Quick Answer
Best way: Fly from Juanda International Airport (SUB) to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport (PLM). Total journey time: ~4.5 hours. Cost: 500,000–1,500,000 IDR ($33–$100 USD). No direct train or practical road option exists for this 1,000 km route. Book a direct flight with Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, or Citilink for the fastest and most reliable travel.
- Fastest: Flight — 4.5 hours total, from 500,000 IDR ($33 USD)
- Cheapest: Bus — 20–24 hours, from 300,000 IDR ($20 USD)
- Most convenient: Flight — direct, no transfers
- Key transfer point: Juanda Airport (Surabaya) → Palembang Airport
✈️ Flight: The Fastest & Most Practical Option
Flying is the only efficient way to travel from Surabaya to Palembang. The distance between Al-Qur'an Al-Akbar Mosque and Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport is approximately 700 km by air, and a direct flight takes just 1 hour 30 minutes. Including ground travel to Juanda Airport, check-in, security, and baggage claim, the total door-to-door time is about 4.5 hours.
Step-by-Step Journey
- Al-Qur'an Al-Akbar Mosque → Juanda Airport (SUB): 15–20 km, 30–45 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing (Gojek/Grab). Cost: ~50,000–80,000 IDR ($3–$5 USD).
- Airport check-in & security: Arrive 2 hours before departure for domestic flights.
- Flight SUB → PLM: 1 hour 30 minutes, direct.
- Arrival at Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport: Collect baggage and exit. Total airport time ~30 minutes.
- Airport to Palembang city center: 12 km, 20–30 minutes by taxi (~50,000 IDR / $3 USD).
Airlines & Price Comparison
| Airline | Price Range (IDR) | Price Range (USD) | Baggage Allowance | Frequency (daily) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garuda Indonesia | 900,000 – 1,500,000 | $60 – $100 | 30 kg checked | 2–3 flights | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lion Air | 500,000 – 800,000 | $33 – $53 | 20 kg checked | 3–4 flights | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Batik Air | 600,000 – 1,000,000 | $40 – $67 | 20 kg checked | 1–2 flights | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Citilink | 500,000 – 750,000 | $33 – $50 | 20 kg checked | 2–3 flights | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Source: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air — prices as of 2025.
Seat Types & Comfort
- Economy Class: Standard legroom (30–32 inches), meal/snack included on Garuda, buy-on-board on Lion Air and Citilink.
- Business Class (Garuda only): Wider seats, premium meal, lounge access at Juanda. Price: 2,500,000–3,500,000 IDR ($167–$233 USD).
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Fastest — 1.5 hours flight, 4.5 hours total
- ✅ Direct, no transfers
- ✅ Multiple airlines & price points
- ❌ Need to arrange ground transport to/from airports
- ❌ Can be delayed during rainy season (Nov–Mar)
🚆 Train: Not Direct — Complex & Time-Consuming
There is no direct train from Surabaya to Palembang. Indonesia's railway network is split between Java and Sumatra, separated by the Sunda Strait. A multi-stage journey would involve a train from Surabaya to Jakarta, a ferry crossing, and then a bus or train onward to Palembang. This takes at least 2 days and is not recommended for most travelers.
Possible Route (for reference only)
- Surabaya → Jakarta (Gambir Station): Train Argo Bromo Anggrek or Bima, 8–10 hours. Cost: 350,000–700,000 IDR ($23–$47 USD).
- Jakarta → Merak Port: Taxi or bus, 2–3 hours. Cost: 100,000–300,000 IDR ($7–$20 USD).
- Merak → Bakauheni (Sumatra): Ferry crossing, 2–3 hours. Cost: 50,000–100,000 IDR ($3–$7 USD).
- Bakauheni → Palembang: Bus or train, 8–10 hours. Cost: 200,000–400,000 IDR ($13–$27 USD).
Total time: 30–36 hours (excluding waiting time). Total cost: 700,000–1,500,000 IDR ($47–$100 USD).
Train Types from Surabaya to Jakarta
| Train Name | Class | Duration | Price (IDR) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argo Bromo Anggrek | Executive | 8h 30m | 500,000 – 700,000 | $33 – $47 |
| Bima | Executive | 9h 00m | 450,000 – 650,000 | $30 – $43 |
| Gaya Baru Malam | Business | 10h 30m | 350,000 – 500,000 | $23 – $33 |
Source: PT KAI (Kereta Api Indonesia) — schedule as of 2025.
