Jakarta Airport Information

Soekarno-Hatta Airport, named after Indonesia's first president and vice-president, is 20 kilometers (13 miles) northwest of the capital. By car, the journey into town will take at least 40 minutes and up to an hour when traffic is heavy.

The airport is not so large as to make it daunting for a first time visitor. Facilities, while they may not match those in richer countries, have clear signs and staff willingly assist you. You'll find that a common theme throughout the country: Indonesia does have infrastructure problems but these are mitigated by the hospitality and courtesy of the people.

Two terminals are dedicated to international arrivals and departures, while one terminal is for domestic flights. The range of shops at the airport is limited and their prices relatively expensive. It is unlikely therefore that you will want to spend money here. However should you need to buy rupiah the moneychangers offer a reasonable rate of exchange.

Garuda is the main Indonesian airline and has the most flights to Singapore. Jakarta, however, is well served by other airlines that may offer better rates. Flying from Singapore, Emirates offers an excellent business-class service at a competitive rate. Other reputable airlines that fly on a regular basis: Silk Air, Quantas, KLM, Lufthansa, Japan Airlines, British Airways and Thai Airways International.

If you have not arranged to be met at the airport, the first thing you should do upon exiting customs is to walk over to the Bluebird Taxi booking desk from where you can get a chauffered car. Don't even think about driving a car yourself. Bluebird is a good company and will make your trip into town that much easier.

With Bluebird, you have two options to get to the city. A Silverbird is a metered limousine and a Goldenbird is a limousine with an hourly rate. Both have excellent drivers though the Silverbird is essentially a large taxi while the Goldenbird is an unmarked car, usually a Mercedes or Volvo. The cost will range from 80,000 -150,000 rupiah. Tip the porter between 2,000 and 5,000 rupiah.

If you're seeking to keep costs to the bare minimum, then the best option would be to take the air-conditioned bus which leaves for the city every 30 minutes. You'll pay about 3,000 to 4,000 rupiah for the trip. Get the airport staff to tell you which of the five drop off points in the city are closest to your hotel. Taxis are also available. The flagfall rate is 1,500 rupiah, plus 550 rupiah for each succeeding kilometer, or about 25,000 rupiah in all to get to the city center.

Tipping

Airport porterage costs 500 rupiah for a small bag and 1,000 rupiah if each bag weighs more than 20 kilogras. Tipping a taxi or limousine driver is not mandatory, but 500 rupiah would be sufficient for a taxi driver. Give more to the limo driver.