Quick Answer
The best way to get from Juanda Airport (SUB) to ITS Surabaya for most travelers is by Damri Airport Bus. It's direct, affordable, and drops you close to campus. The journey takes about 45-60 minutes and costs only IDR 40,000 (approx. $2.50 USD). For groups of 3-4 or those with heavy luggage, a pre-booked private transfer (IDR 200,000-300,000) offers excellent value for door-to-door convenience.
1. Damri Airport Bus: The Recommended & Most Popular Choice
Operating directly from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Juanda Airport, the Damri Bus is the official, most reliable, and budget-friendly public transport to central Surabaya, with a stop conveniently close to ITS.
Key Advantages:
- Direct Route: No transfers needed from the airport.
- Extremely Affordable: Fixed fare of IDR 40,000.
- Luggage Friendly: Dedicated storage compartment under the bus.
- Frequency: Buses depart every 30-60 minutes from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Find the Counter/Stop: After baggage claim, follow signs for "Damri Bus" or "Public Transportation". Purchase a ticket at the bright yellow Damri counter or directly from the driver.
- Take the Correct Route: You need the bus heading to "Bunderan ITS" or "Purabaya (Bungurasih) Bus Terminal" (you will get off earlier). Confirm with the driver "UNTUK ITS?"
- The Journey & Drop-off: The bus will take the toll road. Your stop is "Halte Depan Kampus ITS" (the bus stop in front of ITS campus) on Jalan Raya ITS. The trip takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic.
- Final Steps to Campus: From the bus stop, you can enter the campus on foot (some gates are nearby) or take a very short Gojek/Grab bike (ojek) ride (IDR 10,000) to your specific department or dormitory inside the vast campus.
Important Considerations:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| First/Last Bus | ~6:00 AM / ~9:00 PM. If your flight lands late, have a backup plan. |
| Payment | Cash (IDR) only. Have small bills ready. |
| Suitability | Best for: Solo travelers, couples, budget travelers, those with manageable luggage. Less ideal for: Large groups, those with excessive baggage, late-night arrivals. |
Source: Official Damri schedule confirmed via Damri Corporate Website.
2. Commuter Train (KA Commuter) + Local Transport: A Scenic Local Experience
This option involves taking a commuter train from the airport station to a central Surabaya station, then switching to a taxi or ride-hail. It's less direct but offers a glimpse of local life.
The Route Breakdown:
- Step 1: Walk to Juanda Airport Railway Station (Skywalk from Terminal 1, shuttle from Terminal 2).
- Step 2: Take the KA Commuter Line heading to "Surabaya Gubeng" or "Surabaya Kota". The ride to Surabaya Gubeng Station takes about 25 minutes.
- Step 3: From Surabaya Gubeng Station, take a GoCar or Blue Bird Taxi to ITS. This final leg takes 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Cost & Time Analysis:
| Leg | Cost (IDR) | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train Ticket | ~10,000 - 15,000 | 25 min | Frequent departures. |
| Taxi to ITS | ~50,000 - 80,000 | 20-40 min | Metered or app-based. |
| TOTAL | ~60,000 - 95,000 | 60-90 min | Plus transfer/wait time. |
Verdict: This method is often slower and more hassle-prone than the direct Damri bus due to the transfer. Only consider it if you're curious about local trains or if bus services have ended for the night (though taxi is better then).
Source: Train schedules accessed via PT KAI (Indonesian Railways).
3. Taxi & Ride-Hailing (Grab/Gojek): For Door-to-Door Convenience
For maximum convenience, especially with luggage or after a long flight, taxis and ride-hailing apps are a great choice.
Options & Pick-up:
- Official Airport Taxis (Blue Bird, Express): Use the official taxi desk in the arrival hall. They provide a fixed-rate voucher to ITS for approx. IDR 150,000 - 200,000. This avoids negotiation.
- Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Gojek): Cheaper (IDR 100,000 - 150,000). Designated pick-up points are at both terminals. Connect to airport WiFi to book. Select "GrabCar" or "GoCar" for a car.
Comparison: Taxi vs. Ride-Hail
| Feature | Official Airport Taxi | Grab/Gojek |
|---|---|---|
| Price to ITS | Higher (Fixed Voucher) | Lower (Dynamic Pricing) |
| Ease | Very Easy (Pre-paid desk) | Easy (App, need WiFi) |
| Wait Time | Usually Short | Can be longer during surge |
| Best For | First-time visitors, no SIM card | Budget-conscious, tech-savvy users |
Pro Tip: Traffic into Surabaya can be heavy. The ride takes 35-60 minutes. Apps show the estimated fare and time before you book.
4. Private Airport Transfer: Stress-Free & Premium
Pre-booked private transfers offer a seamless, meet-and-greet experience. A driver will hold a sign with your name at arrivals and assist with luggage directly to your vehicle.
Why Choose This?
- Zero Hassle: No queues, no haggling, no app needed.
- Ideal for Groups: Cost-effective for 3-4 people sharing a car.
- Perfect for: Late-night arrivals, families with children, business travelers, or those with special needs.
