Heading back to Soekarno–Hatta International Airport to catch my flight back to Singapore, I decided to leave earlier to head to Manggarai first in order to try out the Railink departing from there, despite not actually being on the way for me. But a new line or extension always warrants a visit, so here I go.
My KRL train arrived at Platform 6 so it was an easier transfer to the Railink.
Crossing the tracks to Platform 8 and 9 for the Railink.
The crossing is well signposted.
The facade of the simple but useful integrated link.
Ramps also help with rolling luggage if you are bringing any.
The KRL validator to tap out of the system and head into the Railink area.
Tapping out of the KRL system.
Tickets are available at the first floor.
The next departing Railink train is already at the platform.
Heading up the escalator to the Railink concourse.
The Railink concourse reminds me a bit of Medan.
Heading to the ticketing area.
There are ticket gates which are not in use yet.
Heading to the information counter to purchase my ticket with my foreign credit card without a PIN number.
Heading out of the ticketing area through the open fare gates.
Railink trains depart from Platforms 8 and 9 for now.
The waiting area at the Railink concourse.
Charging booths are available for you to charge your devices while waiting for the Railink train.
My ticket for the Jakarta Soekarno–Hatta Airport Railink 555C556C ride from Manggarai to SHIA Airport Railway Station.
As I had a few minutes to wait with minimal seats for resting, I decided to walk around the concourse for a bit, checking out the new West Exit which leads nearer to Manggarai Bus Terminal.
A ticketing area is also available here, though without staff manning it yet.
The big concourse of the West Exit.
Based on the location of the fare gates and escalators so far, I suspect that Railink trains will eventually depart from Platforms 9 and 10, while Platforms 8 and 9 are for arrivals only with KRL connectivity, with Platform 9 operated using the Spanish Solution for quick turnarounds.
Once boarding is ready, Railink staff will scan your ticket using handheld devices, similar to Medan City Railway Station.
Heading down the stairs to Platform 9.
The readied Railink train getting ready to depart.
Boarding the Railink at Manggarai.
The interior of the Railink with OVO advertisements.
My usual bay of 4 seats.
The legroom available at the bay of 4 seats.
Getting ready to depart.
After the opposing Tokyo Metro 6000 Series departed, the doors closed on my train.
The TfJ route map of the rail lines in Jabodetabek.
Departing from Manggarai.
Splitting off onto the loop line.
The upcoming viaducts for the Jakarta Kota – Bogor Line.
Passing through Mampang Station.
Passing through Sudirman Station.
Bypassing the linkway between Sudirman and Sudirman Baru (BNI City) Stations.
Making a brief stop at Sudirman Baru (BNI City) Station.
Passing through Tanah Abang.
Entering Duri Station.
Making a brief stop at Duri for the direction change.
The TfJ-style Railink signs at Duri Station.
Airline information is broadcasted on board the Railink train.
Departing from Duri Station.
Continuing on the Tangerang Line.
Heading into Batu Ceper Station.
Making a brief stop at Batu Ceper. Seems like Railink now has a bit of locals who use the Railink as a commute rather than a joyride.
Heading into Soekarno-Hatta International Airport with the setting sun.
Disembarking at Airport Railway Station.
Looking back at the Railink train.
Heading to the ticket gates to scan my way out.
Scanning my ticket on the ticket gate.
Continuing out to the Skytrain.
Here, I got on the Skytrain to head to Terminal 2 to check-in for my Jetstar Asia flight.
Overall, a good connectivity at Manggarai, but unless I was coming in by the KRL Central Line, KRL Loop Line and KRL Bekasi Line, I don’t think it’s meant to function as a point-to-point service as compared with Sudirman Baru (BNI City) station. I’m not saying that Manggarai is useless, I’m saying it serves a different purpose as a transfer station from other trains. Its full potential will finally be seen once Manggarai Sentral has been completed and long-distance trains have moved to Manggarai Sentral as well, to form a new rail hub for domestic and international connectivity using Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and the Railink as a backbone.