Cheap flights to Surat
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Quick summary
Country
India
Continent
Asia
Airport
STV
Currency
Indian rupee (INR)
Time zone
UTC+5:30 (IST), no daylight saving
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Why track Surat with SniperAir
A diamond city and former trading port, off the beaten path
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Surat is a large city in Gujarat, in western India, on the Tapi (Tapti) river near the Gulf of Khambhat. It is Gujarat's second city after Ahmedabad, 265 km south of it and 289 km north of Mumbai (Wikipedia EN, FR, ES). It is famous for diamonds, with about 90% of the world's diamonds said to be cut and polished here (Wikipedia EN, ES), and for textiles. Wikivoyage (EN) calls it a bustling commercial city that is largely off the beaten path for foreign visitors, with some hidden gems of Western India.
Surat was also one of the great ports of Mughal India: English, Dutch and French trading posts were set up here in the 17th century (Wikipedia EN, DE, FR), which explains its European cemeteries and its old castle. According to the local legend, a rich merchant named Gopi founded the city around 1500 and called it Suryapur, the city of the sun (Wikipedia EN; Wikivoyage EN). This page focuses on Surat and its history; for the whole country, see the India page. SniperAir tracks flight prices and alerts you when one drops below your budget; we do not sell or book anything.
Airport and transfer
Surat Airport (STV), about 12 km from the centre
Surat Airport (STV)
The airport is in Magdalla, about 12 km from the centre according to Wikipedia (EN) and 14 km by road according to Wikipedia (DE). Wikivoyage (EN) lists domestic flights from many Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Goa, plus some international links to Dubai and Bangkok. International status was approved by the Indian cabinet in December 2023 (Wikipedia EN). Airlines and schedules change, so check before booking.
Distance STV to Surat centre: about 12 to 14 km depending on the source. No taxi fare is quoted here.
Surat is also a railway stop: the station is on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad line (Wikivoyage EN). Depending on your itinerary, compare alerts to Ahmedabad (AMD) or Mumbai (BOM), then take the train. Entry rules for India depend on your nationality: check with the authorities before booking.
Landmarks and sights
Cemeteries, a castle, a river and the diamond capital
Surat is not known as a city of monuments: Wikipedia (DE) notes that despite its long history it has few historic sights, and Wikivoyage (EN) speaks of hidden gems. The six places shown below cover the essentials; others are described afterwards in text only.
The Dutch cemetery
On Karatgam Road, the Dutch, English and Armenian cemeteries recall the European trading posts of the 17th century (Wikivoyage EN; Wikipedia ES; Surat Municipal Corporation website). They hold monumental tombs with domes and tall stone obelisks, including that of the Dutchman Henrik van Rheede, who died at sea in 1691 (Wikipedia DE). The site is old and fragile: treat it with respect and ask about access.
Mausoleums from the trading era
The European-style tombs combine stone, arcades and small domes, sometimes in the shade of trees. They bear witness to Surat's cosmopolitan trade, where Turkish, Armenian, English, French and Dutch merchants rubbed shoulders (Wikipedia EN, FR).
Surat Castle
The castle, on the bank of the Tapi, was built in the 16th century, between 1540 and 1546, to protect the city from raids (Wikipedia EN, DE). It has round corner towers and a large gateway with spiked doors (Wikipedia EN; Wikivoyage EN). Wikipedia (FR) says it has been restored and is now a museum: check opening before you go.
The Tapi and its bridges
The river runs through the city. The old inner port silted up after the river was regulated, and port activity moved to Magdalla and Hazira (Wikipedia EN, DE). The Causeway, a low weir, is a weekend and winter spot for water sports but is closed to visitors during the monsoon (Wikivoyage EN).
Gopi Talav
Seen from above, this renovated round lake, with its fountain, promenade and green spaces, stands out among very dense neighbourhoods. Wikivoyage (EN) mentions a garden, a restaurant and boating; activities and hours vary.
The Diamond Bourse
On the edge of the city, about 3 km from the airport (Wikipedia ES), the Surat Diamond Bourse is described as the world's largest office building by floor area, about 660,000 square metres (Wikipedia EN, ES): nine 15-storey towers linked by a central corridor, with about 4,200 offices. It is a business centre for traders, not a site designed for tourists, and we found no information about visiting.
Among the places without a photo: the Chintamani Jain Temple, from around 1700, plain outside and richly decorated inside with paintings in vegetable dyes (Wikivoyage EN; Wikipedia DE); the Mughal Sarai, a travellers' inn of 1644 now used as municipal offices; the Marjan Sami mausoleum; and Dumas Beach, southwest of the city (Wikipedia EN; Wikivoyage EN).
Museums and culture
Sardar Patel Museum, Science Centre and traces of history
Sardar Patel Museum
Founded at the start of the 20th century, this museum holds art and craft objects (Wikivoyage EN). Opening days and hours change, so check before you go. We do not quote ticket prices.
The Science Centre
Wikivoyage (EN) mentions a planetarium, science exhibits, an art gallery and a museum, along with a diamond gallery. It also hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
Andrew Library and the castle museum
Andrew Library, funded in 1850 by a wealthy pearl merchant, holds thousands of books, many of them Gujarati and Hindi novels (Wikivoyage EN). According to Wikipedia (FR), the castle has been restored as a museum.
