How to Get from Surabaya Juanda Airport (SUB) to Surabaya City Centre

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Surabaya Juanda Airport to the city centre for most travelers is the Railink airport train to Surabaya Gubeng Station (20-25 minutes, $2.50/40,000 IDR). This is the fastest and most reliable option, completely unaffected by Surabaya's notorious traffic. From Gubeng Station, take a short Blue Bird taxi or Grab (5-15 minutes, $2-4/30,000-60,000 IDR) to your hotel. Alternative options: DAMRI airport bus to various city terminals (60-90 minutes, $1-2.50/15,000-40,000 IDR, traffic dependent), Blue Bird taxi with meter (30-60 minutes, $8-15/120,000-225,000 IDR), or Grab/Gojek (30-60 minutes, $5.25-9.85/80,000-150,000 IDR). Critical: Last Railink train departs 9-10 PM; after that only taxis/buses available.

How to Get from SUB to City Centre by Railink Airport Train

Getting from Surabaya Juanda Airport to the city centre is remarkably easy thanks to the direct Railink airport train service to Surabaya Gubeng Station. Unlike Jakarta's complicated transfers, the Railink train offers a non-stop 20-25 minute journey completely separated from road traffic. This is Indonesia's most efficient airport rail link and the best option for 90% of travelers. The train station is connected to Terminal 1 via covered walkway. Many online guides mention the train, but don't emphasize how much better it is than road options during Surabaya's brutal rush hours.

Route	Train Type	Travel Time	Cost	Transfers to City Centre
SUB Airport → Surabaya Gubeng	Railink Airport Train (direct)	20-25 minutes	40,000 IDR ($2.50)	Taxi/Grab (5-15 minutes)
SUB Airport → Pasar Turi (alternative)	Local Train (not recommended)	30-40 minutes	8,000-12,000 IDR ($0.50-0.75)	Taxi (10-20 minutes)
Gubeng Station → City Hotels	Taxi/Grab/Gojek	5-15 minutes	30,000-60,000 IDR ($2-4)	0 (door-to-door)
Complete Journey	Railink + Taxi	25-40 minutes	70,000-100,000 IDR ($4.40-6.25)	1 (train to taxi)

Railink Train: SUB Airport to Surabaya Gubeng Station

The Railink airport train departs from the station connected to Terminal 1 via a 5-minute covered walkway. Trains run every 30-60 minutes from approximately 5:00 AM to 9:00-10:00 PM (check current schedule). Travel time is exactly 20-25 minutes, non-stop. Cost: 40,000 IDR ($2.50) for economy class, 90,000 IDR ($5.60) for executive class (airport-style seating). Trains are modern, air-conditioned, with luggage racks and clean toilets. This service is operated by Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI).

Arrival at Surabaya Gubeng Station

Surabaya Gubeng Station is in the Gubeng district, 2-5km from most city centre hotels. From the station, you have several options: Blue Bird taxi (queue outside station, 30,000-60,000 IDR/$2-4 to most hotels), Grab/Gojek (designated pickup area, similar price), or walking (only if your hotel is within 1km and you have light luggage). The station has escalators, elevators, and porters (10,000-20,000 IDR/$0.60-1.25 tip) for luggage assistance.

A common example of a real-life mistake

You arrive at 9:30 PM, see the Railink signs, and think you have time. You walk to the station, but the last train left at 9:15 PM. The DAMRI bus counter is closed. You're now forced to take a taxi. Airport taxi touts quote 300,000 IDR ($18.75) to city centre. You negotiate down to 200,000 IDR ($12.50) - still double what a Blue Bird meter taxi would cost. You reach your hotel at 10:45 PM instead of 10:00 PM, paying 5x the train fare. This happens nightly because travelers don't check the last train time.

Local Train to Pasar Turi Station (Not Recommended)

A cheaper local train goes to Pasar Turi Station (8,000-12,000 IDR/$0.50-0.75, 30-40 minutes). However: Trains are basic (no A/C, crowded), infrequent (every 2-3 hours), and Pasar Turi Station is less convenient for most hotels. I don't actually recommend this option unless you're an experienced traveler on an extreme budget. The Railink train is worth the extra 28,000-32,000 IDR ($1.75-2) for comfort, frequency, and time savings.

Railink Train vs Other Options

Railink advantages: Fastest (20-25 minutes vs 30-90 minutes), most reliable (unaffected by traffic), comfortable (A/C, clean), reasonable price. Disadvantages: Doesn't go door-to-door (requires taxi from Gubeng), limited hours (last train 9-10 PM), station walk from Terminal 1 (Terminal 2 requires shuttle). During Surabaya's notorious rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM), the train is 30-60 minutes faster than road options.

