Updated April 2025

Have you ever dreamed of sailing across crystal-clear waters, stopping at remote islands, and encountering the legendary Komodo dragons in their natural habitat? If that sounds like the ultimate adventure, then traveling from Lombok to Komodo Island should be at the very top of your bucket list. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a first-time explorer, this route offers endless surprises that will leave you with stories to share for years to come.

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 begins in Labuan Bajo, a small town located on the western tip of Flores Island, which serves as the main gateway to Komodo National Park. The distance between Lombok and Komodo Island is 347 km. There are several ways to reach Labuan Bajo and then continue your journey to Komodo Island, including plane, boat, and road trips.

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

The fastest and easiest way to get from Lombok to Komodo Island is by taking a flight. There are no direct flights from Lombok to Komodo as of 2025, so you will transit via another airport (usually Bali/Denpasar). Several domestic airlines operate flight from Lombok [LOP] to Labuan Bajo [LBJ, Komodo Airport] with a short stop.

Some itineraries may route via Jakarta or Surabaya, but Bali is the most common and convenient stop. Flights typically last between 3 to 8 hours, with one stopover at 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. This option is best for travelers short on time who want a quick and easy trip.

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. 

Pros: Flying is by far the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Komodo. You’ll save a lot of time – the equivalent ferry/overland trip takes more than a full day in transit. It’s also the safest option in rough weather, since flights are generally reliable year-round (weather disruptions are rare compared to sea travel).

Cons: It’s more expensive than the ferry or backpacker boat options. Also, there’s no direct flight (you must stop in Bali or another city). Occasionally, flights can be delayed or rescheduled – try to pad your schedule, especially if you plan to join a tour in Labuan Bajo the same day. In high season, flights may sell out quickly, so plan ahead.

Tip: If you have a long layover in Bali, you can take advantage of airport lounges or even book a short tour in Denpasar if time permits. Komodo Luxury partners with Bali Premium Trip for VIP airport transfers, luxury car rentals, and chauffeur services, ensuring a smooth and stylish experience as you navigate from Lombok to Komodo Island. So you can relax in style during your transit

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. 

4. Public Ferry + Overland via Sumbawa – Budget Backpacker Route

For shoestring travelers or those seeking a local experience, it is possible to journey from Lombok to Komodo entirely overland (and sea) using public ferries and buses. This route is the cheapest way from Lombok to Komodo, but also the longest and most cumbersome. It essentially breaks the trip into three legs:

• Step 1: Lombok to Sumbawa (Poto Tano) – From Lombok, take the public ferry from Kayangan Port (East Lombok) to Poto Tano Port in West Sumbawa. Ferries on this route depart hourly, 24/7. You can either go directly to Kayangan port and buy a walk-on ticket, or catch a bus from Mataram or Senggigi that includes the ferry crossing. Buses heading to Sumbawa will drive onto the ferry (the fare is usually included in the bus ticket). The first ferry is around 4am and the last around midnight, departing Lombok. Expect a crowded, basic ferry – seating is bench style; try to board early to find a spot.
• Step 2: Across Sumbawa to Bima/Sape – Sumbawa is a large island you’ll need to cross to reach the next ferry. If you took a through-bus from Lombok to Bima, it will continue driving across Sumbawa after arriving in Poto Tano. This overland journey can take 8–10 hours (buses often travel overnight). If you didn’t take a bus, you can catch a public bus or minivan from Poto Tano port to Bima (a city in East Sumbawa) or directly to Sape (the ferry port near Bima). The ride from Poto Tano to Bima is around 6–7 hours by road.
  Tip: If your bus goes only to Bima, you may need to transfer to a smaller van for the last stretch to Sape. It’s wise to arrive in Sape by early morning to catch the ferry to Flores.
• Step 3: Sape (Sumbawa) to Labuan Bajo (Flores) – This is the final sea crossing. A large ASDP ferry connects Sape to Labuan Bajo once a day. Typically, the ferry from Sape departs each morning (around 08:00–09:00) and arrives in Labuan Bajo in the afternoon (around 15:00–16:00). The crossing takes about 7–8 hours depending on conditions. There is usually only one ferry per day on this route, so don’t miss it – if you arrive in Sape late, you’ll have to stay overnight and catch it next day. Note: Occasionally, an overnight ferry runs or additional sailings in peak times, but plan for the morning one.

In total, going from Lombok to Flores via Sumbawa can easily take 24 hours or more. For example, you might depart Mataram in the afternoon, ferry to Sumbawa by evening, bus overnight to Bima, wait a few hours, then ferry to Labuan Bajo arriving the next afternoon. Some travelers break the journey with a night’s rest in Sumbawa (e.g., in Bima) before continuing. The trip is long and tiring, but it is very cheap.

Pros: Ultra-budget friendly. This is the cheapest way to reach Komodo from Lombok. It’s also an immersive way to see rural Sumbawa – you’ll pass through local towns and landscapes that most tourists skip. If you have a sense of adventure (and patience), it’s a memorable journey and you’ll likely meet locals or other backpackers along the way.

