Jakarta is Indonesia’s capital city and its main international gateway. Most travelers flying into Indonesia for the first time land in Jakarta before connecting onward to Bali, Yogyakarta, or other destinations across the archipelago. Getting the airport logistics right from the start makes everything that follows easier.
So how many airports does Jakarta have? The answer is two. One is a large, busy international hub handling the vast majority of commercial flights. The other is a smaller facility with a dual civilian and military function that most regular travelers will never use, but that is worth knowing about to avoid a potentially costly mistake when booking connecting flights.
This guide covers both airports in full detail, explains exactly which one you need and why, and walks you through everything from visa procedures to transport options so you arrive in Jakarta prepared.
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How Many Airports Are in Jakarta?
Jakarta Has Two Airports :
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) is the main commercial airport handling virtually all international and domestic passenger flights. This is the airport you will use for almost every possible itinerary.
Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (HLP) is a secondary airport with a dual civilian and military function. It handles a small number of domestic commercial flights, VVIP and state aircraft, private jets, and military operations. Most regular travelers will never fly through HLP, but it is important to know it exists.
The critical thing to understand before booking any onward flights from Jakarta is which airport your connection departs from. CGK and HLP are approximately 35 to 40 kilometers apart by road, and in Jakarta’s traffic, the journey between them can take up to 2 hours. Booking a flight into HLP when your international departure is from CGK, or vice versa, creates a serious logistical problem that is entirely avoidable.
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is Indonesia’s busiest airport and one of the busiest in Southeast Asia, handling over 60 million passengers annually before the pandemic and recovering strongly since. It is named after Indonesia’s two founding fathers: Sukarno, the country’s first president, and Mohammad Hatta, the first vice president.
The airport sits in Tangerang, Banten province, approximately 20 kilometers west of central Jakarta. Despite being technically outside the Jakarta city boundary, it is universally referred to as Jakarta’s main airport and serves as the primary international gateway to Indonesia.
Key facts:
- Airport code: CGK (IATA), WIII (ICAO)
- Location: Tangerang, Banten, approximately 20 kilometers west of central Jakarta
- Type: International and domestic
- Terminals: Three active terminals (Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3)
- Annual capacity: Over 60 million passengers
Terminal Structure
CGK has three terminals, and knowing which one your airline uses before you arrive saves significant confusion in a large and busy airport.
Terminal 1 is divided into three sub-terminals (1A, 1B, 1C) and handles domestic flights primarily from Lion Air, Batik Air, Wings Air, and Citilink. If you are flying budget domestic within Indonesia, there is a good chance your flight departs from Terminal 1.
Terminal 2 is also divided into sub-terminals (2D, 2E, 2F) and handles Garuda Indonesia’s domestic and some international flights, as well as several other carriers. Terminal 2F is the international departure terminal.
Terminal 3 is the newest and most modern terminal, opened in 2016 and expanded since. It handles most international flights including all major foreign carriers, as well as some domestic routes especially for Garuda Indonesia Airways. Terminal 3 is where most international travelers arrive and depart. The facility is well-designed, spacious, and significantly more pleasant than the older terminals.
A free shuttle bus called the Sky Train connects all three terminals and runs continuously throughout the day and night. The journey between any two terminals takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Always allow time for this inter-terminal transfer if your itinerary involves connecting between different terminals.
Always check your terminal when booking. Confirm your airline’s terminal assignment on your ticket and double-check on the airport website before traveling.
International Flights at CGK
Soekarno-Hatta connects Jakarta directly to an extensive international network. Most major global carriers serve CGK, and it functions as the primary hub for Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia’s national carrier.
Direct long-haul routes operate to Amsterdam (KLM), London (Garuda Indonesia via a stopover), Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sydney, Melbourne, and many other destinations. Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong serve as additional connection hubs for travelers from cities without direct Jakarta service.
If you are flying into Indonesia from outside Asia, your itinerary almost certainly routes through CGK. It is the port of entry for the majority of international visitors to Indonesia and the airport where Visa on Arrival is most efficiently processed.
Domestic Flights at CGK
CGK connects Jakarta to every major city in Indonesia. Bali and Denpasar take approximately 2 hours. Yogyakarta takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Surabaya is approximately 1.5 hours. Medan is around 2.5 hours. Makassar takes approximately 2.5 hours. Manado and Papua routes take 3 to 4 hours depending on the destination.
Garuda Indonesia is the full-service national carrier operating from Terminal 2. Lion Air, Batik Air, and Wings Air operate primarily from Terminal 1. Citilink and Super Air Jet also operate domestically from CGK. AirAsia Indonesia operates from Terminal 3.
Book domestic tickets through Traveloka or Tiket.com for easy comparison. Book at least two weeks ahead for reasonable fares and earlier during July, August, and the December holiday peak.
