Layover Guide

Surabaya

Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city and the 'City of Heroes,' offers a vibrant blend of modern development and deep-rooted history. If you find yourself with a layover at Surabaya Airport (SUB), also known as Juanda International Airport, you are perfectly positioned to explore the gateway to East Java. Despite being a major industrial hub, Surabaya boasts lush parks, impressive monuments, and some of the best culinary experiences in the archipelago. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, this guide ensures your time at Juanda International Airport (SUB) is spent experiencing the best of the region.

By James Windsor|Reviewed August 12, 2026

32,000+ layovers planned

10 curated experiences for Surabaya

Avg itinerary: 23s

How long is your layover?

Select a duration to plan your Surabaya layover

Save this plan — sign up free

No credit card required

Track your own flights on our 3D globe Try the full AI trip planner

Keep Exploring

Continue planning your Surabaya stopover inside Borderly

Move into nearby layover guides, airport pages, and route pages without dropping into third-party booking tabs.

Airport Guides

Sub Surabaya Airport

Join Borderly

Track Your Travels

Upload your boarding pass and see how you compare to other travelers. Build your flight log, earn achievements, and climb the leaderboard.

Get Started

Home to These Airports

Surabaya's Gateway: Juanda International Airport

SUB

Surabaya Airport (SUB)

Juanda International Airport (SUB) features two terminals. Terminal 1 handles domestic flights, while Terminal 2 serves international and some domestic carriers. Ensure you check which terminal your next flight departs from, as they are located on opposite sides of the runway. The airport offers comfortable lounges, free Wi-Fi, and a variety of local snacks. If you plan to head into the city, leave at least 1 hour for travel each way due to unpredictable traffic.

Where to sleepDay-use & overnight

Day-use & overnight hotels in SurabayaFor long or overnight layovers when sleep is the plan — many airport hotels sell rooms by the hour.Find hotels →

Getting There

Find your flights through Surabaya

Flight searchCompare 100+ agencies

* Fares are compared live across airlines and agencies for your Surabaya connection.

Flights to Surabaya

Explore the City

Best Things to Do During a Surabaya Layover

10 experiences to discover

011-1.5 hours

Visit the Submarine Monument (Monkasel)

Step inside a real Russian Whiskey-class submarine that served the Indonesian Navy. It's a unique museum located right in the city center.

18 km from airport

022 hours

Explore the House of Sampoerna

Housed in a grand Dutch colonial-style building, this museum tells the story of Indonesia's tobacco industry. You can watch thousands of workers hand-rolling cigarettes with incredible speed.

22 km from airport

031 hour

Admire the Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)

Surabaya's most iconic landmark, dedicated to the people who died during the Battle of Surabaya in 1945. The museum underneath offers deep historical insights.

20 km from airport

042 hours

Relax at Surabaya North Quay

Located at the Gapura Surya Nusantara terminal, this trendy spot offers stunning views of the harbor, passing ships, and the Suramadu Bridge at sunset.

30 km from airport

051.5 hours

Walk through the Sanggar Agung Temple

Located in Kenjeran Park, this Chinese temple is famous for its giant Guan Yin statue overlooking the sea, framed by a pair of majestic dragons.

22 km from airport

061 hour

Stroll in Bungkul Park

Once awarded as the best park in Asia, this green space is a favorite for locals. It's a great place to people-watch and sample authentic street food nearby.

15 km from airport

0745 minutes

See the Cheng Hoo Mosque

A unique architectural gem, this mosque is built with a Chinese pagoda style, symbolizing the cultural blend of Islam and Chinese heritage in Surabaya.

20 km from airport

083 hours

Suroboyo Carnival Park

If you have an evening layover, this theme park offers rides, games, and a vibrant night market atmosphere very close to the airport.

10 km from airport

092-4 hours

Shopping at Tunjungan Plaza

One of the largest mall complexes in Southeast Asia, consisting of six interconnected buildings featuring luxury brands and local boutiques.

