Passing through Juanda International Airport? A layover in Surabaya is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 90 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Before You Step Outside SUB
A few things to sort out before you leave SUB:
- 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 Surabaya takes about 90 minutes by DAMRI Airport Bus. 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.
What to See and Do in Surabaya
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Surabaya, two standouts are:
- House of Sampoerna — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
- Monumen Kapal Selam (Submarine Monument) — History buffs will appreciate this, and it doesn’t take long to explore the grounds.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at SUB, check out Concordia Premier Lounge T1 or Ibis Budget Surabaya Airport to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
For food in Surabaya, local travelers recommend Sate Klopo Ondomohen Bu Asih. If you have time for a second stop, Layar Seafood Surabaya is another popular pick.
Back at SUB, Solaria Juanda Airport is the go-to. Starbucks Juanda Airport rounds out your in-terminal options.
The Best Way Into Surabaya from SUB
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAMRI Airport Bus | ~90 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~110 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the DAMRI Airport Bus is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Surabaya, budget roughly $20 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $5 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at SUB 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 Surabaya for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at SUB, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Surabaya 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.
Taking a Break at SUB
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at SUB.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Surabaya is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Surabaya.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.