How to Get to Komodo Island from Lombok

Updated 17 January 2025

Komodo Island is one of Indonesia’s most sought-after travel destinations, attracting tourists from all around the world. While many travelers choose Bali or Lombok as their starting point, fewer continue their adventure to the magnificent Komodo Island—a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Komodo National Park. If you’re planning a Komodo Island tour, it’s essential to know the best way to travel from Lombok to Komodo Island, as this will set the stage for an unforgettable adventure.

Komodo National Park encompasses four large islands, including Komodo Island, Rinca Island, and Padar Island. The park is renowned for its Komodo dragons, stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich biodiversity. Whether you’re interested in a Komodo Island boat tour, Komodo Island diving, or a luxury liveaboard, this guide will help you plan the ideal trip from Lombok to Komodo Island.

From Lombok to Komodo Island

The journey to Komodo Island typically starts with reaching Labuan Bajo first, although you depart from Lombok. Labuan Bajo is a small town located on the western tip of Flores Island, which is the main gateway to the Island. The distance between Lombok and Komodo Island is 347 km. If you are going to Komodo Island and departing from Lombok, you can choose the most common option below.

1. Plane Trip: The Fastest Way to Get to Komodo Island

The fastest way to travel from Lombok to Komodo Island is by air. Several domestic airlines operate flights from Lombok International Airport (LOP) to Komodo Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo. These flights typically last between three to eight hours, often including a stopover at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) in Bali. Airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Citilink, and Wings Air frequently service this route, with prices starting around USD 125, depending on the season and booking time.

For a seamless transition during your stopover in Bali, consider using Bali Premium Trip’s luxury services. We offer VIP airport transfers, luxury car rentals, and chauffeur services, ensuring a smooth and stylish experience as you navigate from Lombok to Komodo Island.

A. Lombok Airport [LOP] to Komodo Airport [LBJ] with Wings Air + AirAsia 

• Details of the flight: The flight departs from Lombok Airport at 10:55 and arrives at Komodo Airport at 16:55. This flight takes around 6 hours, including one stopover at Ngurah Rai Airport [DPS].
• Estimated cost: This fastest flight will cost you approximately USD 125.45.

B. Lombok Airport [LOP] to Komodo Airport [LBJ] with Citilink + AirAsia 

• Details of the flight: The flight departs from Lombok Airport at 08:15 and arrives at Komodo Airport at 16:55. This flight takes around 8 hours and 40 minutes, including one stopover at Ngurah Rai Airport [DPS].
• Estimated cost: This flight will cost you approximately USD 125.95.

C. Lombok Airport [LOP] to Komodo Airport [LBJ] with Lion Air + AirAsia

• Details of the flight: The flight departs from Lombok Airport at 12:25 and arrives at Komodo Airport at 08:20 a day later. This flight takes around 19 hours and 55 minutes, including two stopovers at Juanda Airport [SUB] and Ngurah Rai Airport [DPS].
• Estimated cost: This flight will cost you approximately USD 145.44. 

2. Boat Trip: Budget-friendly Option

Another option for those who prefer a more scenic route with flexible time is ferry services from Lombok to Labuan Bajo. 

Public Ferry: You can take a public ferry by PELNI named KM. Tilongkabila with route Lombok – Bima – Labuan Bajo. This ferry only sails once daily. This option is the most budget-friendly but can take up to 24 to 36 hours. The estimated cost for this option is approximately USD 20-30.  

However, for those who prefer a more luxurious Komodo Island sailing trip, we recommend flying to Labuan Bajo and booking a Komodo Luxury liveaboard experience. From Labuan Bajo port, you can embark on a private or shared boat tour that allows you to explore the Komodo National Park with ease and comfort.

Read more: Types of Boat Tours Available in Komodo Island  

3. Road Trip

The next option to Labuan Bajo from Lombok is a road trip by bus. This option is for you who travel on a budget. This relatively easy route starts from Mataram, Bima, and goes to Labuan Bajo. From Mataram, you can book a bus ticket to Bima City, which will cost you around USD 17.92.

