Surabaya’s bustling Juanda Airport (SUB) is located 17 kilometres outside of the city centre. Flights connect passengers with Taipei, Hong Kong, Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Connections to Europe are more limited, though there are semi-regular flights to Amsterdam. Otherwise, passengers arriving from Europe are likely to be routed first through Jakarta, where Indonesia’s discount domestic carrier (Indonesia AirAsia) is headquartered.

Thanks largely in part to the newly opened (2006) three-storey terminal operating at Juanda International Airport, facilities are broad and modern. Both international and domestic flights originate here in this omni-terminal, and facilities include ATMs, restaurants and hire-car firms. A shuttle bus transfers passengers to the city’s primary bus terminal, and fixed-rate taxis queue up outside of the Arrivals Hall.

It is also possible to arrive in Surabaya by train. Two primary train stations operate lines to Jakarta: Surabaya Pasar Turi (nine hours) and Surabaya Gubeng (15 hours). There are also trains to local destinations such as Sembrani, Argo Bromo Anggrek and Gumarang. Meanwhile, a fleet of regular ferries arrive in Surabaya's harbour from neighbouring Indonesian ports and islands.

Given the comfort and relative privacy available on-board air-conditioned trains, few travellers opt to use the cramped public buses for long-haul journeys. Minibuses provide comfortable point-to-point service between travel destinations. Those who wish to hire a vehicle and plan their own travel itinerary can arrange their rental at the airport. Travellers wanting to avoid driving on Surabaya’s hectic streets may wish to hire a car with a driver, an arrangement that is surprisingly affordable.