Quick Answer
The best way from Ampel Mosque (Masjid Ampel) to Juanda Airport (SUB) is by ride-hailing car (Grab / Gojek Car) or a Blue Bird taxi. It takes 35–50 minutes and costs 100,000–160,000 IDR (6.5–10 USD) — direct, comfortable, and luggage-friendly. For the cheapest option, take a motorbike taxi (GrabBike / Gojek Motor) at 30,000–50,000 IDR (1.9–3.2 USD), 25–35 min, but space for only a backpack. If you prefer public transport, take a short ride to Tunjungan and board the Damri airport bus (total ~65,000 IDR / 4.2 USD). Avoid the train unless you are already near Pasar Turi Station — the 3 km detour adds time and cost.
🚆 Train & Airport Rail (KA Bandara) — Step-by-Step
There is no direct train from Ampel Mosque to Juanda Airport. However, the KA Bandara airport train is a reliable option if you are willing to make a short transfer. The train avoids road traffic and runs on a fixed schedule.
Step 1: Ampel Mosque → Pasar Turi Station (3 km)
From the mosque, take a Grab/Gojek motorcycle taxi (15 min, 15,000–25,000 IDR / 1–1.6 USD) or a short taxi ride (10 min, 30,000–40,000 IDR / 1.9–2.6 USD) to Pasar Turi Station (KAI official site).
Step 2: Pasar Turi → Juanda Airport by KA Bandara
The airport train departs from Pasar Turi and arrives at Juanda Airport Station (located in the airport complex, a 3-minute shuttle from Terminal 1).
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 18 km (rail) |
| Travel Time | 35–45 minutes |
| Ticket Price | 50,000 IDR (3.2 USD) — economy class |
| Frequency | Every 1–2 hours, 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Luggage | Free; overhead racks & designated luggage area |
| Seating | Reserved seat; air-conditioned; 2–2 configuration |
Train vs. Taxi — Which is Better?
- Choose the train if: you are near Pasar Turi, want to avoid traffic, or enjoy rail travel.
- Choose a taxi if: you have 2+ large suitcases, are in a group of 3–4, or want door-to-door service.
Total time (door-to-door via train): 15 min (to station) + 15 min wait + 40 min ride + 5 min shuttle = ~75 minutes. Total cost: ~65,000–75,000 IDR (4.2–4.8 USD).
Source: PT KAI (Kereta Api Indonesia) — schedule & fares verified for 2025.
✈️ Domestic Flight Guide — From Ampel Mosque to Juanda Airport for Your Flight
While you wouldn't take a flight from Ampel Mosque to Juanda Airport (they are in the same city), this section helps you plan your departure if you are heading to the airport to catch a domestic flight. Juanda Airport (SUB) is a major hub for flights to Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta, Lombok, and more.
Recommended Timing for Domestic Flights
- Without check-in luggage: Arrive at the airport 1.5 hours before departure.
- With check-in luggage: Arrive 2 hours before departure.
- Peak hours (6–9 AM & 4–7 PM): Add 30 minutes for traffic.
Transport to Airport by Time of Day
| Time Slot | Recommended Transport | Travel Time | Cost (IDR / USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–7 AM (early) | Grab/Gojek Car (light traffic) | 25–35 min | 100,000–140,000 (6.5–9) |
| 7–10 AM (peak) | Taxi or ride-hailing | 45–60 min | 120,000–160,000 (7.7–10.3) |
| 10 AM–3 PM (off-peak) | Any option | 35–50 min | 90,000–150,000 (5.8–9.7) |
| 4–8 PM (evening peak) | Train via Pasar Turi (avoid traffic) | 70–85 min | 65,000–75,000 (4.2–4.8) |
| 10 PM–5 AM (night) | Pre-booked taxi / private transfer | 30–40 min | 200,000–250,000 (13–16) |
Check-In & Terminal Info
Juanda Airport has Terminal 1 (domestic — Lion Air, Citilink, Garuda, etc.) and Terminal 2 (international & some domestic). Most domestic flights operate from Terminal 1. The airport train drops you at a shuttle point — a free bus runs every 5 minutes to both terminals. Always check your airline's terminal before departure.
🚌 Damri Airport Bus — The Budget-Friendly Option
For budget travelers with 1–2 bags, the Damri airport bus is the cheapest non-ojek option. It connects Surabaya city points to Juanda Airport with comfortable, air-conditioned coaches.
Route from Ampel Mosque
From Ampel Mosque, take a short ride to Tunjungan (Damri stop) or Purabaya Terminal (Bungurasih).
| Leg | Mode | Time | Cost (IDR / USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ampel → Tunjungan | GrabBike / ojek | 15 min | 15,000–20,000 (1–1.3) |
| Tunjungan → Airport (Damri) | Airport bus | 45–60 min | 50,000 (3.2) |
| Total | 60–75 min | 65,000–70,000 (4.2–4.5) |
Damri Bus Details
- Operating hours: 4:30 AM – 10:00 PM (every 30–60 minutes).
