Surabaya Juanda Layover Guide (SUB)

What are you looking for in SUB?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Surabaya Airport (SUB) is an international airport located in Sidoarjo, East Java. It’s situated about 20 km (12.4 miles) from downtown Surabaya. The airport officially opened in 1964. Surabaya is Indonesia’s second-largest city and a major hub for business and education. Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and dynamic economy, the city also offers a range of culinary delights and access to nearby natural and historical attractions.

Can you leave Surabaya Airport (SUB) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Surabaya's Juanda Airport (SUB) allows international transit passengers to remain airside without a visa. If you wish to clear immigration and visit East Java during a layover, you'll need a valid entry permit: many nationalities enjoy 30-day visa-exemption or can obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival through e-VoA online. ( more info )

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• House of Sampoerna A preserved colonial Dutch building showcasing the history of clove cigarette manufacturing, interactive exhibits and charming café. Home to a museum and art gallery highlighting local heritage and cigar artisans at work in authentic surroundings. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 minutes or DAMRI bus to town centre then short taxi.)
• Surabaya Submarine Monument Explore a decommissioned Soviet-era submarine transformed into a submarine museum, offering guided tours of its control rooms and torpedo tubes, plus waterfront park views along the Kalimas River. Ideal for history buffs and photo enthusiasts. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 minutes or DAMRI bus to downtown then short walk.)
• Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument) Stand beneath this iconic 41-meter white obelisk dedicated to Indonesia’s independence heroes, visit its museum with wartime dioramas and panoramic city views from the observation deck. A solemn reminder of national struggle and triumph. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 minutes or online ride-hail.)
• Ampel Mosque & Arab Quarter Discover one of East Java’s oldest mosques founded in 1421, admire its Arabian-inspired architecture, stroll through vibrant Arab Quarter lanes lined with food stalls and souvenir shops. Experience local culture and spirituality in bustling surroundings. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 30 minutes or city bus.)
• Masjid Cheng Hoo Admire this unique Chinese-Muslim styled mosque featuring red columns, dragon carvings and golden motifs, offering serene prayer halls and a courtyard garden perfect for reflective moments. A harmonious blend of faith and artistry. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 minutes.)
• Suramadu Bridge Drive or walk across Indonesia’s longest bridge stretching 5.4 km over the Madura Strait, admire coastal panoramas and return via a viewpoint platform equipped with binoculars and a café. Thrilling engineering marvel with sea breezes. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 40 minutes.)
• Taman Bungkul Relax in this lively urban park featuring jogging paths, skate plazas, food trucks and cultural performances on weekends, mingling with families and locals enjoying green space. Ideal for a refreshing break from city bustle. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 30 minutes or city bus.)
• Tunjungan Plaza Shop in one of Southeast Asia’s largest malls, discover fashion boutiques, local brands, eateries and an animation-themed park, ideal for quick retail therapy and dining. Modern shopping complex with entertainment options. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 minutes or DAMRI bus to city centre then walk.)

Things to Do in Surabaya Airport (SUB)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Juanda International Airport offers premium lounges in both domestic and international terminals. Facilities include comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, flight information screens, shower rooms, workstations and relaxation zones. Access options include airline memberships, pay-per-use or day passes. Lounges operate conveniently daily with flexible hours aligning with flight schedules. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Within a minute’s walk from the terminal, ibis Budget Surabaya Airport provides 24-hour reception, air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs, en suite bathrooms and complimentary toiletries. Nearby options include Cordia Hotel and Novotel Samator offering shuttle services and dining. Reservations can be easily made online or at the airport tourist desk. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Although Juanda Airport lacks dedicated sleep pods, passengers can find rest areas with rows of benches and power outlets near gates. Quiet zones offer carpeted floors suitable for mats or portable cots. Cots are unavailable. Bring earplugs and eye masks for overnight stays. Airport hours run from 03:00 to 23:00.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals at Juanda Airport. Passengers connect to the “JIA Free WiFi” network, register via SMS or email, and enjoy two hours of complimentary access per session. Additional time can be purchased at public booths. Reliable signal covers lounges and gates, ensuring fast, uninterrupted browsing.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM and eSIM cards are available at kiosks near arrival halls at Juanda Airport. Major providers—Telkomsel, XL Axiata and Indosat—offer prepaid plans with data, local calls and SMS. Kiosks operate daily from 06:00 to 22:00. eSIM QR codes can be activated instantly on compatible devices without requiring physical SIM swaps. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered Blue Bird taxis and app-based ride-hailing services (Gojek, Grab) are available 24/7 at Juanda Airport. Taxi stands are located outside arrival terminals. Fares start around IDR 60,000 to downtown Surabaya, depending on traffic. Drivers provide comfortable licensed air-conditioned vehicles with GPS meters. Cash and electronic payment options accepted onboard.

Train: Waru Station, located 2 km from Terminal 2, offers efficient modern commuter rail connections (KA Dhoho, Penataran) to Surabaya Gubeng and Pasar Turi. Convenient daily free shuttle buses run between the airport and station every 30 minutes from 05:00 to 22:00. Tickets start at IDR 5,000. more info

Bus: DAMRI operates three safe, comfortable, air-conditioned public bus routes from Juanda Airport connecting to Purabaya (Bungurasih), Mojokerto and Gresik stations. Buses depart daily from both Terminal 1 and 2 between 05:00 and 21:00. Fares range from IDR 35,000 to 75,000 one-way per trip. Cash payments only. more info

Shuttle: Several nearby hotels offer free shuttle services to and from Juanda Airport, including Cordia Hotel, Premier Place, My Studio Hotel, Novotel Samator and ibis Budget. Shuttles run daily between 04:00 and 23:00. Advance booking is recommended by contacting the hotel directly. Schedules vary by property. Complimentary service for registered guests.

Car rentals: Major car rental agencies—Hertz, Avis, Sixt and local providers—operate desks in both arrival terminals at Juanda Airport. Various vehicles include compact cars, SUVs and vans with GPS navigation options. Drivers must be 21+ with a valid international licence and credit card deposit. Rental counters operate from 06:00 to 22:00 daily. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Juanda Airport provides both short-term and long-term parking facilities adjacent to Terminals 1 and 2. Rates start at IDR 5,000 per hour and IDR 60,000 per day. Parking lots are securely covered, well-lit, monitored by CCTV and patrolled regularly. Payment is by cash or credit card at on-site automated kiosks upon exit.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Multiple luggage storage and locker services are available in both domestic and international arrival areas at Juanda Airport. Lockers rent by size: small IDR 15,000, medium IDR 25,000 or large IDR 35,000 per 24 hours. Secure CCTV coverage and modern electronic access control securely ensure safety. Service operates daily from 06:00 to 22:00. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Surabaya Airport (SUB) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks