Jakarta Getting there & around

Getting around

Car & motorcycle

Car

Jakarta has branches of the major car-rental operators, including Avis (3142900; Jl Diponegoro 25), Bluebird (7941234; Jl Mampang Prapatan Raya 6) and Astra (6508919; Jl Gaya Motor 1/10). Alternatively, inquire at the cheaper travel agencies, as a vehicle with driver may be the most economical option.

A number of the ‘transport’ guys who hang out on Jl Jaksa can offer some of the best deals if you negotiate directly with them, avoiding hotel or travel agency commission.

The big operators charge about 500,000Rp per day with a driver (400,000Rp without), while private operators may ask for around 10% less.

^ Back to top

Bus & tram

Bus

Jakarta has a comprehensive city bus network. Around town at least a dozen bus companies run a knot of routes. Big, regular city buses charge a fixed 2000Rp fare. The big express patas buses also charge 2000Rp and the air-con transjakarta buses cost 3500Rp; these are usually less crowded and are the best option. At the time of writing, only three transjakarta lines were in operation but another 15 were planned for the coming years.

These services are supplemented by orange toy-sized buses and, in a few areas, by pale-blue mikrolet buses that cost 2000Rp. The main terminal for mikrolet and the numerous red and blue Metro Mini buses is at the Pasar Senen station. Note that the crowded buses have their fair share of pickpockets and bag slashers; the more expensive buses are generally safer, as well as being more comfortable.

The tourist office can provide a little information on buses around Jakarta. Some useful buses:

ACB1 Blok M to Kota via Jl Sudirman and Jl Thamrin.

Korridor I Blok M to Kota via Jl Sudirman and Jl Thamrin.

Korridor II Harmoni bus terminal to Pulo Gadung.

Korridor III Harmoni to Kalideres bus terminal.

P38 Blok M to Tanjung Priok via Jl Gatot Subroto.

P125 Blok M to Tanjung Priok via Jl Jenderal Sudirman.

S77 Blok M to Ragunan via Kemang.

^ Back to top

Local transport

Taxi

Taxis in Jakarta are metered and cost 5000Rp for the first kilometre and 250Rp for each subsequent 100m. Make sure the meter (argo) is used. Many taxi drivers provide a good service, but Jakarta has enough rogues to give its taxis a bad reputation and a number of travellers have complained about pushy drivers. Tipping is expected, if not demanded, but not obligatory. It is customary to round the fare up to the next 1000Rp. Carry plenty of small notes – Jakarta taxi drivers rarely give change.

Bluebird cabs (7941234, 7981001) are pale blue, and have the best reputation; a minimum of 20,000Rp is charged for ordered taxis. Any toll road charges and parking fees – there are lots of them – are extra and paid by the passenger.

^ Back to top