SUB to City Centre by DAMRI Airport Bus

While the Railink train is superior for most travelers, DAMRI airport buses offer direct service to various city terminals. Buses are cheaper but much slower due to traffic. Key routes include: Bus to Bungurasih terminal (main bus terminal), Bus to Purabaya terminal, and direct bus to some city areas. Travel time is 60-90 minutes depending on traffic, and cost is 15,000-40,000 IDR ($1-2.50). Buses depart from both terminals, with frequency every 30-60 minutes.

DAMRI Bus from SUB to City Centre: Key Details

• Main Routes: SUB → Bungurasih Terminal, SUB → Purabaya Terminal, SUB → some direct city routes
• Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes depending on route and time
• Operating Hours: Approximately 4:00 AM - 10:00/11:00 PM (varies by route)
• Luggage: Storage under bus (1-2 pieces included)
• Payment: Cash IDR at DAMRI counter or on bus
• Travel Time Reality: Official: 60-75 minutes. Realistic: 60-120 minutes. Rush hour: 90-150 minutes
• Drop-off: Bus terminals, not hotels. You need additional local transport to hotel.

Why Choose DAMRI Bus to City Centre?

The DAMRI bus makes sense if: 1) You're on an extreme budget, 2) Your hotel is near a bus terminal, 3) You arrive after last train but before last bus, 4) You have phobia of trains (rare). Bungurasih Terminal is connected to many city bus routes. From there, you can take a local city bus (3,500-5,000 IDR/$0.25-0.35) or taxi (20,000-50,000 IDR/$1.25-3.15) to your hotel. The internet says bus is fine, but that's only true if you have 2+ hours to spare.

Bus vs Train to City Centre

Railink train advantages: Faster (20-25 vs 60-90 minutes), more comfortable (A/C, seats guaranteed), unaffected by traffic, similar total cost when including taxi from station. DAMRI bus advantages: Slightly cheaper (15,000 vs 40,000 IDR), direct to some areas (if your hotel is near terminal). Critical factor: Time of day. During rush hour, the train is 60+ minutes faster. During light traffic, difference is 40-60 minutes.

Direct DAMRI Bus to City Hotels

Some DAMRI buses go directly to certain city areas like Tunjungan Plaza (main shopping district) or specific hotels (usually large chain hotels). These cost 30,000-40,000 IDR ($1.85-2.50). Ask at DAMRI counter if there's a direct bus to your hotel area. This can be a good compromise - cheaper than taxi, more direct than train+taxi. However, these buses are less frequent and still subject to traffic.

Taxi, Grab & Private Transfer from SUB to City Centre

Airport Taxi Counter (Official Fixed Price)

The official airport taxi counter at SUB arrivals offers fixed prices to city centre. To most city centre hotels: 150,000-250,000 IDR ($9.40-15.60) depending on exact location. Pay at counter, get receipt, driver takes you. Advantages: No haggling, 24/7 availability, registered drivers. Disadvantages: 50-100% more expensive than meter taxi or Grab. Many tourists use this for convenience, especially late at night when tired.

Blue Bird Taxi with Meter (Recommended)

Blue Bird taxis (blue with bird logo) are Surabaya's most reliable metered taxis. From SUB, they wait in designated queue. To city centre: 120,000-225,000 IDR ($7.50-14) on meter including tolls. Travel time: 30-60 minutes (traffic dependent). Ensure meter is used ("argo"). Avoid touts saying "meter broken" - just get next taxi. Blue Bird taxis are safe, air-conditioned, and drivers usually speak basic English. This is often the best value for 1-2 people if not taking train.

Grab & Gojek from SUB Airport

Grab and Gojek operate at SUB with designated pickup zones. GrabCar to city centre: 80,000-150,000 IDR ($5-9.40). GoCar similar. Often cheaper than regular taxis. Important: Pickup is at special area (follow signs). Some drivers cancel if they see large luggage. Payment: Cash or card in app. GoRide (motorbike taxi) available for solo travelers with backpack only (40,000-80,000 IDR/$2.50-5).

Pre-booked Private Transfer

Pre-booked private transfers cost 200,000-300,000 IDR ($12.50-18.75) for standard sedan. Driver meets you with sign at arrivals. Best for: Late arrivals, families, groups of 3-4, first-time visitors, business travelers. Fixed price means no surprises. Book online via Klook, GetYourGuide, or local companies. Often same price as airport taxi but with meet-and-greet service.

