Paramaribo Johan Adolf Pengel Layover Guide (PBM)

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

Paramaribo Airport (PBM) is an international airport located in Zanderij, Suriname. It’s situated about 45 km (28 miles) south of Paramaribo, the capital city. The airport officially opened in 1952. Paramaribo is the largest city in Suriname and a cultural melting pot with Dutch colonial architecture. The city is known for its vibrant heritage, warm climate, and proximity to lush rainforests, offering unique experiences for both business and leisure travelers.

Can you leave Paramaribo Airport (PBM) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Transit passengers at Paramaribo’s Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) may clear immigration and leave the airport during layovers if they hold valid onward tickets and meet entry requirements. Most visitors must obtain a Suriname e-Visa or pay an entry fee online in advance; some nationalities enjoy visa-free short stays. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Fort Zeelandia Discover Fort Zeelandia’s colonial fortress with immersive museum exhibits and panoramic Suriname River vistas, revealing centuries of Dutch colonial history and cultural heritage in Paramaribo’s historic waterfront beautifully preserved district. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (45 minutes))
• Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral Admire the world’s largest wooden cathedral, Saint Peter and Paul, blending Gothic and Baroque influences with striking pink interior, offering serene ambience as an architectural marvel and iconic historical landmark. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (50 minutes))
• Palmentuin Stroll through the tranquil Palmentuin, Paramaribo’s palm garden featuring towering royal palms, manicured pathways, shaded benches, vibrant birdsong, and colorful flora, perfect for relaxation and people-watching amidst lush tropical greenery. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (45 minutes))
• Waterkant Wander along the vibrant Waterkant riverside promenade, admiring colorful wooden colonial buildings, bustling waterfront cafes, and scenic river views, perfect for street photography and sampling local snacks from floating vendors. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (50 minutes))
• Central Market Explore Paramaribo Central Market’s colorful maze of stalls selling fresh produce, spices, textiles, and souvenirs, engage with friendly vendors, and sample exotic tropical fruits like marang, mombin, and sugar apple. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (45 minutes) or bus (P4, ~1 hour))
• Independence Square Relax at Independence Square (Onafhankelijkheidsplein), surrounded by historic government buildings, monuments, and palm trees, learn about Suriname’s journey to sovereignty via informational plaques and lively gatherings and occasional colorful festivals. (Time required: 20 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (50 minutes) or bus))
• Neveh Shalom Synagogue Visit Neveh Shalom Synagogue, one of the oldest Jewish temples in Suriname, admire its historic architecture, ornate interior, welcoming guided tours, and learn about the Sephardic community’s rich cultural heritage. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (50 minutes))
• Surinaams Museum Discover the Surinaams Museum’s collections of Indigenous artifacts, colonial-era art, and ethnographic exhibits with engaging interactive displays, offering insights into Surinamese cultural evolution and traditions in a beautifully restored mansion. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (45 minutes) + 5-minute walk)

Things to Do in Paramaribo Airport (PBM)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The Sabaku Lounge at PBM, open daily from 5:30 am to 11 pm, welcomes all passengers for an entrance fee (USD 20–40). Enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, drinks and Wi-Fi. For business travellers, it offers charging stations, workspaces, quiet atmosphere and relaxation areas. Premium VIP lounges via airssist are also available services and amenities. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
While PBM lacks an on-site hotel, Rumanija’s Airport Rooms adjacent to the runway offers simple rooms, restaurant and barbecue facilities. Numerous hotels in nearby Zanderij and Paramaribo city provide shuttle services, including Holiday Inn and Torarica, 45 minutes away by car. Affordable, comfortable options suit all budgets and group sizes too. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
PBM has no official rest or quiet zones. The terminal is open 24 hours, with sporadic metal bench seating in arrivals and gate areas. Passengers often use corner spaces and bring earplugs or eye masks. There are no showers or nap pods, and staff may ask non-ticketed visitors to depart early.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout PBM’s terminal via the airport’s network. Users must register and reconnect periodically as sessions expire after 60 minutes. Speeds are basic but sufficient for email and messaging. No paid upgrade exists. Coverage extends from check-in halls to boarding lounges, though performance may vary during peak times.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards from Digicel and Telesur are sold at small kiosks in the arrivals hall, operating from around 9 am to 5 pm daily. You’ll need your passport for registration. eSIM profiles can be purchased online before arrival. Prepaid plans include data, local calls and texts, with competitive rates and coverage nationwide. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: An official taxi stand outside PBM’s arrivals hall offers fixed-rate transfers into Paramaribo city (around USD 35 per vehicle). The 40-minute drive accepts local SRD or USD and can accommodate up to four passengers. Shared 'TapTap' minibuses offer cheaper seats. Pre-booking via apps or counters is available and recommended for safety.

Train: PBM has no passenger rail service; Suriname’s rail network is inactive. Ground connections rely entirely on road vehicles. For updates on possible future projects or heritage rail excursions, refer to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. (more info) and planned infrastructural developments under government oversight timelines published.

Bus: Local public bus lines PLH and POZ stop within a 5-minute walk of PBM, departing at 05:30, 08:00, 15:30 and 17:00 daily. The trip to downtown Paramaribo takes around 80 minutes for SRD 10 (USD 1). Private shared buses by Garage DA Ashruf and de Paarl offer door-to-door service. (more info)

Shuttle: Multiple shuttle operators (Justin’s Bus Service, Pabin Transport, Orange) run on-demand minibus shuttles between Paramaribo hotels and PBM. Journeys take around 60 minutes, prices vary (USD 20–30 per person). Advance booking via operators’ websites or social media is recommended for comfort and punctuality. Service info available via email or phone online.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz) and local agencies (Eurocar) operate desks in PBM’s arrivals hall. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs for self-drive. Drivers need a valid international or Surinamese license and credit card. Rates start around USD 50/day, including basic insurance. Booking online ahead is advised economically. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: PBM offers both short-term and long-term parking adjacent to the terminal. Spaces are secure and monitored, with hourly rates around SRD 2 and daily caps near SRD 30. An overnight closed parking box is available by reservation. Payment is accepted in SRD or USD at automated kiosks. Shuttle service to terminal available.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

PBM’s baggage services desk in the arrivals hall offers luggage storage and tagging for a fee (SRD 10 per item per day). No self-service lockers are available. Retrieval requires matching your claim tag and photo ID. Lost-and-found services operate separately at the same desk during terminal hours from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Paramaribo Airport (PBM) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks