Overview
Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, is the natural gateway to East Java and to Mount Bromo, one of the country's most photographed volcanoes. It's a real working port city — colonial architecture, a lively Arab Quarter and a fast-growing skyline — rather than a resort town, making it a rewarding stop for travellers wanting an authentic slice of Java alongside Bali or Yogyakarta. Flights to Surabaya from the UK suit both short city breaks and longer Indonesia itineraries.
Best time to fly to Surabaya
Surabaya sits close to the equator, so temperatures stay warm and humid year-round, typically in the high 20s to low 30s°C. The dry season, roughly April to October, is the best time to fly to Surabaya for reliable weather and clear views if you're heading up to Mount Bromo. The wet season (November to March) brings heavier afternoon downpours, though fares and hotel rates can be more attractive. School holidays and the Eid al-Fitr period see higher demand across Indonesia, so booking ahead for those windows pays off.
Airlines and routes
There are currently no direct flights to Surabaya from the UK, so journeys route via a major Asian or Gulf hub. Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha) and Malaysia Airlines (via Kuala Lumpur) all offer well-timed connections onward to Surabaya's Juanda Airport, with Garuda Indonesia a strong option for the final leg from Jakarta or Denpasar. Total journey time from London is typically around 16 to 19 hours including the stopover, depending on the connection. Comparing airlines and hub cities is one of the easiest ways to find cheap flights to Surabaya — see the price charts on this page for current options.
Things to do in Surabaya
Beyond its role as a travel hub, Surabaya rewards a day or two of exploring in its own right:
- House of Sampoerna: a beautifully preserved colonial-era clove cigarette factory and museum tracing the city's trading history.
- Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument): Surabaya's striking independence monument, with an excellent museum on the 1945 Battle of Surabaya.
- Kampung Arab and Ampel Mosque: the historic Arab Quarter, full of spice traders, street food and one of Java's oldest mosques.
- Suramadu Bridge: Indonesia's longest bridge, linking Surabaya to Madura Island — worth the trip for the views alone.
- Mount Bromo day trips: Surabaya is the most convenient gateway for a sunrise trek up this iconic active volcano, roughly three hours away.
At Juanda International Airport (SUB)
Juanda International Airport sits around 20km south of Surabaya city centre, and a taxi or ride-hailing app such as Grab typically takes 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. DAMRI airport buses run regular, low-cost services into the city and on to Bungurasih bus terminal for onward travel across East Java. Airport rail links are not currently available, so road transport is the standard route in and out.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Surabaya
- Book roughly three to five months ahead for the best fares, especially if travelling in the dry season or over school holidays.
- Flying midweek, on a Tuesday or Wednesday, and avoiding Friday and Sunday peaks usually brings the price down.
- Stay flexible on dates and hub airport — routing via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Dubai can vary in price by season.
- Use the When to book chart above to compare fares across airlines and travel months before you commit.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders can enter Indonesia with a Visa on Arrival or a pre-arranged e-Visa, valid for a short stay and extendable once inside the country — always check the latest requirements before you travel, as entry rules can change. The currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR); pounds exchange easily at banks and licensed money changers in Surabaya. No specific vaccinations are mandatory for UK travellers, though routine cover and standard travel health precautions are sensible, and comprehensive travel insurance is well worth having in place before you fly.
