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6 Best Transportation Options for Getting Around Jakarta in 2026

Travel Bestie

6 min read

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As one of the most densely populated and largest cities in Indonesia, getting around Jakarta isnt always easy. The city has a population of around 10 million, so traffic congestion is an unavoidable problem. Meanwhile, if you choose to walk, the hot and humid air becomes a challenge in itself.

Fortunately, the city continues to innovate so that people want to travel by public transportation. Now, there are many transportation options that can help you explore Jakarta. With these transportation options, you can enjoy the excitement of Jakarta, visit magnificent malls, or go on culinary tours without wasting much time and energy.

Transportation Options in Jakarta

Almost all modes of transportation in Jakarta are in good condition, clean, comfortable, and some of them are integrated. Here are some of the best transportation options you can try to explore Jakarta.

1. Commuter Line Train (KRL)

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Advantages of using KRL: This commuter service is generally the most comfortable and fastest public transportation in Jakarta, operating every day from 04:00 to around 00:00 and arriving every 10 to 15 minutes. Each carriage is equipped with air conditioning and comfortable seats, with enough space for standing passengers. One of the unique features of this train is that each series has 2 special carriages for female passengers as an effort to ensure the safety of female passengers.

KRL Fare: KRL is also relatively cheap because it only costs Rp3,000 for the first 25 km and Rp1,000 for every 10 km. The highest price you have to pay if you take the longest route, Rangkasbitung - Bogor (123,719 km), is around Rp13,000. Before boarding this train, make sure you bring an electronic money—a type of prepaid bank card that you can use to pay for tolls, TransJakarta, MRT, and purchases at several retailers—with sufficient balance. Just tap your electronic money at the turnstile, and youre ready to go!

Tips for using KRL: If you plan to travel by KRL during rush hour, be prepared to be packed inside the train. So, if you want to travel by KRL train for a vacation, you should travel outside of rush hour to avoid the peak of passenger density.

KRL Access Application: To make your trip easier with KRL, you can download the KRL Access application on your cellphone to check train schedules, routes, train positions, and fares from your departure station to your destination. Although sometimes the train is 10 to 15 minutes late from the schedule, this mode of transportation is still a better option to avoid Jakartas traffic congestion.

2. TransJakarta Bus (Busway)

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Advantages of taking TransJakarta: TransJakarta (often called Busway) is bus rapid transit (BRT) that operates throughout Jakarta. This transportation service operates on special lanes, commonly called busway, which can be seen from the different road colors or the use of road barriers. This special lane is prepared so that the bus can still run in the middle of traffic congestion, especially during rush hour. In addition, TransJakarta also covers almost the entire DKI Jakarta area. You can easily find TransJakarta bus stops when you are walking around the capital. Buses operate every day from 05:00 to 23:00. Each TransJakarta bus is equipped with air conditioning, CCTV, bus attendants, and a special area for female passengers (usually in the front seats).

TransJakarta Fare: Unlike the KRL, which has a progressive fare according to distance, TransJakarta applies a flat fare of only Rp3,500 regardless of the distance. Just like most public transportation in Jakarta, TransJakarta also uses non-cash payments, which means you can only pay using electronic money.

Tips for taking TransJakarta: Before you take TransJakarta, you should check the bus number, route, and schedule of the bus that goes to your destination. Each stop also provides a screen that shows the position of the bus, so you can continue to monitor the location of the bus you will be riding. Bus attendants also always announce the bus route at each stop, so you make sure you pay attention to the announcements from the officers so you dont get on the wrong bus. If you are still not sure whether you are using the correct bus, you can always ask the officers on duty at the stop.

Applications you can use: To make your trip easier with TransJakarta, you can download the Moovit application on your cellphone. This application provides information on TransJakarta bus routes and schedules that you will be taking.

3. MRT

MRT Train (Jakarta Integrated Rail Mode)

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MRT coverage area: MRT Jakarta (Jakarta Integrated Rail Mode) is one of the relatively new public transportation in Jakarta. Since it was first operated on March 24, 2019, this mode of transportation has immediately become a favorite of Jakarta residents. However, because this service is still relatively new and still in the development process, the available routes are still limited, only about 15.7 km, from Lebak Bulus Station to Bundaran HI. You can see a list of MRT stations in the Jakarta area on this page.

