Flying to Suriname: Amsterdam to Paramaribo

The airport is at Zanderij, a good three quarters of an hour from the city. Arrange your transfer in advance through your hotel: taxis meet arrivals, but after nine hours in the air having it settled is easier and usually no more expensive.

Suriname does not observe daylight saving. The difference with the Netherlands is therefore four hours in European summer time and five in winter. You fly backwards through the clock, which keeps jet lag mild: you are tired early the first evening and awake early the first morning.

Flights from the Netherlands are fullest and priciest in July, August, the week around 25 November and over Christmas. Outside those windows there is room.

Colakreek is close to the airport. If your flight times are awkward, it makes a good first or last day.

In short

• Arrange the airport transfer in advance, it is 45 km
• Have your first night’s address to hand at immigration
• Cash, or a plan for a cambio, for the first day
• Expect a 4-hour (summer) or 5-hour (winter) time difference

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Paramaribo?

The direct flight from Amsterdam to Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport takes around nine hours.

What is the time difference between Europe and Suriname?

Suriname is four hours behind the Netherlands during European summer time and five hours behind in winter. Suriname itself does not observe daylight saving.

How far is the airport from Paramaribo?

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) is at Zanderij, about 45 kilometres south of Paramaribo. Allow 45 minutes to an hour by road.