Jakarta Transport

Jakarta’s local airport is Soekarno Hatta International Airport, located 20kms west of the centre of town. As Indonesia’s main airport, flights from all across the country, Asia and most major international destinations are serviced in the two terminals.

Soekarna Hatta International Airport has two terminals, one for domestic flights and one for international flights. A free shuttle bus connects the two terminals. Terminal 1 is the domestic terminal and is equipped with banks, currency exchange kiosks and a post office. Terminal 2, the international terminal, has ATMs, banks, currency exchange kiosks, a post office and 24-hour fax and telex services.

Both terminals have dozens of options for eating, drinking and shopping. Information desks can be found in both terminals, and there is a convenient 24-hour tourist information desk in Terminal 2 (tel: +62 21 550 5179).

There are only a couple of transport options to get from the airport to your destination in Jakarta. The DAMRI shuttle bus runs between the terminals and downtown Jakarta, stopping at Rawamangun, Gambir, Blok M/Kebayoran, Bekasi, Depok and Bogor. This shuttle takes about an hour to reach downtown Jakarta, but it’s cheap and easy to use. Taxis are also available for hire at special taxi counters in the Arrivals area and take around 40 minutes to reach the city. A new light rail train link will connect the airport to the city centre in 2009.

Since Jakarta is located on the island of Java, nearly every visitor arrives by plane. However, if you are already in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia or a neighbouring country, it is possible to get to Jakarta by boat, train or bus. The capital has four train stations run by the state operator PT Kereta Api at Kota, Gambir, Pasar Senen and Tanah Abang. Most travellers arriving from another city on Java will disembark at Gambir Station, which can be found on Merdeka square, right in the heart of the city.

Dozens of bus companies operate between Jakarta and other cities around Java. The most popular and reliable are Kramat Djati and Safari Dharma Raya, both of which operate out of all four of the capital’s bus terminals. Express motorways connect Jakarta with the other large cities on the island, but driving conditions on some routes on Java can be bad. Driving your own car is not recommended, but is an option.

Once in Jakarta, visitors will find a wide range of colourful transport options, ranging from minibuses to motorised rickshaws. Unless you are exploring the old town of Batavia, you will need transport to get around this sprawling, congested metropolis. Fortunately, the city is currently undergoing a major public transportation overhaul. A new bus network and innovative monorail system is in progress and should be fully operational by 2008.

The public bus network has improved greatly in the past few years, with new dedicated bus lanes making travel much easier in the city. There are seven special bus corridors which service nearly all of the city’s districts, but if you need an easier option, try the ubiquitous minibuses which follow more localised routes.

Motorised rickshaws called bajaj can be found on every corner, offering a very cheap but potentially dangerous way to get around. Taxis are also readily available, but it’s better to call for one instead of hailing one on the street, where you’re more likely to get overcharged. Given the constant congestion and overcrowded public transport in Jakarta, most travellers find taxis the best way to go.