Jakarta Airport: Terminals, Airlines & Transfers

Landing at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) doesn’t have to mean rushing straight into Jakarta traffic. Within a short drive from the airport, you can find beaches, mangroves, cultural spots, and family-friendly attractions—perfect for stretching your legs, grabbing a bite, or exploring a bit of local life before your flight.

✈️ What is Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)

Source: klia2.info

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, better known as CGK, is the main international gateway to Indonesia. It is located in Cengkareng, Tangerang, about 20 kilometres from central Jakarta. The airport code, CGK, comes from “Cengkareng”, while the name honours Indonesia’s first President, Soekarno, and first Vice President, Mohammad Hatta.

📜 A Short History

The airport officially opened on 1 May 1985, replacing Kemayoran Airport as Jakarta’s main hub. It was designed by French architect Paul Andreu, with the concept of “airport in the garden”, blending Javanese traditional elements with tropical landscapes. Today, CGK serves as the central hub for Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Lion Air Group, and many international airlines.

🏢 Airport Terminals

Terminal 1

• Handles domestic flights (except Garuda Indonesia).
• Facilities include check-in areas A–C, food courts, domestic lounges, and easy connections to the Skytrain and shuttle buses.

Terminal 2

• Handles both international and some domestic flights.
• Since 2025, Terminal 2F has been dedicated to Hajj and Umrah flights.
• Facilities include duty-free shops, international lounges, nearby hotels, as well as immigration and customs services.

Terminal 3 (Ultimate)

• Fully opened in 2016, mainly serving Garuda Indonesia (domestic and international) plus several other international airlines.
• Features a modern, eco-friendly design, with 112 check-in counters, 59 aerobridges, a large food court, premium lounges, capsule hotels, and even play areas for children.
• Recognised as a 4-Star Airport by Skytrax.

🛫 Terminal 1 – Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)

Source: airportmaps.com

📍 Location & Function

Terminal 1 is the oldest terminal at CGK, opened in 1985. It mainly serves domestic flights (excluding Garuda Indonesia). The terminal is divided into three sub-terminals—1A, 1B, and 1C—each handling different airlines and routes.

🏢 Design & Architecture

Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, Terminal 1 follows the “airport in the garden” concept. The design blends traditional Javanese joglo roof structures, kala-makara ornaments, and tropical gardens both inside and outside the terminal, giving it a more cultural and local feel compared to the newer terminals.

🛩 Airlines & Services

• 1A: Lion Air Group (Lion Air, Wings Air, Batik Air – selected domestic routes)
• 1B: AirAsia Indonesia, Citilink, TransNusa, and other domestic carriers
• 1C: Pelita Air, Super Air Jet, plus some Batik Air routes
  (Airline allocation may change depending on Angkasa Pura II’s operational schedule.)

🛎 Main Facilities

• Separate check-in areas for each sub-terminal
• Domestic lounges (Lion Air Executive Lounge, Citilink Lounge, and public lounges)
• Food courts and cafés in both public areas and boarding lounges
• Free Skytrain and shuttle bus connections to Terminals 2 and 3
• Spacious car park right in front of the terminal

🚆 Access & Connectivity

• Skytrain service (every ~5 minutes) linking Terminals 1, 2, and 3
• Free inter-terminal shuttle buses
• Connection to the CGK Airport Rail Link via Terminal 2
• Direct access to the Prof. Dr. Ir. Soedijatmo toll road

🛫 Terminal 2 – Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)

Source: airportinformation.com

📍 Location & Function

Terminal 2 was opened in 1991 and originally served as CGK’s main international terminal before Terminal 3 became fully operational. Today, it still handles a mix of international and some domestic flights. Since 2025, sub-terminal 2F has been dedicated to Hajj and Umrah services. The terminal is divided into three sections: 2D, 2E, and 2F.

