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How to Get to Bekasi

How to Get to Bekasi

Bekasi West Java, Indonesia Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Bekasi

Bekasi lacks its own airport but uses two major airports in the greater Jakarta area. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) serves as Indonesia's main international gateway. Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport (HLP) handles domestic and some regional international flights.

Airport Details:

  • CGK: 50-70 km west of Bekasi, major international hub.
  • HLP: 20-30 km west of Bekasi, mainly domestic.
  • Flight prices fluctuate; consider Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Transfer Options to Bekasi

Multiple transport options connect both airports to Bekasi. These consist of airport buses, taxis, ride-sharing services, and a multi-modal train option from CGK.

Transfer Choices:

  • Damri Shuttle Bus to the airport from CGK to Bekasi destinations.
  • Metered taxis from designated stands.
  • Ride-sharing (Gojek/Grab) from designated pick-up points.

International Flights CGK

Direct flights from major hubs in Asia, Middle East, and some European cities.

Domestic Flights HLP/CGK

Extensive routes across Indonesia via companies like Citilink and Batik Air.

Peak Travel Times

Higher prices during Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, New Year, and summer holidays.

Airport Facilities & Services

Soekarno-Hatta CGK

  • Duty-free shops, wide restaurant selection.
  • Lounges, currency exchange, SIM card counters.
  • Car rental agencies, airport hotels.
  • Skytrain system links terminals.

Halim Perdanakusuma HLP

  • Cafes and shops.
  • Transportation services.
  • Smaller, but adequate facilities for domestic travel.
  • Basic amenities for traveler convenience.

Airport Transfer Tips

Traffic Alert

Allocate ample travel time from Bekasi to the airport due to potential heavy traffic.

Ride-sharing Apps

Gojek and Grab AirHelp for issues, offer convenient and often quicker options.

Multi-modal from CGK

Airport Train to BNI City, then KRL Commuterline to Bekasi bypasses road traffic.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Bekasi Station is a major hub for the KRL Commuterline, linking the city to Jakarta and Greater Jakarta. It serves as a stop for some inter-city trains operated by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI), connecting to other cities across Java.

Train Travel Options:

  • KRL Commuterline: Frequent, affordable, requires e-money card.
  • PT KAI: Inter-city rail services to West Java and further east.
  • Check PT KAI website for schedules and bookings.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Terminal Bekasi (Bekasi Bus Terminal) functions as a major inter-city and inter-province bus hub. Various bus companies run routes connecting Bekasi to cities throughout Java and Sumatra. Buses come in different comfort levels.

Bus Travel Options:

  • Ekonomi (basic, non-AC) to Eksekutif (executive, AC, reclining seats).
  • Routes to cities across Java and Sumatra.
  • Book tickets at the terminal or via bus line websites.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

An International Driving Permit (IDP) with your driver's license from your home country is necessary for self-driving. Driving in Bekasi and Jakarta poses challenges due to heavy and chaotic traffic. Local driving culture can be aggressive. Renting a car with a driver is a popular and often preferred option.

Driving Information:

  • Driving can be challenging for the uninitiated.
  • Google Maps and Waze are essential for navigation.
  • Main roads are generally well-maintained; local roads vary.

Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals

Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common in Bekasi for tourists compared to Bali. Gojek and Grab motorbike services are more prevalent and convenient. Traffic in Bekasi is congested and can be dangerous for inexperienced riders.

Riding Safety:

  • Requires valid IDP endorsed for motorcycles.
  • Helmets are mandatory.
  • High caution for inexperienced riders due to traffic.

Important Land Travel Notes

  • For car rentals, consider using DiscoverCars.com.
  • Road conditions vary; stay alert for potholes and reckless driving.
  • Pedestrian limited infrastructure outside modern areas.
  • Ensure all vehicle rental documents are in order and understood.
  • Plan extra time for any land travel due to traffic.
  • Observe local driving habits to anticipate movements.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Bekasi is an inland city, so sea or river arrivals are not directly applicable for visitors. The nearest major seaport is Tanjung Priok in North Jakarta, which handles cargo and some passenger boats to other Indonesian islands. Bekasi is not a cruise port destination.

Sea Travel Note:

  • Direct sea arrival to Bekasi is not possible.
  • Tanjung Priok handles passenger ferries to different islands.
  • Bekasi is not a cruise port.

River Transportation Options

No significant river transportation for tourists operates directly to or within Bekasi. The rivers within the city do not typically carry passenger transport services. This means travel by river is not a feasible option for tourist transit in Bekasi.

River Travel Note:

  • Bekasi's rivers lack tourist passenger services.
  • Not a viable mode of transport for visitors.
  • No immigration procedures at non-existent seaports or river ports.

Inland City Status

Bekasi's inland location means no direct sea or river access for visitors.

Tanjung Priok Port

Jakarta's main seaport, mainly for cargo, some inter-island ferries.

No Direct Connections

No direct sea or river connections to land transport for Bekasi visitors.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Departure Procedures

International air departure taxes are typically included in your airfare. You will generally not need to pay a separate exit fee at the airport. Departure procedures at airports require ample time, especially for international flights.

Departure Guidelines:

  • International flights (CGK): Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic flights (CGK/HLP): Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Allocate considerable travel time from Bekasi to the airport due to traffic.

Airport & Station Facilities

Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) has wide-ranging facilities for departing travelers, from check-in to duty-free. Halim Perdanakusuma (HLP) provides basic services for domestic travelers. Bekasi Station and Terminal Bekasi offer essential waiting areas and ticket counters.

Departure Amenities:

  • CGK: Duty-free shops, lounges, restaurants.
  • HLP: Shops and cafes for domestic departures.
  • Bekasi Station/Terminal: Simple waiting areas, food stalls.

Departure Checklist

Documents

Passport, boarding pass, any necessary exit permits.

Baggage

Adhere to airline weight and size restrictions.

Transport

Confirm ride to airport/station well in advance.

Final Thoughts for Departure

Reconfirm flight or train schedules the day before departure. Double-check all travel documents for validity and accessibility. Account for potential traffic delays as you plan your transit to the airport or terminal.