Jakarta Airport Guide

Jakarta Airport Guide
Jakarta Airport Guide

The Complete Guide: Everything you need to know about Jakarta’s Airports

This Jakarta Airport Guide has been designed to provide you with the most comprehensive and up to date information about international and domestic airports in Jakarta.

Planes at Jakarta Airport

Currently, there are two airports in Jakarta that service international and domestic flights:

  • Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
  • Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport

Of these two airports, Soekarno-Hatta is by far the most popular airport in Jakarta. If you hear someone saying that they are flying to Jakarta, chances are they are flying into Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Halim Perdanakusuma is also popular due to mainly domestic flights. It isn’t nearly as popular with international visitors coming to Jakarta.

This Jakarta Airport Guide is organized according to airport and terminal. The information that you will find in this Jakarta Airport Guide will focus on:

  • Jakarta Airport Terminal Information
  • Airlines Operating at each of Jakarta’s Airport Terminals
  • Airport Lounges at each of Jakarta’s Airport Terminals
  • How to Get from each of Jakarta’s Airport Terminals to the City Center by:
  • Bus
  • Train
  • Taxi
  • Ride Sharing Apps (Go and Grab)

This Jakarta Airport guide also includes links to the Jakarta Accommodation Guide which provides comprehensive information on the best airport hotels in Jakarta.


Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Information

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta currently consists of three operational terminals:

  • Terminal 1
  • Terminal 2
  • Terminal 3

Jakarta Airport Guide

Terminal 1 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

Terminal 1 was the first terminal built at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport back in 1985.

With a rough capacity of 9 million passengers per year, Terminal 1 primarily acts as Soekarno-Hatta’s main domestic terminal.

Although it is considered to be the main domestic terminal, there are still some international flights being operated from selected airlines such as Sriwijaya Air and NAM Air.

Garuda, the national airline of Indonesia, currently uses Terminal 3 for their domestic flights and AirAsia uses Terminal 2 for their domestic flights.  

Therefore, not all domestic flights depart and/or arrive from Terminal 1.

There is an airport hotel located directly in Terminal 1 called d’primahotel Airport Jakarta Terminal 1A. It receives average reviews from guests, but keep in mind that it is only a 2-star property.

d’primahotel Airport Jakarta Terminal 1A is a place you can stay if you are looking for an airport hotel in Jakarta.

Like most airports around the world with multiple terminals, airlines often change their terminals based on supply and demand and other factors.  Therefore, always check with your respective airline when you book a flight whether your flight is departing from Terminal 1, 2, or 3 in Jakarta.

Terminal 1 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is only about 1 km south of Terminal 2, and about 2 km southwest of Terminal 3 (Ultimate). This makes it very convenient if you have to transfer terminals for a connecting flight to another destination.


Airlines Operating at Terminal 1 of Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

The airlines flying from Terminal 1 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport are always subject to change over time.  

However, these were the airlines that are currently flying from Terminal 1. Their respective destinations have also been summarized below for your convenience:

Airlines Servicing Domestic Flights at Terminal 1 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta

  • Batik Air
  • Citilink
  • Kalstar Aviation
  • Nam Air
  • Lion Air
  • Trigana Air
  • Business Air
  • Xpress Air

Airport Lounges at Terminal 1 of Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

Similar to most major international airports around the world, Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has a number of lounges to choose from, but they, of course, are spread out amongst the three terminal buildings.

At most of them, you will have the choice of paying for a single visit (often up to 3 hours) or entering through a frequent flyer program or a business travel program.

If the lounge is affiliated with a specific airline or travel rewards program, the greater your chances of being able to use your air miles for entrance privileges.  

You can expect a turnover of local lounges at each of the terminals as they compete against the larger more established lounges with direct with airlines such as Garuda and programs such as Star Alliance.

At the Terminal 1, the primary domestic terminal at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport there is one well-established airport lounge – Bluesky Executive Lounge.

Bluesky Executive Lounge

Location

Where is Bluesky Executive Lounge?

Bluesky Executive Lounge is located in Terminal 1C of Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. It is situated in the departure area of the airport. You can access it by going the first set of security checks.

When is Bluesky Executive Lounge open?

Bluesky Executive Lounge is open daily from 5:00-22:00.

