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Getting around Indonesia

transport in Indonesia
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Updated byLeyla Ron 06 May 2026

Getting around the big cities of Indonesia can be seriously overwhelming. The country is famous for some of the most intense traffic congestion and urban density. While this is all true, there is also no shortage of transportation options, and getting around the country is an exciting part of any Indonesian adventure. In general, Indonesia offers a wide range of transport. The type you choose depends on your location, budget, and time constraints. Some options are way faster and more comfortable (the domestic flights), but are also more expensive.

For longer trips covering long distances, domestic flights from most major cities are quite affordable. Boats and ferries are also widely used to travel between islands, but they'll obviously be a lot slower.

Traffic congestion tends to be famously severe in major cities such as Jakarta and parts of Bali. These jams will be particularly intense during major holidays. During Eid (Idul Fitri), for example, millions of Indonesians are traveling back to their hometowns, and journeys that normally take a few hours can last more than 10 hours!

Traveling by ojek in Indonesia

Ojeks are motorcycle taxis widely used throughout Indonesia. They are everywhere in large cities and tourist areas, and they're super popular because they're affordable for locals and can move quickly through heavy traffic.

More often than not, you'll notice everyone booking through ride-hailing apps like Grab and GoJek, where the price is fixed. If you do pull one over on the side of the road, then you should always agree on the fare before starting your journey.

A 10-minute journey may cost around 20,000 IDR. Surge pricing is common and fluctuates throughout the day.

Traveling by bemo (angkot) in Indonesia

Bemo (also known as angkot, mikrolet, or pete-pete depending on the region) are small minibuses operating on fixed routes. You'll see them everywhere! The seating is basic, the vehicles are often crowded, and the music is terrible, but they're endearing nevertheless.

Bemo's are inexpensive and used a lot by locals, but they're a lot less convenient for expats and outsiders because there's basically no route information and the pricing is inconsistent (they'll just make it up on the spot). Drivers will probably charge higher fares for foreigners, so if you are using one, just have a look at what the other passengers are paying first.

A 10-minute ride can range anywhere from 3,000 to 15,000 IDR, depending on your location.

Traveling by becak in Indonesia

The becak is a three-wheeled cycle rickshaw with a passenger seat in front. It's a traditional symbol of Indonesia and is still used in some cities, particularly in smaller streets. It's a delightful way to get around! Becaks aren't allowed on the main roads in several major cities because they're so slow, but motorized versions do exist in some areas. As with the ojeks, you should always agree on the price before boarding.

Traveling by dokar and river transport in Indonesia

The dokar is a traditional horse-drawn carriage, but it's very quaint and now rarely used. You might still catch a glimpse of one in rural areas, transporting goods or locals. For 10 minutes, expect to pay around 10,000 to 25,000IDR in smaller towns. In tourist hotspots, it's probably more like 20,000 to 50,000IDR.

Meanwhile, river transport still exists in certain cities, including parts of Jakarta and Kalimantan, where small boats are used to cross rivers and travel short distances. For a river crossing and short distances, expect to pay between IDR 10,000 and IDR 30,000.

Traveling by bus in Indonesia

Urban bus systems vary widely across Indonesia. Jakarta has a very extensive and affordable bus network, including dedicated bus lanes that can zip you across the city efficiently. In other cities, bus services exist but tend to be a lot less structured. There are also buses of every size, from bemos to large double-decker coaches that connect the big cities.

If you're on a bus, just like any other country, you should keep an eye on pickpocketing – especially the crowded routes.

For the TransJakarta BRT system, the fare is a flat IDR 3,500. For non-BRT buses, the fare will typically be between IDR 5,000 and IDR 15,000.

Urban rail transport in Indonesia

Jakarta now has several modern urban rail systems that are widely used by commuters and expats. These are:

  • MRT Jakarta, serving key north–south routes
  • LRT Jakarta and Jabodebek, connecting parts of Greater Jakarta
  • KRL Commuter Line, linking Jakarta with surrounding cities such as Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi

These systems are pretty reliable and affordable. Depending on where you want to go, these are some of the most efficient ways to travel around the capital region. There's also a reliable, affordable rail network that extends right across the whole of Java.

While there are also short sections of railway on both Sumatra and Sulawesi, it's not a mode of transport that can be relied on outside of Java.

Pricing for the Java rail network varies depending on your ticket class and the length of the journey. For short trips (1-2 hours), economy tickets will be between IDR 30,000 and IDR 60,000. For a medium route (4-6 hours), economy tickets will cost IDR 150,000 to IDR 250,000. For long distances (8+ hours), economy tickets will be around IDR 200,000 to IDR 350,000.

For KAI commuter trains in and around Jakarta, fares are cheap and start at IDR 3,000. The MRT Jakarta will typically cost between IDR 4,000 and IDR 10,000.

Getting a cab in Indonesia

Metered taxis are, of course, everywhere in the major cities. As you do anywhere in the world, always ensure the meter is switched on or agree on a fare beforehand. taxis operate in most large cities and tourist areas and are considered very reliable. Drivers often speak basic English, and taxis can be booked via a mobile app.

Depending on your location and the traffic, taxis will typically charge somewhere between IDR 4,500 and IDR 6,500.

Ride-hailing apps in Indonesia

As mentioned earlier, ride-hailing services are widely used in Indonesia. The two dominant platforms are Gojek (a local company) and .

These apps offer everything from motorcycle taxis and cars to food delivery and other courier services, all at transparent, affordable prices. You may notice during your time in Indonesia that the traditional taxi drivers don't like these ride-hailing services in some areas, particularly around the touristy spots like airports and hotels.

A 10-minute journey may cost around IDR 20,000. Surge pricing is common and fluctuates throughout the day.

Renting a car or motorcycle in Indonesia

Renting a motorcycle is really easy and a good way to get around if you're confident enough to drive, especially in Bali. Helmets are legally required, and the roads and traffic are challenging. Before you rent and drive off, make sure your scooter is in good condition and, most importantly, check you're covered with your insurance.

Meanwhile, cars can be rented with or without a driver. Hiring a car with a driver is usually quite cheap, and it's a practical option for newcomers who are unfamiliar with local driving conditions. If the driver is local and speaks a bit of English, you'll hopefully get a few super useful tips and interesting insights along the way!

To rent a motorcycle, expect to pay around IDR 60,000 to IDR 100,000 per day. For cars, it'll be in the range of IDR 300,000 to IDR 500,000 per day.

Useful links:

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Leyla Rose is a freelance travel writer and has written for magazines, newspapers and online publications around the world.

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