Knowing how to get to Flores is the first step in planning any Flores trip — and in 2026, the answer is simpler than ever. A direct Jakarta–Labuan Bajo route launched in March, Bali connections run multiple times daily, and the upgraded Komodo Airport terminal is five minutes from town.
This guide covers every option: flying from Bali, Jakarta, and other Indonesian cities; ferry and sea travel for those with time; what to expect at the airport; and how to get between stops once you are on the island. For help planning the trip itself, contact our team.
The Fastest Way to Get to Flores: Flying
Flying is the right choice for almost every visitor. The alternative — ferry or overland-and-sea — takes days and is only worth it if the journey itself is the point. Flights from Bali are affordable, frequent, and under two hours.
Flores has three domestic airports:
| Airport | Code | Location | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Komodo International Airport | LBJ | Labuan Bajo (west) | Most visitors — primary gateway |
| H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport | ENE | Ende (central) | Kelimutu access, east approach |
| Frans Seda Airport | MOF | Maumere (east) | East Flores, Trans-Flores exit point |
Most travellers fly into Labuan Bajo (LBJ) and, if doing the full island, fly out from Ende or Maumere. This one-way routing pairs naturally with the Trans-Flores overland route.
Flying from Bali to Flores
This is the most common way to get to Flores for international visitors. Bali (Ngurah Rai Airport, DPS) is the main international hub for eastern Indonesia, and Labuan Bajo is one of its most popular onward connections.
- Route: Bali (DPS) → Labuan Bajo (LBJ)
- Flight time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
- Airlines: Lion Air, Wings Air, Citilink, Garuda Indonesia, TransNusa
- Frequency: 4–8 flights daily depending on season
- Typical fare: IDR 450,000–1,200,000 one-way ($28–$74 USD)
Booking tips: Book 2–4 weeks ahead in peak season (July–August) — this route fills fast. Morning Bali departures land Labuan Bajo mid-morning, giving you a full first day. Check baggage allowance if diving; budget carriers charge for checked bags.
For how to combine Bali and Flores in one trip, see our Flores vs Bali guide.
Direct from Jakarta: The 2026 Game-Changer
On 29 March 2026, Garuda Indonesia and TransNusa launched direct Jakarta (CGK) to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) flights — the single most significant connectivity improvement for Flores tourism in years. Previously, every visitor from Jakarta had to connect through Bali or Lombok, adding 4–8 hours to the journey.
- Route: Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) → Labuan Bajo (LBJ)
- Flight time: ~2 hours 20 minutes
- Airlines: Garuda Indonesia, TransNusa, Super Air Jet
- Frequency: Daily departures
- Typical fare: IDR 600,000–1,500,000 one-way ($37–$92 USD)
For international visitors transiting Jakarta, this also means you can fly from Europe or the Middle East into CGK and connect directly to Labuan Bajo in a single travel day — a routing that was not viable before 2026.
Other Indonesian Cities
From Kupang (KOE) — capital of East Nusa Tenggara: Wings Air and TransNusa connect Kupang to Labuan Bajo (~1hr), Ende (~45min), and Maumere (~45min). Useful if combining Flores with a Timor itinerary.
From Surabaya (SUB): Direct on some schedules (~1hr 50min); otherwise connect via Bali. Frequency varies by season — check current timetables.
From Lombok (LOP): Wings Air operates Lombok → Labuan Bajo (~1hr). Useful for visitors combining Lombok and Flores in one east Indonesia trip.
Flying into Ende or Maumere
If you are planning a west-to-east Trans-Flores road trip, the cleanest routing is: fly in to Labuan Bajo, travel overland east, fly out from Ende or Maumere.
Ende (ENE): Bali → Ende (~1hr 40min, Wings Air, 1–2 daily); Kupang → Ende (~45min). Best entry point if Kelimutu is your first stop or you are travelling east-to-west.
Maumere (MOF): Bali → Maumere (~2hrs, Wings Air, 1 daily). Good exit point after east Flores. Book ahead — capacity is limited and these flights cancel in bad weather more than Labuan Bajo does.
Komodo Airport (LBJ): What to Expect
Komodo Airport received a major terminal upgrade as part of the Super Priority Destination programme. The result is a proper international arrival experience — immigration (for domestic arrivals it’s seamless), baggage claim, and ground transport are functional and efficient.
- Distance from town: 5 minutes by car — one of the shortest airport-to-centre transfers in Indonesia
- Taxi to town: IDR 50,000–80,000 (fixed rate or negotiated)
- Rideshare: Grab and Gojek are available in Labuan Bajo
- Hotel pickup: Most mid-range and luxury hotels offer airport transfer — arrange in advance
- ATM: BRI and BCA in the terminal
- SIM cards: Available at arrivals — Telkomsel recommended for best Flores coverage
Getting to Flores by Ferry or Sea
PELNI Ferry: The Slow Boat
For travellers wondering how to get to Flores by sea, PELNI operates national ferries connecting Bali (Padangbai), Lombok, Sumbawa, and Flores. The Padangbai → Labuan Bajo journey takes approximately 36–48 hours on a large passenger ship — cabins, meals, and basic facilities are on board.
Who should consider it: Budget travellers with unlimited time, those with large amounts of gear (dive equipment, surfboards) to avoid airline excess baggage fees, or those doing the full overland-sea crossing Java → Bali → Lombok → Sumbawa → Flores.
