Key hubs
Jakarta airport and railway station
- Airport
- Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Tangerang, about 20 km north-west of Central Jakarta; allow well over an hour by road in traffic or use the airport rail link
- Railway station
- Gambir and Pasar Senen handle long-distance trains; Jakarta Kota serves the old town; Manggarai is the busiest commuter hub. No train service is needed for most visitors.
- Getting around
- Gojek and Grab (car and motorbike taxis), MRT between Lebak Bulus and Bundaran HI, TransJakarta BRT, commuter rail and LRT; a hired car with driver is easiest for families
How to reach Jakarta by air
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) is in Tangerang, about 20 km north-west of Central Jakarta; allow an hour or more by road depending on traffic. Wikipedia lists IndiGo flights from Mumbai; check airlines for current direct routes from India.
How to reach Jakarta by train
Long-distance trains use Gambir and Pasar Senen stations. Jakarta Kota serves the old town, and the busiest commuter hub is Manggarai. Most visitors do not need trains; the airport also has a rail link.
How to reach Jakarta by road
Jakarta is linked by toll roads to Bogor, Bandung and the rest of Java, but congestion is heavy at peak hours. Intercity buses and shared cars run to nearby cities; allow long travel times.
Getting around Jakarta
Ride-hailing with Gojek or Grab, an MRT line between Lebak Bulus and Bundaran HI, TransJakarta buses, commuter rail and LRT. A hired car with driver is easiest for families and older travellers.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Jakarta
- Plan one cluster per day; Jakarta's sights are far apart and traffic can double a short journey.
- Hire a car with a driver or use a ride-hailing app rather than public transport if mobility is limited.
- Carry travel insurance and know the nearest major hospital to your hotel; ask your hotel to recommend one.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.