Jakarta City Guide - Getting Around

Massive change is afoot in Jakarta's public transport system with a new bus network, with a dedicated bus lane system in operation, and a monorail currently under construction. TransJakarta (tel: (021) 722 8727; website: www.jakarta.go.id/transjakarta/home/index.php) is a rapid transit bus system that already has seven lines or ‘corridors'. There are slated to be 15 lines by 2010. Fixed rate fares are payable. In addition a number of smaller companies also offer bus and minibus routes, though these tend not to stick to timetables, are chronically overcrowded and often don't have air-conditioning.

The Jakarta Monorail is currently under construction. The Green Line will be a loop line serving Semanggi-Karet-Semanggi with the Blue Line serving Kampung Melayu-Mall Taman Anggrek. The system has been beset by delays however, and there is no firm completion date. 

Bajaj are motorised rickshaws that are a cheap, though relatively dangerous way to get around the city.

Hailing a taxi in the street can lead to overcharging so either book at a hotel or call ahead with companies such as Batavia (tel: (021) 733 6776), Dynasty (tel: (021) 568 0986) and Koperasi (tel: (021) 840 8877). Given the overcrowded nature of much of Jakarta's public transport network, taxis are considered by many expats and visitors to be the best way of getting around.

Driving in Jakarta can be both challenging and dangerous due to poor local driving standards. A number of international car hire companies have offices in Jakarta including Avis, Jalan Diponegoro 25 (tel: (021) 314 2900; website: www.avis.com) and Europcar, Jalan Hayam Wuruk 6 (tel: (021) 385 6666; website: www.europcar.com). Many backpackers are tempted to accept one of the cheap deals offered by touts in the Jalan Jaksa backpacker enclave, though these touts are not always dependable.

Cycling on Jakarta's busy streets is not recommended and there are no official cycle rental companies in the city.