Flying into Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK): What you need to know

This is part of the Been There, Done That series, where our expert globetrotters travel the world to get the insights and information you need for a seamless travel experience.

Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK), fondly known as Jakarta Airport, serves as the gateway to the bustling metropolis of Jakarta on the vibrant island of Java, Indonesia, the most populous island in the world.

View from airplane descending into Soekarno–Hatta International Airport | Source: iVisa

As the country's busiest airport, it gracefully handles over 60 million passengers annually, making it a vital hub for domestic and international travel. Named after Indonesia's first president, Soekarno, and first vice-president, Mohammad Hatta, this airport is a testament to the nation's rich history and progress.

As a frequent visitor to Indonesia, I've always appreciated the blend of modern amenities and warm Indonesian hospitality that makes every journey through this airport a memorable experience. Here is my advice for making the most of your trip through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Most travelers must fill out a visa to pass through immigration at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport | Source: iVisa

Immigration and Customs: Pre-file to save time

Most nationalities traveling to Indonesia need a visa to enter the country. Their visa-on-arrival model allows for nearly instant approval at the airport. Still, I've experienced exceptionally long queues and a confusing purchase process at the airports in Bali and Jakarta.

To avoid these issues and save time, pre-filing my visa and custom forms before landing in Indonesia made the process much smoother. Here's how I did it:

1. Visa Application: To enter Indonesia, you must obtain a visa. The process is typically relatively fast, but I had my pre-approval in a few days.

Be sure to gather all necessary documents, including a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity, two free passport pages, a completed visa application form, and proof of accommodation and transportation arrangements within Indonesia.

2. Booking Flights and Accommodation: Before applying for your visa, you must have confirmed bookings for your flights in and out of Indonesia and accommodations for the duration of your stay. This information will be required as part of the visa application process.

3. Print and Bring Required Documents: Once your visa application has been accepted, print out the approved visa and any other relevant documents, such as your passport, flight itinerary, and accommodation confirmation.

While you probably won’t need to show the paper form, it is good to have in case of an issue when you land, like the Wi-Fi isn’t working.

4. Fill out an online customs form: Up to three days before your arrival date in Indonesia, you can complete their mandatory online customs form. I recommend doing this before you land, as completing it at the airport can be challenging due to a crowded area and potentially unreliable WiFi.

By following these steps and ensuring you have all the necessary documentation, you can help provide a hassle-free travel experience to Indonesia.

Passengers are directed to their appropriate immigration line at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport | Source: iVisa

Immigration: A Breeze with a Visa Before Arrival

Upon exiting the plane, you'll be greeted by a long arrivals hallway. Throughout this area, QR codes remind you to fill out a customs arrival form and apply for a visa-on-arrival if you're eligible. Getting your visa and filling out your customs form before arriving in Indonesia is highly recommended, as doing so on-site can be time-consuming and may rely on the airport's WiFi, which can be spotty.

Travelers should pre-fill out all visa and customs requirements for Soekarno–Hatta International Airport before landing | Source: iVisa

Having a pre-approved visa saved me from waiting in line for a visa-on-arrival. However, I later discovered that my visa was only for a single entry, which meant I couldn't use it when I returned to Indonesia after visiting Bali.

I was denied entry when I tried to go through the auto-gates with my passport. Fortunately, the staff members were kind and helpful, all speaking excellent English.

They informed me that my visa was only for one entry and directed me back down the arrivals hallway to pay for a visa-on-arrival.

Travelers can get a visa-on-arrival at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport | Source: iVisa

Finding the payment counter was challenging, as it was hidden on the backside of the arrivals hallway.

Once I filled out the online form and paid for my visa-on-arrival, the attendant provided me with a paper containing my visa-on-arrival. I could then proceed through the auto-gates and officially enter Indonesia.

Looking back, I strongly advise filling out the visa and customs form before arriving in Indonesia. Running around the airport to obtain a visa on arrival took a lot of work.

Plus, if you already have a visa before arrival, there's no line to get through immigration, making your experience much smoother than mine.

Passengers navigate an overcrowded baggage area at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport | Source: iVisa

Baggage Claim: Grab Your Bag Quickly

After clearing immigration, I headed to the baggage claim area, which was relatively small and crowded.

Passengers were jostling against each other to reach the compact baggage carousel and retrieve their bags.

Given the limited space and the fact that if you miss your bag when it first goes around, it will be sent back inside the airport and take several minutes before reappearing, it's essential to find a spot where you can easily see the bags without being right up against the carousel. A lot of pushing and shoving was going on, so finding a less crowded area is advisable.

