Getting Around In Jakarta: Your Ultimate Transport Guide

Jakarta is a lively city where old traditions and modern life mix together. Your day might start with the smell of street food like nasi uduk or gorengan, sold by friendly vendors. As the day goes on, you’ll see tall buildings, big malls, and older areas like Kota Tua with colonial charm and local warungs. At night, the city stays busy with glowing mosques, night markets, and the buzz of motorbikes.

Jakarta shows Indonesia’s rich culture through its food, people, and places. Even with the traffic and noise, the city feels warm and welcoming—full of life, energy, and stories to explore.

Getting Around In Jakarta

A Local Traveler's View

When our family arrived in Jakarta for a short holiday, I was a bit worried about the traffic, like most people, I’d heard the usual stories. But honestly, I was surprised! Getting around Jakarta is now much easier than I expected.

The city has many transport options: the MRT is clean and on time, TransJakarta buses are cheap and have special lanes, and we often used Grab or Gojek to get around quickly. Some areas like Kota Tua are also nice for walking—just check the weather in Jakarta before heading out! ☀️🌧️

Jakarta more organized now. MRT stations are modern, and most places are easy to reach. Whether you're traveling with kids or on your own, it’s quite family-friendly if you plan a little.In this guide, I’ll share what worked best for us: how to use public transport, which apps to download, and what kind of transport fits your trip from sightseeing to food hunting

🚇 Getting Around Jakarta by MRT

🗺️ System Overview

MRT Jakarta is the city’s first modern subway line, running North–South between the downtown area and South Jakarta.

🛤️ Line Name: North–South Line (Lebak Bulus – Bundaran HI)
🚉 Stations: 13 stations total
⏱️ Travel time end-to-end: Around 30 minutes
💳 Fares: Start from Rp 3.000 – Rp 14.000 (under S$1)

📌 Key Stops for Travelers

Bundaran HI 🏙️
Right in the city center, near Plaza Indonesia and Grand Indonesia malls.
Dukuh Atas 🚆
Good for transfers to Commuter Line (KRL) or Airport Rail.
Blok M 🛍️
Shopping, local food, and a lively night scene.
Senayan 🏟️
Near GBK Stadium, Senayan City, and FX Sudirman mall.
Lebak Bulus Grab 🛫
Southernmost station. You’ll find park & ride here too.

💳 Tickets, Cards, and How to Pay

🕒 Operating Hours

⏲️ Trains run every 5–10 minutes

⚠️ Tips to Know

🚫 Avoid rush hour (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) if you prefer a quieter ride
💳 Tap in and out using your card or ticket
🛗 Stations are equipped with escalators, lifts, and clear signage
🧳 You can bring small luggage or strollers—family-friendly 👶

🚇 Getting Around Jakarta by LRT Jabodabek (KAI)

🗺️ System Overview

This is a light rail system operated by KAI (Indonesia’s national railway company), connecting Jakarta with suburbs like Bekasi, Cibubur, and Depok. It runs on elevated tracks, is fully electric, and has no driver (driverless system).

🛤️ Lines:

Cibubur Line: Dukuh Atas ↔ Harjamukti
Bekasi Line: Dukuh Atas ↔ Jatimulya
Loop Line (planned in next phase)

🚉 Stations: 18 total
⏱️ Travel time: ~40–50 minutes end-to-end
💳 Fares: Rp 5.000–20.000 depending on distance

📌 Key Stops for Travelers (LRT Jabodebek)

🚉 Dukuh Atas
Main hub in central Jakarta. Easy transfers to MRT, KRL, and airport train. Great for hotel stays and access to malls like Grand Indonesia.
🚌 Cawang
Good for connecting to TransJakarta buses and other train lines. Near toll roads and offices—useful for business travelers.
🎢 Harjamukti (Cibubur)
End station in East Jakarta. Close to Trans Studio Mall Cibubur and peaceful suburban areas.
🏘️ Jatimulya (Bekasi)
Best for those staying in Bekasi Timur. Quiet area, mostly residential.

