Getting to Bandung

Bandung is accessible from Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, through various transportation options.

The Whoosh High-Speed Railway provides a convenient connection between the Jakarta area and Padalarang, near Bandung, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes between Halim and Padalarang stations. Travellers can continue into Bandung by connecting transport.

Visitors arriving at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport can also travel to Bandung by road or rail connections.

Getting Around Bandung

Getting around Bandung is convenient, with various transportation options available to suit different travel preferences and budgets. From ride-hailing services and taxis to public buses and private transportation, visitors can explore the city and its surrounding attractions with ease.

Ride-Hailing Services – Grab & Gojek

Grab and Gojek are among the most popular and convenient transportation options in Bandung. Both mobile applications offer car and motorcycle rides, allowing visitors to book transportation directly from their smartphones.

Fares are generally displayed in the application before confirming a booking, making these services a convenient choice for travelling between hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and tourist attractions.

Visitors are encouraged to download the applications before arriving in Indonesia.

Taxis

Metered taxis are readily available throughout Bandung, particularly at major hotels, shopping centres and transportation hubs.

Bluebird is a well-established taxi operator in Indonesia, offering metered taxi services. Visitors can book taxis through the MyBluebird mobile application or designated taxi stands.

Public Transportation

Bandung has a network of public buses, commuter trains and traditional shared minibuses known locally as angkot.

Metro Jabar Trans operates bus services connecting various areas of Greater Bandung, offering an affordable way to travel around the city.

Angkot minibuses also operate along established routes and provide an opportunity to experience local transportation. However, visitors unfamiliar with the routes may find ride-hailing services more convenient.

Private Car & Driver

For visitors planning to explore attractions beyond Bandung’s city centre, hiring a private car with a driver is a comfortable and flexible option.

This is particularly recommended for excursions to popular destinations such as Lembang, Tangkuban Perahu, Kawah Putih and the surrounding tea plantations.

Private transportation can be arranged through hotels or reputable local tour operators.

High-Speed Rail & Train Connections

Visitors travelling from Jakarta can take the Whoosh High-Speed Railway, connecting Halim Station in Jakarta with Padalarang Station near Bandung in approximately 30 minutes.

From Padalarang Station, passengers can transfer to the connecting feeder train to reach Bandung Station in the city centre. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available for onward journeys to hotels and other destinations.

Useful Travel Tips

• Traffic Conditions: Bandung can experience heavy traffic, particularly during weekends, public holidays and peak hours. Allow additional travel time when planning your journeys.
• Navigation: Google Maps is useful for checking routes, estimated travel times and nearby attractions.
• Payment: Carry some Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for transportation expenses, although many ride-hailing services support cashless payments.
• Internet Connectivity: A local SIM card or international roaming service is recommended for accessing navigation and transportation applications.
• Safety: Use registered transportation providers and verify vehicle and driver details before boarding.

Currency & Money Exchange

The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), commonly represented by the symbol Rp.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at authorised money changers, banks and currency exchange counters at major international airports. Visitors are encouraged to exchange some Indonesian Rupiah before travelling or upon arrival for transportation, meals and other small expenses.

ATMs are widely available throughout Bandung, particularly in shopping malls, hotels and commercial areas. Most ATMs accept major international debit and credit cards, although withdrawal fees and transaction limits may apply.

Travel Tips:

• Exchange money only at authorised money changers or reputable banks.
• Check the latest exchange rates before travelling, as rates fluctuate.
• Keep some cash in smaller denominations for local markets, street vendors and small purchases.
• Inform your bank of your travel plans if necessary to avoid unexpected card restrictions.

Payment Methods

Bandung offers a variety of convenient payment options, including cash, credit cards, debit cards and digital payments.

Major international credit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are generally accepted at hotels, shopping malls, established restaurants and larger retail outlets. However, cash remains useful for smaller businesses, traditional markets and street food vendors.

Indonesia also widely uses QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard), a QR-code payment system commonly found at shops, restaurants and other establishments. International visitors may be able to use QRIS through participating payment applications, subject to compatibility with their home country’s payment provider.

Visitors are advised to carry a combination of cash and payment cards for convenience.

Electricity & Power Plugs

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The country primarily uses Type C and Type F power sockets, which feature two round pins commonly found in many European countries.

Travellers from Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and other countries using different plug types should bring a suitable travel adapter.

Most modern smartphones, laptops and electronic chargers support a voltage range of 100–240V. However, visitors should check their devices’ voltage compatibility before use.

Travel Tips:

• Bring a universal travel adapter compatible with Type C and Type F sockets.
• Check the voltage requirements of electrical appliances, particularly hair dryers and styling tools.
• Consider bringing a portable power bank for sightseeing and travelling around Bandung.