Car rental in Jakarta

You don't need a car inside Jakarta, and driving yourself is usually a poor idea. Traffic is heavy, and the MRT, TransJakarta and cheap ride-hailing cover most sightseeing. A car makes more sense for trips out of town, and even then trains reach Bogor and Bandung. If you do want a car, hiring one with a driver is the normal choice. In November 2026, listings started from about US$30 a day, so check whether a driver, fuel and insurance are included.

When a car is worth it

Bogor and Puncak. A commuter train reaches Bogor and its Botanical Gardens in about an hour or more. A car lets you carry on to the tea fields of the Puncak Pass in the hills beyond. Go on a weekday, as weekends are crowded.

Bandung. High-speed rail cuts the trip to under an hour, so a car is mainly for families or for going beyond the city. The Malabar Tea Plantation is well south of Bandung and takes around two hours more by road, so stay overnight if you want to go.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. This large park on the east side of the city is far from the centre. A driver for the day makes it an easy half-day for a family in one car.

Before you book

Your licence. Visitors are generally expected to carry an International Driving Permit together with their home licence, and the UK government says a UK licence alone isn't valid in Indonesia. Rules can change, so confirm with the rental company or an official source before you travel.

Driver or self-drive. Most visitors who want a car hire one with a driver by the day. You can rest or work in the car, and the navigation and parking are the driver's job. Ask what's included, such as fuel, parking fees, tolls, overtime and the hours covered.

Where to collect the car. Ask whether you can collect at the airport or have the car brought to your hotel. Check parking at your hotel too.

Insurance. Check what the basic cover excludes and what excess you'd pay after damage. Photograph the car before you leave and agree the fuel policy.

Driving in Indonesia

The basics. Traffic drives on the left. Motorbikes are everywhere and overtake on both sides, so leave space. UK government advice notes that a private driver may be safer, because foreigners in even minor incidents can face demands for money.

Tolls. Toll roads don't take cash, so ask whether the car comes with a prepaid card and how much balance it holds.

Traffic and parking. Allow extra time at rush hour, especially on rainy Fridays, and leave early for day trips. Ask the rental company whether any traffic restrictions apply on central roads.

Weather. It's hot all year. From about December to February, heavy rain can flood parts of the city and slow traffic further, so check conditions before heading to low-lying areas.