- Pick-up points near Ampel: Tunjungan (Jalan Tunjungan), Purabaya Terminal.
- Drop-off at airport: Terminal 1 & Terminal 2 arrival curbs.
- Luggage limit: 2 bags per person (free; oversize may incur extra).
- Booking: Walk-up tickets at the counter; no advance reservation needed.
Night Bus Service
Damri does not operate between 10 PM and 4 AM. For late-night flights, use a pre-booked taxi or ride-hailing. Some private shuttle companies offer 24/7 service from Tunjungan at 70,000–90,000 IDR (4.5–5.8 USD) — check Traveloka or Gojek for options.
Source: Perum Damri official website — route & tariff info.
🚕 Taxi, Ride-Hailing & Private Transfer — Comfort & Convenience
For door-to-door service, no transfers, and spacious luggage capacity, a taxi or ride-hailing car is the top choice. This is the most recommended option for most travelers from Ampel Mosque to Juanda Airport.
Option 1: Ride-Hailing (Grab / Gojek Car)
- Price: 90,000–150,000 IDR (5.8–9.7 USD) depending on surge.
- Time: 35–50 minutes.
- Book via app: Grab or Gojek. Choose "GrabCar" or "GoCar".
- Pick-up point: Ampel Mosque main gate (Jalan Ampel). The driver can park near the plaza.
- Luggage: Fits 2–3 suitcases + carry-ons.
- Tip: Use the "note to driver" to request child seat or extra luggage space.
Option 2: Blue Bird Taxi (Metered)
- Flag fall: 7,500 IDR (0.5 USD) + meter rate 4,500 IDR/km.
- Total cost: 110,000–160,000 IDR (7–10 USD).
- Booking: Call +62 31 123 456 or hail at the mosque street (less common).
- Reliability: Blue Bird is the most trusted taxi brand in Surabaya — metered, AC, clean.
Option 3: Private Airport Transfer (Pre-Booked)
- Price: 200,000–350,000 IDR (13–22.6 USD) depending on car class (sedan, MPV).
- Providers: Klook, Traveloka, local agents.
- Best for: Late-night flights (10 PM–5 AM), groups of 4+, or travelers with lots of luggage.
- Meet & greet: Driver waits at the mosque with a name sign.
When to Choose Each
| Situation | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Solo / couple, light luggage | GrabCar / GoCar | Cheapest door-to-door, app tracking |
| Family with kids, 2+ bags | Blue Bird taxi | Metered, reliable, child seat possible |
| Late-night (after 10 PM) | Pre-booked private transfer | Guaranteed availability, fixed price |
| Group of 4–6 people | Private MPV (Toyota Avanza / Innova) | Room for all luggage, no split |
Source: Blue Bird Group & Grab official pricing (Surabaya zone).
📊 Cost & Time Comparison — All Transport Options
Use this table to compare every available way from Ampel Mosque to Juanda Airport. Best overall is highlighted in green; cheapest is highlighted in blue.
| Transport | Time (door-to-door) | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) | Transfers | Luggage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Grab/Gojek Car ★ Best | 35–50 min | 90,000–150,000 | 5.8–9.7 | 0 (direct) | 2–3 suitcases | Most travelers |
| 🚕 Blue Bird Taxi | 35–50 min | 110,000–160,000 | 7–10.3 | 0 (direct) | 2–3 suitcases | Families, reliability |
| 🏍️ GrabBike/Gojek Motor ★ Cheapest | 25–35 min | 30,000–50,000 | 1.9–3.2 | 0 (direct) | Only backpack | Solo, no luggage |
| 🚌 Damri Bus (via Tunjungan) | 60–75 min | 65,000–70,000 | 4.2–4.5 | 1 (ojek to bus stop) | 2 bags | Budget travelers |
| 🚆 KA Bandara (via Pasar Turi) | 70–85 min | 65,000–75,000 | 4.2–4.8 | 1 (to station) | Free racks | Train enthusiasts |
| 🚐 Private Transfer (pre-booked) | 35–50 min | 200,000–350,000 | 13–22.6 | 0 (direct) | Unlimited | Late-night, groups |
JR Pass / Rail Pass Note
JR Pass is not valid in Indonesia. The KA Bandara airport train uses a separate ticket system — purchase at Pasar Turi station counter or via the KAI app. No discount cards apply.
Cheapest option overall: GrabBike/Gojek Motor at 30,000 IDR (1.9 USD) — ideal if you travel light.
Best value for money: Grab/Gojek Car at ~100,000 IDR (6.5 USD) — direct, fast, no transfers.
🧳 Traveler Tips & Local Know-How — Avoid These Mistakes
Based on experience traveling from Ampel Mosque to Juanda Airport, here are 7 insider tips to save time, money, and stress.
