MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Surabaya

How to Get to Surabaya

Surabaya Java, Indonesia Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Juanda International Airport (SUB) is the only major airport serving Surabaya and the surrounding East Java region. It is a busy airport, handling both domestic and international flights.

Air Services

  • International Airlines: Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Scoot, and AirAsia offer routes connecting through their respective hubs (e.g., Singapore (SIN), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Bangkok (BKK), Taipei (TPE)). Garuda Indonesia also operates limited international routes.
  • Domestic Airlines: Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air, and Super Air Jet connect Surabaya to other large Indonesian cities. Popular domestic routes include Jakarta (CGK), Denpasar (DPS) in Bali, Makassar (UPG), Yogyakarta (YIA), and Bandung (BDO).
  • Flight Availability and Prices: Flight prices generally increase during peak tourist seasons (July-August) and around major Indonesian holidays. Booking flights 2-3 months in advance is recommended for better prices.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Juanda International Airport (SUB) has two main terminals: Terminal 1 for most domestic flights, Terminal 2 for international flights and all Garuda Indonesia domestic flights. Facilities include ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and lounges. Free Wi-Fi is available. Car rental counters are present, though hiring a car with a driver is often preferred.

Transfer Options

  • Airport Taxi (Blue Bird, Pusaka Taxi): Official airport taxis at designated counters. Metered taxis or fixed-price options available.
  • Ride-hailing Apps (Gojek, Grab): Often more cost-effective fares. Designated pick-up points at the airport. Book through the app for transparent pricing.
  • DAMRI Airport Bus: An affordable public bus connection from the airport to several points in Surabaya, including Bungurasih Bus Terminal.

Seamless Connections

Free Wi-Fi at Juanda Airport. Stay connected upon arrival or before departure.

Book Early for Savings

Booking flights 2-3 months in advance, especially for peak seasons or holidays, secures better prices.

Diverse Travel Options

International and domestic airlines connect Surabaya to Southeast Asian hubs and major Indonesian cities.

Flight Deals & Comparison

Finding Flights

  • Discover excellent flight deals through Dollar Flight Club.
  • Compare flights from various airlines using Skyscanner for the best routes and prices.
  • Look for promotional fares during off-peak seasons.
  • Consider flexible travel dates to find better deals.

Visa Application Services

  • Consider using IVisa for consumer visa application services.
  • For direct visa and passport services, check VisaHQ.
  • Verify all requirements for your nationality well in advance.
  • Ensure all documentation is complete before submission.

Getting There: Tips for Smooth Arrival

Airport Taxi

Official airport taxis from designated counters. Metered Blue Bird taxis are reliable. They maintain transparent pricing.

Ride-Hailing

Gojek and Grab offer transparent pricing. Use designated pick-up points. These apps often provide more cost-effective fares than conventional taxis.

Airport Train

The airport train connects Juanda Terminal 1 to Surabaya Kota and Sidoarjo Stations. It offers a fast and convenient option, especially useful during peak traffic times.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) operates comfortable and reliable train services across Java. Choose from economy, business, and executive classes.

Main Stations

  • Surabaya Gubeng (SGU): Handles executive and business class trains to major cities like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bandung. Generally the busiest and most modern station.
  • Surabaya Pasarturi (SBI): Serves economy and some business class trains, mainly for routes to Jakarta, Semarang, and other northern Java destinations.
  • Surabaya Kota (SB): Mainly used for local trains and the airport train service. Booking train tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular routes.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Bungurasih Bus Terminal, also known as Terminal Purabaya, is Surabaya's largest and busiest bus terminal. It serves an extensive network of routes connecting Surabaya to cities across Java and even to Bali (which involves a ferry crossing).

Bus Services & Routes

  • Companies: Various bus companies operate from Bungurasih, including Harapan Jaya, Rosalia Indah, and Lorena. They offer different classes of service, from economy to executive and VIP.
  • Routes: Buses connect Surabaya to major cities like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Malang, Bandung, and Denpasar (Bali). Long-distance bus travel is a cost-effective option, though journeys can be lengthy due to traffic.
  • Booking: Purchase tickets at the terminal or through online travel agencies. Booking in advance for popular routes is advisable.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving in Surabaya has challenges. Expect heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. Driving styles can be aggressive, and motorcyclists weave through traffic. Road conditions can sometimes be unpredictable, with potholes or uneven surfaces on smaller roads. Navigation proves difficult without local knowledge or a reliable GPS.