Is Airport Taxi Worth It vs Train?

Solo traveler: No (taxi 150,000+ IDR vs train 40,000+30,000 IDR taxi = 70,000 IDR). Couple: Possibly (taxi 150,000 IDR split = 75,000 each vs train 40,000+30,000 IDR taxi = 70,000 IDR each). Group of 3-4: Usually yes (taxi 150,000 IDR split = 37,500-50,000 each vs train 40,000+taxi 30,000-60,000 IDR = 70,000-100,000 IDR each). Late night arrival: Taxi is only practical option. With lots of luggage: Taxi is more convenient.

SUB Airport to City Centre Route Map & Surabaya Traffic

The map below shows travel routes from Surabaya Juanda International Airport (SUB) to Surabaya city centre. The Railink train follows a dedicated rail line to Gubeng Station. Road routes for buses/taxis follow the Surabaya-Mojokerto toll road and city streets.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from SUB Airport to Surabaya City Centre on Google Maps

The distance from SUB to city centre is 15-20km (9-12 miles) but travel time varies: 20-25 minutes (train), 30-60 minutes (road off-peak), 60-90 minutes (road rush hour). The Railink train distance is 18km. Main roads: Surabaya-Mojokerto Toll Road, Jalan Raya Sedati, Jalan Raya Darmo, Jalan Embong Malang. Traffic congestion points: Toll gate, Dupak junction, Tunjungan area. Surabaya has Indonesia's 2nd worst traffic after Jakarta.

Complete Bus & Train Route Details: SUB to City Centre

Railink Train Route

The Railink airport train follows this route:

1. Juanda Airport Station (Terminal 1 connection, departure point)
2. Non-stop to Surabaya Gubeng Station (20-25 minutes)
3. Surabaya Gubeng Station (arrival point, city centre access)

Note: The train is direct with no intermediate stops. Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes. Operating hours: Approximately 5:00 AM - 9:00/10:00 PM. Last train from airport: Around 9:00-10:00 PM. Verify current schedule.

DAMRI Bus Routes from SUB

Main DAMRI bus routes from SUB Airport:

1. Route: SUB → Bungurasih Terminal
   • SUB Airport Terminal 1/2
   • Surabaya-Mojokerto Toll Road
   • Waru junction
   • Dupak area
   • Bungurasih Terminal (main intercity bus terminal)
2. Route: SUB → Purabaya/Darmo
   • SUB Airport
   • Toll road
   • Jalan Raya Darmo
   • Darmo area (some hotels)
   • Purabaya area
3. Route: SUB → Tunjungan Plaza (limited)
   • SUB Airport
   • Toll road
   • Jalan Embong Malang
   • Tunjungan Plaza (main shopping district)

From Arrival Points to Your Hotel

Depending on your arrival point, you'll need additional transport:

• From Gubeng Station (Railink): 2-5km to most city hotels. Taxi: 5-15 minutes, 30,000-60,000 IDR ($2-3.75). Grab/Gojek: similar. Walking possible for some hotels (10-25 minutes).
• From Bungurasih Terminal (DAMRI bus): 3-8km to city hotels. Taxi: 10-25 minutes, 40,000-80,000 IDR ($2.50-5). City bus: 3,500-5,000 IDR ($0.25-0.35) to various points.
• From Purabaya/Darmo (DAMRI bus): 1-4km to city hotels. Taxi: 5-15 minutes, 20,000-50,000 IDR ($1.25-3.15).

City Centre Key Areas

• Tunjungan Plaza/Embong Malang: Main shopping/business district, most hotels, restaurants.
• Gubeng: Near train station, many mid-range hotels.
• Darmo: Residential area with some hotels, quieter.
• Wonokromo: South of centre, some budget hotels.
• Rajawali: Near port, some hotels.

SUB to City Centre: Ticketing, Costs & Payment

Buying Railink Train Tickets at SUB

• Location: Railink ticket counter at airport train station (connected to Terminal 1)
• Payment: Cash IDR or debit/credit card
• Cost: Economy 40,000 IDR ($2.50), Executive 90,000 IDR ($5.60)
• Schedule: Posted at station. Frequency every 30-60 minutes
• Last train: Usually 9:00-10:00 PM from airport - verify!
• Terminal 2 access: Free shuttle bus from T2 to T1 for train access

Buying DAMRI Bus Tickets at SUB

• Location: DAMRI counters in arrival halls of both terminals
• Payment: Cash IDR only
• Cost: 15,000-40,000 IDR ($1-2.50) depending on route
• Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
• Last bus: Usually 10:00-11:00 PM - varies by route
• Destinations: Specify your destination to get correct route