Then, from Bima City, you can use public transportation, such as a minivan, to get to Sape Port, which will cost you about USD 6.40. From Sape, you can take a sea route to Labuan Bajo, which starts from USD 5.38. If totaled, your expenses by land would be USD 29.70, cheaper than by plane, but it will certainly take longer. 

Boat Trip to Komodo Island from Lombok

Regardless of whether you arrive by plane or boat, all visitors to Komodo National Park must use a boat tour to explore the area. Komodo Island boat tours are available in various packages, ranging from private sailing tours to more budget-friendly shared tours.

Before planning a trip to Komodo National Park, you should book your Komodo Island Boat Tour well in advance. This is because boat availability in Labuan Bajo is limited, and can even be fully booked 1 to 2 months before the trip begins. Ensure you book a boat trip to Komodo Island from an experienced operator, such as KomodoLuxury. 

Komodo Luxury offers Komodo Island Tour Packages that include staying on the boat, snorkeling equipment, a tour guide, a life vest, and much more. Here are the packages provided by KomodoLuxury that you can choose from!   

A. Private Sailing Tour

This Private sailing tour package is suited for you who want a more personalized journey. You can choose the destination and the duration of the trip on your own.

B. Open/ Shared Packages

Open/shared trip offers a cost-effective solution for your sailing journey. Also, this trip gives you the opportunity to explore the beauty of Komodo Island with other travelers. 

C. Full Day / One Day Trip Komodo Island

Full day / One-day trip is suitable for those who have limited time but are eager to explore Komodo National Park. This trip allows you to visit Komodo Island’s top destinations in one day. So prepare extra stamina to visit around five destinations, including trekking and snorkeling, in one or half-day

Read More Must Know! 5 Tips for Booking Your Boat Tour

Conclusion

Since the Indonesian government built Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, boat tour operators have become more efficient in starting trips from Labuan Bajo and exploring the Komodo National Park more easily. Now, journeys can begin directly from Labuan Bajo.

Before the construction of Komodo Airport, around the year 2012, many travelers backpakers join boat trip from Lombok to Komodo National Park (KNP), where they had to spend 3 days and 2 nights to reach Komodo National Park. This journey involved a tiring sea voyage through Lombok, Bali, and Sumbawa, dependent on weather conditions and waves, as well as the availability of ships, which was often unpredictable. There was only one way to reach KNP at that time.

Now, it is highly recommended to start your journey from Labuan Bajo. Without having to endure the 3 days, 2 nights of sea travel, visitors can fly directly to Labuan Bajo from Lombok Island with a one-stopover at Bali, Ngurah Rai Airport [DPS]. This improves the efficiency and comfort of the trip.

If you prefer more ease and convenience, you can reserve a KomodoLuxury tour package, which includes a tour guide picking you up from Komodo Airport – Labuan Bajo and taking you to Labuan Bajo Port – where all boat tours begin. Depending on traffic, the journey from Komodo airport to Labuan Bajo port will take about 15 minutes.

After you reach the Labuan Bajo port, you will be escort to a luxurious boat to begin your breathtaking adventure in Komodo National Park area. 

Taking a flight from Lombok to Labuan Bajo is an efficient and comfortable means of exploring Komodo Island. With more time on your hands, you can enjoy magnificent scenery, underwater adventures, and the thrill of encountering the legendary Komodo dragons.

As a luxury yacht provider, we highly recommend starting your journey from Labuan Bajo. This allows you to choose from a wide range of premium yachts, offering the best in comfort, service, and an exceptional luxury experience. Beginning your trip in Labuan Bajo guarantees access to our finest vessels and ensures you enjoy a journey tailored to your needs.

However, if you prefer to take the Lombok to Labuan Bajo route, we can recommend alternative boats with simpler facilities, better suited for backpackers and travelers seeking a more basic adventure. Please note that these boats are not part of Komodo Luxury’s fleet but are an option if you wish to continue your trip to Lombok.

If you want to visit Komodo National Park but from somewhere else, this complete guide of How to Travel to Komodo Island 2024 – Visit Komodo National Park will help you or your friend from another country to visit Komodo National Park.