Transports in Indonesia
Cars in Jakarta
Cars and gasoline are affordable in Jakarta. However, if you are considering buying your own vehicle, you should take into careful account the city's traffic problems. In short, unless it is a real necessity, avoid driving a four-wheeler in Jakarta! Motorcycles can be a good alternative, instead, and will allow you to weave your way through the unbearable traffic during rush hour.
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, of which seven are operated on a 24/7 basis. Bus fares generally cost IDR 3,500 (about $0.27) 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.
Book a car and driver online in Jakarta
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 mobile applications Gojek and Grab. 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 (almost $1) for the first 4 kilometers, but rates can fluctuate throughout the day and reach their maximum rate 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.
Jakarta now has a new, faster public transportation system. 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 limitations, the MRT is still an effective means of transportation if your destination is close to 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. So even though the new MRT is not the most comprehensive transportation system available in Jakarta, it is still fast and reliable.
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 usually tend to overcharge foreigners with 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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