The Jakarta Explorer by Transjakarta bus.

Jakarta Explorer by Transjakarta: Things You Should Know

Share:

Jakarta is a bustling metropolis with a distinct blend of history, culture, and modernity. The Jakarta Explorer by Transjakarta is an excellent option for exploring the vibrant city and its hidden gems. This public transportation service transports tourists and locals through Jakarta’s rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landmarks.

The Jakarta Explorer by Transjakarta is the ideal way to discover the city’s beauty and charm, thanks to its convenient routes and free admission. This explorer bus service promises a memorable and enjoyable experience whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned local.

The Brief History

The Jakarta Explorer City Bus is a tourist-oriented public transportation service operated by PT Transportasi Jakarta, the Transjakarta bus rapid transit system operator. It debuted in 2014. The goal was to provide tourists and locals with a convenient and affordable way to explore Jakarta’s numerous attractions.

The service is hop-on, hop-off, which means that passengers can board and exit the bus at any of the designated stops along the route. The buses are outfitted with multilingual audio guides that provide passengers informative commentary about the city’s landmarks and attractions.

The Routes of Jakarta Explorer

There are currently seven different tourist routes available on the Jakarta Explorer bus, such as:

BW-1 (Jakarta History)

Tourists and those interested in visiting several historical sites in Jakarta can take the first tourist bus route. The route begins at the Juanda Stop and continues to the Istiqlal Mosque, Monas 2, the Indonesian Restaurant and Park Association (IRTI) Monas, Balai Kota, Museum Nasional, Gedung Arsip, the Bank Indonesia Museum (BI), the BNI 46 Museum, Masjid Jami Kebon Jeruk, and Pasar Baru. 

The route operates Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

BW-2 (Jakarta Modern)

If you want to see the modern side of Jakarta, take the Jakarta Tourist Bus on this second route. Monas 1, Monas 2, IRTI, Balai Kota, Sarinah, Plaza Indonesia (PI), Topas Tower, Museum Nasional, Pecenongan, Pasar Baru, and Juanda/Istiqlal are among the stops that will be made.

This second route operates Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

BW-3 (Arts and Culinary)

This third route is open to tourists and Jakarta Tourist Bus riders interested in the city’s distinctive arts and cuisines. Monas 2, IRTI, Balai Kota, Museum Nasional, Gedung Arsip, BI Museum, BNI 46, Kebon Jeruk Mosque, Pasar Baru, and Juanda/Istiqlal will kick off the theme.

This route is only open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

BW-4 (Jakarta Skyscrapers)

Jakarta is a historical city as well as a skyscraper-filled metropolis. Tourists can get there by taking the Jakarta Tourist Bus, which runs Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The top points that this fourth route will pass are Monas 1, Monas 2, IRTI, Balai Kota, Sarinah, Wisma Nusantara, Tosari 1, Dukuh Atas 3, Karet Sudirman 1, GBK 1, Bundaran Senayan 2, FX Sudirman, GBK 2, Aquatic Stadium, Istora, GBK Pintu 7, Tosari 2, Plaza Indonesia, Sarinah 2, Museum Nasional, Pecenongan, Pasar Baru/GKJ, and Juanda/Istiqlal. 

BW-5 (Jakarta Open Space)

Despite its reputation as a metropolitan city, Jakarta has several open spaces that tourists can visit. Tosari, Bundaran HI, Sarinah, IRTI, Balai Kota, Sarinah, Tosari, and Kalijodo Child-Friendly Integrated Public Room (RPTRA) are among the stops on the fifth tourist bus route.

The route operates Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

BW-6 (Jakarta Heritage)

Tourists can also visit Jakarta’s cultural reserves by taking the sixth tourist bus route, which runs every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This route includes Monas 2, Monas 1, IRTI, Balai Kota, Sarinah, Tosari, Mbah Priok Tomb, Tosari, Bundaran HI, Sarinah, and Juanda/Istiqlal.

BW-7 (Jakarta Shopping)

The Jakarta Tour Bus’s seventh route may make it easier for tourists to shop in Jakarta. Sarinah 2, IRTI, Balai Kota, Sarinah 1, Wisma Nusantara, Tosari 1, Dukuh Atas 3, Karet Sudirman 1, Lapangan Panahan, Plaza Sentral, Istora Senayan, Plaza Senayan, Senayan City, Karet Sudirman 2, Dukuh Atas 4, Stasiun Sudirman 2, Tosari 2, and Plaza Indonesia all stops on the bus.

It is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

How to Get to Jakarta Explorer Bus

If you want to try this bus, simply wait at a bus stop with a double-decker bus and a city tour sign. Bundaran Hotel Indonesia, Pecenongan, Museum Nasional, Pasar Baru, Masjid Istiqlal, Monumen Nasional (Monas), Balai Kota, and Sarinah are among the stops.

Make sure you pick the right spot to get a good view. Many people believe that the best place to enjoy the view is from the front seat.

 

Curious about other experiences you can have in Jakarta? Check out these articles below:

Content Writer

A Jakarta-based content creative enthusiast who started his content-making journey by joining a school reporter community at a well-known teen magazine in Indonesia during high school in 2013. Besides writing, he also loved to listen to podcasts and watch pro wrestling shows.

Related News

Bali has been named the Best of the Best Destination at the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2026, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. The recognition places Bali at the top of TripAdvisor’s global rankings, based on traveller reviews collected over 12 months. Bali Ranked World’s Best Destination in TripAdvisor Awards […]

Raja Ampat, located in West Papua, remains one of Indonesia’s most sought-after travel destinations. The region is known for its clear waters, limestone islands, and rich marine life. It also offers quiet landscapes and limited-access experiences, making it popular with both domestic and international travellers. To manage tourism and support conservation, the Raja Ampat Regency […]

Planning a trip to Indonesia? The country continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading global travel destination, offering experiences that extend well beyond the familiar appeal of Bali. For international travellers and expats living in Indonesia, the archipelago presents a wide range of options, from highland retreats and cultural landmarks to marine destinations recognised […]

Featuring Global Headliner Dash Berlin Bali, 24 November 2025 — Café del Mar Bali successfully delivered one of the most anticipated New Year’s Eve celebrations in Canggu. On 31 December 2025, the iconic beachfront venue welcomed Dash Berlin as the main headliner for its NYE 2025 celebration, bringing world-class EDM energy to one of Bali’s […]

Expat Events

Indonesia Visas

Expat Event

Business Networking
150,000
Casa Cuomo Ristorante & Lounge
Unofficial Networking Event
FREE
Cisadon

Expat Property

Indonesia Visas

Expat Event

Business Networking
150,000
Casa Cuomo Ristorante & Lounge
Unofficial Networking Event
FREE
Cisadon