A Simple Guide to Local Transportation in Jakarta

Home to more than 10 million people, Jakarta is the biggest city in Indonesia. With its size and population, it's no wonder the streets are clogged by traffic jams. For many, a full-time driver takes care of their transport needs. However, this is a luxury that only some can afford. Getting around may sound like a daunting task if you've never been to Jakarta. 

Luckily, there are some options for public transportation in Jakarta to choose from. Whatever your requirements and preferences are, you can find the ideal local transportation to get around the capital city of Indonesia. In this guide, you can find all the essential information on Jakarta transportation.  

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1. TransJakarta 

Since 2004, an extensive rapid bus transit system has been operating in the city, known as TransJakarta. Initially, this local transportation system was created to reduce the traffic on Jakarta’s roads. Just hop on the bus and have a better view of the bustling metropolis. Furthermore, free Wi-Fi is always available at all TransJakarta stations, allowing you to save cell data. You can look forward to experiencing Jakarta’s streets without the traffic. 

2. Jakarta MRT 

When the public heard the news of the Jakarta MRT Line being built, there was a lot of excitement in the city. After all, this would be Indonesia’s first MRT line. People recognize that the development of MRT can aid in traffic reduction. Currently, there are more than 4 million daily commuters. The Jakarta MRT offers some optimism for the city’s brighter future. So, next time you’re traveling through Jakarta, try this mode of transportation! 

3. Jakarta LRT 

In North Jakarta, there’s another local transportation system called LRT, or Light Rail Transit. The plan is to make LRT a convenient and integrated public mobility solution. On weekdays, the LRT carries about 6000 passengers, alleviating traffic in this congested area of Jakarta by getting people out of their automobiles. 

4. KRL 

Commuterline Trains are still one of the most popular modes of public transportation in Jakarta and throughout Indonesia. The main train network in and around the capital city is the Jakarta Commuter Train network or KRL. It will transport you to Tangerang, Depok, Bogor, and Bekasi—Jakarta’s satellite cities. Since KRL is very accessible and well-liked by locals who regularly commute to and from Jakarta for work, there will be a crowd during rush hour or peak times. 

5. Online Transportation  

Indonesians love using ride-sharing apps to enjoy cheap and comfortable trips. You can use two options, GoJek and Grab, which offer both motorbike and car trips. Depending on your needs, you can easily choose between the two. Motorbikes are definitely cheaper and faster since traffic in Jakarta is awful. The drivers will provide a helmet that you must wear. If you’re traveling with a large group, you can choose GoCar (L) or GrabCar XL, which can carry up to five passengers. 

6. Bajaj 

Similar to Thailand’s tuk-tuks, bajajs are a type of local transportation that can only be found in Jakarta. They are small, orange, and have three wheels to bring you around the city. Aside from the driver, bajajs can only carry two passengers. They are generally much cheaper than a taxi. But be prepared to haggle with the driver as they set the price. 

7. JakLingko 

The most recent guide to Jakarta transportation options is JakLingko, which was first released in mid-August 2022. Its purpose is to connect people everywhere by showing information about three transportation options in Jakarta, including MRT, LRT, and Transjakarta. This integrated system will help residents who need to use more than one mode of transportation. They can now find all the information regarding the schedule and ticket prices in one app.   

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