Payment Methods in Surabaya

• Cash (Indonesian Rupiah): Essential for buses, some taxis, small purchases.
• Credit cards: Accepted at airport taxi counters (3-5% fee often added). Some hotels/drivers accept.
• Grab/Gojek: Can link international credit card or pay cash IDR.
• Small bills: Get 50,000 IDR notes at airport ATM or exchange. Taxis may not have change for 100,000 IDR notes for small fares.
• ATMs: Available in arrival halls. Withdraw 1-2 million IDR ($62.50-125) for initial expenses.

Scenario-Based Guide: Which Option When?

By Arrival Time

Early Morning (midnight-5 AM): Airport taxi counter or pre-booked transfer only. No trains/buses. Grab may have few drivers. Morning (5-9 AM): All options available. Rush hour starts 7 AM - train is 30+ minutes faster. Daytime (9 AM-4 PM): All options. Train is fastest. Evening Rush (4-7 PM): Train only - road options will take 60-90+ minutes. Late Evening (7-10 PM): Train if before last departure, otherwise taxi. Late Night (10 PM-midnight): Airport taxi counter or pre-booked transfer only.

By Traveler Type

Solo backpacker: Railink train + walk/Grab if hotel near Gubeng. DAMRI bus if extreme budget. Couple with 1 suitcase: Railink train + taxi. Or Grab/Blue Bird taxi split cost. Family with kids (2+2): Pre-booked transfer or Blue Bird taxi. Train possible but with luggage and kids, taxi easier. Elderly/disabled travelers: Pre-booked transfer with assistance. Train has elevators but still requires transfer. Business traveler: Railink train (fastest) or pre-booked transfer (receipt). Group of 3-4 adults: Blue Bird taxi or pre-booked transfer split cost.

By Luggage Situation

Backpack only: All options. Train + walk possible. 1 medium suitcase: Railink train + taxi manageable. DAMRI bus possible (under-bus storage). 2+ suitcases or large bags: Taxi/transfer only. Train possible but cumbersome. Oversized equipment: Pre-booked van transfer. Important: Surabaya city centre sidewalks are decent but busy - wheeled suitcases manageable for short distances.

By Budget

Ultra-budget (under 20,000 IDR/$1.25): DAMRI bus (15,000 IDR) + walk if hotel near terminal. Budget (20,000-70,000 IDR/$1.25-4.40): Railink train (40,000 IDR) + short walk. Standard (70,000-150,000 IDR/$4.40-9.40): Railink + taxi or Grab. Premium (150,000+ IDR/$9.40+): Taxi/private transfer door-to-door.

By Destination in City Centre

Hotels near Gubeng Station: Railink train ideal (walkable). Hotels near Tunjungan Plaza: Railink + short taxi (5 minutes) or DAMRI direct bus if available. Hotels in Darmo area: DAMRI bus to Darmo or taxi. Hotels in Wonokromo: Train to Gubeng + taxi south. Business district (Jalan Basuki Rahmat): Railink + taxi (10 minutes).

Special Conditions

Rainy season (Nov-Mar): Flooding common in Surabaya. Add 30-60 minutes to road travel. Train unaffected. Friday prayer time (12-2 PM Fridays): Traffic increases around mosques. Add 20-30 minutes. Indonesian holidays: Traffic lighter in city but heavier on toll roads. Ramadan: Traffic patterns change; afternoon rush starts earlier (3-4 PM). Large events/conferences: Check if any major events causing extra traffic.

Real Traveler Experience: Getting to City Centre from SUB

Getting from Surabaya Juanda Airport to the city centre is surprisingly straightforward thanks to the excellent Railink airport train. Unlike Jakarta's chaos, SUB has clear signage in English. The train station is modern and clean, a 5-minute walk from Terminal 1 arrivals. First-time visitors appreciate the simplicity: buy ticket, board train, 25 minutes later you're at Gubeng Station. The challenge begins at Gubeng Station - it's busy, and you need to find a taxi to your hotel. The official taxi queue is organized, but touts will approach. Have your hotel address ready. Surabaya's traffic is heavy but manageable - daytime trips from Gubeng to most hotels take 5-15 minutes. I've seen tourists with large suitcases struggling on the train - it's doable but taxi is easier. Late night arrivals face limited options - the train stops around 9-10 PM, buses around 10-11 PM. After that, taxis charge premium. Many business travelers use the train for its reliability - you can time your arrival exactly. The internet says Surabaya traffic is bad, but the train makes it irrelevant for airport transfers.

