Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Indonesia.

Book with PT Kereta Api — Use the official KAI website or mobile app to book long-distance trains across Java and Sumatra. Tickets are cheaper online and you avoid queues at stations.
Arrive early for departures — Trains in Indonesia often depart on time, so arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Platforms can be crowded during peak hours.
Pickpocketing is common on busy trains, especially overnight services. Keep valuables in a money belt and be cautious during boarding and alighting.
Seat reservations required — All long-distance trains require seat reservations; you cannot just buy a platform ticket. Reserve ahead as popular routes fill quickly.
Night trains offer good value — Overnight sleeper trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta or Surabaya are comfortable and save on accommodation costs.

Use TransJakarta in the capital — Jakarta's bus rapid transit (BRT) system is fast, air-conditioned, and affordable. Buy a card at stations and tap on entry and exit.
City buses are very cheap — Local buses (angkot/minibus) cost Rp3,500–5,000 per ride. Tell the conductor your destination and pay when you get off.
Buses are often overcrowded during rush hours and pickpocketing occurs. Keep bags in front and avoid loose valuables.
Download Moovit or Google Maps — These apps show bus routes, real-time arrivals, and transfers in major cities like Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya.

Use Grab and Gojek apps — These ride-hailing apps are ubiquitous, safer than hailing taxis on the street, and show fares upfront. Both offer motorbike (ojek) and car options.
Avoid unlicensed taxis and always use metered cabs or app-based services. Non-metered taxis often overcharge tourists significantly.
Ride-sharing is cheaper than taxis — Grab and Gojek rides cost 20–40% less than traditional metered taxis in cities like Jakarta and Bali.
Motorbike taxis require helmets — Wearing a helmet is mandatory by law on Grab Bike and Gojek motorbike rides. Fines apply if caught without one.
Pay via app to avoid scams — Always pay through the Grab or Gojek app rather than cash to prevent disputes or overcharging at the end of your ride.

Traffic in Jakarta and major cities is chaotic and driving rules are often ignored. Consider hiring a driver instead of self-driving.
International driving permit required — Carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your home license. Fines for driving without one can reach Rp500,000–2,000,000.
Hire a driver through rental agencies — Budget-friendly driver hire costs Rp300,000–500,000 per day and is safer than self-driving on unfamiliar roads.
Road conditions outside cities are poor and many roads lack street lighting at night. Avoid driving after dark in rural areas.
Toll roads on Java — Major highways (especially Jakarta–Bandung–Yogyakarta) use electronic toll cards. Buy a card at toll gates or convenience stores.

Soekarno-Hatta is Jakarta's main hub — This is the largest airport in Indonesia. Allow 2–3 hours for domestic flights and 3–4 hours for international flights.
Use airport taxis or ride apps — Book a Grab or use the airport taxi counter for fixed fares. Avoid touts outside offering rides at inflated prices.
Luggage storage facilities are limited at most airports. Plan ahead if you have long layovers or multiple bags.
Arrive early for domestic flights — Check in at least 2 hours before domestic departures and 3 hours before international flights. Airlines enforce these strictly.
Major carriers include Garuda, Lion Air, and Batik Air — Book in advance online for better fares. Garuda is premium; Lion Air and Batik Air are budget-friendly but sometimes experience delays.

Inter-island ferries connect major islands — Pelni operates large overnight ferries linking Java, Bali, Sulawesi, and beyond. Book via their website or travel agents.
Speedboats for short island hops — Fast ferries connect Bali–Lombok, Bali–Gili Islands, and other nearby islands. Book through operators like Gili Cat or Scoot Fast.
Ferry schedules are weather-dependent; services may be cancelled during heavy rains or strong seas. Confirm departures the day before.
Safety standards on some private speedboats are poor and life jackets may be unavailable. Choose established operators with good reviews.
Overnight ferries offer budget accommodation — Sleeping aboard a Pelni ferry costs less than a hotel and includes meals, making long journeys economical.

Buy TransJakarta cards in advance — Get a rechargeable Jaklingko card at stations and convenience stores for seamless bus and ferry transfers across Jakarta.
Book trains and flights online — Use official websites (KAI for trains, airline sites) or trusted apps like Traveloka and Tiket.com to avoid counterfeits and scams.
Counterfeit tickets are sold near train and bus stations. Only buy from official counters, authorized agents, or verified online platforms.
Tourist passes exist in some cities — Yogyakarta and some other cities offer multi-day tourist passes covering public transport and attractions—ask at the tourist information center.
Keep proof of purchase — Always carry your ticket confirmation (digital or printed) as proof of booking for trains and planes.

Buy local SIM cards on arrival — Major carriers include Telkomsel, Indosat, and XL Axiata. SIM cards cost Rp5,000–10,000 and are sold at airports, convenience stores, and mobile shops.
Prepaid plans are widely available — Buy data packages (5GB for Rp50,000–100,000) that include calls and texts. Top-ups can be done at any convenience store or via the carrier's app.
Telkomsel has the best coverage — This is the largest carrier and has the most reliable signal, especially outside cities and on remote islands.
Mobile data speeds are sometimes slow and coverage gaps exist in rural areas. Download offline maps and important information before traveling.
Airport WiFi and hotspots exist — Most hotels, restaurants, and malls offer free WiFi, but speeds vary. A local SIM is more reliable for getting around.