Soekarno Hatta International Airport (CGK)

Flying from/to Soekarno Hatta International Airport

Plan your journey from/to Soekarno Hatta International Airport by finding out which transport links are available upon arrival—whether its an airport transfer by coach or a local train which gets you to where you need to be. We recommend booking your ticket with Omio.

Arriving at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)

Nicknamed the Big Durian (in homage to the Big Apple), Jakarta is home to the coachiest airport in the Southern Hemisphere, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The city is so big, in fact, that it's not actually a city - its square mileage qualifies it as a full-fledged province. And with nearly 11 million people living there, it's no surprise that Jakarta has epic traffic jams. They have been so bad, in fact, that the government has had to step in to ease congestion. Open 24 hours a day, Jakarta Airport has three terminals connected by a SkyTrain and shuttle service, and it serves dozens of airlines, including AirAsia, Delta Air Lines, Jetstar, KLM, and Malaysia Airlines.

What's the best way to get from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to the city centre?

Because of Jakarta's traffic jams, the fastest path to the city centre is the Jakarta MRT train, known to locals as the Ratangga, or "war chariot" in Old Javanese. Tickets, which can be purchased at the machines in the airport station or via the transport app, must be bought 20 minutes or more in advance due to congestion. The KA Bandara line toward Manggarai, just three stops from Sudirman Baru/Stasiun BNI City Station in the heart of Central Jakarta City, takes 45-55 minutes. The Damri airport coach is a slower but cheaper option. travellers going to the Gambir stop in the city centre can be stuck in traffic for up to 2 or 3 hours, depending on the time of day. Tickets are purchased on board. A taxi from the rank outside arrivals will take roughly the same amount of time. Gojek and Grab motorcycle taxis (called "ojeks" by locals) are another option for solo or light travellers adventurous enough to weave in and out of traffic.

How far is the city centre from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport?

Just under 20 miles (31.2 kilometers) from the center of Jakarta, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is most easily accessed by the Ratangga, or MRT rail line. The KA Bandara toward Hatta goes directly from the city centre to the airport in 45-55 minutes, with three stops between the destinations. Seasoned travellers in Jakarta all recommend a taxi, however. Blue Bird taxi service has the best reputation in Indonesia, so much so that other taxi companies paint their cars blue to entice fares who can't tell the difference. Blue Bird taxi drivers wear a recognizable uniform and have the Blue Bird branding on their cars, along with serial numbers along the sides, rear, and dashboard of the vehicle. Grab and Gojek are often cheaper than taxis.

What services are there at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport?

As the central hub for a staggering number of domestic and international flights, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport boasts a wealth of affordable amenities. Several dozen restaurants, fast-food chains, and duty-free shopping areas are open 24 hours a day. There are 12 currency exchanges in Terminals 2 and nine in Terminal 3, in addition to ATMs from local and international banks.  Luggage storage and lockers are also located in Terminals 2 and 3. travellers hoping to freshen up with a shower before their flight have the choice of paying for one of the airline lounges or using the free showers located near Gate 11 in the international terminal and Gate 10 in the domestic terminal. Free WiFi is available everywhere in the airport, and drinking water fountains are free to use. Remember that tap water is not safe to drink in Jakarta. Families travelling through Soekarno-Hatta Airport have access to over 20 nursing rooms and children's play areas, and mosques and prayer rooms are located in all three terminals. 

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

There are accessible toilets available in each terminal, with grab bars installed and door widths of 29.5 inches (75 centimeters). The Ratangga, SkyTrain, and shuttles between the terminals are built to be wheelchair accessible, but can sometimes pose a challenge. Arrivals are on the ground floor, and the upstairs departures halls can be reached by accessible elevators. The airport offers wheelchair rentals, and passengers can request special assistance from their airlines 48 hours in advance for luggage handling, check-in, passing through security, and embarkation/disembarkation on arrival. Drop-off and pickup areas all have ramps installed.

Local tips: what to know before flying to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

Many signs in the airport are in English, making navigating the airport fairly easy for international travellers. Some cab drivers may try to pick up fares by telling travellers that the coaches or trains aren't running, but it's worth confirming independently. Tap water is not safe to drink in Jakarta, so travellers are encouraged to purchase bottled water from the snack kiosks in the airport before venturing out into the traffic jams of Jakarta. Ojeks tend to be a faster form of transportation than cars, and Indonesian-owned app Gojek is used by locals and tourists alike for transportation and other delivery services. Buy a local SIM card at the airport with mobile data to access the app easily.