Senayan MRT Station Jakarta: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Travel Guide
Date: 15/06/2025
Introduction: Senayan MRT Station—A Modern Gateway with Historical Roots
Senayan MRT Station, now officially named Senayan Mastercard MRT Station since December 2023, is a pivotal transit hub in South Jakarta. As the southernmost underground stop on the city’s North-South MRT Line, it not only alleviates Jakarta’s notorious traffic but also connects commuters, tourists, and urban explorers to the heart of the city’s commercial, cultural, and historical districts. This guide covers everything you need to know about Senayan MRT Station, including its operational hours, ticketing, accessibility, design, integration with Jakarta’s broader transport network, and nearby attractions.
Jakarta’s modern mass rapid transit system is deeply rooted in the city’s urban development history, dating back to the late 19th century when tram lines first crisscrossed Batavia (now Jakarta). The city’s commitment to smart, sustainable urban mobility is embodied in the MRT, which launched in 2019 after decades of planning and international collaboration (Jakarta Smart City, The Metro Rail Guy).
Senayan MRT Station stands out not only for its advanced facilities—like elevators, escalators, tactile paving, and multilingual signage—but also for pioneering cashless payment options and sonic branding through its partnership with Mastercard (Marketech APAC). Its strategic location gives visitors seamless access to major shopping malls, sports complexes, and cultural landmarks, making it an essential hub for experiencing Jakarta.
Table of Contents
- Historical Overview: From Tramways to Modern MRT
- The Development of MRT Jakarta
- Senayan MRT Station: Structure, Design, and Facilities
- Visiting Hours and Ticketing Information
- Accessibility and Travel Tips
- Nearby Attractions
- Mastercard Partnership and Technological Innovations
- Transport Integration and Connectivity
- Socioeconomic and Urban Impact
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- National Monument (Monas): Visiting Guide
- Conclusion and Final Tips
- References
Historical Overview: From Tramways to Modern MRT
Jakarta’s first urban rail was introduced in 1869, when the Bataviasche Tramweg Maatschappij (BTM) launched its horse-drawn tram service. By 1882, steam-powered trams replaced horses, connecting key districts and significantly reducing travel time. These early rail systems laid the groundwork for future transit solutions, including today’s MRT, KRL Commuter Line, and LRT networks (Jakarta Smart City).
Although replaced by more flexible buses and private vehicles by the mid-20th century, the tram era’s legacy persists in Jakarta’s ongoing efforts to modernize public transport.
The Development of MRT Jakarta
With Jakarta’s population soaring above 10 million, traffic congestion and air pollution became critical challenges. Inspired by the city’s smart city initiative, the government conceptualized MRT Jakarta in 1985, aiming for an environmentally friendly, high-capacity system (Jakarta Smart City). In partnership with Japanese agencies, the North–South Line project broke ground in 2013 and opened to the public in March 2019 (The Metro Rail Guy). Senayan MRT Station became a vital node, serving Jakarta’s bustling commercial and business corridor.
Senayan MRT Station: Structure, Design, and Facilities
Located beneath Jalan Jenderal Sudirman in Kebayoran Baru, Senayan MRT Station boasts a modern architectural style that blends browns and greys to complement the cityscape (Jakarta MRT Official). The station is approximately 200 meters long and 19 meters wide, constructed 14 meters underground—the deepest of the initial MRT stations.
Entrances and Circulation
There are four street-level entrances: two on each side of Jalan Sudirman. Accessibility is prioritized with elevators and escalators at each entrance and between the concourse and platform levels.
Platform and Safety
A central island platform allows easy boarding from both sides. Safety features include platform screen doors, tactile paving for visually impaired passengers, and clear audio-visual announcements in both Bahasa Indonesia and English.
Amenities
- Retail outlets, cafes, and convenience stores in the concourse
- Clean restrooms, including accessible toilets
- Dedicated waiting areas with air conditioning
- Prayer room (musholla)
- Digital displays for real-time train updates
- CCTV surveillance and security personnel
- Multilingual customer service
Visiting Hours and Ticketing Information
Operating Hours:
Senayan MRT Station operates daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Train intervals are every 10 minutes during regular hours and every 5 minutes during peak times (6–8 AM and 5–8 PM) (Jakarta MRT Guide).
Ticketing:
- Fares range from IDR 3,000 to 14,000 depending on distance.
- Purchase tickets at staffed counters or automated Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs).
- Contactless payments accepted via cards such as Jak Lingko, JakCard, Brizzi, Tap Cash, Flazz, eMoney, and Mastercard.
- The MyMRTJ mobile app enables ticket purchases, top-ups, and real-time travel info.
Thanks to the Mastercard partnership, cashless top-ups and card purchases are streamlined, and future upgrades will allow direct entry with Mastercard cards (Marketech APAC).
Accessibility and Travel Tips
Senayan MRT Station is fully accessible:
- Elevators, escalators, and ramps for passengers with mobility needs and families with strollers
- Tactile paving and clear signage for visually impaired travelers
- Barrier-free access between all station levels
- Accessible toilets and prayer facilities
Travel Tips:
- Avoid peak hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) for a comfortable journey.
