HOP ON AND DISCOVER THE CITY — JAKARTA’S MODERN TRANSPORT NETWORK IS READY TO TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE
From sleek underground trains to app-based motorbike rides, Jakarta has quietly built one of Southeast Asia’s most impressive and accessible urban transport networks — and the city is only getting started.
1. UNDERGROUND AND ON TIME: JAKARTA MRT
Jakarta’s Mass Rapid Transit — better known as the MRT Jakarta — stands as one of the most significant infrastructure achievements in the city’s modern history. Launched in 2019 and continuing to expand, the MRT connects key districts from Lebak Bulus in the south to the central business district at Bundaran HI, with further extensions underway. Trains are air-conditioned, punctual and remarkably affordable, with fares starting from just Rp 3,000. For commuters and visitors alike, the MRT offers a fast, comfortable and reliable way to move across the city without the need for a private vehicle.
2. CONNECTING EVERY CORNER: TRANSJAKARTA
TransJakarta is the backbone of Jakarta’s public transport system and one of the longest Bus Rapid Transit networks in the world, spanning over 230 corridors across the entire city. The iconic red buses run on dedicated bus lanes, ensuring swift and consistent journey times throughout the day and night. With hundreds of routes connecting every corner of Jakarta — from Tangerang in the west to Bekasi in the east — TransJakarta makes it possible to reach virtually any destination in the city affordably and conveniently. Fares are a flat Rp 3,500, and integration with the MRT and KRL makes multi-modal journeys seamless and straightforward.
3. SUBURBAN RAILS WITH A CITY SOUL: KRL COMMUTER LINE
The KRL Commuter Line is Jakarta’s beloved electric rail network, connecting the capital with its surrounding satellite cities — including Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi — across an extensive web of routes. Operated by KAI Commuter, the KRL carries millions of passengers each week and has become an essential part of daily life for those living in Greater Jakarta. Trains are frequent, fares are among the most affordable in the region, and the network’s reach makes it the ideal option for those travelling between the city centre and the wider metropolitan area. The KRL is also increasingly popular with tourists as a scenic and economical way to travel from Jakarta to Bogor and its famous botanical gardens.
4. THE RIDE THAT RUNS ON AN APP: OJEK ONLINE
No guide to getting around Jakarta would be complete without mentioning ojek online — the app-based motorbike taxi service that has transformed urban mobility across Indonesia. Platforms such as Gojek and Grab have made it possible to summon a motorbike ride, a car, or even a food delivery within minutes, from virtually anywhere in the city. For short journeys through neighbourhoods, quick trips between transport hubs, or simply reaching a destination that larger vehicles cannot access easily, ojek online remains the fastest and most flexible option available to Jakartans. The service is widely praised for its affordability, ease of use and the remarkable network of drivers that keeps the city moving around the clock.
Credit: Fathiyah Mumtaz