A cosmopolitan past
In the 17th century Surat was the first English trading base in India, and the Dutch and French followed (Wikipedia EN, DE). The Rang Upvan open-air theatre and other venues host performances and events (Wikivoyage EN; Surat Municipal Corporation).
Food and drink
Locho, undhiyu, ghari and street food
Surti specialities
Wikivoyage (EN) lists locho, Surti undhiyu, rasawala khaman, cold cocoa and Surti ghari. Surti food is spicier than the sweet stereotype of Gujarati cooking. Ghari, a traditional sweet, is eaten above all on Chandi Padvo, the October full moon, when residents have supper under the moon at Dumas.
Street food
In winter people eat ponk, roasted millet, on the banks of the Tapi. The roadside stalls known as laris serve dosas, pav bhaji or vada pav, and egg stalls are famous (Wikivoyage EN). Hygiene varies at stalls, so pick busy ones.
Ice cream and sweets
Surat's kulfi and hand-made ice creams are well known, with unusual flavours such as chilli or coriander (Wikivoyage EN). We do not list addresses, which change.
Alcohol
Wikivoyage (EN) says alcohol is banned in Gujarat, with permits for foreign visitors: check the rules before you travel.
Getting around
Rickshaws, rapid buses and trains
Rickshaws
Motorised rickshaws handle most local trips (Wikivoyage EN; Wikipedia DE), alongside many two-wheelers. Agree the price before you get in.
Buses and metro
A network of air-conditioned bus rapid transit (BRTS) buses runs in the city (Wikivoyage EN). A metro is under construction (Wikipedia DE; Wikivoyage EN): we do not guarantee any opening date.
Train and coach
The station is in the east of the centre, near bus stations with coaches run by the state transport company to the rest of Gujarat and to Mumbai (Wikivoyage EN). Schedules change, so check them.
Budget and precautions
A budget to check, health to plan for
Price level
We do not publish price ranges for Surat: the available figures come from a single source and are not cross-checked. Watching the flight price in advance is the simplest way to control the budget.
Health
Before you go, see a doctor or a travel medicine clinic: risks such as dengue, malaria and food- or water-borne illness vary by region and season.
Safety and monsoon
Wikipedia (EN) notes that the Tapi has flooded many times, especially in the monsoon; follow local advice. As in any large city, keep valuables with you. Check your own government's travel advice before booking.
When to go
A mild dry winter, a hot summer, a heavy monsoon
Winter (December to February)
Mild temperatures and very little rain (Wikipedia EN): the most comfortable time for walking in the city.
Summer (March to June)
Strong heat, with April and May the hottest months (Wikipedia EN); carry water and head out early in the morning.
Monsoon (late June to September)
Heavy rain, a risk of Tapi floods and closure of some riverside leisure spots (Wikipedia EN; Wikivoyage EN).
October-November
The monsoon retreats but the heat stays high until late November (Wikipedia EN); the October full moon marks the Chandi Padvo festival.
The climate is tropical savanna (Wikipedia EN). We do not publish temperature or rainfall figures because the sources disagree. The time zone is UTC+5:30 all year, with no daylight saving.
By length of stay
How many days to spend in Surat
The historic core
The castle, a cemetery and Gopi Talav are enough for a first look.
City and table
Add the Chintamani temple, the Mughal Sarai, the Science Centre and a Surti meal.
River and coast
With three days, add the riverfront and Dumas Beach; Surat combines well with Ahmedabad or Mumbai by train.
In pictures
Surat in pictures
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about flights to Surat
Which airport do I use for Surat?
Surat Airport (STV), in Magdalla, about 12 to 14 km from the centre depending on the source. It is mainly served by domestic flights; check airlines before booking.
How far is Surat from Ahmedabad and Mumbai?
About 265 km from Ahmedabad and 289 km from Mumbai according to Wikipedia. Surat station is on the line linking the two cities.
What is there to see in Surat?
The Dutch and Armenian cemeteries, the castle on the Tapi, the Chintamani Jain Temple, the Mughal Sarai, Gopi Talav and Dumas Beach; the Diamond Bourse is a business centre, not a visitor site.
Can I visit the Diamond Bourse?
It is a diamond trading centre, described as the world's largest office building. We found no reliable information about visiting: ask the organisation directly.
When is the best time to visit Surat?
December to February, for mild temperatures and little rain. April and May are very hot and the monsoon runs from late June to September.
What should I eat in Surat?
Locho, undhiyu, khaman, ghari or ponk depending on the season, plus street food. Alcohol is banned in Gujarat, with permits for foreign visitors: check the rule.
How many days should I allow for Surat?
One day for the castle and a cemetery, two with the Chintamani temple and the food, three with the riverfront and Dumas.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Surat drops below my budget?
Create an alert profile with your departure airport, Surat Airport (STV) as destination and your maximum budget. You are notified as soon as a matching price is detected. SniperAir monitors and alerts; it does not sell or book tickets.
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