Travelers try to grab their baggage at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport baggage claim | Source: iVisa

After about twenty minutes of waiting, I spotted my bag. I managed to go through the crowd and grab it before heading to customs.

It's a good idea to be patient and strategic in this area to avoid unnecessary stress or delays. I would have been more stressed had I waited beside the carousel.

Customs: Everyone must fill out a form

All travelers must complete a customs declaration form online before entering Indonesia. After filling out the form, you will receive a QR code, which a customs officer will scan to allow you to go through.

All travelers must fill out a form and pass through customs at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport | Source: iVisa

I didn’t interact much with the customs officer in Jakarta or Bali. In both instances, my QR code was scanned without the officer making eye contact with me.

The airport's WiFi can be unreliable, so it's a good idea to fill out the customs form before you land, which you can do up to three days before your flight. This will save you time and potential stress at the airport.

Arrivals Hall: One-Stop Shop for SIMs, Money, and Snacks

After clearing customs, you'll enter a small arrivals hallway with a few money changers, ATMs, and a single SIM provider.

Travelers can get SIM and cash in the arrivals hall at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport | Source: iVisa

As soon as you enter this area, taxi drivers and SIM providers may shout at you to come to their booths.

I recommend having a SIM card ready before you land, which is quickly done with an e-SIM, and exchanging money beforehand or using an ATM.

Many places in Jakarta accept credit cards, so cash is rarely needed except for emergencies.

ATMs can be found throughout the city, particularly in malls. If you don't get cash at the airport, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so in Jakarta.

After a long international flight and customs process, it can be overwhelming to be shouted at by multiple people from different directions.

Travelers must use the tram after customs at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport to get between terminals. | Source: iVisa

To escape the chaos, I found refuge in a convenience store just outside the airport, where you would wait for a taxi. Here, you'll find several restaurants and shops. I grabbed water and a snack for my ride into the city.

iVisa pro tip: Get bottled water at the airport. If you are a foreigner in Indonesia, you can’t drink the tap water; it will make you sick.

Moving Between Terminals: Use the SkyTrain

If you need to move between terminals to catch another flight, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has a tram system to move you between the terminals. To use the tram, follow the signs once you exit the baggage claim and customs area to get to your correct terminal.

Transferring between terminals at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta, Indonesia, is free of charge. Travelers can choose between the SkyTrain and shuttle buses to move between Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3.

The SkyTrain, a 3.05-kilometer track, connects all three terminals and the Soekarno-Hatta Integrated Airport Railway Station (SHIA), which facilitates transfers to the Jakarta Airport Railink. This rail service provides a downtown connection in approximately 45 minutes.

iVisa pro tip: The SHIA is located downstairs from the airport SkyTrain tram station.

I landed at an off-peak traffic time, so I took a Grab, or Southeast Asia’s version of Uber. If you land at a peak traffic time, it could take multiple hours in a car to get to Central Jakarta, so many passengers will opt to take the train instead.

Alternatively, the free inter-terminal shuttle bus service is available, picking up passengers at Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. The buses run every 30 minutes between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, with the bus stop at Terminal 1 located on the eastern wing of the arrival hall.

Travelers wait for their Grab driver outside of Soekarno–Hatta International Airport | Source: iVisa

Transportation: Avoid Taxis, Use Grab

While at the airport, I booked a Grab, Southeast Asia's version of Uber, to my hotel. The Grab usually takes about 10 minutes to reach the international arrivals area.

I booked my grab as I was leaving customs to avoid waiting and being hounded by taxi drivers at the arrivals hall.

If you're using Grab for the first time, there's a designated area outside marked by a green Grab sign.

Employees are available to help you download the app. When I approached them, they checked if I had booked my ride and gave me a discount code. It's worth chatting with one of the Grab attendants for assistance or potential discounts.

Despite being in the designated Grab area, taxi drivers still approached me to offer their services.

I politely declined, and they left me alone. This is a common experience at airports in Indonesia, whether you land in Jakarta or Bali.

Once my Grab arrived, the driver explained that using the freeway incurs an additional fee, as Jakarta charges tolls for freeway usage.

I recommend taking the freeway to avoid the city's notorious traffic, which costs approximately US$2.

Travelers can enjoy the skyline of Jakarta after successfully passing through Soekarno–Hatta International Airport | Source: iVisa

As I rode in my Grab, I enjoyed the sprawling city views from the freeway, officially entering Jakarta's bustling and crowded city.

Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK) is a vital transportation hub that efficiently connects the bustling city of Jakarta to destinations across Asia and the world.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport offers a smooth and enjoyable journey to the heart of Indonesia's capital city.

For more helpful tips, be sure to check out our other guides:

• Flying from Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK): Departures

• E-Sim Guide

Safe travels!