💳 Tickets, Cards, and How to Pay

🕒 Operating Hours

Daily: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

⏲️ Trains run every 10 minutes during peak, every 20 minutes off-peak

⚠️ Tips for Know

🚫 Avoid rush hour (especially 6:30–9 AM & 4:30–7 PM on weekdays)
📱 Use the JakLingko app to check routes and fares
🧳 Great for commuters staying in Bekasi or Depok
🛗 All stations have lifts and escalators – suitable for families or seniors
🌐 Wi-Fi not guaranteed, bring a local SIM/eSIM for data

🧭 Is It Useful for Tourists?

Mostly for those staying in suburbs like Bekasi, Cibubur, or Depok, or for business travelers heading to Jakarta from those regions. If you're staying in central Jakarta, MRT or TransJakarta might be more convenient for daily sightseeing.

🚇 Getting Around Jakarta by KRL Jabodetabek

🗺️ System Overview

If you’re exploring Jakarta and nearby cities like Bogor or Depok, the KRL Commuter Line is a practical and affordable way to move around especially for solo travelers or those on a mid-range budget. It may not be as modern or seamless but it covers a wide area and gets the job done.

🛤️Lines

Operator: KAI Commuter (a subsidiary of Indonesia’s national railway, KAI)
Coverage: Connects Jakarta with suburbs like Bogor, Bekasi, Depok, Tangerang, and Serpong.
Lines: 7 main lines, color-coded (e.g., Red Line, Yellow Line, Blue Line)
Trains: Regular commuter trains (no express version). Air-conditioned, with basic comfort.

📍 Key Tourist Stops

🏛️ Jakarta Kota — Old Batavia & Kota Tua Museum area
🕌 Gambir / Juanda — Near Monas, Istiqlal Mosque & Cathedral
🔄 Manggarai — Major transfer hub; future connection to airport rail link
🌿 Bogor — End-of-line city with cooler weather & botanical gardens
🛍️ Tanah Abang — Popular wholesale shopping heaven

💳 Tickets, Cards, and How to Pay

🕒 Operating Hours & Frequency

✅ Pros & Ideal Users

💰 Very affordable: Flat fares starting from Rp 3.000–Rp 7.000
❄️ Air-conditioned trains (no Wi-Fi)
🧭 Good for solo or budget travelers exploring outer areas like Bogor or Depok
💼 Popular with locals for daily commuting

KRL is less polished, but more expansive geographically. Expect older carriages and denser crowds especially during peak times.

⚠️ Tips or Watch-Outs

🚫 Avoid rush hours (7–9 AM & 5–7 PM)—trains can be very crowded
📱 Use apps like KRL Access to check train schedules and platform info
🧭 Most signage is in Bahasa Indonesia, but basic English is available at major stations
👥 Women-only carriages are available at the front and back—marked clearly

🚌 Buses & Airport Shuttles in Jakarta

(Source: majalahlintas.com)

Jakarta’s system may feel a bit more chaotic but once you get the hang of it, buses here can be a budget-friendly and surprisingly scenic way to explore the city. 🚍

🚌 Local Bus System Overview

Jakarta's main public bus system is called TransJakarta (TJ), and it’s the largest BRT (bus rapid transit) system in the world.

🔹 It operates on dedicated bus lanes (like an above-ground MRT!) 🚏
🔹 Coverage spans the entire Jakarta metro area, reaching suburbs like Depok, Bekasi, and Tangerang.
🔹 Locals use it daily, but it’s also great for tourists especially if you're staying within central Jakarta.

📍 When & Where to Use the Bus

Use TransJakarta to reach areas not covered by MRT or LRT, such as:

Ancol Dreamland (for beaches, aquarium, Dufan amusement park 🎢)
Kota Tua (Old Town museums, colonial buildings 🎨)
Blok M (shopping, cafes, night scene 🛍️)

Great for a budget-friendly city tour along Sudirman–Thamrin road (Jakarta’s business heart)

💳 How to Pay & Ride

🕒 Timings & Frequency

✈️ Airport Shuttle Options

From Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), you can take:

🧳 Great for: Late arrivals, family travelers with kids or luggage, or if you’re staying far from any station.

