Getting Around
Travel across Jakarta often requires a combination of many forms of transport. Commonly used is the TransJakarta, a modern bus system that is allocated special street lanes to circumnavigate the often hectic traffic in the city centre. These buses are cheap and plentiful, though going long distances can become confusing when transferring. Other bus lines are more crowded and less safe and do not run on a fixed schedule.
Taxis are abundant but can be expensive for longer rides. Blue Bird taxis are the most trusted, though there are many impostors with questionable reputations. The city's traffic and many narrow street lanes are better suited for ojeks, also known as motorbike taxis. Three-wheeled vehicles known as bajaj are also popular for shorter trips, though passengers should be sure to bargain with both ojek and bajaj drivers before accepting rides.
Jakarta is a difficult city to navigate through and unfortunately, as it lacks a coherent city centre, attractions are spread quite far apart. For this reason walking is not really an option when sightseeing. Crime is also a problem so, if visitors are walking from place to place, they should be conscious of their possessions and ensure that they are difficult to access for pickpockets. It is best to leave valuables in hotel safes when possible.
Airports
Jakarta International Airport
The airport is situated 12 miles (20km) northwest of Jakarta.
Jakarta International Airport (CGK)
Location
The airport is situated 12 miles (20km) northwest of Jakarta.Getting to the city
Shuttle buses run hourly to the city centre and various other destinations in and around Jakarta until about 11pm. The bus that terminates at Gambir Station passes through the city centre. Taxis are metered and will be more expensive as a single traveller, but about the same price if passengers are sharing with three or four people. Visitors should note that road tolls may be added to the fare.
Time
Local time is GMT +7.Car rental
Avis, Hertz and Europcar are represented at the airport, along with a number of local car rental companies.
Airport Taxis
Official taxi booths are located in the arrival terminal, where a host of unofficial taxi drivers also vie for business with varying prices. Depending on traffic, the 12-mile (20km) trip to the city centre will take between 30 and 45 minutes, but can be as long as an hour and a half if traffic is bad.
Transfer between terminals
A free bus connects the terminals.
Facilities
Facilities are limited but the airport is clean and the staff are friendly and efficient. There are shops, banks, bars and restaurants, and tourist information and hotel reservations at the airport. There are facilities for disabled travellers; passengers with special needs are advised to inform their airline in advance.
Parking
There are more than 2,000 parking bays at the airport, all within easy access of the terminals. Short and long stays available.