Read also : How many airports are in Bali?
Visa on Arrival at CGK
Indonesia offers Visa on Arrival to citizens of 97 eligible countries, and CGK is one of the most streamlined airports in Indonesia for processing it.
Visa-free entry (30 days, non-extendable): Citizens of ASEAN countries and a small number of other nationalities. Check the official Indonesian immigration website for the current full list.
Visa on Arrival: Citizens of the USA, UK, most European nations, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, India, and 97 countries total. Full list on the immigration website.
Cost: IDR 500,000, approximately USD 32.
Payment: Cash in USD, EUR, SGD, or Indonesian Rupiah. Bring cash as credit card acceptance at the counter is not guaranteed.
Duration: 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days at an immigration office. Maximum stay is 60 days.
Process at CGK: After landing, follow signs to the Visa on Arrival counter, which appears before the standard immigration queues. Fill a short form, pay the fee, receive your stamp, then proceed through regular immigration. Takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how many international flights have arrived simultaneously. CGK processes very high volumes during peak hours so expect potentially longer waits than at smaller airports like DPS in Bali.
E-Visa on Arrival: Apply online before flying at evisa.imigrasi.go.id. Same IDR 500,000 fee but with a QR code that accesses the faster dedicated lane at the airport. Strongly recommended for travelers who want to clear immigration as quickly as possible.
Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. No exceptions.
Indonesian Digital Arrival Card: Complete the All Indonesia Online Arrival Card within 3 days before your flight. This is a legal requirement for all international arrivals into Indonesia.
Read also : How to go from Jakarta to Bali by Land
Facilities at CGK
Terminal 3, which handles most international arrivals, is modern, well-maintained, and fully equipped.
WiFi: Free throughout all terminals. Speed is reasonable for messaging and browsing.
Currency Exchange: Money changers operate in all terminals in both arrival and departure areas. Rates at the airport are acceptable but not the best in Jakarta. Exchange a small amount for immediate transport costs and find better rates at money changers in the city, particularly in business districts like Sudirman or Thamrin.
ATMs: Major Indonesian banks including BCA, Mandiri, BNI, and BRI have ATMs in all terminals accepting international Visa and Mastercard.
SIM Cards: Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat counters operate in the arrival halls. Tourist packages range from IDR 50,000 to IDR 150,000 for 5GB to 30GB with 30-day validity. Telkomsel is the recommended provider for the strongest coverage across Indonesia, particularly useful if you are traveling beyond Jakarta to other cities and rural areas.
Food and Dining: All three terminals have a full range of options from local Indonesian restaurants and warungs to international chains including Starbucks, McDonald’s, and KFC. Terminal 3 has the widest selection. Prices are 30 to 50 percent higher than in the city.
Shopping: Duty-free in the international departure area of Terminal 3 covers alcohol, cigarettes, perfumes, and cosmetics. Souvenir shops carry Indonesian batik, handicrafts, and gifts. Better variety and prices are available in Jakarta’s malls, but the airport is fine for last-minute purchases.
Prayer Rooms: Clean prayer facilities near departure gates in all terminals.
Medical Services: Clinics operate in all terminals. Pharmacies are available.
Transit Hotel: Ibis Budget Jakarta Airport is located directly connected to Terminal 3 for passengers with long layovers or early morning departures.
Read also : Jakarta to Yogyakarta by Train
Getting from CGK to Jakarta City
CGK sits approximately 20 kilometers from central Jakarta, but Jakarta’s traffic is among the worst in Southeast Asia. What looks like a short distance on a map can take anywhere from 45 minutes to well over 2 hours depending on the time of day.
Airport Rail Link (Fastest and Most Reliable): The Railink Airport Train connects CGK directly to Sudirman Station and Manggarai Station in central Jakarta. The journey takes approximately 55 minutes and avoids road traffic entirely. Trains depart every 15 to 30 minutes. Tickets cost IDR 70,000 per person. This is by far the best option for reaching central Jakarta and is strongly recommended over road transport during daytime hours. Buy tickets at the station counters or through the Railink website in advance.
Grab and Gojek: Indonesia’s ride-hailing apps work at CGK. A Grab car to central Jakarta costs approximately IDR 150,000 to IDR 250,000 depending on destination and traffic. Travel time varies enormously: 45 minutes at midnight, easily 2 hours during morning rush hour between 7 and 9 AM or evening rush between 4 and 7 PM. Use the airport rail link during peak hours and Grab during off-peak times.
Official Airport Taxi: Fixed-rate taxi counters in all arrival halls with clearly displayed prices by destination. More expensive than Grab but guaranteed availability without requiring a working app. Expect IDR 200,000 to IDR 350,000 to central Jakarta depending on destination.
