Jakarta’s airport train service is set to become faster and more efficient, reducing the journey time between Dukuh Atas Station and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to just 40 minutes. This improvement is expected to enhance connectivity for expatriates, business travelers, and daily commuters in Indonesia’s capital.
According to Expat Life Indonesia, the plan aims to provide a quicker, more reliable alternative to road travel, which is often affected by traffic congestion:
“The government is currently working to improve the airport train’s efficiency, reducing the travel time to just 40 minutes.” (Expat Life Indonesia, Airport Train to Soekarno-Hatta Will Soon Take Only 40 Minutes)
This initiative aligns with Jakarta’s broader efforts to modernize its public transport network and improve mobility across the city.
Why Is the Travel Time Being Reduced?
Since its launch in 2017, the airport train has provided an alternative mode of transport to one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia. However, many passengers have chosen taxis or ride-hailing services due to the longer-than-expected travel time and limited frequency of train departures.
To encourage more passengers to use the train, authorities are implementing several improvements:
- Optimizing train routes to reduce delays.
- Enhancing railway infrastructure for smoother operations.
- Increasing departure frequency, making the service more convenient.
By cutting the travel time to 40 minutes, the government hopes to make the airport train a competitive and preferred option for both residents and visitors.
What This Means for Expats and Travelers
For expatriates, frequent travelers, and business professionals, the reduced travel time offers greater convenience and predictability, particularly for those commuting between central Jakarta and the airport. Here’s what to expect:
- Faster and More Reliable Airport Access
The current airport train journey takes around 50–55 minutes. With the improved system, passengers will save up to 15 minutes, making it a more attractive option for business travelers and expatriates catching flights on tight schedules.
- 2. Reduced Dependence on Road Transport
Jakarta’s notorious traffic congestion can make airport transfers unpredictable. A more efficient train service offers a reliable alternative to taxis and ride-hailing apps, especially during peak hours.
- Better Connectivity with Jakarta’s Public Transport Network
The airport train connects with MRT Jakarta, LRT, and commuter lines, making it easier for residents and visitors to reach different parts of the city without relying on private vehicles. The government has also announced future plans to integrate digital ticketing, allowing seamless transfers between different transport modes.
- More Sustainable Travel Options
With Jakarta’s growing focus on reducing carbon emissions, the faster airport train service provides a greener alternative to cars. By encouraging more people to use public transport, this initiative contributes to a more sustainable urban mobility system.
Will This Make Jakarta’s Airport Train More Popular?
While the airport train service has been available since 2017, ridership has been limited compared to other transport options. The longer travel time and schedule limitations previously made it less competitive against private car services.
With the faster service and better connectivity, more expatriates and business travelers may consider using the train for its affordability, reliability, and convenience. If these improvements successfully increase demand, authorities may further expand and enhance the service in the coming years.
A Step Toward a More Efficient Jakarta
The improvement of Jakarta’s airport train is part of the government’s long-term transport development strategy, which includes expanding public transport, integrating different modes of travel, and reducing congestion across the city.
For expatriates and frequent travelers, this means:
- Shorter and more predictable travel times to and from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
- A reliable alternative to road transport, minimizing the risk of missing flights due to traffic.
- More sustainable travel options, reducing reliance on private cars and taxis.
As Jakarta continues to modernize its infrastructure, expats and investors can look forward to a more connected and accessible city. The new airport train efficiency improvements are just one part of the city’s ongoing transformation into a smarter, more commuter-friendly metropolis.
For further details on the airport train improvement, read the full article on Expat Life Indonesia.
Source:
- Expat Life Indonesia. “Airport Train to Soekarno-Hatta Will Soon Take Only 40 Minutes.” Available at: https://expatlifeindonesia.com/airport-train-to-soekarno-hatta-will-soon-take-only-40-minutes/