Cons: Time-consuming and uncomfortable. You’ll spend long hours on basic transport – expect hard bus seats, potentially no AC, and possible crowding. The ferries are not cruise ships – amenities are minimal (bring your own toilet paper, snacks, etc.). You might have to sleep on the bus or on ferry benches. The schedule can be unpredictable: ferries might be delayed by weather, and connections might not line up perfectly (e.g., arriving in Sape at night when no ferry until morning). Also, by the time you add up multiple legs, it can take 30+ hours to finally get to Labuan Bajo

Boat Trip to Komodo Island from Lombok

Regardless of whether you arrive by plane or boat, Labuan Bajo in Flores is the final jumping-off point to Komodo National Park. You ultimately must board a tour boat to reach the islands where the Komodo dragons are – there is no road or bridge to Komodo Island.

Once you arrive in Labuan Bajo, you’re just a 15-minute ride from the harbor. Most Komodo tours and boats depart from Labuan Bajo’s port. You can immediately start a Komodo boat tour upon arrival or stay overnight in Labuan Bajo and depart the next morning (Labuan Bajo has plenty of accommodations from hostels to luxury resorts.) 

Komodo Luxury offers a range of Komodo Island tour packages that start from Labuan Bajo, including private sailing tours, shared group trips, and even one-day speedboat tours for those short on time. These tours provide your accommodation on board, snorkeling gear, a licensed guide (ranger) for Komodo Island, safety equipment, and more.

When planning your boat trip, it’s highly recommended to book in advance before you arrive in Labuan Bajo as boat availability can be limited, especially during peak seasons. Many travelers opt for Komodo Luxury for a luxury liveaboard experience. Here are the packages provided by Komodo Luxury that you can choose from! 

A. Private Charter

Design your own itinerary on a private luxury phinisi yacht with private charter. Ideal for families or groups seeking exclusivity. You choose the duration and destinations (Komodo, Padar, hidden coves, etc.) for a personalized experience. Komodo Luxury’s private sailing tours provide top-notch comfort and service – an unmatched way to experience Komodo in style.

B. Open/ Shared Trip

Join a small group tour (often 8–15 people). This is a cost-effective way to get a Komodo liveaboard experience without chartering the whole boat komodoluxury.com
. You’ll share the boat with other travelers and enjoy the social aspect. Our Open Trip packages still maintain quality service and safety while keeping costs lower.

C. Full Day / One Day Trip Komodo Island

If you only have a day or prefer to sleep on land, a day trip by speedboat from Labuan Bajo can visit the highlights (Komodo Island, Padar Island, Pink Beach, Manta Point, etc.) all in one day. These are fast and cover a lot of ground – be ready for a packed day of adventure. Komodo Luxury arranges private or small-group speedboat tours for a high-comfort day trip.

Book in Advance: Especially in July–August or around holidays, Labuan Bajo sees a surge of visitors. It’s not uncommon for the best boats to be fully booked months ahead. To avoid disappointment, secure your tour booking early. Komodo National Park has a daily visitor limit on certain islands as well, so having a confirmed tour ensures your spot.

Read more: Must Know! 5 Tips for Booking Your Boat Tour

Lombok to Komodo Island Tour: A One-Way Phinisi Tour

If you’ve been dreaming of exploring Komodo Island but want to start your journey from Lombok, now you can—without the hassle of backtracking. Our one-way Lombok to Komodo Island Tour offers a seamless and scenic route, combining the best of both destinations in a single unforgettable voyage. Instead of taking a flight or dealing with multiple transfers, you’ll sail in comfort and style, stopping at some of Indonesia’s most breathtaking locations along the way before finally arriving at Komodo Island.

But this isn’t just a Lombok to Komodo 4 days trip—it’s a full adventure on the high seas! This journey isn’t just about crossing from one island to another; it’s a chance to truly sail and explore the stunning destinations nestled between Lombok and Komodo Island. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to swim with whale sharks in Saleh Bay, explore the hidden waterfalls and vibrant coral reefs of Moyo Island, and walk barefoot on the famous Pink Beach, where the soft rose-colored sand meets crystal-clear waters.

As you get closer to your final destination, the adventure only gets better. On Komodo Island, you’ll come face-to-face with the legendary Komodo dragons, trek lush green hills, and take in panoramic views of one of the most untouched landscapes on Earth. This Komodo Island tour from Lombok is more than just transportation; it’s an unforgettable experience that combines relaxation, exploration, and breathtaking scenery.

Best way to travel from Lombok to Komodo Island? Choose the one-way sailing route and make the most of your trip by visiting top destinations between the two islands. With each stop, you’ll gain new memories and experiences. The journey aboard a traditional phinisi boat adds an extra layer of magic to the experience, making it a unique way to enjoy the stunning coastline and marine life of Indonesia.

