If Indonesia is notorious for its traffic jams, Jakarta, the largest city and capital of the archipelago, is by far the most congested place in the country due to the density of its everyday traffic. But the city has an efficient, modern transportation system that's growing rapidly. Here are the transportation options that are available to you in Jakarta on a day-to-day basis.
Cars in Jakarta
Cars and gasoline are affordable in Jakarta. However, if you are considering buying your own vehicle, you should carefully consider the city's traffic problems. In short, unless it is a real necessity, it may well be better to avoid driving a four-wheeler in Jakarta! Motorcycles can be a good alternative and will allow you to weave your way through the unbearable traffic during rush hour.
Book a car and driver online
This type of service is similar to Uber or Lyft. It is an ideal alternative for getting a car with a driver. To take full advantage of this service, you can use the highly popular mobile applications Gojek, Grab and Maxim. They are the most popular in Jakarta, and they also allow you to book motorcycle cabs. Of course, the car will cost more, and the travel time is a bit longer than with the motorcycle.
Expect a minimum spend of IDR 10,000 (approximately USD 0.59) for the first 4 kilometers, but rates can fluctuate throughout the day and peak during peak hours.
Also, note that these apps provide other services, such as food, parcels, grocery and medicine deliveries. Besides, they also offer on-demand cleaning, vehicle repair, and even home massage services.
The bus by Transjakarta
Transjakarta is an express bus system (BRT) that has been in operation since 2004. It is a reliable and comfortable means of transportation, serving 15 main routes, seven of which operate 24/7. Bus fares generally cost IDR 3,500 (about USD 0.21) for a one-way ticket.
Be warned! Transjakarta buses can be very crowded during rush hour, and waiting times can range between 10 and 20 minutes due to traffic jams. Despite all this, Transjakarta remains a reliable transportation option.
The MRT
Jakarta now has a new public transportation system that's even faster than the BRT buses. Officially and publicly launched in 2019, it is Indonesia's first subway system, currently serving 13 stations from Lebak Bulus to Bundaran HI.
Despite its current limitations, the MRT remains an effective means of transportation if your destination is near one of its 13 stations. The MRT in Jakarta is modern and convenient, with regular trains running every 5 minutes. It makes about 300 trips a day, from 5 a.m. to midnight, with tickets typically costing IDR 3,000 to IDR 14,000 (USD 0.19 – USD 0.88), depending on how far you travel.
Even though the new MRT is not the most comprehensive transportation system available in Jakarta, it is still fast and reliable. The next phase of the project will see the line extend even further north, all the way to Kota Tua (the old town).
Taking a cab in Jakarta
Cabs are convenient, although much more expensive than the Transjakarta or a regular bus. You can hail a cab anywhere in the city or order one in advance to ensure you arrive on time.
Bluebird is the most popular and reliable cab company in Jakarta. The vehicles in the fleet are recognizable by their light blue color.
For enjoyable and reasonably priced cab rides, make sure the driver turns the meter on. Avoid negotiating fares, as taxi drivers often overcharge foreigners using a fixed price. It is also recommended to activate Google Maps and browse the routes to your destination. This way, you can always choose the shortest and least congested route available. The application will also warn you if the driver goes off the road.
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