A long layover in Surat is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Surat Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 75 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Before heading into Surat, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for India vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Surat is roughly 75 minutes from STV via Taxis / Auto-rickshaws. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in INR. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From STV, the Taxis / Auto-rickshaws gets you to Surat in around 75 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 95 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxis / Auto-rickshaws offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to See and Do in Surat
For a layover visit to Surat, we’d suggest Surat Castle (Old Fort) and Dutch Garden. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past. Great for a short stroll — bring a coffee and take it easy.
If you’d rather stay inside STV — 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:
- Surat Airport Executive Lounge
- Local Souvenir & Convenience Store
Where to Eat
For food in Surat, local travelers recommend Sasumaa Gujarati Thali. If you have time for a second stop, The Grand Thakar is another popular pick.
Back at STV, Airport Cafe & Refreshments is the go-to. Surat Snacks & Sweets rounds out your in-terminal options.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Surat might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$5 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$20 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Surat, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Traveling light makes a layover outing much easier. At STV, you’ll find bag storage at Not typically available at Surat Airport. Travelers should confirm with their airline or make alternative arrangements if needed..
Tip: store your bags as soon as you clear arrivals to maximize your free time. If the airport options don’t work for you, check online luggage storage platforms for alternatives near the city center.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at STV, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Surat itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for India that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at STV, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Surat with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Surat 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.