🏢 Design & Architecture

Just like Terminal 1, Terminal 2 was designed by French architect Paul Andreu with the airport in the garden concept. The design blends Javanese joglo roof structures, traditional ornaments, and tropical greenery, creating a spacious and refreshing atmosphere.

🛩 Airlines & Services

• 2D: International flights (e.g., Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Turkish Airlines)
• 2E: Other international flights and some domestic full-service airlines
• 2F: Dedicated to Hajj and Umrah flights (operated by Saudia, Garuda Indonesia for Hajj routes, and Lion Air Group)

🛎 Main Facilities

• Separate check-in halls for each sub-terminal
• Duty-free outlets and international retail shops
• International and domestic lounges (Garuda Executive Lounge, Saphire Lounge, and more)
• Restaurants, cafés, and a food court
• Airport hotel located near Terminal 2
• Full immigration, customs, and security services
• Direct access to parking areas and ground transport

🚆 Access & Connectivity

• Skytrain service (every ~5 minutes) to Terminals 1 and 3
• Free inter-terminal shuttle buses
• CGK Airport Rail Link station is located right in front of Terminal 2
• Direct access to the Prof. Dr. Ir. Soedijatmo toll road for cars and taxis

🛫 Terminal 3 (Ultimate) – Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)

Source: airportmaps.com

📍 Location & Function

Terminal 3 is the newest terminal at CGK, officially opened in 2016 to take over part of Terminal 2’s role. It now serves all domestic and international flights operated by Garuda Indonesia, as well as several major international airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, ANA, Qatar Airways, and Emirates.

🏢 Design & Architecture

Unlike Terminals 1 and 2, which feature traditional Javanese-inspired architecture, Terminal 3 has a sleek, modern, and minimalist design. It was built with an eco-friendly concept, equipped with advanced systems such as a Level 5 Baggage Handling System, Intelligent Building Management System (IBMS), energy-efficient lighting, and even rainwater recycling facilities.

🛩 Airlines & Services

• Domestic: Garuda Indonesia (all domestic routes)
• International: Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Emirates, ANA, and other global carriers

🛎 Main Facilities

• 112 check-in counters and 59 aerobridges
• Separate departure and arrival halls for domestic and international passengers
• Food courts, cafés, and international restaurants
• Premium lounges (Garuda Indonesia Executive Lounge, Saphire Lounge, and international airline lounges)
• Capsule hotel (Digital Airport Hotel) and rest zones
• Children’s play area, mother-and-baby rooms
• Duty-free shops, retail outlets, and souvenir stores
• Awarded 4-Star Airport Certification by Skytrax

🚆 Access & Connectivity

• Skytrain service (every ~5 minutes) connecting Terminals 1 and 2
• Free inter-terminal shuttle buses
• Direct link to the CGK Airport Rail Link (via Skytrain or shuttle)
• Easy access to the Prof. Dr. Ir. Soedijatmo toll road

🏢 Comparison of the Three Terminals at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)

🏢 How to Choose Between the 3 Terminals at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)

Source: Grimshaw Architects

At CGK, you don’t actually get to choose your terminal freely—it’s determined by your airline and flight route. But to make it easier to understand, here’s a simple guide from my experience as a Malaysian traveller:

1️⃣ Terminal 1 – Domestic Flights (Non-Garuda)

• Use this terminal if you’re flying domestically within Indonesia with Lion Air Group (Lion Air, Batik Air on selected domestic routes, or Wings Air), AirAsia Indonesia, Citilink, Pelita Air, or Super Air Jet.
• Best suited for local travel within Indonesia, unless you’re flying with Garuda Indonesia.

2️⃣ Terminal 2 – International & Mixed Domestic

• This terminal mainly serves international flights with airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and other regional carriers that are not Garuda Indonesia.
• Since 2025, sub-terminal 2F has been dedicated to Hajj and Umrah flights, operated by Saudia, Lion Air Group, and even Garuda Indonesia for Hajj routes.
• Some domestic routes by full-service airlines are also still handled here.