MRT advantages: What makes MRT Jakarta special is that its tracks are partly underground and partly above ground. MRT Jakarta also runs at a higher speed than KRL so that the time it takes to get to the destination will be faster.

MRT Fare: MRT fares start from Rp3,000 to Rp14,000, depending on the distance. Just like other integrated public transportation in Jakarta, you also need to tap in using electronic money at the departure gate and tap out using the same card at the destination station. If you want to take the MRT, you need to prepare an electronic money card for payment. You can use an electronic money card from a bank or buy it at the counters available at each MRT station.

Applications you can use: To make your trip easier, you can download the MRT-J application on your cellphone to find out the MRT schedule, see the station map, and even buy MRT tickets directly from your cellphone. There are many other features available on this application, such as ordering a taxi, finding kiosks at the station, and borrowing books at the station. Cool, right?

4. Bajaj

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The uniqueness of the bajaj: Traveling in Jakarta is not complete without trying this legendary transportation. Bajaj is a three-wheeled motorized rickshaw that can carry up to 2 passengers (excluding the driver). This transportation is also similar to tuk tuk in Thailand. Bajaj first operated in Indonesia in the 1970s and still exists today. The name bajaj actually comes from the name of an Indian car company, Bajaj, which imported the vehicles used for this transportation. In Jakarta, most bajaj are blue, indicating the use of environmentally friendly fuel called compressed natural gas (CNG). But you might also find some orange bajaj, which means they use regular gasoline as fuel.

Bajaj fare: Bajaj fares in Jakarta tend to vary and depend on the distance. So, make sure you have agreed on the fare before getting on the bajaj, okay?

Bajaj ride tips: This unique transportation mostly operates in Central Jakarta, although you might find some in other areas of Jakarta. To travel using a Bajaj, you only need to call it and tell the driver your destination. Tips before riding a bajaj, you should ask the fare first with the bajaj driver. You can also negotiate the fare if it seems too high.

5. Mikrotrans

Mikrotrans advantages: Mikrotrans is a public transportation that uses a minivan-like car to transport passengers from stop to stop. Mikrotrans is equipped with air conditioning and CCTV to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. In addition, Mikrotrans is also equipped with automatic doors controlled by the driver. Currently, Mikrotrans has been integrated with other public transportation in the DKI Jakarta area, such as KRL and TransJakarta stops.

Mikrotrans fare: Mikrotrans is a free transportation service, however, you still need to tap your JakLingko electronic money card when getting on and off the car.

Mikrotrans ride tips: There are several tips you can do before traveling with Mikrotrans. First, you may need to download the Moovit application on your phone to check Mikrotrans stops and routes, as well as find out the route numbers for each route. Second, make sure you also pay attention to the numbers attached to the car windows so you dont get on the wrong one. Third, make sure you already have a JakLingko card or other electronic money to tap in and tap out.

6. Car Rental

Car rental on Traveloka: If you prefer to take private transportation that you can take around Jakarta at your leisure, car rental can be the best choice for you. For an easy and hassle-free car rental experience, you can try the service car rental on Traveloka.

Advantages of car rental on Traveloka: You can choose to rent a car according to your location, the date and time you want, and with or without a driver. You can also choose the type or type of car according to your wishes and needs. Car rental prices on Traveloka start from Rp272,000, depending on the type of car and with/without a driver. Easy, right? So, if you want to rent a car, order on Traveloka, okay!

Public transport in Jakarta has evolved into a world-class system, making it easier than ever to witness the city's magnificent skyline and vibrant culture without the stress of traffic. Whether you are hopping on the sleek MRT to reach a luxury mall or taking the TransJakarta to find the city’s hidden culinary gems, the capital is yours to explore. Ready to start your urban adventure?

Download the Traveloka app now to book your flights, hotels, and trains tickets all in one place, and enjoy a seamless journey through the heart of Indonesia!

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public transportation

jakarta transportation