Surabaya Airport: Your Essential Travel Guide- Beyond Borders

Surabaya Airport Guide: East Java’s Main Gateway

Discover everything you need to know about Surabaya airport, East Java’s main gateway. Our comprehensive guide covers facilities, transport, and tips!

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Key Highlights

Welcome to your guide for Juanda International Airport (SUB)! Here’s what you need to know before you travel.

  • Juanda International Airport is the third busiest airport in Indonesia, serving Surabaya and the greater East Java region.
  • The airport is located just 12 kilometers from downtown Surabaya, making it easily accessible.
  • It features two main terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights.
  • SUB is a hub for major airlines like Batik Air and Citilink.
  • You’ll find plenty of ground transport options, from shuttle buses to taxis.

Introduction

Are you planning a trip to Indonesia’s second-largest city? Juanda International Airport (SUB) is your primary entry point to the vibrant city of Surabaya and the beautiful region of East Java. Named after Djuanda Kartawidjaja, the last Prime Minister of Indonesia, this bustling airport connects millions of travelers each year. Whether you’re visiting for business or exploring the stunning landscapes of Java, this guide provides all the essential information for a smooth journey through Surabaya’s main gateway.

Overview of Juanda International Airport

Juanda International Airport stands as the third busiest airport in Indonesia, right after Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta and Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai. Operated by InJourney Airports, it serves as a crucial hub for domestic and international flights, connecting Surabaya with destinations across Asia. The airport is well-equipped with modern facilities to ensure you have a comfortable experience.

From its location to the services offered, understanding the layout of Juanda can make your travel much smoother. What amenities can you expect during your visit? In the following sections, we will explore the airport’s location, statistics, and terminal layout in more detail.

Location and Accessibility

Wondering about the airport’s exact location? Juanda International Airport is situated in the Sedati district of Sidoarjo, approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) southeast of downtown Surabaya. This convenient proximity makes the journey to and from the city center quick and straightforward, typically taking around 30 minutes by car.

The airport serves the entire Surabaya metropolitan area, a key economic and industrial hub in East Java. Its strategic position makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the region’s many attractions, from bustling cityscapes to natural wonders.

Getting to the airport is simple thanks to excellent road connections. The Waru-Juanda Toll Road provides a direct and efficient link between the airport and various parts of Surabaya, helping you avoid city traffic and ensuring you arrive on time for your flight.

Key Airport Statistics

Juanda International Airport has consistently proven its commitment to service excellence. In 2014, Airport Council International (ACI) ranked it as the world’s tenth-best airport for service quality among airports with a capacity of 5-15 million passengers. This recognition highlights its dedication to providing a positive passenger experience, addressing questions about its service standards.

The airport handles a significant volume of traffic. In 2023 alone, it served over 14 million passengers and managed more than 96,000 aircraft movements. These figures underscore its importance as a major transportation hub in Indonesia, with numerous domestic and international rute (routes) available.

Here is a quick look at the airport’s performance in 2023.

Statistic Figure Percentage Change
Passengers 14,010,882 ▲ 29.8%
Cargo (tonnes) 67,493 ▼ 1.3%
Aircraft Movements 96,255 ▲ 23.6%

Source: DGCA [1]

Terminals and Layout

Navigating Juanda International Airport (SUB) is easy once you understand its layout. The airport is comprised of two primary buildings: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Each terminal is designed to handle different types of flights, ensuring a streamlined flow of passengers moving through Surabaya.

Terminal 1 is dedicated to domestic travel, while Terminal 2 manages all international services. This clear separation helps you quickly find your way to the correct check-in counters and departure gates. Let’s look closer at what each zone offers and the amenities available to you.

Domestic and International Zones

Terminal 1 at Juanda Airport is the hub for all domestic flights. This spacious terminal, which was expanded in 2021, is divided into two sub-terminals: 1A for departures and 1B for arrivals. The check-in and security process is standard; you’ll present your ticket and ID at the airline counter, drop off any checked bags, and then proceed through a security screening before heading to your gate.

On the other side of the runway, Terminal 2 is the gateway for all international flights. This modern facility features a sleek design and handles flights to destinations across Asia and beyond. The process for international travel is similar but includes an additional immigration check after security, where your passport will be stamped.

Initially, some domestic airlines like Garuda Indonesia and Indonesia AirAsia operated from Terminal 2. However, these services were relocated to Terminal 1 in 2023 to consolidate domestic operations. Always double-check your ticket to confirm which terminal your flight departs from.

Passenger Amenities and Facilities

What facilities can you use while at the airport? Juanda International Airport provides a range of amenities to make your wait more comfortable. You can stay connected with free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminals or handle financial needs at the various ATMs and currency exchange counters.

For those with time to spare, the airport offers numerous food, drink, and retail concessions, including popular spots like Gloria Jean’s Coffees. If you need to store your bags, luggage wrapping and storage services are available. The airport also provides medical services for any health concerns. Additionally, facilities for debarkasi haji surabaya (Hajj pilgrim arrivals) are available during the pilgrimage season.