3️⃣ Terminal 3 – Garuda & Premium International Carriers

• This is where you’ll go if you’re flying with Garuda Indonesia, whether domestic or international.
• It also serves premium international airlines such as Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines (for some routes), Emirates, Cathay Pacific, ANA, Etihad, and more.
• As the newest terminal, it’s the most modern, spacious, and comfortable—perfect if you’re catching a long-haul international flight.

🏙️ Attractions Near Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)

If you have a layover in Jakarta or just want to explore nearby before heading into the city, there are several attractions not too far from the airport. Here are some interesting spots I’ve personally found worth visiting:

🏖️ Tanjung Pasir Beach

Source: kumparan

📍 Distance: ~17 km from CGK / about 30 minutes by car
🚗 How to Get There: Taxi, e-hailing service, or a rented car from the airport

🎯 Things to Do:

• Relax on the sandy beach while enjoying the sea view
• Rent a boat to explore the western islands of the Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu)
• Try fresh seafood from the local warungs by the beach

🏨 Nearby Hotels:

• Novotel Tangerang
• Lemo Hotel Serpong

🏮 Pantjoran PIK

📍 Distance: ~14 km from CGK / about 20 minutes by car
🚗 How to Get There: Taxi, e-hailing, or DAMRI bus to PIK then continue with local transport

🎯 Things to Do:

• Explore a unique Chinatown-inspired food and lifestyle district
• Take Instagram-worthy photos among the colourful traditional architecture
• Taste a wide range of traditional and modern street food

🏨 Nearby Hotels:

• Swiss-Belhotel Airport Jakarta
• Ibis Styles Jakarta Airport

🌿 Angke Kapuk Mangrove Nature Park

Source: hanisgreatexperiencesinbali.weebly.com

📍 Distance: ~14 km from CGK / about 20 minutes by car
🚗 How to Get There: Direct taxi or e-hailing ride from the airport

🎯 Things to Do:

• Stroll along wooden walkways through lush mangroves
• Rent a canoe or boat to explore the waterways
• Capture photos of nature and spot local birdlife

🏨 Nearby Hotels:

• Fika Rooms PIK
• Orchardz Bandara

💦 Waterbom Pantai Indah Kapuk

📍 Distance: ~15 km from CGK / about 25 minutes by car
🚗 How to Get There: Taxi or e-hailing directly from the airport

🎯 Things to Do:

• Enjoy water slides suitable for all ages
• Relax in the lazy river or kids’ pool area
• Dine at the food and beverage outlets inside the park

🏨 Nearby Hotels:

• Mercure Jakarta Pantai Indah Kapuk
• Ibis Budget Jakarta PIK

🏯 Benteng Heritage Museum

📍 Distance: ~9 km from CGK / about 15 minutes by car
🚗 How to Get There: Taxi, e-hailing, or local angkot from Tangerang

🎯 Things to Do:

• Discover the history of the Chinese community in Tangerang
• Join cultural and educational tours about local heritage
• Take photos of the restored Chinese-style heritage building

🏨 Nearby Hotels:

• D’Prima Hotel Airport Jakarta Terminal 1A
• Yellow Bee Hotel Tangerang

👀Quick adventures and local experiences around CGK

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) is not only Indonesia’s main air gateway, but it’s also surrounded by plenty of interesting attractions that can be reached within a short drive. You’ll find natural escapes like Tanjung Pasir Beach and the Angke Kapuk Mangrove Park, family fun at Waterbom PIK, food hunting and photo spots at Pantjoran PIK, and even cultural experiences at the Benteng Heritage Museum.

What I like is how convenient it is—transport options from the airport are straightforward, hotels nearby range from budget to premium, and the activities are quite diverse. Whether you’re on a layover or just have a few hours before your flight, the areas around CGK make a practical yet enjoyable mini destination on their own.