✅ Pros & Who It’s Good For

Budget travelers: Fares start from just Rp 3.500 (~S$0.30)
Urban explorers: See local life and hidden neighborhoods
Eco-conscious: TransJakarta uses many electric buses ⚡

⚠️ Watch-Outs

⏳ Buses can be delayed during heavy traffic, especially outside the BRT system
🈲 Signage is mostly in Bahasa Indonesia—but Google Maps works surprisingly well
🔄 Some bus routes and transfers can feel confusing—ask locals or use the TransJakarta app

🚕 Taxis & Ride-Hailing in Jakarta

(Source: inanews.co.id)

If you're visiting Jakarta and prefer the comfort of private transport (especially in unpredictable weather or with kids in tow), taxis and ride-hailing apps are your best friends. Here’s what I learned from my own trip:

🚖 Availability & Reputation

🔹 Taxis are common in malls, hotels, and airports. The most trusted brand is Blue Bird, known for honesty, working meters, and professional drivers. Avoid random street taxis, as they can be hit-or-miss.
🔹 Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are far more popular among locals and tourists alike. You’ll get upfront pricing, multiple vehicle options (car, bike, XL van), and no need to negotiate.
🔹 Most locals now prefer ride-hailing apps due to transparency and convenience.

📱 Popular Ride-Hailing Apps

📲 Download via App Store or Google Play. Set your pickup point clearly—sometimes the pin drops in the wrong place, especially in malls or hotels.

🛬 Airport Pickup Info

🔹 Official taxi ranks (Blue Bird, Express) are right outside all terminals—follow signage.
🔹 Ride-hailing pickup areas (Grab/Gojek) are designated in Terminal 2 & 3, usually a short walk from arrivals.
🔹 Expect an airport surcharge (~Rp 15,000) added to ride-hailing pickups.

✅ Best For These Travelers

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with kids: Safer and more comfortable than buses
🎒 Solo or first-time visitors: Less stress than negotiating fares
🧳 Luggage-heavy travelers: GrabCar XL fits large bags
🌙 Late-night arrivals: Safer than public transport after 10 PM

⚠️ Things to Watch Out For

❗ Beware of taxis claiming their meter is broken—insist on Blue Bird or switch to Grab.
🕒 Ride-hailing delays during rainstorms or peak hours (7–9 AM & 5–7 PM).
🚫 Ignore touts who approach you at airports or malls—they often overcharge.

🚶 Walking & Exploring on Foot in Jakarta: What to Expect

(Source: kompas.id)

If you’re used to walking around cities like Bandung or Jogja, exploring Jakarta on foot might feel a bit different but still doable, especially in well-planned areas. It’s a city of contrasts: some parts are pleasantly walkable, while others are better navigated by car or MRT. That said, if you pick the right spots, you can enjoy Jakarta one step at a time. 👣

🚶 Is Jakarta Walkable?

Somewhat—but it depends on the area.
Jakarta isn’t the most pedestrian-friendly city overall, but tourist-friendly zones like:

Kota Tua 🏛️ (Old Town): cobbled streets, museums, and heritage buildings
Menteng 🌳: leafy, quiet neighborhood with walkable sidewalks
SCBD & Sudirman area 🏙️: modern district with wide pavements and MRT access
Ancol Beach City 🌊: spacious paths and sea breeze—perfect for sunset walks are ideal for slow exploration.

🛣️ Sidewalks, Crossings & Navigation

🔹 Sidewalks have improved in the last few years (especially in Sudirman and Thamrin), but in many areas, they’re still narrow, uneven, or blocked by parked motorbikes.
🔹 Zebra crossings exist but not all drivers stop—use overhead crossings or underpasses when possible.
🔹 Wheelchair/stroller access is hit or miss outside of malls or MRT-connected areas.

🗺️ Maps, Signage & Safety

🌦️ Weather Considerations

Jakarta is hot and humid year-round 🌤️, with sudden rain showers—especially from November to March.
Carry an umbrella or rain poncho and avoid walking long distances between 12–3 PM when it’s hottest.

Check the weather in Jakarta before heading out, especially during the rainy season.