DAMRI Airport Bus: Public bus service connecting CGK to multiple city destinations at IDR 40,000 to IDR 80,000. Slowest option due to road traffic and multiple stops but the most affordable. Suitable for travelers with time and very tight budgets.
Hotel Transfer: Most Jakarta hotels offer advance airport pickup. Arrange directly with your accommodation before arrival.
Check this link for more details about How to Get from Soekarno Hatta International Airport to City Centre
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Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (HLP)
Halim Perdanakusuma Airport is Jakarta’s second airport, located approximately 12 kilometers southeast of central Jakarta in East Jakarta. It is significantly closer to the city center than CGK.
HLP functions primarily as a military air base for the Indonesian Air Force and doubles as a civilian airport handling a limited number of domestic commercial routes. It also serves as the primary landing facility for state aircraft, visiting foreign heads of government, VVIP private travel, and military flights. When the President of Indonesia or a visiting head of state lands in Jakarta, they land at HLP rather than the busy commercial CGK. Private jets and charter aircraft also use HLP extensively.
Key facts:
- Airport code: HLP (IATA), WIHH (ICAO)
- Location: East Jakarta, approximately 12 kilometers from central Jakarta
- Type: Domestic commercial, military, VVIP, and private aviation
- Scale: Significantly smaller than CGK with limited commercial routes
Which airlines use HLP?
A small number of domestic carriers have operated routes through HLP including Citilink and Super Air Jet on select routes, primarily to Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and a handful of other destinations. However, HLP’s commercial schedule is considerably smaller and less frequent than CGK. Always verify current route availability as commercial operations at HLP change more frequently than at CGK.
The Whoosh Bullet Train Connection
One of HLP’s most notable recent developments is its connection to the Whoosh high-speed rail line, Indonesia’s first bullet train. The Whoosh connects Jakarta to Bandung City from Halim Station, adjacent to HLP, directly to Padalarang and Tegalluar stations near Bandung, West Java’s second largest city and a popular highland destination known for its cool climate, tea plantations, and surrounding volcanic scenery.
The Whoosh covers the approximately 140-kilometer journey in around 45 minutes, a dramatic improvement over the 3 to 4 hours the same route takes by road in normal traffic conditions. Tickets for the Whoosh cost IDR 250,000 to IDR 350,000 per person. Book through the KCIC official website or the Whoosh app.
For travelers whose Indonesia itinerary includes both Jakarta and Bandung, this connection is genuinely useful. If you land at CGK and want to visit Bandung, you can take the airport rail link to central Jakarta, connect to Halim Station by Grab or TransJakarta, and board the Whoosh to Bandung in under an hour. Alternatively, if you fly into HLP on a domestic connection, Bandung is a 45-minute bullet train ride away directly from the airport.
Critical Warning: Check Your Airport Before Booking Connections
This is the most important practical point in this entire guide for any traveler planning onward connections from Jakarta.
CGK and HLP are two completely separate airports located approximately 35 to 40 kilometers apart on opposite sides of Jakarta. In normal traffic conditions, traveling between them takes around 1.5 hours. During peak hours, particularly weekday mornings and evenings when Jakarta’s traffic reaches its worst, the journey can take 2 hours or more.
If you book an international flight departing from CGK and a domestic arrival into HLP, or vice versa, you are not connecting between terminals of the same airport. You are crossing a major city in some of Southeast Asia’s worst traffic under a time pressure that could cause you to miss your flight.
This situation arises most commonly in two scenarios:
First, travelers booking cheap domestic flights without checking the airport code. A Citilink or Super Air Jet domestic flight to Jakarta might land at HLP while your international connection departs from CGK. If you see both CGK and HLP appearing as options when searching Jakarta flights, read carefully and choose CGK for any itinerary that involves an international departure or a connection to another domestic flight with a tight layover.
Second, travelers whose inbound domestic flight brings them into HLP who then need to connect internationally from CGK. Always book international departures from CGK. Never assume Jakarta means the same airport regardless of which carrier you are using.
The safe rule: If your itinerary involves an international flight in or out of Jakarta, always book to and from CGK. Check the airport code on every leg of your journey before confirming your ticket. If you see HLP on any leg, verify whether that creates a cross-city transfer problem given your layover time. A minimum of 3 hours between landing at HLP and departing from CGK would be tight. Four hours or more provides real comfort. Less than 3 hours in Jakarta traffic is genuinely risky.
Final Thoughts about Jakarta Airport
Jakarta has two airports. For the overwhelming majority of travelers, only one of them matters: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) is where your international flight arrives, where your connecting domestic flight departs, and where every major carrier and every Visa on Arrival counter operates.
Halim Perdanakusuma (HLP) exists and handles real flights, but it is a secondary facility that most travelers will never encounter. The important thing is knowing it exists so that you never accidentally book a flight there when your connection requires CGK. Check every airport code before confirming any ticket involving Jakarta.
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