Surat is one of the largest cities in Gujarat, on India's west coast, spread along the banks of the Tapi River close to where it meets the Arabian Sea. It is famous as a global centre for cutting and polishing diamonds and as one of the country's great textile markets, especially for silk and synthetic sarees. Many people book flights to Surat for business, family visits or wedding season, and the city rewards curious visitors with beaches, a riverside fort and some of the best street food in Gujarat.

About Surat Airport

Location

Surat International Airport, code STV, lies in the south-west of the city near Magdalla and the Dumas Road corridor. That puts it fairly close to the newer residential districts of Vesu and Piplod and within easy reach of Dumas Beach.

Terminals

Surat has a single passenger terminal that has been expanded to handle growing traffic. It mainly serves domestic flights, alongside a small number of international routes. The building is compact, so check-in and baggage collection are generally quick, but it can get busy around festival and wedding seasons.

Getting to and from the airport

Taxis and app-based cabs are the most convenient way into the city, and auto-rickshaws are widely available for shorter trips. City buses and the BRTS network cover major corridors, though they are less practical with heavy luggage. Many business travellers arrange a pick-up through their hosts or accommodation in advance, which is especially helpful after a late arrival.

Direct and connecting flights to Surat

For a Singapore to Surat flight, most itineraries involve a connection, typically through a large Indian hub such as Mumbai, Delhi or Bengaluru, or through a Gulf hub. Search on Traveloka and switch on the direct flights filter to see whether any non-stop option is available on your dates, then compare layover lengths and baggage rules for the connecting choices. Some travellers also fly into Mumbai or Ahmedabad and continue to Surat by train, which can be a good alternative when flight times do not fit.

When to fly to Surat

Surat has a hot, tropical climate. The pleasant season runs from about November to February, with warm days and cooler nights ideal for sightseeing. March to May is very hot and humid, and the south-west monsoon usually arrives in June, bringing heavy rain until around September.

Demand peaks sharply around Diwali, when many Gujarati families return home, and during Navratri, when the city dances garba late into the night. Uttarayan, the kite festival in mid-January, fills Surat's rooftops with colour. For Singapore travellers, the December school holidays coincide with cool, dry weather, while June falls at the start of the monsoon. Check the fare chart on this page to see how prices typically move across the year.

Popular places in Surat

Dumas Beach

This black-sand beach on the Arabian Sea is Surat's favourite evening outing. Locals come for the sea breeze, food stalls and sunsets rather than swimming, and the beach is surrounded by local legends that add to its mystique.

Surat Castle

Also known as the Old Fort, this sixteenth-century fortress beside the Tapi has been carefully restored. Its galleries and ramparts tell the story of the city's long history as a trading port.

Dutch Garden and colonial cemeteries

Surat was an early base for European traders, and the Dutch and English cemeteries, with their grand tombs, are among the most unusual historic sites in India. The nearby Dutch Garden is a peaceful riverside park.

Sardar Patel Museum

One of the oldest museums in Gujarat, it displays textiles, coins, ceramics and artefacts that reflect Surat's rich trading culture.

Textile and diamond markets

The sprawling textile markets along Ring Road are a sight in themselves, with thousands of shops selling fabric and sarees. Visitors can also learn about the diamond trade in the Varachha and Mahidharpura areas.

Where to stay in Surat

Vesu and Piplod in the south-west are modern, upscale areas close to the airport, with malls, restaurants and wide roads. Athwa Lines and Ghod Dod Road are central, well connected and popular with business travellers. Adajan, across the river, is a lively residential district with plenty of eateries. If you are arriving by train or focusing on the markets, the area around Surat railway station and Ring Road is the most practical.

Food to try in Surat

Locho

A soft, steamed gram-flour snack unique to Surat, served warm with oil, spices, sev and green chutney. It is a classic breakfast on the city's streets.

Undhiyu

This slow-cooked winter dish combines seasonal vegetables, beans and fenugreek dumplings in a rich spiced mix. Surti undhiyu is especially prized and eaten across Gujarat during Uttarayan.

Ghari

A rich sweet made of flour, ghee and dried fruit, filled with a creamy centre. It is traditionally eaten on Chandi Padvo, a moonlit festival day in autumn.

Khaman and Surti ponk

Spongy khaman is a much-loved savoury snack, and in winter, stalls sell ponk, tender green sorghum grains roasted and served with sev and chutney.

Ready to experience the energy of Surat? Compare flights to Surat on Traveloka, set a Price Alert for your dates and keep your e-ticket safely in the app.