Photo Credit: Arden

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport

Also known as Zanderij International Airport, Johan Adolf Pengel is Suriname’s only international airport and also the country’s largest and busiest gateway. Much of the traffic that the airport receives comes from neighboring South American countries like Brazil, Caribbean destinations like Trinidad and European cities like Amsterdam and Brussels.

While Surinam Airways is the main carrier to the region, there are also several options for travelers coming from the United States, including KLM, which flies from Boston Logan International, Chicago O’Hare International, Dallas Fort Worth, and Detroit Wayne County. Caribbean Airlines flies from Fort Lauderdale, Miami International, New York JFK and Orlando International. Insel Air and Surinam Air also fly from Miami International.

The International Airport is located about 28 miles outside of the capital city Paramaribo, just to the south. There are two options for travelers wanting to make the 45-minute journey. Bus services are available to the city center and meet passengers at the international arrivals terminal. The other option is to enlist the services of a private taxi, which is more expensive but often more comfortable. Taxi companies also usually wait outside or near the arrivals terminal. Taxis are not metered so prices need to be negotiated upon before departing.

Cheddi Jagan International Airport (Guyana)

Another option for travelers who are unable to fly straight into Suriname is to fly into Guyana first and from there make an overland journey into the country.

Cheddi Jagan International Airport is the largest port in Guyana and is also the country’s national airport. Travelers coming from the United States have their pick of the following airlines: Delta flies from Atlanta, Norfolk International, Birmingham, Boston Logan International and Philadelphia International; Caribbean Airlines flies from Orlando International and Fort Lauderdale International; and Surinam Airways also has flights from Miami.

This national airport is located about 25 miles outside of the capital city Georgetown, to the south. Travelers can use a bus shuttle service to get into the city center where the local bus station is located. Minibuses leave Guyana’s capital for the border with Suriname on a daily basis, several times a day. Tickets do not need to be pre-booked as travelers can generally purchase their tickets on the day.

Click here for Travel Tips in Suriname