Getting there
How to Get to Flores from Bali — Flight, Ferry & Overland
Discovering how to get to Flores from Bali involves choosing between direct flights, ferries, and overland routes.
In short
Direct flights from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali to Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Cost comparison
Flight vs. Ferry vs. Bus
The honest trade-off is time against money. For almost everyone adding Flores to a Bali holiday, the flight is the only route that fits.
Booking tips for high season travel: the dry season, April to October, fills both flights and ferries. Book the DPS to Labuan Bajo seat first, then build the days around it.
Each route in detail
What Each Way In Actually Involves
Direct Flights from Bali to Labuan Bajo
Direct flights from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali to Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, flown by Garuda Indonesia, NAM Air, Indonesia AirAsia and Batik Air.
Ferry Options: Pelni and Direct Services
Pelni operates a daily ferry from Benoa, Bali to Labuan Bajo Port, Flores. The ferry journey takes approximately 37 hours and is the cheapest option, with prices ranging from USD 23 to USD 29.
Overland Route via Lombok and Sumbawa
Bus and ferry east through Lombok and Sumbawa to Sape, then the ~12 hour crossing to Labuan Bajo. Cheap, slow, and only worth it if the journey is the point.
Visa and Entry Requirements for Flores
Visa requirements for Flores depend on your nationality. Many tourists can enter Indonesia visa-free for short stays. Check with the Indonesian consulate or embassy for specific visa requirements based on your nationality.
Once you are there
Local Transport, Season And Safety
Local Transport Within Flores: once on the island, a private car and driver is the practical way to cover the Trans-Flores Highway. Bemos, motorbikes and taxis work around Labuan Bajo itself, and motorbike rental runs around IDR 70,000 per day.
Best Time to Visit Flores: the ideal time to visit Flores is during the dry season from April to October. Seas are calmer for Komodo boat days and the highway is easier going.
Safety Tips for Overland Travel: Flores roads are narrow and winding, and every leg takes longer than the map suggests. Use drivers who run the route regularly, and never plan a Kelimutu sunrise on the back of a full driving day.
Alternative Routes via Boat Tours: a liveaboard combines transport with diving and island hopping, typically ranging from 3 to 7 days, often stopping at Padar Island, Cunca Wulang Waterfalls and Manta Point.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get from Bali to Flores?
What is the cheapest way to get from Bali to Flores?
Is there a ferry from Bali to Flores?
Do I need a visa to visit Flores?
Keep reading
Related Reading
Bali to Flores Flight
The direct DPS to Labuan Bajo hop — airlines, times and fares.
ReadBali to Labuan Bajo
Flights into Komodo Airport and onward travel across Flores.
ReadKomodo & Flores from Bali
Reaching the dragons, Padar and Pink Beach from a Bali base.
ReadFlores Overland from Bali
The Trans-Flores Highway from Wae Rebo to Kelimutu.
ReadBali Flores Honeymoon
A romantic combo: Bali first, then quiet Flores and a private boat.
ReadBali to Flores Travel Guide
Flights, itineraries, seasons, fees and practical tips in one place.
ReadStart your Flores plan
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