How to reach Bogor comfortably?
Located at the southern of Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia – Bogor is a historical and delightful city celebrated for its stunning gardens and agreeable climate. This guide offers comprehensive details on the different transportation options available for reaching Bogor.
The nearest airport is Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
By Plane
The nearest major international gateway to Bogor is Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (IATA: CGK) in Jakarta. Under normal traffic conditions, the drive from the airport to Bogor takes approximately 1.5 hours. However, during rush hours, the journey may extend to double that time.
For an affordable and convenient option, you can take a direct Damri bus from the airport to Bogor for about Rp 130,000 (~ USD 9). These air-conditioned buses run every 30 minutes and can be easily accessed near the airport exit. If you have a lot of luggage, storage racks underneath the bus are available. No need to buy a ticket in advance—simply pay onboard with cash (rupiah). The bus will drop you off at the Bogor bus terminal, conveniently located next to Botani Square Mall, a central spot in Bogor.
Alternatively, taxis are available at the airport, with metered fares around Rp 350,000 (~ USD 25), plus about USD 2 for tolls. Be mindful of rush hour (6-9 AM and 4-6 PM), particularly on Monday and Friday afternoons, when traffic can be heavy. For a reliable ride, opt for a Blue Bird taxi, which can be found directly outside the airport exit.
For those familiar with using online transportation services like Uber, you can try Gocar or Grab, two popular ride-hailing companies operating in Indonesia. You can easily find designated pickup points for these services at the arrival terminal.
The Soekarno-Hatta Airport Train, commonly known as Railink, offers a convenient and efficient means of transportation between Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) and central Jakarta. Departing from the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Railway Station, located near Terminals 1 and 2, the train provides seamless connectivity. A shuttle bus is available to transport passengers between the terminals and the station. The train makes intermediate stops at stations such as Batu Ceper and Duri, with its final destination at BNI City Station (Sudirman Baru), which is centrally located in Jakarta and offers easy access to the city.
Operating from early morning to late evening, the train runs approximately every 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the time of day. The entire journey between Soekarno-Hatta Airport and BNI City Station takes around 50 minutes, offering a quick and reliable alternative to Jakarta’s notoriously congested roads.
Tickets can be purchased online via the Railink website, mobile app, or at station ticket counters and vending machines. The fare is approximately IDR 70,000 (USD 4.50), though prices may vary depending on promotions or travel class. The trains are modern, air-conditioned, and offer amenities such as comfortable seating, luggage racks, and free Wi-Fi, making it a hassle-free and comfortable travel option for passengers heading to or from the airport.
By Train
Commuter trains from Jakarta’s Kota Station to Bogor depart every 20-30 minutes, passing through Gondangdia, Manggarai, and Depok. While affordable, these trains can get very crowded during peak hours. It’s important to note that these trains do not stop at Jakarta’s main Gambir station. If you’re returning to Jakarta, check the schedule to ensure you’re on the correct route, as some trains diverge after Manggarai.
For a potentially less crowded experience, consider splitting your journey by first traveling to Depok, then transferring to another train for the remaining four stops to Bogor. It’s unclear if this can be done with a single ticket, so you may need to purchase separate fares. Despite the crowds, the trains are air-conditioned and well-maintained.
Fares are minimal, only a couple of thousand rupiah, but you’ll need to purchase a reusable ticket card with a deposit of about IDR 10,000 for access to the gates. This deposit is refundable when you return the card at any station in the Jakarta-Bogor area.
If you’re staying on Jalan Jaksa, Jakarta’s backpacker hub, the Gondangdia station is just a 10-minute walk away.
By Bus
Buses to Bogor are available from Jakarta, Bandung, Sukabumi, Yogyakarta, and even farther cities like Malang. Buses from Jakarta depart from terminals such as Lebak Bulus, Kampung Rambutan, and Kali Deres, with travel times ranging from 1 to 2 hours depending on traffic. You can choose between Executive (air-conditioned) and Economy class buses.
The journey from Bogor to Bandung takes about 3 hours. Executive buses take the Cipularang toll road, while Economy buses use the older route via Puncak Pass, which may be longer, particularly on weekends when they might detour through Sukabumi, adding an extra hour.
By Car
Hiring a car with a driver is one of the easiest ways to reach Bogor, and it’s quite affordable. The journey usually takes about an hour. While the toll highway offers the fastest route, Bogor is also accessible via scenic back roads that can be more enjoyable. On weekends or during rush hour, the trip from Jakarta to Bogor can take up to 3 hours.
By Taxi
Taxis are another option for traveling from Jakarta to Bogor, with fares ranging between USD 15-30, plus toll fees of around USD 2. The trip duration can be highly variable, especially during rush hours or rainy season (November to March), when the route may experience flash flooding. To ensure a reliable ride, it’s recommended to use a larger taxi company like the Blue Bird Group, which operates a substantial fleet between Jakarta and Bogor.