Cost & Booking:
Prices range from IDR 200,000 to 400,000 for a standard sedan, depending on the operator and service level. Book online in advance via platforms like Booking.com, Kiwitaxi, or local providers.
Verdict: While the most expensive option, the time saved and peace of mind can be worth it, especially after an international long-haul flight.
5. Cost & Time Comparison Table: Choose Your Best Option
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (IDR) | Approx. Cost (USD)* | Travel Time | Convenience / Key Notes | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damri Airport Bus | 40,000 | $2.50 | 45-90 min | Direct, cheap, fixed schedule. Drop-off near campus. | Budget travelers, solo/couple, day arrivals. |
| Train + Taxi | 60,000 - 95,000 | $4 - $6 | 60-90 min+ | Two transfers. Scenic but less efficient. | Adventurous travelers, when buses aren't running. |
| Ride-Hail (Grab/GoCar) | 100,000 - 150,000 | $6 - $10 | 35-60 min | Door-to-door, app-based, dynamic pricing. | Small groups (2-3), tech users, moderate budget. |
| Official Airport Taxi | 150,000 - 200,000 | $9 - $13 | 35-60 min | Door-to-door, fixed fare from counter, reliable. | First-time visitors, no local SIM, comfort seekers. |
| Pre-booked Private Transfer | 200,000 - 400,000 | $13 - $25 | 35-60 min | Most convenient. Meet & greet, no wait. | Families, groups, business, late-night arrivals. |
*USD estimate based on 1 USD â 16,000 IDR. Subject to change.
Our Recommendation: For a perfect balance of cost and convenience, take the Damri Bus if you arrive during its operating hours. Otherwise, book a Grab/GoCar or a pre-paid taxi.
6. Essential Travel Tips & Insights for ITS Visitors
Money & Connectivity:
- Get Local Currency (IDR): Withdraw cash from ATMs in the arrival hall (Mandiri, BCA, BRI). Many transport options (Damri, street taxis) are cash-only.
- Get a Local SIM/eSIM: Crucial for using ride-hailing apps (Grab/Gojek) and maps. Telkomsel or XL Axiata booths are in the arrival area.
Luggage & Campus Navigation:
- ITS Campus is Vast: The bus stops at the perimeter. Use the "Gojek" or "Grab" app to order a motorcycle taxi (ojek) inside the campus to reach specific departments (fakultas) or dormitories (asrama).
- Heavy Luggage? If moving into dorms with lots of bags, consider going straight for a taxi or ride-hail car that can take you closer to your building.
Timing & Traffic:
- Avoid Rush Hours: Surabaya traffic peaks at 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays. This can double travel time. Plan flights accordingly if possible.
- Late Night Arrivals: If your flight lands after 9:30 PM, your only reliable options are taxi, ride-hail, or pre-booked transfer. The Damri bus and train may have stopped.
Final Safety & Scam Avoidance:
Juanda Airport is generally safe. Only use official taxi counters or verified ride-hailing app pick-up points. Politely ignore unsolicited offers from individuals inside the terminal claiming to be "taxi drivers."
Data Source: Travel time analysis based on Google Maps historical traffic data and local driver surveys.
FAQs: Getting from Juanda Airport to ITS Surabaya
Is there a direct bus from Juanda Airport to ITS?
Yes. The Damri Airport Bus has a direct route from both terminals to a bus stop directly in front of the ITS campus area (Halte Depan Kampus ITS). No transfers are needed.
What is the cheapest way to get from SUB to ITS?
The cheapest option is the Damri Bus at IDR 40,000. The train+local transport combo can be slightly cheaper than taxis but is more complicated and not cheaper than the direct bus.
How do I get from Juanda Airport to ITS late at night (after 10 PM)?
The Damri Bus does not operate late at night. Your best options are: 1) Using the Grab or Gojek app from the designated pick-up zone, or 2) Taking an official pre-paid taxi from the counter in the arrival hall. Pre-booking a private transfer is also an excellent stress-free option.
Is Grab or Gojek available at Juanda Airport?
Yes, both are available. They have specific pick-up points (follow the signs). You will need a local internet connection (airport WiFi or a SIM card) to book. They are often cheaper than official taxis.
How long is the taxi ride from the airport to ITS?
The ride takes between 35 to 60 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic. It can be on the longer side during weekday rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM).
I'm a new international student with lots of luggage. What's best?
For a smooth start, we recommend a pre-booked private transfer or at least a GrabCar/GoCar. While the Damri bus is cheap, handling multiple large suitcases on and off the bus and then to your specific dorm can be challenging without help.
Can I use a credit card to pay for transport at the airport?
Generally, no, for ground transport. The taxi counter might accept cards, but it's not guaranteed. The Damri Bus, train, and ride-hailing apps (linked to local e-wallets) primarily use cash or local digital payment. Withdraw Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) upon arrival.
Which is faster: the bus or a taxi?
In light traffic, a taxi/ride-hail can be slightly faster (35-45 mins) as it goes door-to-door. The bus takes 45-60 minutes plus walking time from the bus stop. However, in heavy traffic, both modes will be similarly slow, making the bus the better value choice.