Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport is Suriname's leading airport, located approximately 45 km south of the capital Paramaribo.
It connects the country with the Netherlands, other Caribbean and South American destinations, reflecting Suriname's strong historical ties with Europe.
How to get to Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport
By Train
There is no railway connection to the airport.
By Bus
Grand Baldew operator manages a bus connection to the city, with a journey of about one hour; the quoted fare (around 14 USD) seems high for a local bus, verify it before relying on it.
Given the nearly 45 km distance and taxi cost, it's worth arranging in advance a private transfer or one through your hotel.
Parking near Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport
A paid surface parking lot is available in front of the terminal.
How to get to Paramaribo from PBM
As Uber and Bolt are not available in Suriname, the transfer to Paramaribo, about 45 km away, is arranged through local taxi companies, generally requiring advance booking, with an estimated fare of around 50 euros to be negotiated before the trip.
By Train
There is no rail connection for the airport.
By Bus
Grand Baldew operates a bus service to the city center, approximately one hour's travel.
By Taxi
Paramaribo city center is approximately 45 km away, one hour's journey; typical fares are 25–45 USD, to be negotiated in advance.
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
From PBM to the most sought-after destinations
KLM and Surinam Airways operate year-round direct flights to Amsterdam; Surinam Airways also connects Paramaribo with Belém, Brazil, Georgetown, Guyana, and seasonally with Aruba and Curaçao. Other airlines present include Caribbean Airlines, Copa Airlines and Gol.
Car rental at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport
Avis has a 24-hour desk in the terminal; local operator Ross Rental Cars is also present.
Hotels near Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport
At the airport, Zanderij
Rumanija's Airport Rooms is about 1.2 km from the terminal, with a free shuttle running around the clock.
Best for: Night arrivals and dawn departures, for those who don't want to face the hour-long drive to Paramaribo.
- The only property a few minutes from the terminals on the whole route to Paramaribo
- A free shuttle running even at night, with no need to rely on a taxi
- Only three rooms and simple services, different from the chain hotels downtown
- Only the small town of Zanderij around: no restaurant besides the hotel's own
Historic centre, Paramaribo
About 50 km and over an hour by taxi from the airport; the same distance for any hotel downtown.
Best for: Those staying more than one night who want the colonial centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on the Suriname River.
- The colonial historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reachable on foot from the hotels
- Fort Zeelandia and the riverfront a few minutes on foot from the Radisson and the Ramada
- The same hour-plus taxi ride from the airport for any hotel in the city
- No direct public transport: only taxis or a rental car
Recommended hotels
- Radisson Hotel Paramaribo Downtown, about 500 metres from the Suriname River and four blocks from the Jules Wijdenbosch bridge; a panoramic rooftop terrace. View availability
- Courtyard by Marriott Paramaribo On the Suriname River in the Rainville district, about 2 km from Fort Zeelandia and the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. View availability
- Ramada by Wyndham Princess Paramaribo Downtown on Kleine Waterstraat, at the heart of the nightlife with an in-house casino; 10 minutes on foot from the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. View availability
Airport services
The country's primary airport, it offers adequate service infrastructure.
Shopping & Duty Free
A duty-free area is available.
Lounges & relaxation
A general VIP lounge and the Sabuku Lounge (reserved for Surinam Airways passengers) are available in the boarding area on the upper level.
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
Families & Children
Family services are limited, consistent with the airport's modest size.
Terminal guide
A single terminal handles all passenger traffic, both international and domestic.
Map of Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do you need a visa for Suriname?
Since 2022 the tourist card is no longer enough: a mandatory electronic Entry Fee must be requested online before departure, at a total cost of about 58 USD/EUR.
Q. Is Paramaribo safe for tourists?
Yes, the United States classifies Suriname at the lowest advisory level, the same as Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Q. What currency is used in Suriname?
The Surinamese dollar (SRD), subject to strong volatility: it's worth checking the updated exchange rate right before departure.
Q. What language is spoken in Paramaribo?
Dutch is the official language, but Sranan Tongo (an English-based Creole) is the most widespread lingua franca in everyday life.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights