Surabaya Transportation Guide

Surabaya, the second-largest city in Indonesia, offers a diverse range of transportation options suitable for every type of traveller. Whether you prefer affordable public transport or private rides with modern conveniences, navigating the city is generally straightforward once you understand the local system. Getting around Surabaya allows travellers to experience both its urban energy and authentic local life. With the right mix of planning and flexibility, exploring the city’s landmarks, markets, and culinary spots becomes an easy and enjoyable part of your journey.

🚖 Taxi Services

Taxis are a convenient and reliable way to travel around Surabaya, with services available at Juanda International Airport, major hotels, shopping malls, and popular attractions. Blue Bird and Orenz Taxi are among the most trusted operators, offering metered fares, clean vehicles, and professional service. Before your journey begins, make sure the driver switches on the meter. As most taxis accept cash only, carry small Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) notes for easier payment. If needed, keep your destination written in Bahasa Indonesia to help with communication.

Below is an overview of taxi fares in Surabaya for reference:

Conversion rate: 1 MYR ≈ 3,400 IDR (subject to change).

For Malaysian travellers, taxis in Surabaya provide a safe and comfortable means of transportation, especially for those carrying luggage or travelling in groups. However, during peak hours, it may be faster and more economical to use Grab or Gojek, which offer upfront pricing and easy mobile bookings.

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🚗 Grab and Gojek Ride-Hailing

Source: Bisnis Tekno

Grab and Gojek are the most popular ride-hailing services in Surabaya, offering a convenient, safe, and affordable way to get around the city. Both apps provide fixed fares, making it easy to book cars or motorbikes through your smartphone. Malaysian travellers can use their existing Grab account, while Gojek may require a local Indonesian SIM card for registration and full access to its features. GrabCar and GoCar are ideal for comfortable city travel, while GoRide is a faster option for avoiding traffic. Payments can be made in cash or through supported e-wallets, depending on your account setup.

Below is a general guide to estimated fares and travel times for common routes:

Conversion rate: 1 MYR ≈ 3,400 IDR (subject to change).

Both Grab and Gojek are known for their reliability, transparent pricing, and convenience, which make them highly recommended for tourists. Ride-hailing is also significantly cheaper than using private taxis, and you can easily estimate travel times and fares before confirming your trip.

When using either service, it is advisable to:

• Double-check your pickup location before confirming the ride.
• Keep some cash (in small notes) handy in case e-wallet payment fails.
• Always wear a helmet if you are using Gojek’s motorbike service (helmets are provided).
• Avoid booking during heavy rain or peak hours to prevent surge pricing.

Grab and Gojek together offer the most efficient, safe, and affordable way to explore Surabaya — from shopping malls and cultural landmarks to street food areas and local markets.

🚌 Suroboyo Bus- Public Bus

Source: Wikipedia

The Suroboyo Bus is an affordable and eco-friendly way to travel around Surabaya, connecting major attractions, shopping centres, and residential areas. The buses are clean, air-conditioned, and equipped with facilities such as CCTV, wheelchair access, and priority seating. Passengers can pay using electronic money cards or, on selected services, by exchanging used plastic bottles, making it one of the city's most unique and environmentally friendly public transport options.

Below is a quick guide to the Suroboyo Bus routes and estimated fares:

Conversion rate: 1 MYR ≈ 3,400 IDR (subject to change).

To board the Suroboyo Bus, passengers can wait at designated bus stops marked with red signs and route maps. Payment can be made either by tapping your electronic money card at the entrance or by exchanging three used plastic bottles (1.5 litres) or six small bottles (600 ml) at official collection points before boarding.

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🚐 Angkot (Public Minivans)

Angkot (Angkutan Kota) is a traditional and inexpensive way to travel around Surabaya. These shared minibuses operate on fixed routes and are widely used by locals, making them a good option for travellers who want to experience everyday life in the city. Fares are paid in cash, so carry small Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) notes. As Angkots have limited route information and no fixed schedules, they may be less convenient for first-time visitors, but they are a budget-friendly choice for short trips.

Below is a guide to some of the main Angkot routes and their estimated fares:

Conversion rate: 1 MYR ≈ 3,400 IDR (subject to change).

While Angkots are one of the cheapest transport options in Surabaya, they can be less predictable and sometimes crowded during peak hours. Routes may not always be clearly marked in English, so asking locals or hotel staff for guidance before you travel is recommended.

🚆 Train Travel Between Cities

Source: The Jakarta Post

Surabaya serves as one of the most important railway hubs in Indonesia, connecting major cities across the island of Java. Travelling by train is one of the most comfortable and scenic ways to explore other destinations from Surabaya, offering travellers a reliable alternative to long bus rides or domestic flights.

The city has two main train stations — Surabaya Gubeng Station and Surabaya Pasar Turi Station.

• Gubeng Station mainly handles trains heading south and east, such as to Malang, Yogyakarta, and Banyuwangi.
• Pasar Turi Station serves routes to the west and north, including Jakarta and Semarang.

Indonesian trains are generally clean, punctual, and well-maintained. There are three main classes of service:

1. Executive Class (Eksekutif) – Air-conditioned with spacious seats, ideal for long journeys.
2. Business Class (Bisnis) – Comfortable with standard seating and air-conditioning.
3. Economy Class (Ekonomi) – Affordable and basic, popular among local travellers.

Tickets can be easily purchased at train stations, through the KAI Access app, or via online booking platforms. It is recommended to book early, especially during weekends and public holidays, as trains tend to sell out quickly.

Below is a guide to popular train routes from Surabaya, including estimated fares and travel times:

Conversion rate: 1 MYR ≈ 3,400 IDR (subject to change).

For Malaysian travellers, train journeys in Indonesia offer a pleasant balance between comfort and cost. Executive class is highly recommended for longer distances, providing air-conditioning, reclining seats, and onboard refreshments at a reasonable price. The trains also feature restrooms and designated luggage storage areas.

If you plan to continue to Bali, you can take the train from Surabaya Gubeng to Banyuwangi, followed by a short ferry ride across the Bali Strait to Gilimanuk Port, a scenic and convenient overland route between Java and Bali.

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🚙 Car Rental and Private Driver Services

Renting a car is a convenient option for travellers who want the flexibility to explore Surabaya and nearby destinations at their own pace. Car rental services are available at Juanda International Airport, major hotels, and through online booking platforms. You can choose to drive yourself or hire a car with a driver, although a chauffeur-driven service is often recommended for Malaysian travellers due to Surabaya's busy traffic and unfamiliar road conditions. A local driver can also provide useful knowledge of the best routes, attractions, and dining spots, making your journey more comfortable and convenient.

Below is a guide to typical car rental rates in Surabaya:

Conversion rate: 1 MYR ≈ 3,400 IDR (subject to change).

Rental prices typically include basic insurance, and additional charges may apply for overtime, tolls, or parking. If you plan to drive yourself, ensure you possess an International Driving Permit (IDP), as Malaysian licences alone are not officially recognised in Indonesia.

For multi-day trips or excursions outside the city, such as to Malang, Bromo, or Banyuwangi, hiring a car with a driver offers the best balance of comfort, safety, and convenience. Many local drivers also act as informal guides, helping travellers explore attractions at their own pace without the stress of navigating or parking.

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💳 Money and Payment in Surabaya

Understanding how payments work in Surabaya will help Malaysian travellers navigate the city smoothly and avoid unnecessary inconveniences. While modern payment methods such as credit cards and e-wallets are becoming more common, cash remains essential in many places especially small shops, traditional markets, and local food stalls.

🏦 Currency Exchange

Currency exchange services are available at Juanda International Airport, major shopping malls, and authorised money changers across the city. It is advisable to exchange a small amount at the airport for transportation and small expenses, then exchange larger amounts at licensed money changers in the city for better rates.

Banks such as Bank Central Asia (BCA), Bank Mandiri, and Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) also offer currency exchange services. Always check the rates and make sure to keep your exchange receipts.

💡 Tip: Avoid changing money on the street or with unlicensed agents to prevent counterfeit or short-counted notes.

🏧 ATMs and Cash Withdrawal

ATMs are widely available throughout Surabaya in shopping malls, convenience stores, and near hotels. Malaysian travellers can withdraw cash using Visa, MasterCard, or Cirrus-enabled debit or credit cards. Withdrawal fees typically range from IDR 20,000–50,000 (RM 6–15) per transaction, depending on your home bank. To avoid issues, always choose ATMs located inside secure areas (such as malls or banks) and notify your bank before travelling to prevent card blocking.

💳 Credit and Debit Cards

Major credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted at upscale hotels, restaurants, and large retail outlets. However, many smaller shops and food stalls still prefer cash payments. Before using your card, confirm with the cashier whether card payments are accepted, as some places may require a minimum spend or add a small service charge.

📱 E-Wallets and Digital Payments

Digital payments through GoPay, OVO, and DANA are becoming increasingly common, especially in urban areas. These platforms are widely used for ride-hailing (Grab, Gojek), food delivery, and retail purchases. However, foreign travellers may find it difficult to activate local e-wallets, as registration often requires an Indonesian phone number and bank account. For convenience, Malaysians can continue using credit or debit cards for online bookings and hotel payments.

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