Requirements & Conditions

  • Requirements: An International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid national driver's license is legally required. Your passport and a major credit card for deposit are also needed.
  • Conditions: Major roads are generally well-maintained, but smaller roads can have uneven surfaces. Traffic congestion is severe during peak hours.
  • Safety: Road safety is a concern. Accidents involving motorcycles are common. Many foreign visitors find it more convenient and safer to opt for private drivers or use ride-hailing services.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common for direct rent within Surabaya city itself compared to more tourist-centric islands like Bali. Some smaller guesthouses or local shops might offer rentals.

Requirements & Safety

  • Requirements: A valid international motorcycle driving permit (an endorsement on your IDP) is required by law.
  • Safety: Only rent a motorcycle if you are an experienced rider and feel comfortable navigating heavy, often chaotic urban traffic. Wearing a Helmet is mandatory for both rider and passenger and strictly enforced. Accidents involving motorcycles are common.
  • Parking: Available at shopping malls, hotels, and designated public parking lots, usually for a fee. Street parking is limited and often requires a local attendant to manage.

Car Rental Considerations

  • Driving in Surabaya is very challenging for new foreign drivers. Consider a car with a local driver.
  • An International Driving Permit is legally required to drive.
  • Traffic is heavy and aggressive; road rules are often loosely observed.
  • Rent a car through reputable services like DiscoverCars.com if you choose to self-drive.
  • Be prepared for unpredictable road conditions and parking difficulties.
  • For better safety and convenience, a private driver is often recommended.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Tanjung Perak Port is Surabaya's main seaport and one of the busiest in Indonesia. It serves domestic ferry routes (PELNI) to various other islands.

Sea Connections

  • Domestic Ferry Routes: PELNI ferries connect Surabaya to various islands across the Indonesian archipelago. Journeys are long but offer authentic travel.
  • International Cruise Ships: Tanjung Perak is a common port of call for international cruise ships visiting Indonesia. Cruise passengers typically disembark for shore excursions.
  • Ferry to Madura: Regular car and passenger ferries from Tanjung Perak to Kamal on Madura Island (approx. 30-minute crossing). The Suramadu Bridge offers a faster road connection.

River Transportation & Connections

River transportation within Surabaya's rivers or canals is limited for tourist purposes. While some traditional boats (perahu) might operate for local transport, they are not a main tourist option for sightseeing or regular commuting.

Port Logistics

  • River Transportation: Not a main mode of transport for tourists. Local traditional boats for specific areas.
  • Immigration Procedures at Seaports: Streamlined for international cruises. Domestic ferries have standard ID checks.
  • Land Connections from Port: Local taxis, ride-hailing services (Gojek/Grab), and public bus connections are available.

Island Connections

Tanjung Perak Port connects Surabaya to numerous Indonesian islands via PELNI ferries.

Cruise Ship Destination

International cruise ships frequently call at Tanjung Perak, offering shore excursions.

Madura Access

Ferries and the Suramadu Bridge connect Surabaya to Madura Island.

Departure Information

Departure Timing & Procedures

Airport departure tax for international flights from Indonesia usually includes in the airfare. No separate fee is typically paid at the airport. Domestic flights also include applicable taxes in the ticket price.

Timings

  • International Flights: Arrive at Juanda International Airport (SUB) at least 3 hours before scheduled international departure. This time is for check-in, baggage drop-off, security, and immigration. Factor extra time for traffic.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights.
  • Check-in: Online check-in, if available, saves time. Otherwise, proceed to airline's designated counter for check-in and baggage drop. Standard airport security checks apply.

Airport & Station Facilities

Juanda International Airport (SUB) provides various facilities for departing travelers. Restaurants and cafes offer local and international food, various shops for last-minute souvenirs or duty-free items, and comfortable passenger lounges.

Amenities Available

  • Dining and Shopping: Restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, and souvenir outlets.
  • Lounges: Comfortable passenger lounges are present.
  • Amenities: Prayer rooms and other conveniences. Surabaya's main train stations (Gubeng, Pasarturi) offer basic amenities, including waiting areas, kiosks for snacks, and restrooms.

Essential Travel Resources

Travel Insurance

Ensure comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies and trip disruptions.

Visa Services

Utilize IVisa or VisaHQ for convenient application processes.

Flight Deals

Find affordable flights through Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Departure Tip

Reconfirm your flight status 24 hours before departure. This practice supports remaining informed about any schedule changes or delays, adjusting travel plans accordingly.