What facilities and services are available at Bluesky Executive Lounge?

Prayer room available, complimentary use of iPad, separate smoking room available, TV, Internet, refreshments, air conditioning, newspapers/magazines, flight information, Wi-Fi, telephones, credit cards are accepted.


Jakarta Airport Guide

Terminal 2 – Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

Terminal 2 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport was the second terminal completed at back in 1991.

Currently, Soekarno-Hatta Terminal 2 has mainly international flights, but it does service some domestic flights as well. Always be sure to check your booking before you go to terminal 2. Once you check your luggage, international and domestic passengers are separated.  

Checking in at Jakarta-Airport Terminal 2

It has a similar capacity to Terminal 1, which is an annual capacity of approximately 9 million passengers.

Terminal 2 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has become busier and busier over the years, but the recent 2016 opening of Terminal 3 should help to balance the heavy international traffic arriving and departing from Jakarta.

It received a face-lift in 2018 with Jakarta hosting the ASEAN games. Some new international restaurants and cafes were added to the airport. Over the last 6 months, there have been more international restaurants and cafes added to the duty-free area of the terminal.

Terminal 2 is located approximately 1 km north of Terminal 2, and only 1 km west of Terminal 3 Ultimate.

Similar to Terminal 1, Terminal 2 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport also has a hotel located right inside of the terminal building.

If you travel to area 2E of Terminal 2 you will reach Jakarta Airport Hotel Managed by Topotels. This is a 3-star property that receives more positive guest reviews when compared to d’primahotel Airport Jakarta Terminal 1A which is, as the name suggests, located in Terminal 1.

Look for this sign in Jakarta Airport Terminal 2 to find the hotel.

Both of these properties are very conveniently located if you arrive late at night and you don’t want to go through the hassle of commuting somewhere.

They are also very convenient if you have an early flight and you are concerned about missing it due to traffic on the way to the airport.

You can travel to the airport after rush hour the night before, relax, get a massage and wake up the next day worry-free.

Keep in mind that these hotels tend to be very busy due to their excellent location and affordable prices.

Jakarta Airport Hotel is located in Terminal 2 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

***Read more about Jakarta Airport Hotel choices using this comprehensive guide.


Airlines Operating at Terminal 2 of Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

Soekarno-Hatta services both domestic and international flights. It is quite common for airlines to change terminals in Jakarta, so always double-check your booking details before leaving for the airport. Always double check your e-ticket to confirm the information presented below.

Currently, these are the airlines at Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta:

Airlines Servicing International Flights at Terminal 2 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta

  • AirAsia
  • TigerAir
  • Batik Air
  • Jetstar
  • Thai Airways
  • Qantas
  • Firefly
  • Emirates
  • Japan Airlines
  • Lion Air
  • Thai Lion Air
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific
  • China Southern
  • China Airlines
  • Asiana Airlines
  • Qatar Airlines

Airport Lounges at Terminal 2 of Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

In the past, Terminal 2 at Soekarno-Hatta had the largest selection of restaurants and lounges. That has recently changed with the opening of Terminal 3, however.

Since Terminal 2 has a variety of international flights on a daily basis there are still plenty of airlines operating there despite the newer, and larger, Terminal 3 next door.

Expect the number of lounges at Terminal 3 to increase over the next few years.

Below you will find a summary of the airport lounges at Terminal 2 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Premier Lounge (Terminal 2D)

Location

Where is Premier Lounge Located?

Premier Lounge is classified as an airside lounge which means that it can be accessed after you have cleared immigration to depart from Jakarta. It is located beside Terminal 2D of the airport near the D departure gates.

When is Premier Lounge open?

Premier Lounge is open daily from 05:00-01:00. Therefore, it is only closed for 4 hours per day.  

What facilities and services are available at Premier Lounge?

Children under 8 years are admitted free, alcoholic drinks are only available from 12:00 daily, separate smoking room available, reflexology therapy (but this is subject to an additional payment), TV, internet, refreshments, air conditioning, showers, alcohol, newspapers/magazines, flight information, credit cards accepted.

Pura Indah First and Business Class Lounge  (Terminal 2D)

Location

Where is Pura Indah First and Business Class Lounge Located?