📸 Scenic Walks or Hidden Gems

Looking for a scenic stroll? Try:

🏞️ Cikini to Taman Menteng: green, charming, and artistic
🚶‍♀️ Kota Tua in the late afternoon: perfect for golden hour photos
🌃 Thamrin-Sudirman pedestrian route: best at night, with city lights and local food trucks nearby
🛍️ Blok M & M Bloc: hipster vibes, murals, and cafes—all walkable

✅ Who It’s Great For

⚠️ What to Watch Out For

🚧 Construction zones that block sidewalks (common in CBD)
🥵 Lack of shade or benches on long streets
🚨 Crossing roads in busy non-central areas—cars may not stop

🛺 Getting Around Jakarta in a Bajaj

(Source: dprd-dkijakartaprov.go.id)

🚋 What Is It & Where to Find It?

The bajaj is Jakarta’s version of the tuk-tuk—small, loud, and undeniably charming. While newer models run on gas (less smoky!), the traditional ones still chug through quieter streets.

📍 You’ll mostly spot bajaj around:

Kota Tua (Old Town) 🏛️
Glodok (Chinatown) 🥡
Markets and older neighborhoods (like Pasar Baru or Tanah Abang)

They aren’t allowed on big roads like Sudirman or Thamrin, but they rule the side streets!

💰 Cost & How to Ride

🪙 Fare: Usually starts from Rp10,000–30,000 for short distances.
💬 Negotiation is expected—there’s no meter, so agree on a price before you hop in.
🙋‍♂️ Just flag one down on the street, or ask a hotel/security guard to help you find a reliable one.

👉 Locals pay less, so expect slightly higher fares as a tourist—but it’s all part of the charm!

🎯 When It’s Worth Trying

🚦 Stuck in traffic? A bajaj can weave through tight streets like magic.
📷 Want a fun photo op? This is the ride!
🧭 Exploring Kota Tua or Glodok? Bajaj is perfect for short hops.

It’s not ideal for long rides or if you're lugging big suitcases—but great for light, spontaneous detours.

⚠️ Things to Watch Out For

💵 Always confirm the fare before you ride. Some drivers might overquote, especially in tourist zones.
🪑 No seatbelts, and it can get bumpy—hang on to your bag!
🚫 Avoid bajaj rides during heavy rain (there’s splash potential from the open sides!).

✅ Who It’s Great For

✅ Solo explorers or curious couples
✅ Culture hunters who want to feel “like a local”
❌ Not ideal for families with toddlers or travelers with big luggage

📸 Cultural Notes & Fun Factor

🎶 The engine sound is a big part of the experience—don’t be surprised if you can’t hear your phone!
🏙️ Riding a bajaj gives you a real slice of street life: the scent of sate bakar, the view of warungs, and the buzz of Jakarta’s everyday scenes.

🚤 Getting Around by Water in Jakarta: Boats, Ferries & River Cruises

While Jakarta is known for its traffic jams, fewer travelers realize it also has a growing water transport scene perfect if you’re looking for an alternative route or a scenic way to explore the city. Think fewer horns, more breezes! 🌊⛴️

⛴️ What’s Available

Jakarta’s main water transport services include:

🔹 Jakarta River Tour (Wisata Bahari) – Operated by Jakarta Tourism Office, more for sightseeing
🔹 Private speedboat services – Going to the Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu)

🗺️ Where It Goes

Ancol Marina Pier – The main hub for boats heading to the Thousand Islands 🌴
Sunda Kelapa Port – Great for photos of old wooden schooners (pinisi boats) 🚢
Kali Adem / Muara Angke – Boats depart here to Pulau Tidung, Pulau Harapan, and others
Kali Besar (Kota Tua) – Site of occasional Jakarta River Tours past heritage buildings 🏛️

Some routes are short and scenic, while others are long-haul trips to offshore island getaways, a nice break from the city buzz.

💸 Tickets & How to Ride

🎟️ Water bus & river tour: Free or very affordable (Rp 0–Rp 5,000). First-come-first-serve, no online booking.
🚤 Boats to islands: Around Rp 50,000–150,000 (public), or Rp 300,000+ for private speedboats.
💳 Payment: Usually cash only, though some island operators accept transfer. Buy tickets at the pier.

Tip: For Thousand Islands, book a day in advance via local agents or your hotel concierge.

🕒 Timings & Frequency

🎯 Who It’s Best For

✅ Sightseers & slow travelers – Relax and take in Jakarta’s riverside heritage.
✅ Island hoppers – Pulau Macan or Pulau Tidung make a great day or weekend escape!