The internet says DAMRI bus is a good budget option, but that's only true if...

...you're a student or backpacker with unlimited time, a daypack only, staying at a hostel near Bungurasih terminal, and arriving between 9 AM-4 PM on a weekday. For everyone else, the 40,000 IDR ($2.50) train is worth the extra 25,000 IDR ($1.55) for saving 1-2 hours. Many travel blogs are written by budget travelers who don't value their time at $5-10/hour. For business travelers or families, the train is clearly superior.

A common mistake I see at SUB Airport

A business traveler arrives at 4:30 PM on a Tuesday. He sees the taxi queue is long, decides to take the train. He buys a ticket for the 5:00 PM train. At Gubeng Station at 5:25 PM, it's rush hour. The taxi queue has 20 people ahead. He waits 25 minutes for a taxi. The 5km to his hotel takes 35 minutes in traffic. He reaches his hotel at 6:25 PM. Had he taken a taxi directly from the airport at 4:40 PM, he'd have faced the same traffic but been at his hotel by 5:40 PM. The train "saved" 20,000 IDR ($1.25) but cost 45 minutes during evening rush hour. This timing mistake happens daily.

Terminal 2 vs Terminal 1 Access

If you arrive at Terminal 2 (international flights usually), you need to take the free airport shuttle bus to Terminal 1 for Railink train access. The shuttle takes 5-10 minutes, runs every 10-15 minutes. For DAMRI buses, both terminals have bus stops. For taxis/Grab, both terminals have pickup areas. Don't walk between terminals - it's far. The shuttle is efficient but adds 15-20 minutes to your train journey time.

Surabaya-Specific Tips & Local Insights

• With luggage: Railink train has luggage racks. Taxi is easiest door-to-door. DAMRI bus has under-bus storage.
• First-time visitor tip: Take Railink train to Gubeng, then Blue Bird taxi to hotel. Simple and efficient.
• Late night travel (10 PM-5 AM): Airport taxi counter only. Last train 9-10 PM. Last bus 10-11 PM. Grab operates but may have surge pricing.
• Early morning arrivals (before 5 AM): Airport taxi counter operates 24/7. First train around 5 AM. First bus around 4 AM.
• With kids: Taxi/transfer easiest. Train is manageable but requires transfer. Consider travel time vs convenience.
• Cost-saving tip: Railink train (40,000 IDR) + walk if hotel within 1km of Gubeng Station.
• Time-saving tip: Railink train during rush hour (4-7 PM) - unaffected by traffic. Taxi will be stuck.
• Friday afternoon/Sunday evening: Heavy traffic. Train is 30-60 minutes faster.
• Rainy season (Nov-Mar): Surabaya floods easily. Add 50% to road travel time. Train unaffected.
• Group travel: 3-4 people: Taxi split cost. 4+ people: Pre-booked van or multiple taxis.
• Buying tickets: Railink tickets at station. DAMRI at airport counters. Have small IDR bills ready.
• Hotel location specifics: Near Gubeng: train ideal. Near Tunjungan: train+short taxi. Darmo: bus or taxi.
• Return trip to SUB: Allow 2-3 hours before flight. Train is 25 minutes but need to get to Gubeng Station. Friday afternoon: leave 3-4 hours early.
• Mobile apps: Download: Grab, Gojek, Google Maps (traffic), KRL (train schedule). Have local SIM or eSIM.
• Money: Withdraw 1-2 million IDR ($62.50-125) at airport ATM. Get 50,000 IDR notes. Many places cash-only.
• Safety: Surabaya is relatively safe. Use Blue Bird taxis or Grab/Gojek. Avoid unmarked taxis. Keep valuables secure.
• Language: Basic English understood in tourist areas. Have hotel address written in Indonesian or on phone.
• Tipping: Not expected but appreciated. Round up taxi fare (47,000 to 50,000 IDR). 5,000-10,000 IDR for helpful drivers.
• Scams: Taxi touts at airport quoting inflated prices. Just go to official Blue Bird queue or taxi counter.
• Peak hours: Morning 7-9 AM, Evening 4-7 PM. Add 50-100% to road travel time estimates.
• Airport facilities: Free WiFi, ATMs, money changers, restaurants at both terminals. Relax before heading to city.
• Business district: Most business hotels in Tunjungan/Gubeng areas - 5-15 minutes from Gubeng Station by taxi.

Frequently Asked Questions: SUB Airport to Surabaya City Centre