Pura Indah First and Business Class Lounge is also classified as an airside lounge. Therefore, to get to it you will have to first pass through immigration at Terminal 2 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Once your through, then proceed to the 2D departure gate area.

When is Pura Indah First and Business Class Lounge open?

Pura Indah First and Business Class Lounge is open daily from 5:00 am – 12:00 am. Therefore, it is only closed for 5 hours per day.  

What facilities and services are available at Pura Indah First and Business Class Lounge?

Children under 2 years are admitted free, alcoholic drinks are limited to two per adult, dress code applicable, separate smoking area available, disabled access, TV, internet, refreshments, air conditioning, shower, alcohol, newspapers/magazines, flight information, telephone, conference, digital card accepted, fax, Wi-Fi.


Jakarta Airport Guide

Terminal 3 – Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

Terminal 3, often called “Terminal 3 Ultimate” at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is the newest terminal that was officially opened in 2016. After it was opened in 2016 finishing work continued for well over a year in anticipation of the Asian Games. Currently, it looks a lot better than did when it first opened to the public.

Terminal 3 Jakarta Airport

Terminal 3 at Soekarno-Hatta is more contemporary, eco-friendly and spacious than both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, making it the current home for all Garuda Indonesia flights (both domestic and international).

It is expected to have a capacity of around 25 million passengers per year.

Terminal 3 also has more sophisticated security systems than the older terminals.  

Other airlines are also now beginning to operate international flights to and from Jakarta from Terminal 3 Ultimate which is helping to reduce passenger traffic at congested Terminal 2.

Terminal 3 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is located very close to its neighboring terminals. It is about 2 km northeast of Terminal 1 and 1 km west of Terminal 2.

Unlike Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Terminal 3 Ultimate still does not have an airport hotel.

Therefore, if you plan on staying at one of the airport terminals then you can either choose to stay at d’primahotel Airport Jakarta Terminal 1A in Terminal 1, or at Jakarta Airport Hotel Managed by Topotels which is located in Terminal 2 (section 2E).

Jakarta Airport Hotel is the closest hotel to Terminal 3. This may change if they decide to add a hotel to terminal 3.

According to their proximity to Terminal 3, Jakarta Airport Hotel Managed by Topotels is in a more convenient location for accessing Terminal 3 because it is closer. It is slightly more expensive, however.

Jakarta Airport Terminal 3 Walkalator

You can judge how much this added convenience is worth to you.


How to Travel Between Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport?

This Jakarta Airport guide is also designed to get you into Jakarta after you land.

Once you arrive at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, there is a chance that you might have to transfer terminals before catching your next flight to a different destination in Indonesia or abroad.

Since there are two transit hotels at Jakarta’s main international airport (Jakarta Airport Hotel Managed by Topotels and d’primahotel Airport Jakarta Terminal 1A) it is also common for travelers to stay at one of these properties and then transfer to another terminal to catch their next flight.

You can transfer between Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport for free of charge.

Regardless of which Terminal you arrive at, there are two main options for traveling between the airport’s three terminals:

1) Free SkyTrain and 2) Free Shuttle Buses.


How to travel between Terminal 1, 2 and 3 at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport using the SkyTrain?

Soekarno-Hatta Airport SkyTrain

The Soekarno-Hatta Airport SkyTrain is 3.05-kilometer track that enables passengers to travel for free of charge between Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. It consists of the following 5 stations:

  • Soekarno-Hatta Terminal 3.1 Station
  • Soekarno-Hatta Terminal 3.2 Station
  • Soekarno-Hatta Terminal 2 Station
  • Soekarno-Hatta Integrated Airport Railway Station, also known as SHIA.
  • Soekarno-Hatta Terminal 1 Station

You can expect Jakarta’s Airport SkyTrain to take you about 3-5 minutes between each adjacent terminal. Each train can accommodate up to 176 passengers and they can travel up to 60 km/h.

Walking to the Airport-Skytrain at Terminal-2

Soekarno-Hatta Terminal 3 has two stations because it is the largest of the terminals at the airport.

Terminal 1 and 2 each have one station.

SHIA, or Soekarno-Hatta Integrated Airport Railway Station is particularly important for passengers because it allows you to transfer between the SkyTrain and the Jakarta Airport Railink.

This is why they call it the ‘integrated’ building’. It is located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at the airport.