⚠️ Watch-Outs or Considerations

🌧️ Rainy days = fewer boats and cancellations
🪜 Boat access can be steep—not great for elderly or strollers
😎 Bring sunblock & water—many boats are open-air
📵 Mobile signal may be weak on outer islands

🛵 Getting Around Jakarta on Two Wheels: Motorbike Taxis

🛵 What’s Available

🔹 Gojek and Grab dominate the motorbike taxi scene—both offer motorbike rides (“GoRide” and “GrabBike”) via their apps.
🔹 Informal “ojek pangkalan” (bike stands) still exist but usually charge higher and don’t use meters or apps.
🔹 E-scooters & shared bikes are rare and not widely adopted in Jakarta’s core.

📍 Where to Find Them

🚉 Outside train/MRT/LRT stations
🏬 At mall entrances or busy intersections
📱 Or, call one via app from anywhere (most rides come in 2–5 minutes)

There are no fixed pickup zones. Just drop your pin and wait nearby!

📲 How to Use Ride-Hailing Apps

🛡️ Safety Tips

✅ Helmet provided by all licensed riders—don’t ride without one!
✅ Hold the rear handles or the driver’s jacket strap
👖 Wear pants or long skirts to avoid wind discomfort
🛑 Traffic can be aggressive—expect fast turns and bumpy lanes

✅ Ideal For

🔹 Beating traffic during rush hour
🔹 Short trips between nearby attractions
🔹 Solo travelers or commuters without heavy luggage

⚠️ What to Watch Out For

🌧️ Not ideal in rain—bring a poncho or switch to GrabCar
📈 Surge pricing applies during peak times or rain
💼 Not suitable with large bags, kids, or if you’re not confident on bikes

🚗 Renting a Car & Driving in Jakarta

Thinking about driving in Jakarta? Jakarta’s roads may feel a little chaotic at first. Still, car rentals make sense in some cases especially if you’re planning day trips outside the city 🚘🛣️

🚘 When It Makes Sense to Drive

Driving in Jakarta is not recommended for first-time visitors staying only in the city center. Traffic is dense, parking is tricky, and roads can feel unpredictable.
However, it can be a good choice if:

🔹 You're traveling with kids or elderly family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
🔹 You want to explore areas like Puncak, Bogor, or Bandung at your own pace 🏞️
🔹 You're staying long-term or in the suburbs

📍 Where to Rent a Car

🔹 Soekarno-Hatta Airport (CGK) has rental counters from trusted brands
🔹 Major city outlets in areas like Sudirman, Kuningan, and Kemang
🔹 Online platforms like Trip.com car rentals are convenient for price comparisons and advance bookings

📄 Requirements for Tourists:

💸 Cost Overview

🛣️ Driving Conditions & Culture

🔹 Righ-hand driving
🔹 GPS/Google Maps is fairly accurate, but some streets can be mislabeled or one-way
🔹 Expect motorcycles weaving through traffic, unexpected lane cuts, and heavy congestion, especially during peak hours
🔹 Road signs are mostly in Bahasa Indonesia, but icon-based signage is intuitive

⚠️ What to Watch Out For

🚫 Narrow city alleys, sudden road closures, or local driving quirks
🅿️ Parking can be limited in central Jakarta. Always ask hotels or venues if they have parking
❗Beware of odd-even license plate restrictions (ganjil-genap)—this limits which cars can drive on major roads during certain times

Jakarta on the Move: Smart Ways to Travel the City

Getting around Jakarta is truly part of the adventure. From the speedy MRT to the charming bajaj rides and ever-reliable Gojek, the city’s transport mix reflects its energy, a little unpredictable, but always rewarding. Sure, you’ll face some traffic and the occasional confusing sign, but that’s all part of the local flavor!

🎯 The best way to explore? Mix and match! Try the MRT for smooth city hops, hop on a Transjakarta bus for budget-friendly routes, or grab a ride-hailing app when comfort matters. Having mobile data makes it all easier—check out the [best eSIM for Indonesia] 📶 before you go.

Ready to plan more? Explore:

✈️ [Jakarta airport transfers]
🚗 [Car rentals in Jakarta]
🏨 [Where to stay in Jakarta]
📍 [Things to do in Jakarta]

Selamat jalan—enjoy the ride! 🛵🗺️