Looking for a quiet place to relax? Yes, the airport has several passenger lounges that offer a more exclusive space with complimentary refreshments and even showers. Other useful facilities include:

  • Children’s play areas
  • Duty-free shopping
  • A hotel inside Terminal 1 (Ibis Budget Surabaya Airport)

Airlines, Routes, and Destinations

Juanda International Airport is a bustling hub for numerous airlines, offering an extensive network of routes. As a hub for Batik Air and a focus city for Garuda Indonesia, the airport provides excellent connectivity throughout the archipelago and abroad. Whether you’re planning a domestic trip or an international adventure, you’ll find plenty of options.

With a wide variety of airlines operating daily international flights, you can easily travel from Surabaya to many major cities in Asia. Let’s explore some of the major carriers and popular destinations you can reach from Juanda.

Major Airlines Operating

Juanda International Airport hosts a variety of well-known carriers. National airline Garuda Indonesia operates key domestic and international routes, including popular flights to Jakarta and Singapore. Other major international airlines include Cathay Pacific, which connects Surabaya to Hong Kong, and Singapore Airlines, offering another premium option for travel to Singapore.

You can also find budget-friendly choices like Indonesia AirAsia, Lion Air, and Super Air Jet, which serve a vast network of domestic destinations. For international travel, Batik Air Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines, and Scoot provide frequent flights to regional hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

To get the most up-to-date arrivals and departures information for Juanda International Airport, it’s best to check the airport’s official website at juanda-airport.com. Alternatively, you can track flights directly through your airline’s mobile app or website.

The airport plays a vital role to dorong konektivitas (encourage connectivity) for East Java, linking it to major hubs across Indonesia and Asia. Domestically, the most frequent flights connect Surabaya to Jakarta, Denpasar (Bali), and Makassar. These routes are served by multiple airlines, including Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air.

Internationally, the airport offers direct flights to several key cities. The busiest routes include Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, with multiple daily flights. Other popular connections include Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific and Bandar Seri Begawan with Royal Brunei Airlines.

If you are looking to book cheap flights, it’s always a good idea to book in advance, especially when traveling with budget carriers like AirAsia or Lion Air. Comparing prices online and being flexible with your travel dates can also help you find great deals. Popular destinations include:

  • Domestic: Jakarta, Denpasar, Makassar, Balikpapan
  • International: Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Guangzhou

Ground Transportation Options

Once you land at Juanda International Airport, you’ll find several transportation options to get you to Surabaya or other nearby cities. Whether you prefer the affordability of a bus or the convenience of a private car, there’s a solution that fits your needs and budget.

Choosing the right transport can make the final leg of your journey much more pleasant. From shuttle services and taxis to public transit, we’ll cover all the ways you can travel from the airport, along with some helpful travel tips to get you started.

Shuttle Services, Taxis, and Car Rentals

Official airport taxis are readily available at both terminals. To ensure a fair price, it’s best to book your ride at the official taxi counters located inside the arrivals hall. Ride-hailing services like Grab and Gojek are also popular and have designated pickup zones just outside the terminal.

For those who prefer to drive themselves, several car rental companies operate at Juanda. You can find desks for agencies like Avis and Hertz inside the terminal. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Surabaya and its surroundings at your own pace. Getting from the city center back to the airport is just as easy using these same options.

Shuttle services are another convenient choice. Private companies offer shared van or minibus rides to various destinations, including Surabaya and Malang. It’s a good idea to book your seat online in advance, especially during peak travel times. Options include:

  • Official airport taxis
  • Ride-hailing apps (Grab, Gojek)
  • Car rentals (Avis, Hertz, etc.)
  • Private shuttle services

For a budget-friendly public transit option, the DAMRI bus service is your best bet. These air-conditioned buses connect Juanda Airport to several key locations in and around Surabaya. You can purchase your ticket at the DAMRI counter inside the arrivals area before you board.

The DAMRI bus operates three main routes from the airport. One route goes to the Purabaya Bus Terminal, which is a major hub for intercity buses. Another route takes you directly to Tunjungan Plaza in downtown Surabaya, while a third heads toward Bunder in the nearby city of Gresik.

Here’s a useful travel tip: buses run approximately every hour from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. If you arrive late at night, you may need to consider a taxi or ride-hailing service, as the bus service might have ended for the day.

Conclusion

In summary, Surabaya’s Juanda International Airport serves as a vital gateway to East Java, offering travelers a blend of convenience and accessibility. With its well-structured terminals, extensive passenger amenities, and a wide array of airlines catering to numerous domestic and international destinations, the airport ensures a seamless travel experience. Understanding your options for ground transportation further enhances your journey, allowing you to explore all that this vibrant region has to offer. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, Juanda International Airport is poised to make your arrival in East Java smooth and enjoyable. To help you plan your trip even better, don’t hesitate to get in touch for a free consultation on travel tips and recommendations!