Taking an Uber in Indonesia is more affordable than most parts of the world, so often, it is the most cost-effective means of getting out of the airport, especially when a ride is shared.
The good thing is, the government of Indonesia is welcoming of Uber because, after all, it follows regulations, offers safe and affordable mobility options to locals and visitors alike, and most of all, provides livelihood to the locals. However, like in the Philippines and other parts of the world, its efforts are met with some opposition, so in certain airports and areas, app users must ride with care.
BALI
(Uber is not as accepted in Bali as it is in other destinations in Indonesia, so utmost caution must be taken when taking an Uber anywhere in Bali, not just at the airport.)
Uber pickups from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali are done away from the actual arrivals area. If arriving in the international wing, pickups may be done at the West Zone drop-off zone, which is past the cluster of restaurants, while if arriving in the domestic wing, pickups are done near the departures drop-off zone. Both are near their respective arrivals doors.
Typical fare from airport (excluding tolls and airport fee):
Kuta/Legian – 25,000-30,000 IDR (95-110 PHP; 1.90-2.25 USD)
Nusa Dua – 40,000-50,000 IDR (150-185 PHP; 3.00-3.75 USD)
Seminyak – 40,000-50,000 IDR (150-185 PHP; 3.00-3.75 USD)
BANDUNG
Although there are pickup points at the convenience stores Indomaret and Circle K across, drivers are apprehensive to pick passengers up from the Husein Sastranegara International Airport. What I did when I arrived and what others advised me to do was to walk less than half a kilometer to an intersection away from the airport (as mapped below). Of course, this can be impractical for someone with plenty of luggage. Do note, however, that there are no hassles on Uber drop-offs at the airport.
Typical fare from airport:
City center – 10,000-15,000 IDR (35-55 PHP; 0.70-1.10 USD)
Dago – 25,000-30,000 IDR (95-110 PHP; 1.90-2.25 USD)
JAKARTA
Since Uber is generally accepted in Jakarta, Uber cars can freely pickup passengers anywhere, including its two airports. It also helps that the city’s main airport, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, is massive that Uber cars can mix with regular cars. As such, pickups may be done from the arrivals areas of Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
Typical fare from airport (excluding tolls and airport fee):
Central Jakarta – 80,000-110,000 IDR (300-410 PHP; 6.00-8.20 USD)
West Jakarta – 60,000-85,000 IDR (225-320 PHP; 4.50-6.40 USD)
South Jakarta – 105,000-145,000 IDR (390-540 PHP; 7.80-10.80 USD)
East Jakarta – 130,000-180,000 IDR (485-670 PHP; 9.70-13.40 USD)
As for Jakarta’s other airport, Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, pickups may be done easily too at four pickup points: departures, arrivals, the information center, and Sasana Manggala Praja (VVIP building).
Typical fare from airport (excluding tolls and airport fee):
Central Jakarta – 50,000-70,000 IDR (185-260 PHP; 3.70-5.20 USD)
West Jakarta – 65,000-90,000 IDR (240-335 PHP; 4.80-6.70 USD)
South Jakarta – 45,000-60,000 IDR (170-225 PHP; 3.40-4.50 USD)
East Jakarta – 20,000-25,000 IDR (75-95 PHP; 1.50-1.90 PHP)
SURABAYA
At Surabaya Airport, there are two terminals: 1 for domestic (divided into 1A and 1B) and 2 for international, and both are quite far apart, so make sure which terminal you are arriving in and departing from. At Terminal 1A and 1B, which are few steps away from each other, pickups may be done at their respective departures (keberangkatan) and arrivals (kedatangan) areas. To err on the side of caution, however, it’s best advised to do a pickup from departures. On the other hand, for Terminal 2, the pickup point is at arrivals only, which is fine because Terminal 2 isn’t as busy as Terminal 1.
Typical fare from airport (excluding tolls and airport fee):
City center – 75,000-100,000 IDR (280-375 PHP; 5.60-7.50 USD)
NOTES
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In Indonesia, unlike other countries, fees associated with entering/exiting the airport and tolls are to be paid in cash by the passenger, so be sure to have a small amount of local currency (rupiahs) before taking your ride. The ride cost itself, however, may still be charged to your credit or debit card.
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Uber Indonesia has already imposed its so-called “upfront pricing” as opposed to metered fares (more about it here) in all the cities it serves.
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For questions or disputes, use the help function on the Uber app.