Why This Route Is Not Recommended
- ❌ Extremely long — 2+ days
- ❌ Multiple transfers with complex logistics
- ❌ Cost is similar to a flight, but time is 10× longer
- ❌ Ferry and road conditions can be unpredictable
- ✅ Only suitable for travelers who explicitly want a multi-day overland adventure
🚌 Bus: Budget-Friendly but Extremely Long
Long-distance buses operate between Surabaya and Palembang, crossing the Sunda Strait by ferry. This is the cheapest option but requires 20–24 hours of travel. Buses depart from Bungurasih Bus Terminal (Purabaya) in Surabaya and arrive at Palembang Bus Terminal (Karya Jaya).
Bus Companies & Details
| Company | Type | Duration | Price (IDR) | Price (USD) | AC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALS (Agung Lestari) | Executive | 22–24 h | 350,000 – 450,000 | $23 – $30 | ✅ |
| SAN (Sumber Agung) | Executive | 22–24 h | 300,000 – 400,000 | $20 – $27 | ✅ |
| Rosalia Indah | Super Executive | 20–22 h | 400,000 – 500,000 | $27 – $33 | ✅ |
Source: ALS Bus, Rosalia Indah — 2025 fares.
Route Breakdown
- Departure: Bungurasih Terminal, Surabaya — accessible by taxi (40 min from the mosque, ~50,000 IDR).
- Ferry crossing: Merak → Bakauheni (Sunda Strait), ~2 hours included in the journey.
- Arrival: Palembang Bus Terminal — then take a local taxi to your final destination (~30,000–50,000 IDR).
Day Bus vs. Night Bus
- Day bus: Departs early morning, arrives next morning. More scenic but hot.
- Night bus: Departs evening, arrives late next day. Cooler, but sleep quality is low.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Cheapest — from 300,000 IDR ($20 USD)
- ✅ No need to book weeks in advance
- ❌ Very long — 20–24 hours
- ❌ Low comfort — cramped seats, bumpy roads
- ❌ Ferry crossing can be delayed
- ❌ Limited luggage space (1 bag max)
Booking tip: Reserve your seat at least 1 day in advance via the bus terminal or online platforms like Tiket.com.
🚕 Taxi / Private Car: Extremely Expensive & Impractical
Hiring a private car or taxi for the entire 1,000 km journey is not recommended for most travelers. The cost is very high and the drive takes 12–14 hours (including the ferry crossing). However, it may be considered for special circumstances — such as traveling with a large group, carrying heavy luggage, or needing flexibility.
Cost Breakdown
| Service | Estimated Cost (IDR) | Estimated Cost (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local taxi (Surabaya-based) | 3,000,000 – 4,000,000 | $200 – $267 | 12–14 h |
| Gojek/Grab long-distance | 3,500,000 – 5,000,000 | $233 – $333 | 12–14 h |
| Private hire (with driver) | 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 | $267 – $400 | 12–14 h |
When to Consider This Option
- Group of 4–5 people (cost splits to ~800,000–1,200,000 IDR per person).
- Traveling with very large or fragile luggage.
- Need to make multiple stops along the route (e.g., visiting family).
- Flight and bus are fully booked (rare, but possible during Lebaran).
Route Details
- Al-Qur'an Al-Akbar Mosque → Surabaya–Merak: ~800 km via toll road, 8–9 hours.
- Merak → Bakauheni ferry: 2–3 hours (ferry ticket ~200,000 IDR per vehicle).
- Bakauheni → Palembang: ~200 km, 3–4 hours.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Door-to-door, no transfers
- ✅ Flexible schedule
- ✅ Comfortable for groups
- ❌ Extremely expensive — 10× the cost of a flight
- ❌ Very tiring — 12+ hours of driving
- ❌ Ferry waiting times can add hours
🎟️ Tickets & Cost Comparison — All Options at a Glance
Use this comparison table to make your final decision based on time, cost, and convenience.
| Transport Mode | Total Duration | Price Range (IDR) | Price Range (USD) | Transfers | Comfort | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | ~4.5 hours | 500,000 – 1,500,000 | $33 – $100 | 0 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Best choice |
| 🚆 Train (multi-stage) | 2+ days | 700,000 – 1,500,000 | $47 – $100 | 3+ | ⭐⭐ | ❌ Not recommended |
| 🚌 Bus | 20–24 hours | 300,000 – 500,000 | $20 – $33 | 1 (ferry) | ⭐⭐ | 💰 Cheapest |
| 🚕 Taxi / Private car | 12–14 hours | 3,000,000 – 6,000,000 | $200 – $400 | 1 (ferry) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⚠️ Special cases only |
Where to Buy Tickets
- Flights: Book via Traveloka, Tiket.com, or airline websites. Prices are lowest 2–4 weeks before departure.
- Buses: Buy at Bungurasih Terminal or book via Tiket.com (select "Bus" category).
- Trains: Book via PT KAI or the KAI Access app.
