6 Public Transportation Options in Jakarta for Foreign Tourists

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The city of Jakarta in Indonesia is often visited by many foreign tourists. While on holiday in Jakarta, foreign tourists should know what kind of public transportation options in Jakarta, to make it easier for them to travel around Jakarta and not get lost.

With these transportation options, foreign tourists can enjoy various interesting tours in Jakarta, ranging from cultural, historical, to culinary tours.

Below are several public transportation options in Jakarta for foreign tourists to try, starting from Transjakarta buses to the LRT trains.

Public Transportation Options for Foreign Tourists in Jakarta

The following are 6 public transportation options in Jakarta that can be used by foreign tourists:

1. Transjakarta Bus (Busway)

The Monas busway stop in Jakarta, Sunday, March 20, 2022. TEMPO/Faisal Ramadhan

Transjakarta Bus is a public transportation that has been operating since 2004. Transjakarta or commonly called ‘Busway’ is a form of integrated public transportation management in Jakarta.

There are special lanes prepared so that the Busway continues to run amidst traffic jams, especially during rush hours.

The busway operates every day from 05:00 to 23:00 WIB (Western Indonesian Times), some even operate 24 hours on certain routes, so foreign tourists don't need to worry if they travel at night.

The facilities provided are quite adequate, such as air conditioning, CCTV, bus attendants, and a special room for women which is usually located in the front seat rows.

For tourists visiting Jakarta and wanting to use public transportation, the Busway is one of that many options.

The fare charged for using this transportation is flat, starting from Rp2,000 to Rp3,500 depending on the departure time you choose.

Payments are made using electronic cards issued by several banks such as BRI, BCA, BNI and Bank Mandiri.

No need to worry, foreign tourists can access 22 free buses which are used as a means of tourist transportation on 7 different routes.

2. Commuter Train (KRL)

The commuter train or KRL service in Jakarta is quite comfortable for a public transportation, so it is very suitable for foreign tourists who want to travel comfortably and travel quickly.

Via KRL, foreign tourists can explore other areas in Jabodetabek (Greater Jakarta area) such as Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi.

The KRL operates from 04:00 to around 24:00 WIB and is equipped with facilities such as air conditioning, chairs and room large enough to stand. There are two special carriages for women as an effort to ensure the safety of female passengers.

The fare is relatively cheap, namely Rp3,000 for the first 25 km and Rp1,000 for every 10 km. Make sure you have electronic money card (e-money card) or some kind of prepaid card that is used for KRL payments.

3. MRT Train

Illustration of MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) train in Jakarta, Indonesia.

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) public transportation is a relatively new transportation because it first operated on March 14, 2019.

The difference between the MRT and other forms of transportation is that the rails are located underground and some are above.

The MRT speed is also faster than the KRL so it doesn't take too long to travel. It is very suitable for tourists who want to explore the city of Jakarta the fast way.

The rates offered are quite affordable, starting from Rp3,000 to Rp14,000 depending on the distance traveled. For payment, it is the same as other transportation, namely using an electronic money card or e-money card.

4. Mikrotrans

Mikrotrans is a JakLingko public transportation minivans that transports passengers from bus stop to bus stop. The facilities provided are no less the same than any other public transportation previously mentioned, namely equipped with AC and CCTV.

Apart from that, Mikrotrans minivans have automatic doors which are controlled by the driver. Mikrotrans operates from 05:00 to 22:00 WIB.

Regarding fares, foreign tourists don't need to worry because this service is free, but you still need to buy a JakLingko card first.

If you want to check the stopping points and Mikrotrans routes, you can download the Moovit app.

5. Bajaj

Another public transportation in Jakarta that foreign tourists can try is the bajaj, a three wheeled Tuk-tuk-like taxi. Bajaj is a legendary and typical transportation in Jakarta.

Having been in operation since the 1970s, Bajaj can carry up to 2 passengers (not including the driver).

Bajaj has transformed in such a way. Currently, some Bajajs have a blue color which indicates the use of environmentally friendly fuel which is usually called compressed natural gas (CNG).

However, if you find an orange Bajaj, it means it still uses regular gasoline as fuel.

Bajaj fares tend to vary, depending on the distance traveled, and you have to haggle with the driver first for the price you deemed appropriate. So, make sure you have agreed the price with the driver before boarding the bajaj. If you use a bajaj, you must provide cash.

6. LRT Train

LRT (Light Rail Transit) train is one of the new forms of transportation in Jakarta. There are two types of LRT, namely the Jakarta LRT with the Pegangsaan Dua - Velodrome route, and the Jabodebek LRT with the Dukuh Atas-Harjamukti and Dukuh Atas-Jati Mulya route.

This LRT transportation is quite comfortable, it can even reach tourist attractions such as TMII (Taman Mini Indonesia Indah) and also reach Halim Perdanakusuma airport.

Jabodebek LRT fares start from Rp5,000 to Rp25,000 depending on the distance traveled.

So, those are the six public transportation options in Jakarta that foreign tourists can use. Have fun traveling around Jakarta, stay safe!

AULIA ULVA

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