Jakarta (CGK) - the ultimate Q&A thread
#1261



Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: MSY
Programs: BA GfL
Posts: 6,055
What time do I need to be at CGK for a 6 AM flight on Batik? Im
the kind of person that tends to cut it pretty fine on getting to the airport, but this will be my first experience going through check-in and security at CGK. We will likely have to check our bags because their carry-on weight limit is so low.
the kind of person that tends to cut it pretty fine on getting to the airport, but this will be my first experience going through check-in and security at CGK. We will likely have to check our bags because their carry-on weight limit is so low.
#1262
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott, IHG, Hyatt something
Posts: 34,456
What time do I need to be at CGK for a 6 AM flight on Batik? Im
the kind of person that tends to cut it pretty fine on getting to the airport, but this will be my first experience going through check-in and security at CGK. We will likely have to check our bags because their carry-on weight limit is so low.
the kind of person that tends to cut it pretty fine on getting to the airport, but this will be my first experience going through check-in and security at CGK. We will likely have to check our bags because their carry-on weight limit is so low.
Traffic shouldnt be too bad, early morning, depending where you are coming from. Sundays are usually the most calm, traffic-wise.
#1263




Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 437
Is Grab the best/easiest way to get from CGK to my hotel in the city center? Easy to use with a US credit card? How about Gojek, and which would you recommend?
I've used plenty of other non-Uber/Lyft rideshares around the world, but first time to Indonesia and don't have any experience with Grab or Gojek.
(When I land, I don't have time to deal with public transportation and I don't necessarily want to set up a car service in advance)
Thanks!
I've used plenty of other non-Uber/Lyft rideshares around the world, but first time to Indonesia and don't have any experience with Grab or Gojek.
(When I land, I don't have time to deal with public transportation and I don't necessarily want to set up a car service in advance)
Thanks!
#1264
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold Royal Air Maroc OW Emerald Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 22,493
Is Grab the best/easiest way to get from CGK to my hotel in the city center? Easy to use with a US credit card? How about Gojek, and which would you recommend?
I've used plenty of other non-Uber/Lyft rideshares around the world, but first time to Indonesia and don't have any experience with Grab or Gojek.
(When I land, I don't have time to deal with public transportation and I don't necessarily want to set up a car service in advance)
Thanks!
I've used plenty of other non-Uber/Lyft rideshares around the world, but first time to Indonesia and don't have any experience with Grab or Gojek.
(When I land, I don't have time to deal with public transportation and I don't necessarily want to set up a car service in advance)
Thanks!
Just download the Grab app, sign up and add your credit card. The Grab app is so much better than the Uber app IMO.
There is a Grab kiosk just outside of CGK arrivals where you can chill while you wait for your car.
#1265



Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: AMS / LOP
Programs: HH Diamond, IHG Diamond Amb., Marriott Gold, FB Plat, BAEC Silver
Posts: 610
Is Grab the best/easiest way to get from CGK to my hotel in the city center? Easy to use with a US credit card? How about Gojek, and which would you recommend?
I've used plenty of other non-Uber/Lyft rideshares around the world, but first time to Indonesia and don't have any experience with Grab or Gojek.
(When I land, I don't have time to deal with public transportation and I don't necessarily want to set up a car service in advance)
Thanks!
I've used plenty of other non-Uber/Lyft rideshares around the world, but first time to Indonesia and don't have any experience with Grab or Gojek.
(When I land, I don't have time to deal with public transportation and I don't necessarily want to set up a car service in advance)
Thanks!
Personally, I have a strong preference for Silverbird when I arrive at CGK. They use Toyota Alphards, which is a step up from Grab Premium cars. The price is usually similar to Grab Premium, sometimes a bit higher. You can order a Silverbird using the MyBlueBird app and pay by credit card. Besides the comfort, the main reason I use Silverbird is that their cars are almost always just a few minutes away (and often instantly available).
#1266




Join Date: May 2018
Location: Tokyo
Programs: Bonvoy LTT AMB ANA Diamond
Posts: 938
Whilst Grab Premium is a pretty decent option, waiting times can be quite long at CGK. Of course, it depends but especially during peak hours, Grab Premium can take a while.
Personally, I have a strong preference for Silverbird when I arrive at CGK. They use Toyota Alphards, which is a step up from Grab Premium cars. The price is usually similar to Grab Premium, sometimes a bit higher. You can order a Silverbird using the MyBlueBird app and pay by credit card. Besides the comfort, the main reason I use Silverbird is that their cars are almost always just a few minutes away (and often instantly available).
Personally, I have a strong preference for Silverbird when I arrive at CGK. They use Toyota Alphards, which is a step up from Grab Premium cars. The price is usually similar to Grab Premium, sometimes a bit higher. You can order a Silverbird using the MyBlueBird app and pay by credit card. Besides the comfort, the main reason I use Silverbird is that their cars are almost always just a few minutes away (and often instantly available).
#1268
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 18,250
Is Grab the best/easiest way to get from CGK to my hotel in the city center? Easy to use with a US credit card? How about Gojek, and which would you recommend?
I've used plenty of other non-Uber/Lyft rideshares around the world, but first time to Indonesia and don't have any experience with Grab or Gojek.
(When I land, I don't have time to deal with public transportation and I don't necessarily want to set up a car service in advance)
Thanks!
I've used plenty of other non-Uber/Lyft rideshares around the world, but first time to Indonesia and don't have any experience with Grab or Gojek.
(When I land, I don't have time to deal with public transportation and I don't necessarily want to set up a car service in advance)
Thanks!
If you are paying for Grab by card, do not pay any cash extras; everything goes through the system and onto your card.
Bluebird is by far the most widely trusted of the "regular" taxis. That means there can be a quite a line for its cars, but the dispatchers are efficient and the line moves quickly.
Bluebird's more comfortable, "Silverbird" service is also available at a significant premium. The same company also offers the considerably more expensive, prepaid "luxury" Goldenbird limo through its desks in the arrivals areas. If you were considering a hotel car, you might want to switch to Silverbird - it's pricey but likely to be much less so than the hotel version, which may well subcontract the ride to Silverbird.
#1270



Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: MSY
Programs: BA GfL
Posts: 6,055
Is this a domestic flight? Id say 90 minutes is the minimum, but I always shoot for 2 hours. If international, add on another 30 minutes.
Traffic shouldnt be too bad, early morning, depending where you are coming from. Sundays are usually the most calm, traffic-wise.
Traffic shouldnt be too bad, early morning, depending where you are coming from. Sundays are usually the most calm, traffic-wise.
#1272




Join Date: Sep 2025
Location: ICN HND HKG TPE SIN BKK CGK
Posts: 18
#1273
Join Date: May 2025
Location: North Wales
Programs: Flying Blue Plat4Life, BA Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond, Marriott Titanium, ALL Plat, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 31
The Skytrain goes T1-Railway Station-T2-T3 and return. So T2-T3 is only one stop and takes about 5 minutes, Check the screens on the platform to see which platform (A or B) you should board at. I've found CGK to be quite efficient and 3h35min should be plenty of time.


