On July 16, 2024, I arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia. This article provides information on how to travel from the airport to the city center using the airport train.
From Soekarno-Hatta Airport to the Airport Train Station
The airport train station is not directly connected to the terminals, so you need to transfer to the airport station. First, take the Skytrain (free), which connects the various terminals to the train station.
When you exit the airport building, you’ll see signs like the one pictured. Follow the signs, and you’ll find a crosswalk leading to the Skytrain station. Cross it and ascend to the second floor of the building.
I arrived at Terminal 2, so the train station was next door. Since it’s free, no ticket is needed; just board the arriving train. Get off at the next station (Train Station) and head to the lower floor. After exiting the building and walking along a pathway, you’ll see signs for the train station.
Purchasing Tickets
Here, you’ll purchase your ticket to your destination station. Tickets are cashless, and credit cards are accepted. You buy tickets from an automated vending machine. Although there are only unreserved seats, you will need to select the specific train departure time.
Select your destination station. This time, I chose BNI City Station, which is in the city center. The fare will be displayed; it was 50,000 Rupiah for this trip. Select your payment method; I chose a credit card. Once the payment is complete, a paper ticket resembling a receipt will be issued from the bottom front of the machine.
If you encounter any problems or difficulties with ticket purchase, there’s an information counter nearby where you can ask for assistance. In some cases, it’s even been possible to purchase tickets with cash as a last resort.
On the Platform
You’ll wait in the waiting area on the second floor until you can descend to the platform. Once all arriving passengers have passed through the gate, you can enter. Scan your ticket’s QR code to pass through the gate. The train will already be at the platform. Since it’s free seating, you can sit wherever you like. The reclining seats provide a comfortable ride, and there are also USB ports available.
Arriving at BNI City Station
You’ll arrive at BNI City Station in about 40 minutes. Head to the ticket gate on the second floor via stairs or elevator. Scan your QR code again at the ticket gate to exit. From here, you can travel to various parts of the city using local trains, subways, taxis, and other transportation. Information on how to use public transportation within Jakarta will be provided in a separate article.
