If you are planning to travel to Labuan Bajo, there are a few things to consider – one important factor being your current location. Here are several route options for reaching Labuan Bajo if you wish to visit Komodo National Park.
The fastest and most popular way to reach Labuan Bajo is by flying directly to Komodo International Airport (LBJ). However, depending on your budget and travel style, you can also get there by taking a multi-day island-hopping cruise or traveling on a public passenger ferry.
If you are outside Indonesia, You can catch direct flights daily from major Indonesian travel hubs. The most popular gateway is Bali (DPS ).
1. Getting Labuan Bajo from Bali Island.
Flying from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali to Komodo International Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo is the most convenient choice. Several airlines operate multiple nonstop flights daily ( Indonesia Air Asia, Batik Air, Lion, Garuda )
2. Getting Labuan Bajo from Lombok Island
If you are on Lombok Island, there are three travel options to Labuan Bajo that you might consider. You can choose the option that best fits your travel plans and budget.
A. Flight to Labuan Bajo or via Bali (The Fastest Route)
While there are occasionally seasonal direct flights, the standard, reliable flying route from Lombok requires a quick layover. This option is perfect if you have a boat trip in Komodo National Park ( Day tour, 2D1N, 3D2N and 4D3N )
- The Route: Fly from Lombok International Airport (LOP) to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali, then take a quick connecting flight straight to Komodo International Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo.
- Total Travel Time: Roughly 3 to 5 hours depending on your connection window. Airlines like Wings Air, Citilink, and Batik Air handle these local hops smoothly.
B. Join 4 days 3 nights Cross island Boat trip
For those already on Lombok Island who wish to visit Komodo National Park, joining a four-day tour from Lombok to Komodo is an excellent choice.
The journey goes beyond merely reaching Labuan Bajo; you will enjoy a cruise that takes you past Sumbawa and through the Komodo National Park area. Once you arrive in Labuan Bajo, there are also many other interesting places to visit.
Please note that all boat operators offering this four-day trip use wooden vessels equipped with sleeping cabins, bathrooms, and a large communal area with sleeping berths. The facilities are simple, and it is important to be aware of this before choosing this option.
C. Overland & Ferry Island Hopping (The Hardcore Budget Route)
If you want a raw, rugged local experience on a shoestring budget, you can cross the region entirely by public buses and local roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ferries.
- Lombok to Sumbawa: Take a public bus from Mataram to Kayangan Port, then ride a 1.5-hour public ferry to Poto Tano Port in West Sumbawa.
- Cross Sumbawa Island: Board a long-haul public bus or shared transport across the entire length of Sumbawa Island to Sape Port in the far east (this takes about 10–12 grueling hours).
- Sape to Labuan Bajo Ferry: Board the daily ASDP public passenger ferry from Sape Port directly across the strait to Labuan Bajo. This final sea voyage takes roughly 6 to 8 hours.