The Railink services trains from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to central Jakarta.

Jakarta Airport Railway Station is where you take the train into Central Jakarta.

It effectively allows travelers to bypass Jakarta’s traffic jams and it can get you downtown in around 45 minutes. Read the complete guide to Jakarta’s Airport Rail Link service if you want additional information.

It is very easy to find the SkyTrain Stations at each of the Terminals at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Simply follow the signs from the departure or arrival areas and you will be well on your way.

If you want to take the Airport Rail Link into central Jakarta, then take note that the SkyTrain is located on the upper floor, whereas the Rail Link is located on the bottom floor.

You will have to switch from the SkyTrain to the Rail Link if you wish to travel to central Jakarta.


How to travel between Terminal 1, 2 and 3 at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport using the Inter-Terminal Shuttle Bus?

Soekarno-Hatta Airport Inter-Terminal Shuttle Bus

The second option aside from taking the free Skytrain between Terminals at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is the free inter-terminal shuttle bus service. The free shuttle bus service picks up passengers at Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 of the airport.

Simply follow the signs to the bus area at your respective terminal.

Where can you find the inter-terminal shuttle bus at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport?

The airport shuttle bus can be found at the arrival hall of Terminal 1A–1B–1C, on the eastern wing of the arrival hall of Terminal 2F and in front of the departure hall of Terminal 3.

How frequently does the inter-terminal shuttle bus run between terminals at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport?

You can expect the inter-terminal shuttle bus to run every 15-20 minutes between the stations at Soekarno-Hatta.

Although the signs make it quite clear at the airport, if you ever have any questions about where the inter-terminal free shuttle bus is located at each terminal, just simply ask one of the airport attendants for more information.

Technically, it is also possible to get a taxi to drive you from one terminal to another at Jakarta’s main international airport. But again, this is usually unnecessary with a free SkyTrain and a free shuttle bus service available.

If for some reason the train and bus are not running consider taking a taxi as a secondary option.


Jakarta Airport Guide: Transportation Information

Traveling from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Jakarta

Due to Jakarta’s notorious traffic jams, you should be much more prepared for getting to and from  Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in comparison to other airports in Southeast Asia.

Many people don’t really know what the term “traffic” actually means until they hit a Jakarta rush hour traffic jam!

It can take several hours by car to reach the city center if you land at a busy time. Be prepared and consider all of the best options for getting to your specific destination from the airport.

Traveling downtown to the Monas area from the airport is a completely different area than to the south where popular expat areas such as Kemang, Pondok Indah, and Dharmawangsa are located.

Fortunately, there is now a wide range of transportation options available at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to get to different areas around Jakarta.

Some of the main factors that you have to consider before you select the best option for you include your budget, how much time you want to spend in traffic, what time you want to leave the airport for the city, whether you prefer traveling by road or train and how many other people are you commuting with.

Here are the current transportation options for getting from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to different areas of Jakarta:

  • DAMRI Airport Bus
  • Airport Rail Link
  • Metered Taxi
  • Private Ride-Sharing Apps (Grab and Go)
  • Direct Hotel Pick-up

Airport Buses to Jakarta

Taking a DAMRI Airport Bus from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Jakarta

Arguably the cheapest way to reach various areas around Jakarta from the airport is by taking a DAMRI Airport Bus to your destination.

These shuttle buses pick up passengers at all three terminals at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Aside from taking an ojek (a moto), this is probably the most affordable way to reach central Jakarta from the airport.

Due to the affordable price, these buses are popular with local Indonesian passengers and budget backpackers visiting Jakarta from abroad. It is a cheap option, but definitely not the fastest.

DAMRI Bus at Jakarta Airport. Just look for the blue signs at your terminal.

Gambir is a popular destination for people arriving at the airport because it is right in the heart of central Jakarta where the Monas (Independence Monument) is located.

From there you can conveniently access plenty of museums and shopping malls. You can reach Gambir on the DAMRI Bus for 40,000 IDR.

Fortunately, Gambir is not the only place that DAMRI buses service trips to. They also have shuttle buses from the airport to other areas of Jakarta such as Rawamangun, Blok M, Tanjung Priok, Kampung Rambutan, Pasar Minggu, Lebak Bulus and Kemayoran.

