Port information & tips for Surabaya
Surabaya welcomes travelers as the dynamic "City of Heroes" and is the pulsating economic heart of East Java. Indonesia's second-largest metropolis impresses with a fascinating mix of modern architecture, colonial heritage, and an authentic Javanese atmosphere. Right near the port, the House of Sampoerna in a magnificent colonial building and the impressive submarine monument Monkasel invite you to make exciting discoveries, while the majestic Tugu Pahlawan honors the city's history. Cruise ships dock at the modern Gapura Surya Nusantara Terminal in the port of Tanjung Perak. Thanks to its location, this first-class terminal offers excellent connections, so that the city center can be reached comfortably for exploration tours in about twenty minutes.
The port of Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, welcomes cruise guests at the modern Gapura Surya Nusantara Terminal in the seaport of Tanjung Perak. Although the port is primarily industrial, the terminal offers a pleasant arrival with various amenities. Arriving one day before embarkation is strongly recommended due to the long flight time from the DACH region, allowing you to start your cruise adventure relaxed.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically involves a flight to Juanda International Airport (SUB), located about 27 to 28 kilometers south of the port. Since there are no direct long-haul flights from Europe, you can travel comfortably via major hubs in Asia, such as Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 for most domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights as well as some domestic flights by Garuda Indonesia and Indonesia AirAsia.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Juanda International Airport (SUB), you can easily reach the cruise terminal by taxi or via ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek. A taxi ride takes about 27 to 28 minutes and costs between 140,000 and 180,000 Indonesian Rupiah. Cruise lines often offer their own shuttle services, and private shuttle companies are also available. Please note that the port area is an industrial zone and walking from the ship to the exit is not possible; a means of transport is mandatory. Additionally, plan sufficient time for transfers, as traffic in Surabaya can be very heavy, especially between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
For a stress-free embarkation after the long journey from the DACH region, an overnight stay in one of Surabaya's numerous hotels is recommended. Many hotels offer convenient connections to the airport and the port thanks to their good location. For example, you can reach Juanda Airport from the Mövenpick Surabaya City in about 20 minutes by car. A stay in a pre-cruise hotel also allows you to gather first impressions of the "City of Heroes" and acclimate to the tropical climate.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, welcomes cruise guests at the modern Gapura Surya Nusantara Terminal in the seaport of Tanjung Perak. Although the port is primarily industrial, the terminal offers a pleasant arrival with various amenities. Arriving one day before embarkation is strongly recommended due to the long flight time from the DACH region, allowing you to start your cruise adventure relaxed.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically involves a flight to Juanda International Airport (SUB), located about 27 to 28 kilometers south of the port. Since there are no direct long-haul flights from Europe, you can travel comfortably via major hubs in Asia, such as Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 for most domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights as well as some domestic flights by Garuda Indonesia and Indonesia AirAsia.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Juanda International Airport (SUB), you can easily reach the cruise terminal by taxi or via ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek. A taxi ride takes about 27 to 28 minutes and costs between 140,000 and 180,000 Indonesian Rupiah. Cruise lines often offer their own shuttle services, and private shuttle companies are also available. Please note that the port area is an industrial zone and walking from the ship to the exit is not possible; a means of transport is mandatory. Additionally, plan sufficient time for transfers, as traffic in Surabaya can be very heavy, especially between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
For a stress-free embarkation after the long journey from the DACH region, an overnight stay in one of Surabaya's numerous hotels is recommended. Many hotels offer convenient connections to the airport and the port thanks to their good location. For example, you can reach Juanda Airport from the Mövenpick Surabaya City in about 20 minutes by car. A stay in a pre-cruise hotel also allows you to gather first impressions of the "City of Heroes" and acclimate to the tropical climate.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
The modern Gapura Surya Nusantara terminal at Tanjung Perak Port offers a convenient starting point for your excursions into the Indonesian metropolis, thanks to its first-class infrastructure. Since the city center is located about 10 kilometers to the south, you can reach the most important sights directly and comfortably using the diverse local transport options.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Official Blue Bird taxis wait directly at the terminal for passengers and take you safely into the heart of the city thanks to fair metered prices. You can also conveniently order a private ride service via apps such as Grab or Gojek, with special pick-up points at the port guaranteeing a smooth onward journey.
Suroboyo Bus
The modern Suroboyo Bus connects the port area directly with central hubs such as Tunjungan Plaza and offers a particularly pleasant ride thanks to air conditioning. A special feature is the sustainable concept, where passengers also have the opportunity to pay the fare with recyclable plastic bottles.
Shuttle Service
Numerous cruise lines provide comfortable shuttle buses for their guests, which transport you directly from the pier to the major shopping centers and historical squares. This service allows you to plan your shore excursion at your own pace while ensuring a convenient return to the ship thanks to fixed schedules.
To make the most of your stay in the vibrant port metropolis of Surabaya, we recommend a combination of colonial history in the north and the impressive cultural landmarks along the coast.
House of Sampoerna & Old Town
This magnificent colonial building in the heart of the Old Town houses a fascinating museum dedicated to tobacco tradition and, thanks to its proximity to the port, offers an ideal introduction to the history of Surabaya. The surrounding alleys with their Dutch architecture also invite you to take an atmospheric stroll and perfectly bring the charm of bygone times to life.
Monkasel Submarine Monument
The impressive monument consists of a real Russian submarine and is a unique destination for those interested in technology thanks to its central location on the banks of the Kalimas River. The site is perfect for a short stopover and at the same time offers an interesting insight into the maritime importance of the Indonesian Navy.
Sanggar Agung Temple
Located directly on the coast, this colorful temple impresses with its monumental statue of the goddess Guan Yin as well as the striking dragon gates to the sea. The complex is an ideal location for impressive photographs thanks to its location in Kenjeran Park and offers visitors a wonderful oasis of peace away from the lively city center.
House of Sampoerna
The House of Sampoerna is a magnificent colonial building in Art Deco style and is located only about fifteen minutes' drive from Tanjung Perak port. This historic site offers a fascinating insight into the city's industrial heritage and also allows you to observe the impressive craftsmanship of traditional manufacturing live. Thanks to the first-class café with its stylish atmosphere and the well-maintained museum grounds, you can spend a relaxed morning full of cultural discoveries here. Ideally, visit the house early in the morning to experience the full activity in production, and take advantage of the easy accessibility for a relaxed return to the ship about two hours before the scheduled departure.
The return journey to the Gapura Surya Nusantara terminal at Tanjung Perak Port can be organized easily and safely thanks to the well-developed infrastructure in Surabaya.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing
Reliable Blue Bird taxis are available at central locations such as Tunjungan Plaza, Grand City Mall, or directly in front of Hotel Majapahit to take you comfortably to the port terminal. Additionally, you can easily call vehicles via app, with the ride ending directly in front of the modern cruise terminal.
Shuttle Buses and Organized Transfers
Many cruise lines offer regular shuttle buses that commute between the House of Sampoerna or major shopping centers and the port. Use these coordinated trips for a punctual return and check the terminal information point for the exact departure times for your return journey.
Orientation and Safety at the Terminal
The Tanjung Perak port area is extensive and professionally guarded, so you can easily orient yourself within the secured terminal grounds. As the route from the city center leads through busy industrial zones, it is recommended to use a vehicle for the final mile to the ship to arrive at check-in relaxed and on time.
