Soekarno-Hatta Airport (CGK) to the City

Jakarta's airport is Soekarno-Hatta (CGK), with three ways into the city

This post covers getting from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) into Jakarta. There are three ways into the city: KAI's airport train (Commuter Line Basoetta), TransJakarta bus SH2 and the airport buses of the state bus company DAMRI.

This post focuses on where each one stops and where you can change, and marks journey times and fares as 'check official information'. Check KAI, TransJakarta and DAMRI official information before you travel.

When you book, check that the arrival airport on your ticket is Soekarno-Hatta (CGK). Below we go through the airport train, bus SH2 and the DAMRI airport bus, then the areas to stay in, an at-a-glance comparison and an arrival-day checklist.

• Full Jakarta travel guide →
• Incheon → Jakarta flights →

Airport train (Commuter Line Basoetta): five city stations

KAI's airport rail service links Soekarno-Hatta International Airport with the city. The main stations are Manggarai, Sudirman Baru, Duri, Rawabuaya and Batu Ceper.

KAI says its city stations connect with onward urban transport. For which lines you can change to at which station, and how to get from each station to your accommodation, check the route from your accommodation address separately.

Journey times and fares: check official information. See KAI's official airport rail information for operating hours and fares.

Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism recommends the airport train to avoid traffic congestion on the Sedyatmo toll road.

TransJakarta bus SH2: to Blok M, then change to route 1

TransJakarta's Transjabodetabek route SH2 runs between Blok M and Soekarno-Hatta Airport. At Blok M you can change to BRT route 1 (Blok M–Kota).

Route 1 heads for Kota Tua. Roads to Kota Tua are often congested, so TransJakarta route 1 or KRL to Jakarta Kota Station is easier. If you are staying around Kota Tua and Glodok, remember the pattern: SH2 to Blok M, then change to route 1.

Blok M itself is a food hub mixing long-standing street vendors and modern food stalls. Journey times and fares: check TransJakarta's official information.

DAMRI airport bus: routes and stops on the official site

The state bus company DAMRI runs airport bus services (Angkutan Bandara). Check routes, stops and fares from Soekarno-Hatta on DAMRI's official site.

If your accommodation is far from the airport train stations and Blok M, look on DAMRI's official site for a route that stops near it. Journey times and fares: check official information too.

After you reach the city: areas to stay and onward transport

Here are three areas to stay in Jakarta. Read the notes below together with your accommodation address and check the route from the airport.

Getting around mainly by MRT, TransJakarta (BRT buses) and the KRL Commuter Line keeps transport costs down. Phase 1 of the MRT north–south line runs from Lebak Bulus in the south to Bundaran HI in the center. TransJakarta routes can change, so check the official route list.

• Around Merdeka Square (Central Jakarta): first visit, landmarks, museums. Monas, the National Museum, Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral opposite it are an easy walk from each other. Juanda Station (KRL) is a 5–7 minute walk from the cathedral, and Gambir Station is close to Istiqlal Mosque
• Kota Tua and Glodok: colonial history, museums, Chinatown food. Close to Jakarta Kota Station; TransJakarta route 1 or KRL is the easier way there
• Blok M and South Jakarta: street food, local life. Airport bus SH2 and TransJakarta route 1 (to Kota) start here

At a glance

Here is a quick summary. For items marked 'Check official information', confirm them with the operator.

• Airport train (Commuter Line Basoetta, KAI): airport → Manggarai, Sudirman Baru, Duri, Rawabuaya and Batu Ceper stations; onward urban transport from city stations; time and fare: check official information
• TransJakarta bus SH2: airport ↔ Blok M; change at Blok M to BRT route 1 (Blok M–Kota); time and fare: check official information
• DAMRI airport bus (Angkutan Bandara): routes, stops, fares and times all on DAMRI's official site
• Staying around Blok M or Kota Tua: bus SH2 to Blok M, then route 1 if needed
• Staying elsewhere: check official information for the airport train station or DAMRI route closest to your accommodation

Arrival-day checklist

By law all transactions in Indonesia are in rupiah. Hotels and large restaurants and stores take cards, but carry small cash for markets and street stalls.

During Ramadan many restaurants and food stalls close or draw their curtains in the daytime, and there is heavy family travel over the Idul Fitri holiday. If you arrive around then, check the dates and allow extra time.

• Check that the arrival airport on your ticket is Soekarno-Hatta (CGK)
• Check operating hours and fares for the airport train, bus SH2 and DAMRI airport buses in official information before you go
• Find the airport train station or bus stop closest to your accommodation in advance
• Carry small rupiah cash for markets and street stalls
• Smoking is banned on public transport and in places of worship
• Emergency numbers: police and general emergencies 110 or 112, ambulance 118 or 119, fire 113
• Check entry rules and arrival procedures with Indonesia's immigration office or embassy before you travel

• Jakarta 4-day route plan →

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