20 km from airport

102 hours

Visit Surabaya Zoo (KBS)

One of the oldest zoos in Southeast Asia, famous for its Komodo dragon enclosure and the iconic 'Sura and Baya' statue at the entrance.

15 km from airport

Viator selectionLive recommendations

View on Viator

Fits your layover2+ hours layover

Private Airport Transfer Surabaya

• Enjoy convenient transfers between airport and hotel in a new model of air-conditioned SUV Innova (Surabaya Area Only) • Get picked up right from the arrivals hall of the airport or the lobby of your hotel • Enjoy a professional service with proffesional driver • Travel in comfort with ample space in a vehicle(SUV) that's perfect for group travelers

Duration

Duration varies

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 2h total

Admission

Check on Viator

Ready to book for your Surabaya layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

Book on Viator

East Java Tours Package 4D 3N (Volcano - Waterfalls Photography)

View on Viator

Fits your layover5+ hours layover

East Java Tours Package 4D 3N (Volcano - Waterfalls Photography)

Since Tumpak Sewu become a new popular destination in Lumajang, East Java, we loved to be introducing you this awesome places. 100% natural without any human building and surrounded by tropical jungle. Tumpak Sewu not the only one waterfall located here, but still have several places to go. So you will not waste the time for visit here. Located at the middle East Java, we try to combine between famoust Bromo with their sunrise and Ijen crater with the Bluefire. The adventure, adrenaline, and landscape could give you a lovely experience!

Duration

3 hours

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 5h total

Admission

Check on Viator

What you'll see

Attraction stop (5h)

Sunrise programs start on early morning (02.30 AM). With the 4x4 car and the guide, we will come together at sunrise point called Kingkong Hills. Afterward, climb to Mt. Bromo by walk. Then back to hotel for breakfast and get ready to next destination.

Attraction stop (4h)

From Bromo, we need 4-6 hours drive to reach Lumajang Village. Then, we will directly visit Tumpak Sewu waterfall with the local guide. Afterward, back to the inn and stay for one night. Tomorrow the journey would be continue to Ijen.

Attraction stop (8h)

From Lumajang, after breakfast we wikk continue the journey to reach Banyuwangi for about 7 hours. Then reach hotel and prepare for your midnight trekking at 00.00 Ijen tours would be start on midnight. Guide will pick up you at the hotel lobby. Trekking for about 3 KM, and enjoy the panorama. Afterward, we're moving to hotel, get breakfast and tour finish.

Ready to book for your Surabaya layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

Book on Viator

* Tours are scored against your layover length — availability and pricing confirmed on Viator.

GetYourGuide selectionLive recommendations

* Suggestions load dynamically based on seasonal availability and ratings in Surabaya.

Where to Eat

Where to Eat in Surabaya

Rawon Setan

Javanese (Rawon)BudgetJalan Embong Malang

Bebek Sinjay

Madurese Fried DuckBudgetMultiple locations / Ahmad Yani

Sate Klopo Ondomohen Bu Asih

Coconut-marinated SatayBudgetJalan Walikota Mustajab

Depot Bu Rudy

Traditional East JavaneseMid-rangeJalan Dharmahusada

Lontong Balap Garuda Pak Gendut

Surabayan Lontong BalapBudgetJalan Kranggan

Primarasa Resto

Indonesian Grilled ChickenMid-rangeJalan Ahmad Yani

The Socialite Bistro & Lounge

Western & FusionFine DiningIndragiri

Shop & Browse

Shopping Destinations

Tunjungan Plaza

A massive retail hub with everything from international luxury brands to local food courts.

20 km

Pakuwon Mall

Known as the largest mall in Indonesia, it offers high-end shopping and an extensive dining selection.

25 km

Pasar Genteng

The best place to buy local snacks and 'oleh-oleh' like crackers (kerupuk) and traditional Indonesian gifts.

21 km

Galaxy Mall

A popular mall with locals featuring a great cinema and a wide range of fashion retailers.

