Bandung is easy to reach and, once you are there, rewards a little planning around traffic. Most visitors arrive from Jakarta, about 150 kilometres to the north-west, and the options have improved a great deal with the arrival of high-speed rail. This guide covers the main ways in and how to get around once you are here.
By high-speed rail
The Whoosh high-speed line between Jakarta and Bandung opened in 2023 and has changed the trip. Trains run between Jakarta's Halim station and stations on the Bandung side, including Padalarang and Tegalluar. The high-speed leg itself takes well under an hour, but remember that the stations are outside the city centre, so allow time and money for a feeder train, shuttle or ride-hailing car for the last leg. Check the current timetable and booking methods before you go, as services and connections are updated from time to time.
By conventional train
Regular express trains run from Jakarta to Bandung's main station, which sits close to the centre. The ride takes a few hours, and the scenery as the line climbs into the highlands is pleasant. This is a good option if you want to arrive in the heart of the city, if you are travelling on a budget or if you simply prefer the older style of travel. Book seats in advance for weekends and holidays, when trains fill quickly.
By road
Toll roads link Jakarta and Bandung, and the drive can take from under three hours to much longer, depending on traffic. Weekends and holiday periods can be extremely congested, so a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon departure may be slower than expected. Private transfers and shared shuttles are widely available, and a car with driver is a comfortable way to travel with luggage or a group. Many tours from Jakarta use this route, as in the day trip described in the Jakarta guide.
By air
Bandung has its own airport, and flights to and from other Indonesian cities are available, though services shift between airports from time to time. Check which airport your flight uses, as another airport further east has taken some services, and confirm the transfer time to the city. Airport transfers to central hotels can be pre-booked, and ride-hailing is also available.
Getting around the city
Bandung does not have a metro, and the road network is congested at peak times. The most convenient ways to move are ride-hailing apps for cars and motorbike taxis, which are inexpensive and widely used, and pre-booked cars with drivers for day trips. Public minibuses and city buses exist but are harder for visitors to navigate. The heritage centre and Braga are walkable, though pavements can be uneven and the heat and rain can make long walks tiring.
Getting to the highlands
The volcano and tea-country sights are not served well by public transport, so most visitors use tours or hire a car with driver. Private tours are flexible and easy for families, while shared tours are cheaper. Roads to the north and south are narrow and slow at weekends, so start early and avoid peak return times. If you plan to drive yourself, be aware of heavy traffic, motorbikes, mountain roads and parking at popular sites.
Practical tips
Keep small rupiah notes for tolls, parking and snacks, and use a ride-hailing app with a local SIM or eSIM for data. Agree prices with drivers before setting off if you are not using an app. Allow generous time for airport or station transfers, particularly at weekends. Carry a rain jacket and a charger, and have your hotel address in Indonesian for taxi drivers.
A simple plan
For most visitors, the best approach is to take the high-speed train or a conventional train to Bandung, check into a central hotel, use ride-hailing and walking in the city, and book private or shared tours for the highlands. Treat travel time as part of the experience: the road to the hills is half the scenery, and a calm pace makes the whole trip more enjoyable.
Accessibility and comfort
Pavements in the old centre can be narrow, uneven or blocked by parked motorbikes, so travellers with limited mobility should plan on cars for most movements. Rain can make roads and steps slippery. Keep small bills for tips, bring a power bank for long days and download offline maps. Most hotels can arrange a trusted driver for a day, which is often simpler than negotiating with several operators.