminals from which intercity buses depart. Pulo Gebang Bus Terminal is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia and serves routes to destinations across the northern coast of Java. Kampung Rambutan is the busiest terminal for intercity services, with routes across Banten and central and southern Java. Pulo Gadung and Rawamangun primarily serve routes to Merak, Sumatra, Bali, and Lombok. Lebak Bulus offers service to destinations in East Java. When buying intercity bus tickets, purchase directly from the bus company's booth to ensure fair pricing and clarity about your destination.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Traditional taxicabs operate throughout Jakarta. However, during rush hours, conventional taxi fares can exceed Rp300,000, making them expensive. Ride-hailing services are also available, though these can be similarly pricey during peak traffic times.
Motorcycle Taxis (Ojek)
Ojek motorcycle taxis are available throughout the city and offer a quick way to navigate congested streets, though this option requires comfort with motorcycle travel and understanding negotiated fares.
Walkability
Due to Jakarta's heat, chaotic streets, and sprawling layout, walking long distances is impractical for most visitors. The city is undertaking a project to expand bicycle lanes, with ongoing development of cycling infrastructure, though current coverage remains limited. Walking works best for short distances within specific neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Getting from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to the City
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) is located approximately 20 kilometers northwest of central Jakarta in neighboring Tangerang and handles most commercial flights. Several options exist for reaching the city:
- Airport Commuter Line: KAI Commuter's Soekarno-Hatta Airport Commuter Line runs between the airport and downtown for Rp70,000
- Airport Bus Services: DAMRI operates bus services to major transportation hubs including train stations and other bus terminals. JAConnexion buses serve hotels and shopping malls within the metro area for up to Rp50,000
- Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services from the airport
- Tollway Access: A dedicated tollway connects the airport to the city, with travel time typically ranging from 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic conditions
- Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Available but should be avoided during rush hours, as fares can be prohibitively expensive
Alternative Airport: Halim Perdanakusuma
Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (HLP) is smaller and located in East Jakarta, much closer to the city center. It handles domestic flights and serves military and private aviation. DAMRI buses operate from this airport to Rawamangun Bus Terminal, as well as to Pulogebang, Gambir Station, Bekasi, Depok, and Bogor. Taxi services operate here, though they should be booked outside the airport area for better rates.
Ferry and Boat Services
For travel to other parts of Indonesia, ferry services operate from Tanjung Priok, Jakarta's main seaport, which serves numerous connections across the archipelago. Smaller speedboats to the Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu) depart from Ancol and Muara Angke on the north shore.
Understanding Traffic Conditions
Jakarta experiences severe traffic congestion, with an 'odd-even' policy in effect on certain roads that restricts cars with odd-numbered or even-numbered registration plates on particular days. This is a transitional measure until electronic road pricing is fully implemented. Understanding these restrictions is important if you are considering car rental or private transportation options.