How to Get to Cilegon. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Major Airports & Airlines

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport CGK

CGK is the main airport, 100-120 km east of Cilegon. It serves as the main international and domestic gateway to the Jakarta metropolitan area and western Java.

Airlines & Routes

International Airlines: Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Garuda Indonesia.
Domestic Airlines: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, Citilink, Sriwijaya Air, TransNusa.
Direct Flights: Can be rented from main Asian, Middle Eastern, Australian, European cities. No direct flights from North America or Africa.

Airport Facilities & Services CGK

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport offers a comprehensive range of facilities.

Available Amenities

Duty-free shops, numerous restaurants and cafes.
Airline lounges, currency exchange counters, ATMs.
Vehicle hire services, on-site and nearby hotels.
SIM card merchants for local mobile services.

Flight Booking Resources

Find deals on flights to Jakarta via Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Seasonal Flight Availability

Flight prices generally increase during peak seasons: June-August, December-January, and major Indonesian holidays like Eid al-Fitr. Book flights in advance for better rates.

Airport Services at CGK

CGK offers comprehensive services for travelers, including retail, dining, lounges, and essential travel conveniences.

Transfer Options from CGK to Cilegon

Convenient Transfers

Private Taxi/Car: Most convenience. Journey approx. 1.5 to 3 hours, costs IDR 500,0FROM 12 to IDR 900,000+.
Airport Bus (DAMRI): To Serang, then local bus/taxi to Cilegon. Less direct but more economical.
Ride-sharing (Grab/Gojek): Available from CGK, but the long distance to Cilegon can make this option expensive.
Train (KAI Commuter): From CGK to Manggarai Station (Jakarta), then local train to Rangkasbitung, then Cilegon. Often takes a long time.

Considerations for Transfers

Traffic: Factor in potential heavy traffic, especially during rush hours.
Cost vs. Time: Balance budget with travel duration and comfort.
Pre-booking: Arrange private transfers through your hotel or official airport taxi services for ease.
Local Connections: Be prepared for multiple transfers if you use public transit choices.

Getting to Cilegon from CGK

Directness

Private car or taxi is the most direct option.

Economy

Airport bus to Serang then local transport offers cost savings.

Complexity

Train travel involves multiple transfers plus lengthier overall journey times.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Cilegon has its own train station, served by local and regional trains operated by Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI).

Train Travel in Cilegon

Routes: Connects Cilegon to other cities within Banten province, like Serang and Rangkasbitung.
You can also take a train directly to Merak Port.
Classes: Train services mainly offer Ekonomi (economy) class. Direct directions to Jakarta are limited and often require transfers.

Long-Distance Bus Options

An extensive bus the network links Cilegon to major cities across Java.

Bus Travel from Cilegon

Terminals: Cilegon has several bus terminals, including Terminal Terpadu Merak and Terminal Seruni Cilegon.
Routes: Major cities like Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Semarang, and Surabaya. Buses also travel through Merak Port to destinations in Sumatra.
Companies: Numerous private bus companies operate these routes, like Sinar Jaya, Kramat Djati, and Rosalia Indah.
Classes: You can choose from various classes, including Executive, AC Economy, and Non-AC.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving in Indonesia can be challenging due to aggressive local driving styles.

Driving Information

Foreigners need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with a valid national driver's license.
Road Conditions: Major roads, especially toll roads like the Jakarta-Merak Toll Road, are generally well-maintained. Local roads can vary.
Traffic: Heavy traffic is common, specifically during rush hours and around Merak Port.

Road Safety Concerns

Traffic can be chaotic, with many motorcycles weaving through lanes.

Safety Measures

Practice defensive driving at all times.
Rural roads may have poor lighting at night.
Be highly aware of motorcycles; they are ubiquitous and often move unpredictably.

Car Rental Considerations

Major international rental companies are less prevalent in Cilegon.
Local companies may offer car rentals.
It is often more practical to rent hiring a car and driver.

Book your rental in advance.
Inspect the car thoroughly for any existing damage before accepting it.
DiscoverCars.com offers options.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Merak Port, located within Cilegon, is an important ferry terminal. It connects Java island (Merak) with Sumatra island (Bakauheni).

Merak Port Operations

Roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferries operate 24/7.
They transport passengers, cars, and goods across the Sunda Strait.
The ferry crossing typically takes approximately 2-3 hours. Allow for additional waiting times for boarding.

Connections to Land Transportation

From Merak Port, you will find several options for onward travel.

Onward Journey

Buses: Connect to major cities in Java (Cilegon city center, Serang, and Jakarta) and to Sumatra.
Local Transport: Taxis, Angkot (shared minivans), and Ojek (motorcycle taxis) are readily available.
Train Station: Merak train station sits adjacent to the port, offering connections to other parts of Banten.

River Transportation

River transportation options are not applicable for Cilegon. The city's waterways do not support passenger transport services.

Immigration Procedures

For domestic travel within Indonesia, no immigration procedures apply at Merak Port. International cruise ship docking is a rare occurrence.

Strategic Connection

Merak Port is a connection point, facilitating trade and transport between Java and Sumatra.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Procedures CGK

No specific exit fees or taxes apply beyond what your airline ticket already includes for flights departing from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK).

Departure Timing

For international flights, arrive at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure.
For domestic flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours beforehand.
Allow considerable travel time from Cilegon to CGK; traffic can cause significant delays.

Merak Port Ferry Departure

If departing by ferry, plan your arrival to the port effectively.

Ferry Departure Timing

Arrive at least 1-2 hours before your wanted ferry departure.
Queues for vehicles and foot passengers can become long, especially during peak seasons or holidays.
Early arrival helps avoid last-minute rush and delays.

Departure Facilities

CGK Facilities

Soekarno-Hatta offers check-in counters, baggage drop-off, security screening, lounges, retail stores, dining options, and restrooms for departing travelers.

Merak Port Facilities

The port provides waiting areas, food stalls, and basic amenities for passengers.

Pre-Departure Check

Double-check all travel documents, tickets, and bookings before heading to your leaving point.

How to Get to Cilegon