Few visitors even notice the DAMRI Gresik Line bus at SUB
The DAMRI Gresik Line runs from Juanda International Airport (SUB) to the port/industrial city of Gresik, roughly 40–50 km northwest of the terminals. It’s aimed at local commuters, not tourists, and current info is thin, with some Surabaya transport blogs hinting that service may be reduced or even temporarily suspended. Treat it as a niche option, not a guaranteed link like the standard Surabaya DAMRI routes.
Buses historically depart from the public arrivals area outside Terminals 1 and 2, not from the upper departures ramps. Look for DAMRI branding and printed destination boards that actually say “Gresik” or list a route via Surabaya city; some older lines from SUB to Gresik required a change in Purabaya (Bungurasih) bus terminal about 20 km away. If you only see airport–Purabaya or airport–city buses on the board, the direct Gresik line may not be running that day.
When it runs, pricing tends to be in the low tens of thousands of rupiah, often around IDR 30,000–40,000 for the full airport–Gresik ride, making it cheaper than most app taxis that easily exceed IDR 150,000 for the same distance. Tickets usually sell on board or at a small DAMRI counter by the curb; cash in small notes (IDR 10,000 and 20,000) keeps things smooth, as drivers don’t always have change for IDR 100,000 bills.
Expect basic city-bus comfort: bench or coach-style seats, open luggage space at the front or mid‑aisle, and sometimes standing passengers during commuter peaks around 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00. Air‑conditioning may be running but not cold, and the ride can take 90 minutes or more to Gresik if Surabaya traffic backs up on the toll road or the main arterial routes.
Step-by-step: using (or confirming) the DAMRI Gresik Line
- 1. Land and clear arrivals: After baggage claim in Terminal 1 or 2, walk to the public curbside area on the ground floor within 5–10 minutes.
- 2. Find the DAMRI stand: Look for a DAMRI signboard near the bus bays showing routes like “Purabaya,” “Terminal,” or “Gresik”; ask staff specifically, “DAMRI ke Gresik masih ada?”
- 3. Confirm the route: If they say the direct Gresik bus is not operating, pivot to an airport–Purabaya DAMRI (about 20 km) and plan to transfer to another bus or angkot toward Gresik from that terminal.
- 4. Pay the fare: Buy a ticket at the counter or with the driver, typically around IDR 30,000–40,000, and keep the paper stub until you get off in Gresik.
- 5. Board and stow bags: Get on through the front door, place large luggage in the front or mid‑aisle space, and keep valuables on your lap for the 60–90 minute ride.
- 6. Get off in Gresik: Ask the driver to drop you near your target area, for example “Pelabuhan Gresik” or “Alun‑Alun Gresik,” and use a local ojol (motorbike taxi) for the last 2–5 km if needed.
One practical tip: check the latest status of the Gresik line on a local Surabaya transport blog or by calling a DAMRI office in Surabaya the day before flying, because printed boards at SUB can lag months behind real service changes.