With 4 hours at Juanda International Airport (SUB), stay airside or close by. Clear immigration and security can take 30–60 minutes each way, so avoid going too far. Inside the terminals you’ll find cafés, Indonesian eateries, convenience stores, prayer rooms, and basic shopping. If you want to rest, use an airport lounge (often accessible via Priority Pass or paid entry) for Wi‑Fi, snacks, and showers. For a quick taste of local flavor, try soto ayam or nasi goreng at one of the airport restaurants. Keep an eye on boarding times—be back at your gate at least 45–60 minutes before departure, especially for international flights.

With about 8 hours, you can briefly explore Surabaya if your timing avoids rush hour. From SUB, take a taxi or ride‑hailing car (about 30–60 minutes to central Surabaya depending on traffic). A compact route: head to Tunjungan Plaza for an easy base—grab coffee or lunch, then walk or ride to nearby landmarks like Jalan Tunjungan and the historic Hotel Majapahit. If you prefer culture, go to House of Sampoerna to see the clove cigarette museum and Dutch‑era architecture, then stop by the nearby Surabaya Old Town area. Alternatively, visit Masjid Al‑Akbar Surabaya (the Great Mosque) for its striking blue domes and city views from the tower. Allow at least 2–2.5 hours for the round‑trip drive plus a buffer; be back at the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight or 3 hours before an international one.

With 24 hours, you can see several of Surabaya’s highlights. After arriving at SUB, head into the city and check into a hotel around Tunjungan, Gubeng, or Darmo for easy access. Start with House of Sampoerna and the surrounding Old Town, then walk or drive to Jembatan Merah and the historic Chinatown and Arab Quarter around Ampel Mosque for markets and street food. In the afternoon, visit Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument) and its museum to understand Surabaya’s role in Indonesia’s independence. Toward sunset, stroll along Taman Bungkul or the riverside area near Surabaya North Quay, or head to Kenjeran Park and the new Surabaya North Quay for sea views. In the evening, explore the malls (Tunjungan Plaza, Galaxy Mall, or Pakuwon Mall) for dining and people‑watching. If you have an early‑morning departure, consider staying near the airport in Sidoarjo to shorten the return trip and avoid traffic.