Kertajati Airport: Route Guide From Majalengka to Bandung
Where Kertajati airport is and why it exists
Kertajati airport sits in Majalengka regency, on the north side of the West Java highlands, a short distance from the border with Cirebon. It was built to give the wider Bandung region a second major airport, one that could handle larger volumes of traffic than the older city airport. The airport opened in 2018, and it was intended to take pressure off the older airports serving the Priangan region and the capital corridor, as well as to support the growth of the province’s economy.
For travellers the important point is simple. Kertajati is not in Bandung. It is roughly an hour or more from the city centre by road, depending on the route and the traffic, and that distance shapes every decision about how to reach it, when to leave, and what to do on arrival.
The move from the old Bandung airport
For years most commercial flights to Bandung used Husein Sastranegara airport, which lies close to the city. Over time, the scheduled airline services were moved to Kertajati, and by late 2023 the commercial traffic had largely transferred. Husein Sastranegara still has a role, but a traveller booking a flight to Bandung now needs to check which airport the flight uses before setting out. It is worth confirming the airport in the booking itself.
The change has a practical side for travellers coming from Bali. Flights that once arrived at a city airport now arrive in Majalengka, which means a longer ground transfer. Planning for that extra time, and for a possible wait for an onward vehicle, makes the arrival much less stressful.
Road routes from Bandung and Cirebon
The main road link from Bandung is the Cisumdawu toll road. It runs east from the Bandung area, passes through the hills of Sumedang, and reaches the Majalengka side near the airport. The toll road began operating in the spring of 2023, and it is the fastest way to travel, cutting the journey time considerably compared with the older routes that wind through towns and villages. The approximate drive from Bandung is about one hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic, the starting point in the city and any delays at toll gates.
From Cirebon the route is shorter in distance but depends on the road network around Majalengka. The approach uses regional roads that can be busy at peak times, so the journey can take longer than the map suggests. A driver familiar with the local roads will make the trip more predictable.
Anyone travelling by car should note that the toll road has a limited number of access points, and that it is best to plan the exit in advance. Missing an exit adds a long detour, and the rural roads that run alongside the toll road are narrower and slower.
Getting from the airport onward
Because Kertajati is set in a rural area, the choice of onward transport is more limited than at a major city airport. Taxis and ride-hailing vehicles can usually be arranged, though the supply is smaller than in Bandung, so it helps to book ahead. A late arrival deserves the same planning, because the area around the terminal is quiet once the last flights have landed and the number of vehicles waiting drops away. Shuttle buses also run between the airport and Bandung. The bus journey is cheaper than a private car but takes longer, and it is best used by travellers with flexible plans.
For those heading further into the Priangan highlands or towards the north coast, the airport can serve as a starting point. A private car gives the most freedom for a route through Majalengka towards Cirebon, Sumedang or Garut. Planning the first leg of the journey before landing saves time at arrivals.
What to expect inside the terminal
The terminal is large, built to handle a high volume of passengers, and it is quieter than the major international hubs. Visitors should expect functional facilities rather than lavish ones. Seating can be limited during peak holiday periods, so it helps to arrive with a few hours in hand.
Because the airport serves a wide region, the traffic pattern shifts through the year. Religious holidays, school breaks and the Umrah and Haj seasons all bring extra travellers, and the terminal can feel crowded at those times. Off-peak days are a more relaxed choice.
Kertajati compared with the old Bandung airport
Husein Sastranegara is close to the centre of Bandung, so its journey from the city is shorter and often quicker for travellers staying in the middle of town. Kertajati lies further away, and the trip takes longer, but it offers a larger terminal, more room for expansion and a location that avoids the crowded city streets. The trade-off is clear: the old airport wins on convenience for city visitors, while Kertajati wins on capacity and on the scale of services it can accommodate.
For a traveller whose plans centre on Bandung’s hotels and restaurants, the difference in time on the road matters. For a traveller heading into the wider province, Kertajati can be a sensible choice, particularly when the flight schedule suits the onward route.
Planning a trip that starts at Kertajati
The first question to settle is where the trip ends. If the main destination is central Bandung, a flight to Kertajati adds a transfer of roughly an hour or more at the end of the journey, and that time should be built into the day of arrival. If the destination is a town in the eastern highlands, the north coast or the lowlands near Cirebon, the airport can be the better choice, because the road network leads away from the city rather than through it.
Timing matters as well. Flights that land in the late afternoon or evening leave a traveller driving the toll road in the dark, and the rural approaches are harder to read after sunset. A morning or early afternoon arrival gives time to reach the destination in daylight, which is the safer choice on unfamiliar roads.
Luggage and comfort also shape the choice of transport. A private car or a pre-booked vehicle is the most comfortable option for a family or a group with heavy bags, while a solo traveller with a light pack may prefer the shuttle bus. Having a clear plan for the first leg before landing means that the decision is made calmly, not in a crowded arrivals hall.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kertajati airport from Bandung?
The airport is around 68 kilometres from Bandung by the usual road route. The drive usually takes around an hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic and the route taken.
Which airport does my flight to Bandung use?
Most scheduled commercial flights to Bandung now use Kertajati, but some services still use Husein Sastranegara. Check the booking carefully before travelling.
Is Kertajati a good airport for international travel?
It handles international routes, including services to Malaysia, and it also serves pilgrimage flights. The range of international destinations is smaller than at the major hubs, so connecting through a larger airport may be needed for some trips.
Are taxis available at the airport?
Taxis and ride-hailing vehicles operate at the airport, but the choice is smaller than in the city. Booking ahead is the safest approach, particularly late at night or during holiday periods.
Places to visit between the airport and Bandung
The route from Kertajati to Bandung passes through the hills and farmland of Majalengka and Sumedang, and it links several destinations worth a stop. Bandung itself is the main city of the province and has a wide range of museums, markets and mountain viewpoints, covered in the Bandung travel page. The high-speed rail option between Jakarta and Bandung, which runs in parallel with the wider transport network, is covered in the Jakarta to Bandung high-speed train guide, and it is a useful alternative for travellers arriving from the capital.
For travellers coming from Bali, the route to West Java by air is covered in the guide to flying from Bali to Bandung, which helps plan the connection through the wider network. Those who continue east towards the north coast can reach Cirebon, a historic port city with its own palaces and craft traditions.
The West Java destination hub groups the region’s airports, roads, mountains and coasts, and gives a clear overview for planning a longer trip that starts at Kertajati.
Related guides: talaga manggung, bocimi toll road, pasar baru bandung, Eastern West Java: Cirebon, Majalengka and Kuningan Guide.