Who should fly: Everyone else. The price difference between a budget flight and the ferry is small. The time saving is enormous.
Fast Boat from Sape (Sumbawa)
Public fast boats run from Sape (eastern Sumbawa) to Labuan Bajo in approximately 4–6 hours — the classic route for travellers doing the Lombok → Sumbawa → Flores overland-and-sea crossing. Sea conditions in the Sape Strait can be rough October–March; check before booking.
Liveaboard: Sailing into Flores
A different category entirely — liveaboard diving boats depart Bali on multi-night itineraries, sailing through Lombok and down to Komodo. Not a transport option but an itinerary in itself: you sleep aboard, dive the sites en route, and arrive in Labuan Bajo after 5–10 days on the water. See our Flores diving guide for operators.
International Visitors: How to Get to Flores
Flores has no direct international flights. All international visitors arrive via an Indonesian hub — almost always Bali (DPS) or Jakarta (CGK) — then connect domestically.
Standard routing: Fly international to Bali → overnight or same-day connection → fly Bali to Labuan Bajo (1hr 40min).
Connecting same-day via Bali: Possible but allow minimum 3–4 hours between international arrival and domestic departure — you clear immigration, collect luggage, and re-check in at a different terminal. Book a loose connection or plan an overnight buffer.
Visa: Most nationalities receive a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Indonesian international airports. Cost: $35 USD. Available at Bali and Jakarta — not at Komodo Airport (domestic only). The Indonesian e-VoA can also be obtained online before travel.
Getting Around Flores Once You Arrive
| Leg | Drive time | Private driver | Public bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labuan Bajo → Ruteng | 3.5–4 hrs | IDR 700K–1M | IDR 70K |
| Ruteng → Bajawa | 4–5 hrs | IDR 800K–1M | IDR 80K |
| Bajawa → Ende | 3–3.5 hrs | IDR 600K–800K | IDR 60K |
| Ende/Moni → Maumere | 3 hrs | IDR 400K–600K | IDR 50K |
| Maumere → Larantuka | 3 hrs | IDR 500K–700K | IDR 55K |
Private drivers are the most comfortable and time-efficient option — arrange through your guesthouse in each town. Public buses are significantly slower but cheap and authentic. For full routing and timing advice, see our Ultimate Flores Itinerary guide.
Best Time to Book Flights to Flores
Book earliest: July–August. Peak season — flights sell out weeks ahead and prices are highest.
Best value: May–June and September–October. Dry season conditions (good for diving and Komodo) without peak prices or crowds.
Wet season (November–April): Lowest prices, most availability, rougher seas for Komodo boat tours. See our best time to visit Flores guide for month-by-month detail.
Practical Tips
- Book Komodo tours before you book flights: The 1,000-per-day visitor cap means permits sell out first. Secure your Komodo days, then build flight dates around them. See our Komodo National Park guide.
- Bring cash: ATMs in Labuan Bajo are reliable. No ATMs on Komodo or Rinca islands, and limited options in central Flores.
- Get a SIM at the airport: Telkomsel has the best coverage across Flores including the highlands. Buy at Komodo Airport arrivals.
- Confirm return flights: Indonesian domestic carriers reschedule with limited notice. Check your flight status 48 hours before departure.
- Buffer on Bali connections: Allow at least 4 hours at DPS for domestic-to-international transfers — terminal change required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Bali to Flores?
Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes from Bali (DPS) to Labuan Bajo (LBJ). Multiple airlines operate daily — Lion Air, Wings Air, Citilink, and Garuda Indonesia.
Is there a direct flight from Jakarta to Flores?
Yes — since 29 March 2026. Garuda Indonesia and TransNusa operate daily direct flights from Jakarta (CGK) to Labuan Bajo (LBJ), approximately 2 hours 20 minutes. This route did not exist before 2026.
Can you take a ferry to Flores?
Yes, but it takes 36–48 hours from Bali via PELNI. For most visitors, flying is strongly recommended — the cost difference is small and the time saving is enormous.
How far is Komodo Airport from Labuan Bajo town?
Five minutes by car. Taxis from the terminal are IDR 50,000–80,000. Most hotels offer pickup if arranged in advance.
Do I need a visa to visit Flores?
Flores is part of Indonesia. Most nationalities receive a Visa on Arrival ($35 USD) at Indonesian international airports — Bali or Jakarta. You cannot get a VOA at Komodo Airport, which handles only domestic arrivals. Clear immigration in Bali or Jakarta, then fly domestically to Flores.
Which Flores airport should I fly into?
Labuan Bajo (LBJ) for most visitors — most flights, best infrastructure, direct access to Komodo. Ende (ENE) if entering from the east or prioritising Kelimutu. Maumere (MOF) as a useful exit point after a Trans-Flores east–west trip.
Getting to Flores is the easy part. Once you land, the island opens up. Start with our Labuan Bajo travel guide for what to do once you arrive, our Ultimate Flores Itinerary for the full island day-by-day.
Author: Flores Insider
Welcome to Discover Flores — your trusted guide to exploring Indonesia’s untamed island paradise. From Komodo National Park and Kelimutu’s tri-colored lakes to hidden beaches, dive spots, and Labuan Bajo real estate opportunities, Discover Flores brings you the best of travel, lifestyle, and investment across the island. Plan your next adventure, find the top tours and accommodations, and uncover why Flores is Indonesia’s rising gem for eco-tourism, digital nomads, and sustainable travel.
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