Soekarno–Hatta International Airport
Jakarta, ID · 20 km (12 mi) northwest of Jakarta
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Skytrain Inter-terminal rail · Daytime frequencies roughly every 10 minutes; exact timetable not clearly published | A few minutes between adjacent terminals once onboard; overall transfer may take 10–20 minutes including waits | Free |
| Blue Bird Taxi Metered taxi · Available 24/7 from official ranks; wait times vary with arrival peaks | About 30–60 minutes to central Jakarta in normal conditions; can exceed 2 hours in heavy rush-hour traffic per ANA | ANA gives a rough range for taxi fares including tolls and surcharges for trips to the city; exact Blue Bird-only figures vary by meter and traffic |
| DAMRI Airport Bus Bandung Bus · Only several departures per day; exact timetable not consistently documented | Roughly 3–4 hours depending on toll-road traffic | Local reports cluster around Rp120,000–Rp150,000 one way; no recent official English fare confirmed |
| DAMRI Airport Bus Bekasi Bus · Reported as around every 30–60 minutes; exact timetable not clearly published | Often 90–120 minutes; no precise schedule commitment documented | Rp50,000 one way reported for airport–Bekasi DAMRI in local forums |
Insider notes
Skip the first currency exchange counters in Terminal 3 and use BCA/BRI/BNI ATMs airside instead for better rates.
Build an extra 30-45 minutes into inter-terminal connections due to Skytrain wait times and potential congestion.
Keep international to domestic connections over 2.5 hours to navigate immigration, customs, and re-check-in calmly.
Welcome
At Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK), the experience distinctly varies by terminal. Terminal 3 stands out as a polished, semi-modern international hub, while Terminals 1 and 2 retain a retro charm with their 1980s design. Beyond food and lounges, savvy travelers focus on navigating Jakarta’s notorious traffic with the airport rail link and avoiding aggressive taxi touts to secure affordable, legitimate transport options.
At a glance
Located 20 km northwest of Jakarta, Soekarno–Hatta serves 65.8 million passengers annually with its three runways. Major airlines like Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Batik Air hub at this airport. Terminal 1 mainly serves Lion Air flights, Terminal 2 caters to Garuda Indonesia, among others, and Terminal 3 handles airlines like Batik Air and Citilink. A mix of culinary options and shopping ensures travelers have access to local and international flavors and brands.
Terminals & layout
The airport is divided into three terminals. Terminal 1 is mainly used by Lion Air and Wings Air, offering quick connections for domestic flyers. Terminal 2 houses Garuda Indonesia and Sriwijaya Air, among others, serving both international and domestic travelers. Terminal 3 is the newest facility, focused on international travelers and hosting carriers such as Batik Air, Citilink, and Indonesia AirAsia. The terminals are connected by a free Skytrain service, running every 15 minutes and serving as a reliable transfer option for inter-terminal transit.
Getting to and from the city
Jakarta’s infamous traffic can severely affect travel time between the airport and the city center. The Railink Airport Train offers a dependable alternative, taking about 60 minutes to BNI City for around Rp70,000. Metered taxis and rideshares like Blue Bird Taxi and GrabCar usually take 30 to 60 minutes in light traffic, but can double during peak hours, costing between Rp150,000 and Rp250,000 depending on tolls. DAMRI buses connect to various parts of Jakarta, with fares generally around Rp50,000 per person, though travel times fluctuate with traffic.
Traveller essentials
For currency, travelers often find better rates at the BCA, BRI, or BNI ATMs in Terminal 3 after customs clearance, compared to landside exchanges. In terms of connectivity, Wi-Fi is available throughout, though some areas, especially in Terminal 1 and 2, offer limited power outlets. If waiting for a flight, Airport Digital Lounges in all terminals provide semi-comfortable seating and charging stations.
Dining & shopping highlights
Diversity shines with 29 eateries across terminals. In Terminal 2, try Bakmi GM or Solaria for Indonesian staples. Terminal 3 expands options with Anomali Coffee and Sate Khas Senayan. Shopping options include Dufry Duty Free locations in Terminals 2 and 3, as well as Batik Keris for local products.
Lounges
Travelers in Terminal 3 can indulge in lounges like the Garuda Indonesia Lounge or Plaza Premium Lounge, both celebrated for their spacious setting and superior amenities like reliable Wi-Fi and showers. Terminal 2 also hosts the Premier Lounge, though reports suggest a preference for Terminal 3 offerings. Priority Pass holders should explore Terminal 3 options for the most modern interiors and facilities.
Insider tips
- Insider: Skip the first currency exchange counters in Terminal 3 and use BCA/BRI/BNI ATMs airside instead for better rates.
- Time: Build an extra 30-45 minutes into inter-terminal connections due to Skytrain wait times and potential congestion.
- Avoid: Keep international to domestic connections over 2.5 hours to navigate immigration, customs, and re-check-in calmly.
- Local: Grab a bowl of noodles at Bakmi GM in Terminal 2 or 3 — consistently rated as a comfort food staple.
- Quiet: In Terminal 2, look for quiet corners behind pillars and unused gates for peaceful waiting or napping.
- Money: If arriving late, consider airport hotel options like the Jakarta Airport Hotel for convenience despite basic room setups.
- Time: Use the Railink airport train during peak traffic hours; it costs around Rp70,000 and bypasses road congestion effectively.
- Local: Coffee enthusiasts should seek out Kopi Kenangan in Terminal 3 for quality brews beyond the usual chain offerings.