Car rental in Surabaya

You don't need a rental car inside Surabaya. Ride-hailing is cheap, and the city is hot and spread out, so driving yourself adds little. The reason to hire a car is the trips out of town. Bromo and Ijen start in the middle of the night and use long mountain roads, so a car with a driver is the normal choice. In November 2026, listings started from about US$30 a day, so check whether a driver, fuel and insurance are included.

When a car is worth it

Mount Bromo. Sunrise tours usually leave Surabaya around midnight and take about three to four hours to reach the area. A driver means you aren't handling mountain roads in the dark after a short sleep. The last stretch up to the viewpoint before dawn is normally by jeep, so the car takes you to the base, such as Cemoro Lawang. Staying overnight there makes it far less tiring.

Malang and Batu. Malang is a couple of hours away and cooler than Surabaya, with Batu's fruit farms and gardens close by. It's a good stop on the way to or from Bromo.

Ijen crater. A long night trip known for its blue flames and sulfur miners, usually combined with Bromo over two or three days. Rules on entry and guides change, so book through someone who knows the current conditions.

Madura. The Suramadu Bridge leads to Madura Island, known for its duck dishes. It's a half-day trip with a driver and pairs well with Kenjeran on the way back.

Before you book

Your licence. Visitors are generally expected to carry an International Driving Permit together with their home licence, and the UK government says a UK licence alone isn't valid in Indonesia. Rules can change, so confirm with the rental company or an official source before you travel.

Driver or self-drive. Hiring a driver is the norm for Bromo and Ijen. Ask what's included, such as fuel, parking fees, overtime and the hours covered, and for a multi-day trip, how the driver's lodging and meals are handled. Drive yourself only if you're confident in busy, mixed traffic.

Where to collect the car. Ask whether you can collect at Juanda airport or have the car brought to your hotel. Check parking at your hotel too.

Insurance. Check what the basic cover excludes and what excess you'd pay after damage. Photograph the car before you leave and agree the fuel policy.

Driving in Indonesia

The basics. Traffic drives on the left. Motorbikes are everywhere and overtake on both sides, so leave space and check your mirrors often.

Tolls. Toll roads on Java don't take cash, so ask whether the car comes with a prepaid card and how much balance it holds.

Traffic and parking. Surabaya is busy at rush hour, so leave early for day trips. Bromo is cold at the top, sometimes near freezing, so bring a warm jacket.

Weather and closures. The dry months, roughly May to October, give the best chance of a clear sunrise, while rain and cloud are more likely from November to March. Bromo and Ijen can close at short notice for volcanic activity or ceremonies, so check the official status and the cancellation terms before you pay.