Overview
Paramaribo, the riverside capital of Suriname, is one of South America's most distinctive cities — a former Dutch colony where wooden colonial architecture, mosques, synagogues and Hindu temples sit side by side in a rich cultural mix. UK travellers come for its UNESCO-listed old town, Dutch-Caribbean character and access to vast tracts of untouched rainforest. The city is served by Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM), Suriname's main gateway. Comparing fares in one place makes finding the right flight to Paramaribo quick and simple.
Best time to fly to Paramaribo
Paramaribo is warm and tropical all year. There are two drier spells — the main dry season from August to November and a shorter one around February to April — which offer the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and jungle trips. The wetter months bring heavier rain but lush scenery. Fares often ease outside the busy Christmas and summer holidays — check the price charts on this page for the cheapest dates.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Paramaribo, so journeys connect through a European, Caribbean or North American hub. A popular option is KLM via Amsterdam, reflecting the country's Dutch ties, while other routings use Caribbean Airlines via Trinidad or connections through a US or Caribbean gateway. Total journey time from London is typically 13–19 hours depending on the connection, and travellers from Manchester or other UK cities route via one of these hubs. Comparing carriers for your exact dates is the surest way to secure the lowest fare.
Things to do in Paramaribo
Paramaribo offers a compact, walkable old town and easy access to nature:
- Historic Inner City: a UNESCO World Heritage site of elegant white-and-brown Dutch colonial buildings.
- Fort Zeelandia: a 17th-century riverside fortress that now houses the Suriname Museum.
- Presidential Palace & Palmentuin: a grand palace fronting a serene palm garden in the city centre.
- Neveh Shalom Synagogue & Mosque Keizerstraat: a synagogue and mosque standing side by side, symbolising the city's harmony.
- Suriname River trips: boat excursions to spot dolphins and reach rainforest lodges upriver.
At Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM)
Suriname's main airport lies about 45 km south of Paramaribo at Zanderij, with duty-free shopping, currency exchange, ATMs and dining. Taxis and pre-arranged transfers are the usual way into the city; allow around an hour for the journey. A smaller field, Zorg en Hoop, closer to the city, handles domestic and regional flights.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Paramaribo
- Book roughly 2–4 months ahead for long-haul value — last-minute fares to Paramaribo are usually higher.
- Avoid the Christmas and summer peaks; the shoulder weeks bring noticeably lower prices.
- Be flexible with your dates — midweek departures are often cheaper than weekends.
- Compare hubs; a connection via Amsterdam or Trinidad can vary a good deal in price.
Travel essentials
- UK passport holders should check the latest entry rules before travelling — Suriname has offered an e-visa or tourist card for many nationalities, so confirm what applies to you well in advance.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry to Suriname; keep routine UK travel jabs up to date.
- The local currency is the Surinamese dollar (SRD).