How to Get Around Jakarta

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Getting Around Jakarta

Jakarta is easy to navigate, but if you can’t walk to your destination then there are plenty of other options.

I know how daunting and crowded a metropolis like Jakarta can be but don’t worry, I will help to get the most of your trip by providing the best information about how to get around Jakarta, the local transits routes, and stops.

Bus (Transjakarta)

Buses traverse almost the entire Jakarta and can take you anywhere you want to go. That is, if you know which ones to take. Numerous bus routes may overwhelm you, especially if you are a first-time visitor. I recommend that you learn about local transit routes and stops with Tije. It’s a good app that you can download on your phone to help you know and familiarize yourself so that you won’t panic to find where and which bus to take. All Transjakarta buses need you to pay by local e-money card, such as FLAZZ, Jakcard, Brizzi, and so on. You can buy at the local bank or at the bus stop (halte Transjakarta) using a ticket vending machine. Fares are based on the time of day. If you take the bus between 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m then you will only need to pay Rp 2,000 (not even a dollar, $1 worths around Rp14,400 rupiah), other than that, you will have to pay Rp 3,500 (again not even a dollar). (The price is still the same as of 2021).

Taxi (Grabcar or Go-car)

Home to more than 10 million people, Jakarta definitely has some traffic or maybe a lot. But if you have so much luggage or are too tired to walk around, book a car. Use Grab or Gojek mobile app to book one, if you know how to use Uber then you will have no problem using Grab and Gojek, which are the 2 most used apps for hailing taxis online. They are reasonably priced, the minimum fare is around Rp 10,000. The fares are based on distance traveled, time of day, and the number of travelers. If there are 5 of you, then you should book the 6-seater car instead of a 4-seater car. The price will be different but not that much.

Subway

The MRT subway system is extensive and the quickest way to travel around. Unfortunately, it is only available from Lebak Bulus. South Jakarta to Bundaran HI, Central Jakarta (as of 2021). Fares are based on the distance you travel that starts at Rp 3,000, which increases Rp 1,000 every station (mostly, but there are some routes where the Rp 1,000 doesn't add up). So the range of the price that you need to pay is around Rp 3,000 to Rp 14,000 ($1). Instead of purchasing single fare tickets, consider purchasing an E-money rechargeable card for Rp 40,000 (about $3). Usually, the e-money card that you buy already had Rp20,000 credit inside but to be sure just ask them about it first before you use it.

Hop-on, Hop-off bus

You don’t have to pay anything to enjoy this Free Jakarta City Bus Tour. These buses connect major attractions all over the city and provide many photo opportunities, it's also a good way to catch a break while still sightseeing for free. Currently, there are 7 different routes that you can try and 5 of them start or stop at Monas (Monumen Nasional) stop, so you can wait at the bus stop right in front of Monas (that faces the National Museum (Museum Gajah/ Museum Nasional).

Actually, there are many other options, such as trains or bicycles, but I really don't recommend you to get around with those because the train is usually too packed and the bicycle line in Jakarta can be really confusing to foreigners. But, give it a try if you want to feel what Jakartans feel in everyday life :)

Notes:

We are still in the middle of pandemic, but still I want to share it with you :D

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