You can also access neighboring cities such as Bekasi, Serang, Bogor and Cikarang.

What time do DAMRI buses operate at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport?

The DAMRI Bus service usually operates daily at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport from 05.00 to 23.30. This is subject to change over time. If the bus is not available, opt for the Railink, a taxi or a private car (Go or Grab car).

Where can you purchase tickets for the DAMRI Shuttle Buses located at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport?

Once you clear immigration, customs and you collect your luggage be on the lookout for DAMRI ticket booths as you exit the airport.

You can purchase a ticket at one of their sales booths and then bring the ticket when you board the bus.

They pick up passengers at the outdoor arrival area at Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

How often do DAMRI Shuttle Buses pick up passengers at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport?

Although Jakarta’s heavy traffic makes it much harder to benchmark how frequently the DAMRI buses pick up passengers, they tend to pick up passengers around every 30 minutes. Be open-minded about your time for them to pick up if saving some cash is your priority.

How long does it take to get from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Gambir Station in Central Jakarta?

If you are taking the DAMRI shuttle bus from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Gambir Station you can expect it to take you anywhere from 45 minutes (minimal traffic) to over 2 hours (heavy traffic).

If your intended destination is reaching central Jakarta and you are arriving at rush hour, then the Airport Railink might be a more practical option.

The train into Jakarta is 70,000 IDR per person which is only 30,000 more than the shuttle bus.

It really comes down to how much you value your own time.


Private Cars from Jakarta Airport to the City

How to get picked up using private ride-sharing apps like Grab and Go to get from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Jakarta?

Over the last five years, ride-sharing apps such as Go and Grab have become extremely popular in Jakarta, and other parts of Indonesia.

It is possible to get picked up by Go and Grab drivers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, but Grab is the only one of these with official “pick up” areas at the airport.

Therefore, if you want to use Go to pick you up at the airport, you will have to quickly get picked up without other taxi companies knowing about it.

Some taxi drivers in Jakarta can get bitter and aggressive when ride-sharing drivers ‘cut into their business and territory’. In some cases, the ride-sharing app drivers will ask you to meet them away from the taxi area to ensure a safe and efficient pick up from the airport.

If taxi drivers ask you about getting picked up, just tell them that you have a private driver in Jakarta.

If you do decide to get picked up by a Go or Grab driver at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, then expect the driver to have basic to minimal English skills.

There will be the odd driver who will be able to speak clear English, but this is by no means the norm. It helps a lot to speak some basic Bahasa Indonesia to arrange your pick up from the airport and to communicate exactly where you want to get dropped off.

Since these are linked through online applications, you will require a data plan (roaming or card) on your cell phone when you arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Another thing that you should be aware of when you are traveling with Go and Grab from the airport is that toll fees are not included in the price listed on your phone.

Don’t get in an argument with the driver if they ask you for money to cover any toll fees that you might have along the way to your destination.

Typically, the Go and Grab drivers in Jakarta are very transparent with toll fees and they usually pass you the receipt after they pay at each toll entrance and exit.

It is also a smart idea to use Google Maps for your trip from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to your hotel in Jakarta while travelling with a Go or Grab driver.

Sometimes they just don’t bother using a GPS system which can occasionally lead you into an unnecessary traffic jam. Kindly ask them to dodge traffic based on your own GPS feed.  


Taking the Train (Airport Railink) from the Airport to Jakarta

How to take the Jakarta Airport Rail Link from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Jakarta?

The Jakarta Airport Railink is now officially open and operational.

It is a practical option to get from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport all the way to central Jakarta (or vice versa) without having to think about traffic, or even worse, traffic jams!

Take the SkyTrain to SHIA

Once you clear immigration, customs and collect your luggage, follow the signs to the respective train station according to the terminal that you arrive at. These stations are part of a short train track around the airport area called the Skytrain.

You can take the Skytrain from your terminal to the Soekarno-Hatta Integrated Airport Railway Station, also known as SHIA.

The Integrated Airport Railway Station is located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Once you arrive at the integrated building you can transfer from the Skytrain (on the top floor) to the Rail Link (located on the bottom floor).

If you decide to take the Jakarta Airport Rail Link to get to central Jakarta then you will make two stops before reaching BNI City Station (also known as Sudirman Baru Station).