- Use the MyMRTJ app for hassle-free ticketing and live updates.
- The JakLingko card ensures seamless transfers to feeder buses and Mikrotrans.
- Combine MRT with TransJakarta or ride-hailing apps for flexible city travel.
Nearby Attractions
Senayan MRT Station is a strategic starting point within walking distance of:
- Ratu Plaza, Senayan City, and Plaza Senayan: Premier shopping centers featuring global brands, dining, and entertainment (Jakarta Travel Guide).
- Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex: Home to national stadiums, an urban forest park, and frequent concerts and exhibitions.
- fx Senayan: Lifestyle mall with dining, cinema, and retail.
- Senayan Park (SPARK): Urban park with green spaces and playgrounds.
- Youth Advancement Monument Statue and Senayan Roundabout: Notable city landmarks.
- Hotels and Nightlife: Numerous hotels, cafes, and nightlife venues are nearby.
- National Monument (Monas): Just a few MRT stops away—see the detailed Monas section below.
Mastercard Partnership and Technological Innovations
The naming-rights partnership with Mastercard, established in December 2023, introduced:
- Streamlined cashless ticketing and top-ups
- Planned direct entry with Mastercard cards
- Sonic branding—the first in Indonesian public transport, with a unique Mastercard sound in station announcements (Marketech APAC)
Transport Integration and Connectivity
Senayan MRT Station is seamlessly connected to:
- TransJakarta Bus Corridors: The nearest bus stop is just 110 meters from the station (Jakarta MRT Official).
- Mikrotrans Feeder Services: Free rides with JakLingko card tap-in.
- Ride-hailing Services: Gojek and Grab are popular for last-mile connectivity.
Its strategic location, within 500 meters of major shopping and entertainment venues, supports Jakarta’s transit-oriented development (Jakarta Travel Guide).
Socioeconomic and Urban Impact
Senayan MRT Station has revitalized South Jakarta by:
- Boosting property values and commercial activity
- Reducing traffic and improving air quality
- Strengthening links between neighborhoods and business districts
- Supporting Jakarta’s vision for sustainable, integrated urban mobility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are Senayan MRT Station’s operating hours?
A: Daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: At station counters, TVMs, via e-money cards, or the MyMRTJ app.
Q: Is the station accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms.
Q: How frequently do trains run?
A: Every 10 minutes during regular hours; every 5 minutes during peak times.
Q: What attractions are close by?
A: Senayan City, Plaza Senayan, Gelora Bung Karno, Ratu Plaza, and Monas.
Visiting the National Monument (Monas): Hours, Tickets, and Travel from Senayan MRT Station
Overview
The National Monument (Monas) is Jakarta’s iconic symbol of independence, standing 132 meters tall in Merdeka Square. Commissioned in 1961 and topped with a gold-flamed obelisk, Monas is a must-visit for its museum, panoramic city views, and role in Indonesia’s history.
Visiting Information
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM)
- Observation Deck: Access with a ticket (IDR 20,000 per person)
- Museum Entry: Free
- Tickets: Purchase on-site or online
Accessibility
Monas is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and staff assistance available.
Getting There from Senayan MRT
- Take the MRT northbound from Senayan to Bundaran HI Station.
- Monas is a short walk or a brief TransJakarta ride away.
- Ride-hailing apps are ideal for last-mile travel.
Nearby Experiences
- Senayan Park (SPARK): Green spaces and playgrounds.
- Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex: Jogging, yoga, and sports events.
- Shopping: Plaza Senayan and Senayan City are nearby for dining and retail.
- Cultural Activities: Sunday Car-Free Day on Sudirman; collect MRT station stamps.
Tips
- Visit Monas in the early morning or late afternoon for the best weather and photography.
- Guided tours in English and Indonesian are available at the visitor center.
- Photography is permitted except for flash and tripods inside the museum.
- Numerous cafes and food stalls are nearby.
More on Jakarta historical sites:
Must-visit attractions Jakarta
Car-Free Day activities
Plaza Senayan
Senayan City
Conclusion and Final Tips
Senayan MRT Station exemplifies Jakarta’s drive towards modern, sustainable urban mobility, blending state-of-the-art infrastructure with cultural and commercial connectivity. Its strategic location provides easy access to shopping, sports, and historic sites like Monas, while the Mastercard partnership elevates the convenience and technology of your commute.
Final Tips:
- Plan trips with the MyMRTJ app for real-time updates.
- Avoid peak hours for a comfortable journey.
- Explore the rich array of nearby attractions, shopping, and dining.
- Follow official channels for the latest news and travel tips.
For further details, visit the Jakarta MRT Official website and download the Jakarta MRT app. Make Senayan MRT Station your gateway to discovering Jakarta’s vibrant urban life.
References
- Jakarta Smart City
- Wikipedia: Stasiun MRT Senayan Mastercard
- The Metro Rail Guy
- Marketech APAC
- Jakarta Travel Guide
- Jakarta MRT Official