How to Get to Bandung. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Main Airports

Kertajati International Airport KJT

This is the main international and domestic airport serving Bandung and the West Java province. It lies approximately 68 kilometers (42 miles) east of Bandung city. Officially known as Bandar Udara Internasional Jawa Barat (BIJB) Kertajati, it is a larger, more modern facility.

KJT Flight Information

International: Limited routes currently operate, including to Kuala Lumpur via Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia.
Domestic: Major Indonesian airlines like Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air, and Super Air Jet connect Bandung to major Indonesian cities.
Future expansion of international routes is possible.

Husein Sastranegara International Airport BDO

This older, smaller airport is located within Bandung city itself. It mainly serves domestic flights and a limited number of international routes, for example, to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Its city location provides simplicity for certain routes, but its capacity is limited.

BDO Flight Information

The convenience of its city location means it remains an useful option for specific routes.
Its capacity is limited, which has led to transfers of flights to Kertajati.
It maintains connections to regional hubs.

Direct International Flights

Direct international flights to Bandung (KJT) remain limited. Most international travelers fly into Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK).

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices are typically higher during peak travel times, like the dry season (June-September) and major Indonesian holidays. Booking flights in advance is recommended for better fares.

Kertajati Airport Facilities

KJT offers various facilities including duty-free shops, food outlets, lounges, currency exchange, and car rental counters.

Transfer Options from Airports to City

From Kertajati International Airport KJT

DAMRI Bus: Connects KJT to various points in Bandung. Fares are typically Rp 80,000 to Rp 150,000, travel time around 1.5-2 hours.
Shuttle Services: Private providers like Primajasa, Jackal Holidays, Xtrans offer direct services, often more comfortable than public buses. You can pre-book through Traveloka or Tiket.com.
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Available, can be expensive due to distance. Confirm the fare before starting your journey.
Plan your transfer in advance, especially from KJT.

From Husein Sastranegara International Airport BDO

Taxi: Metered taxis are readily available outside the terminal, look for reputable Blue Bird taxis.
Ride-hailing (Gojek/Grab): Convenient and often cheaper than conventional taxis. Pick-up points usually slightly outside immediate arrival area.
Angkot: Local minibuses pass near the airport, a very cheap but less direct option.
Factor in Bandung's traffic when planning your travel time to the airport or station.

Airport Transfer Insights

Pre-book KJT Transfers

Given the distance, planning your transfer from Kertajati International Airport in advance is recommended.

BDO: Closer Convenience

Husein Sastranegara Airport's city location provides ease for short domestic flights.

Ride-Hailing Advantage

Using Gojek or Grab at airports offers transparent pricing and simple booking.

Exploring by Land

High-Speed Rail Whoosh

Indonesia's train network (operated by PT Kereta Api Indonesia - KAI) offers comfortable travel between cities on Java. The Whoosh high-speed rail is a modern option.

Whoosh Travel

Connects Jakarta (Halim Station) to Bandung (Padalarang Station), with a feeder train to Bandung Station.
The journey duration is approximately 30-45 minutes, offering efficiency and comfort.
Fares typically range from Rp 150,000 to Rp 300,000.

Inter-city Trains KAI

Bandung's main Hall Station (Stasiun Bandung) connects to major cities across Java.

KAI Routes & Classes

Travel to Jakarta (Gambir Station), Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Malang.
Various classes are available: Economy, Business, and Executive. Executive class gives more comfortable seating and air conditioning.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for Executive class and during peak travel periods.

Long-Distance Buses & Shuttles

Buses are a budget-friendly travel option to and from Bandung, though journeys can be longer due to traffic.

Bus Terminals & Companies

Bus Terminals: Leuwipanjang Bus Terminal (SW Bandung) and Cicaheum Bus Terminal (E Bandung) serve routes across Java.
Companies: Operators like Primajasa, Kramat Djati, and Lorena serve routes to Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya.
Shuttle Buses/Travels: More comfortable and faster van-based services (Primajasa, Xtrans, Baraya Travel) offer point-to-point services between Jakarta and Bandung.

Self-Driving in Bandung

Requirements & Conditions

An International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your valid national driver's license is legally required.
Driving can be challenging due to heavy traffic, aggressive driving, and many motorcycles.
Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze are important.

Road Conditions & Safety

Major toll roads, like the Cipularang Toll Road connecting Jakarta and Bandung, are generally well-maintained.
City roads vary in quality; expect potholes, uneven surfaces, and heavy congestion.
Motorcycles are the dominant form of transport and often weave through traffic.

Defensive driving is useful if you choose to self-drive.
Be aware of your surroundings and expect unpredictable maneuvers from other drivers.
Many visitors opt for car rental with a driver due to these challenges, allowing for a relaxed journey.

Sea & River Routes Not Applicable for Bandung

Inland City Status

Bandung is an inland city, situated on a plateau in West Java. This means it has no direct access to the sea or major navigable rivers that would allow for passenger arrivals by ferry or cruise ship.

No Direct Water Access

Ferry services and cruise ports are not applicable for Bandung directly.
Bandung's rivers are not used for public passenger transportation.
Any immigration procedures for sea arrivals would occur at the initial port of entry into Indonesia (e.g., Jakarta, Surabaya).

Travel Implications

If you arrive in Indonesia via a seaport elsewhere, you would then use train, bus, or private car to reach Bandung.

Connecting to Bandung

Travelers typically use train services to reach Bandung from other Indonesian cities.
Bus services provide another land option to connect to Bandung from various entry points.
Private car arrangements are also a common way to travel to Bandung from other cities.

Main Access

Bandung's access is via air and land transportation from other parts of Indonesia.

Efficient Connections

Modern toll roads and high-speed rail connect Bandung efficiently to Jakarta.

Planning Your Route

Select land transport from your arrival point in Indonesia to reach Bandung effectively.

Your Departure From Bandung

Exit Fees & Timing

International flight tickets usually include any airport departure tax. You generally do not need to pay a separate exit fee when departing from Bandung or other Indonesian airports.

Departure Checkpoints

For international flights (KJT), arrive at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
For domestic flights (KJT or BDO), 1-2 hours is typically sufficient.
For inter-city trains from Bandung Station, plan to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

These facilities are available for departing travelers.

Comforts & Services

Kertajati International Airport (KJT) offers check-in, security, immigration, duty-free shops, and various food/beverage outlets.
Husein Sastranegara International Airport (BDO) provides basic facilities like check-in desks, security, and a few food outlets and shops.
Bandung Station (Hall Station) has numerous food vendors, waiting areas, and shops for snacks or souvenirs.

Additional Departure Notes

Check-in

Ensure all your luggage complies with airline weight and size restrictions to avoid unexpected fees. Have your passport, tickets, and boarding passes ready.

Traffic Consideration

Always factor in Bandung's traffic when planning your travel time to the airport or station, especially during peak hours (morning and evening commutes) and on weekends.

Booking Confirmation

Confirm any specific requirements with your airline or train service provider prior to departure for a smooth process.

Traffic Advisory

Traffic can significantly extend travel durations, so plan with extra time.

How to Get to Bandung