- Taxi/private car: Arrange via Gojek/Grab or local travel agencies.
💡 Traveler Tips & Insights
1. Book Flights Early for the Best Price
Airfares on the Surabaya–Palembang route can vary significantly. Booking 2–4 weeks in advance saves 30–50%. Avoid booking on the day of travel, especially during peak seasons (Lebaran, Christmas, school holidays).
2. Getting to Juanda Airport from the Mosque
Al-Qur'an Al-Akbar Mosque is located in the MERR area of Surabaya. A taxi or Gojek/Grab to Juanda International Airport (Terminal 1 for domestic flights) takes 30–45 minutes and costs around 50,000–80,000 IDR ($3–$5 USD).
3. Arriving in Palembang — Airport to City Center
Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport is about 12 km from Palembang city center. Taxis cost ~50,000 IDR ($3 USD) and take 20–30 minutes. Ride-hailing apps (Gojek/Grab) are also available at the airport.
4. Luggage Delivery Service (Kiriman Barang)
If you're traveling with heavy luggage and plan to make a multi-stop trip, consider using a baggage delivery service like JNE, Tiki, or SiCepat. They can ship your bags from Surabaya to Palembang for around 100,000–200,000 IDR ($7–$13 USD) per 20 kg bag, delivery in 2–3 days.
5. Weather & Seasonality
- Rainy season (November–March): Flights may be delayed due to thunderstorms. Allow extra time at the airport.
- Peak season (Lebaran, Christmas, New Year): Book flights and buses at least 1 month in advance. Prices can double.
- Dry season (April–October): Best time for travel — minimal delays, comfortable weather.
6. What to Eat at the Airport
Juanda Airport has a variety of food options in the departure hall: J.CO Donuts, Excelso Coffee, Burger King, and local Indonesian restaurants. In Palembang airport, try Pempek (fish cake) — a local specialty.
7. Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Both airports offer free Wi-Fi. Juanda Airport provides 60 minutes of free internet (register via your phone number). Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport also has free Wi-Fi with no time limit.
❓ FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
1. Is there a direct train from Surabaya to Palembang?
No, there is no direct train service. The railway network does not connect East Java to South Sumatra directly. You would need to take a train from Surabaya to Jakarta (8–10 hours), cross the Sunda Strait by ferry, and continue by bus or another train. This journey takes at least 2 days and is not recommended.
2. What is the fastest way to get from Al-Qur'an Al-Akbar Mosque to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport?
Flying is the fastest option. The flight from Surabaya Juanda Airport (SUB) to Palembang Airport (PLM) takes about 1.5 hours. Including travel to the airport, security check, and baggage collection, the total journey time is approximately 4.5 hours. Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, and Citilink operate direct flights.
3. How much does a flight from Surabaya to Palembang cost?
A one-way economy class ticket ranges from 500,000 to 1,500,000 IDR ($33 to $100 USD), depending on the airline, booking time, and season. Garuda Indonesia is typically more expensive (900,000–1,500,000 IDR), while Lion Air and Citilink offer lower fares (500,000–800,000 IDR).
4. Are there overnight buses from Surabaya to Palembang?
Yes, overnight bus services operate from Bungurasih Bus Terminal in Surabaya to Palembang Bus Terminal. The journey takes 20–24 hours, including a ferry crossing. Prices range from 300,000 to 500,000 IDR ($20–$33 USD). Buses are basic but air-conditioned.
5. How far is the distance between Al-Qur'an Al-Akbar Mosque and Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport?
The straight-line distance is approximately 850 km, while the actual road distance is about 1,000 km. By air, the flight distance is roughly 700 km. The journey crosses from East Java to South Sumatra, including the Sunda Strait.
6. Can I book a ride-hailing service (Gojek/Grab) for the entire journey?
While Gojek and Grab offer inter-city services in some regions, booking a ride for the entire 1,000 km journey from Surabaya to Palembang is not practical. The cost would exceed 3,000,000 IDR ($200 USD) and the drive would take 12–14 hours, including the ferry crossing. It is only recommended for extreme cases.
7. What is the most budget-friendly way to travel from Surabaya to Palembang?
The bus is the cheapest option, with prices from 300,000 to 500,000 IDR ($20–$33 USD). However, the journey takes 20–24 hours. If you value time, a budget airline ticket (Citilink or Lion Air) for around 500,000–700,000 IDR ($33–$47 USD) offers the best value for money.
8. How early should I arrive at Juanda International Airport for a domestic flight?
For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. This allows time for check-in, baggage drop, security screening, and boarding. During peak seasons (Lebaran, Christmas, school holidays), arrive 2.5–3 hours early to avoid long queues.