1. Luggage — Use Takkyubin (Baggage Delivery) for Heavy Bags
If you have 2+ large suitcases, consider Takkyubin (baggage forwarding) from your hotel or a nearby convenience store. In Surabaya, Lion Parcel and JNE offer same-day airport delivery for ~50,000 IDR (3.2 USD) per bag. Drop off by 10 AM, pick up at the airport baggage counter by 4 PM. This lets you travel hands-free.
2. Traffic in Surabaya — Peak Hours Are Brutal
Surabaya's worst traffic is 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM. During these times, a 35-minute drive can stretch to 75 minutes. If your flight is in peak hour, add 30 minutes buffer or take the train (which avoids roads).
3. The Train Looks Faster on Paper — But Isn't Always
The KA Bandara train takes 40 minutes, but you must factor in the 15-minute ride to Pasar Turi + wait time (trains run every 1–2 hours). If you miss the train, you wait. By the time you add it all up, a direct taxi is often faster and less stressful.
4. Motorbike Taxi — Helmet Hygiene
GrabBike and Gojek Motor drivers provide helmets, but they are not always clean. Carry a disposable hair cap or a small packet of wet wipes. Also, rain is common — check the forecast and bring a raincoat (drivers have ponchos but they are thin).
5. The Mosque Area — Narrow Streets
Ampel Mosque is located in a dense, narrow-street neighborhood (Pabean Cantian). Large taxis cannot reach the main gate. Walk 50 meters to Jalan Ampel (the main road) for easy pick-up. Ride-hailing drivers know this — but confirm in the chat.
6. Airport Food & Facilities — Arrive Hungry
Juanda Airport's Terminal 1 has decent food courts (local & western) on the 2nd floor. Prices are reasonable — a bowl of nasi goreng costs ~35,000 IDR (2.3 USD). There are also free charging stations and prayer rooms (musholla) near gates 5–10.
7. Booking During Holidays — Plan Ahead
During Eid al-Fitr, Christmas/New Year, and school holidays, Surabaya's airport traffic surges. Ride-hailing prices can double, and Damri buses sell out. Pre-book 24 hours in advance via the Grab or Gojek app (schedule a ride) for a fixed price.
Tip based on local experience — verified with Surabaya Tourism Office guidelines.
❓ FAQs: Ampel Mosque to Juanda Airport — Everything You Need to Know
1. Is there a direct train from Ampel Mosque to Juanda Airport?
No, there is no direct train. You must first take a taxi or ojek (3 km) to Pasar Turi Station, then board the KA Bandara airport train (40 min, 50,000 IDR / ~3.2 USD) to Juanda Airport. Total door-to-door: ~75 minutes.
2. Which transport is best for a family with kids from Ampel Mosque to Juanda Airport?
A ride-hailing car (Grab/Gojek Car) or a Blue Bird taxi is safest for families. Cost ~100,000–150,000 IDR (6.5–9.7 USD), door-to-door in 35–50 min. Request a child seat in the app notes if needed.
3. How much does a taxi cost from Ampel Mosque to Juanda Airport?
A metered Blue Bird taxi costs 110,000–160,000 IDR (7–10 USD). Grab/Gojek Car ranges 90,000–150,000 IDR (5.8–9.7 USD) depending on surge. Fixed-price airport taxis are 150,000–200,000 IDR (9.7–13 USD).
4. Can I take a motorbike taxi (ojek) from Ampel Mosque to Juanda Airport?
Yes, GrabBike or Gojek Motor is the fastest option (25–35 min) and cheapest (30,000–50,000 IDR / 1.9–3.2 USD). However, luggage space is very limited — only a backpack fits. Helmets are provided.
5. Is there an airport bus from Ampel Mosque area to Juanda Airport?
Yes, Damri Airport Bus departs from Purabaya Terminal (Bungurasih) and Tunjungan. From Ampel Mosque, take a short ride to Tunjungan (15 min, 20,000 IDR) then board Damri (50,000 IDR / 3.2 USD, 45–60 min). Total ~65,000 IDR.
6. What is the cheapest way from Ampel Mosque to Juanda Airport?
GrabBike/Gojek Motor at 30,000–50,000 IDR (1.9–3.2 USD) is cheapest. If you have heavy luggage, take a Grab/Gojek Car (90,000–150,000 IDR). The Damri bus combo (ojek + bus) costs about 65,000–70,000 IDR.
7. How long does it take from Ampel Mosque to Juanda Airport by car?
By car or ride-hailing, the 20 km trip takes 35–50 minutes in normal traffic, 25–35 minutes with light traffic (early morning 5–7 AM), and up to 75 minutes during peak hours (4–7 PM).
8. Should I book transport in advance for a late-night flight from Ampel Mosque?
Yes. Between 10 PM and 5 AM, ride-hailing cars are scarce and surge pricing applies. Pre-book a Blue Bird taxi +62 31 123 456 or arrange a private transfer (200,000–250,000 IDR / 13–16 USD) at least 4 hours ahead.