A layover in Solo City is one of those happy accidents of air travel. Adi Sumarmo Wiryokusumo Airport sits just 60 minutes from the city center by Adi Sumarmo Airport Train, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave SOC:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Indonesia. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Solo City takes about 60 minutes by Adi Sumarmo Airport Train. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is IDR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some IDR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into Solo City
From SOC, the Adi Sumarmo Airport Train gets you to Solo City in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Adi Sumarmo Airport Train offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at SOC can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Solo City for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Money & Budget Tips
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Solo City might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$4 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$19 USD
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
What’s Worth Seeing in Solo City
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Solo City, two standouts are:
- Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat (Solo Palace) — A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past.
- Batik Danar Hadi Museum — Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside SOC — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Saphire Executive Lounge
- Batik & Souvenir Shops
Where to Eat
For food in Solo City, local travelers recommend Nasi Liwet Bu Wongso Lemu. If you have time for a second stop, Selat Solo Mbak Lies is another popular pick.
Back at SOC, D’Airport Restaurant is the go-to. Solia Cafe rounds out your in-terminal options.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at SOC, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Solo City itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Indonesia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at SOC include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Indonesia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Solo City with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Solo City may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.