18 km

Navigate

Getting Around Surabaya

Travelers at Juanda International Airport (SUB) have several reliable transport options. The DAMRI Airport Bus is the most economical way to reach the city center or main bus terminals. For convenience and speed, official airport taxis (Prima Taxi) or reputable brands like Blue Bird are readily available. Ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek are widely used and very efficient, though pick-up points may be slightly outside the main terminal doors. For those on a tight schedule, a private car hire with a driver is often the best way to navigate the city's traffic.

Good to Know

Practical Tips for Your Surabaya Stopover

Check your visa requirements for Indonesia before exiting the airport.

Exchange some currency (Indonesian Rupiah) or use an ATM at the airport for small purchases.

Allow at least 60-90 minutes for travel to the city center during peak traffic hours.

Juanda Airport has two terminals; use the shuttle bus if you need to transfer between them.

Download the Grab or Gojek apps for easy transport and food delivery.

Try the local specialty 'Rawon'—a dark beef soup with keluak nut.

Keep your boarding pass handy for security checks and terminal entry.

Most locals speak basic English, but learning a few phrases in Bahasa Indonesia is helpful.

Use the free Wi-Fi at SUB to stay connected and track your next flight status.

Open the airport and route guides you need next

Keep your planning flow on Borderly by opening the local airport and route pages connected to this stopover.

Sub Surabaya Airport

Community Discussions

Real Traveler Advice

TravelBug992 days ago

Does anyone know if immigration is fast at this airport during morning hours? We only have a 4 hour layover and want to see the main square...

AeroExplorer5 days ago

Just did this exact layover last week! A few tips: definitely take the express train instead of cab, it saves about 45 mins. Also make sure...

Travel lightBag drop

Luggage storageDrop your bags near the airport or in the centre so you can explore Surabaya hands-free.Find storage →

Make Every Minute Count

Maximizing Your Time

With a 2-4 hour layover, it is best to stay within the airport. Juanda (SUB) offers several lounges and local dining spots to keep you occupied. If you have 4-8 hours, you can venture to nearby Sidoarjo or the southern parts of Surabaya; consider visiting the Suroboyo Carnival Park or the Submarine Monument if traffic is light. For a layover of 8+ hours, you have enough time for a comprehensive city tour. Start with the House of Sampoerna, visit the Heroes Monument, enjoy a traditional meal at Rawon Setan, and spend time at Tunjungan Plaza before heading back to the airport at least 3 hours before your departure.

Short on time? Let us handle everything.

orPlan with AI

Stay connectedeSIM data

Data the moment you land in SurabayaAn eSIM activates before you fly, so you have maps, translation and gate alerts without hunting for airport wifi.Get an eSIM →

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to leave the airport during a layover in Surabaya?

This depends on your nationality. Many travelers are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or visa-exemption. Check current Indonesian immigration policies before your trip.

Is there luggage storage at Juanda International Airport (SUB)?

Yes, there are luggage deposit counters available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for a daily fee.

How far is the city center from Surabaya Airport?

The city center is approximately 18-22 km away. Depending on traffic, the journey takes between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Can I visit Mount Bromo during a Surabaya layover?

Only if your layover is at least 12-14 hours. Bromo is about a 3-hour drive from the airport, and the best experience is during sunrise.

Is there a hotel inside Juanda Airport?

Yes, there are transit hotels like the Ibis Budget located within the airport vicinity and several more just a 5-minute drive away.

What is the best way to get to the city from the airport?

Blue Bird taxis or Grab/Gojek are the most convenient. The DAMRI bus is a great budget-friendly alternative.

Is Surabaya safe for solo travelers?

Generally, yes. Surabaya is a friendly city, but like any large urban area, stay aware of your surroundings and use reputable transport.

Personalized Travel

Traveling to Surabaya?

Use our dedicated travel concierge service. Let us handle your layover details, itinerary, and exclusive bookings so you can just enjoy the journey. Enquire now.