Train at Jakarta Airport-Railway Station. From here many passengers will travel to BNI City Station in Central Jakarta to access other forms of transportation such as the MRT.

BNI City Station is conveniently located in central Jakarta just south of Bundaran HI, Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia and Thamrin City Mall.

It is also south of some of Jakarta’s best hotels such as the Grand Hyatt, the Mandarin Oriental, and Hotel Kempinski.

The Mandarin Oriental is conveniently located in Central Jakarta. Minutes from the MRT and Grand Indonesia Mall.

Once you arrive at BNI City Station you can walk to Dukuh Atas MRT Station to access Jakarta’s MRT network.

***Read more about MRT Jakarta with this comprehensive guide.

You can also walk from BNI City Station to Sudirman Station.

Sudirman Station is part of the commuter network in Jakarta. It is immensely popular with local commuters living in Jakarta’s neighboring satellite cities such as Bogor and Depok.

***Read more about Jakarta’s commuter network with this comprehensive guide.

Here is a summary of the stations making up the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Rail Link:


How much do tickets cost to take the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Rail Link from the airport to central Jakarta?

Tickets for the trip from Soekarno-Hatta to central Jakarta (BNI Station) cost Rp 70,000/person. This price is subject to change over time.


Where can you purchase tickets for the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Rail Link to get from the airport to central Jakarta?

You can purchase tickets for the Jakarta Railink at vending machines in SHIA (the integrated rail station between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) that accept debit and credit cards.

Alternatively, you can book your tickets online using Railink mobile app.


How long does the journey take from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to BNI Station in Central Jakarta?

It should take you approximately 45 minutes to get from the airport to BNI Station using the Jakarta Rail Link.


How frequently do Jakarta Airport Rail Link Trains depart from the airport to central Jakarta?

Trains typically depart from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to central Jakarta every 30 minutes.  


Getting an Airport Taxi from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Jakarta

The process of getting a taxi at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is quite straightforward.  

Walk to the taxi pick-up area at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport locate outside of the departure area at each terminal.

It is likely that some random guys will walk up to you and ask you things like “where do you go”, “do you want a taxi” and “cheap taxi.” IGNORE THEM.

Under most circumstances these are touts that are getting some commission for recruiting passengers to taking less popular taxi companies.

It is extremely unlikely that they will be working for Blue Bird or SilverBird, but instead other companies and private drivers that want to charge tourists more than they would pay with reputable services. The less reputable the company, the harder they have to work for business.

Blue Bird is a very well respected transportation company in Jakarta.

Blue Bird Taxi at Jakarta Airport

They are very well known for actually following the meter.

Actually, there branding is so strong in Jakarta that many visitors to the city, and also expats living in the city, won’t even consider getting in a taxi unless it is a Blue Bird. You will find a Blue Bird queuing area at each one of the Terminals (1,2,3) at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Silver Bird is a more expensive version of Blue Bird with more luxurious vehicle models. You will have a choice of taking either a Blue Bird or a Silver Bird at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Ironically, Silver Bird vehicles tend to be painted black (not silver?).

Depending on what time you arrive at the airport, you may have to wait in line if you want to travel to your intended destination from the airport.  

Typically, you will receive a printed ticket with a queuing number on it. Wait in line until it is your turn and you should be good to go.

Blue Bird and Silver Bird taxi drivers usually understand enough English to get by, but it does help that you can clearly pronounce your desired destination so that they won’t accidentally travel somewhere else. Sometimes, it helps to tell the attendant (who stands beside the taxis pulling up) where you want to go, and then ask them to communicate this to the driver for you.

Confirm with the driver before leaving the airport.


Jakarta Airport Guide: Additional Questions and Updates

Hopefully, this Jakarta Airport Guide has provided you with some useful information for planning your itinerary for Jakarta.

With airlines shifting terminals and prices changing in Jakarta due to inflation, always be sure to double check e-tickets before traveling. The last thing you want to do is to show up at the airport to find out that it is the wrong terminal!

If you have any additional questions about Jakarta Airport information that is excluded from this guide please send us an email. Similarly, if there is a change that we are unaware of please let us know!

Thanks for reading and have an excellent trip to Jakarta!

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