Whether you’re crafting your Lombok Komodo trip itinerary or seeking the perfect adventure, this tour allows you to maximize your time and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of both islands. It’s the perfect option for travelers who want to experience both Lombok and Komodo National Park in one seamless, stunning journey, saving time and making every stop count.

Best Time to Go to Komodo Island

Generally, the best time to travel from Lombok to Komodo Island is during the dry season from April to October. The seas are calmer, visibility for snorkeling or diving is excellent, and rainfall is minimal. If you’re flexible with dates, aim for shoulder months like April–May or September–October. These periods often offer good weather without the high-season crowds.

For the Lombok to Komodo journey itself, April–October is ideal for smooth sailing or flying. If you’re flying, weather is less an issue, but note that November-March is also the time when Komodo National Park’s marine visibility is lower (due to plankton blooms – good for seeing manta rays, but maybe less ideal for diving).

In summary, April, May, September, and October often strike the best balance of good weather and moderate crowds. But whenever you go, Komodo’s wonders await – just plan according to your priorities (weather vs. crowd level).

Read more: A Seasonal Guide: The Best Time to Visit Komodo Island

Conclusion: Start Your Komodo Adventure from Labuan Bajo

These days, getting to Komodo is easier and more comfortable than ever. While a decade ago the only way was a long boat from Lombok, now you can hop on a short flight and be in Labuan Bajo ready to explore. If your goal is to experience the wonders of Komodo National Park with minimal hassle, we highly recommend flying to Labuan Bajo as your first step. From Labuan Bajo, you’ll have your pick of excellent boats and Komodo tours to take you to Komodo Island, Pink Beach, Padar, and beyond. This approach lets you save time and energy for the real highlights – the islands and marine life of Komodo.

Komodo Luxury, as a premium tour operator and yacht charter provider, is here to make your Komodo tour seamless. If you start your journey in Labuan Bajo, we can offer you the finest vessels and tailor-made itineraries to explore the park in style. You’ll enjoy an exceptional level of comfort and service on our luxury boats – ensuring your Komodo trip is not just travel, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We handle everything from airport pickup in Labuan Bajo to arranging park permits and expert guides.

That said, if you are already in Lombok and wish to continue by sea to Flores, we can advise on trusted boats for the Lombok–Labuan Bajo route as well. Those simpler boats are outside of our fleet, but we’ll help point you to options suited for backpackers or budget travelers. Your safety and satisfaction are our priority, so we want you to have the best information no matter how you choose to travel.

Ready to plan your Lombok to Komodo journey? Feel free to reach out to Komodo Luxury for any assistance – whether it’s arranging a smooth flight and transfer, booking an incredible Komodo Island tour package, or crafting a bespoke island-hopping itinerary. We’ll help you discover Komodo Island in the way that suits you best, ensuring you make lasting memories on this adventure of a lifetime. Safe travels, and see you in Komodo! 

FAQs about How to Get From Lombok to Komodo Island

1. Can I fly directly from Lombok to Komodo Island?

There are currently no nonstop flights from Lombok to Labuan Bajo (Komodo Airport). All flights include. In practice, you’ll fly Lombok → Bali → Labuan Bajo. The flight is still the fastest way, taking around 3–6 hours total including the layover. (In the past, airlines have offered direct routes during peak season, but none are scheduled for 2025. Always double-check current flight schedules in case this changes.)

2. How long is the boat ride from Lombok to Komodo?

If you go by the public ferry route, it takes roughly 24–36 hours in total to go from Lombok to Labuan Bajo via Sumbawa (including the bus rides and waiting times). The single longest segment is the Sape–Labuan Bajo ferry, about 7–8 hours on the boat. There is no single “fast boat” that does Lombok to Komodo in one shot – it’s either a multi-day cruise or a series of shorter ferries.

3. Is there a direct ferry from Lombok to Komodo Island?

No, there is no direct ferry that runs straight from Lombok to Komodo. You must go in segments (Lombok to Sumbawa, then Sumbawa to Flores) if traveling by ferry. The Indonesian ferry operator PELNI does have ships that connect Lombok and Labuan Bajo via stops in Sumbawa, but these operate infrequently (about once or twice a week, not daily). The most common ferry route is Lombok→Sumbawa (Poto Tano) and then Sumbawa (Sape)→Labuan Bajo, each of which is a separate ferry. Be wary of any unofficial operators claiming to have a “fast boat” – as of 2025 none exist for direct Lombok-Komodo service.

4. What’s the cheapest way to get from Lombok to Komodo?

The cheapest method is the public ferry + bus route via Sumbawa. You can go from Lombok to Labuan Bajo using the standard ferries and local buses. This is significantly cheaper than flying or taking a tour. However, it comes at the cost of time and comfort. If you value your time, a cheap flight + local boat tour might be a good balance.

5. What’s the best way to travel to Komodo – flight or boat?

“Best” depends on your priorities:

• If you’re short on time or prefer comfort, fly to Labuan Bajo. You’ll get there fast and can spend more time exploring the islands on a proper tour.
• If you’re on a backpacker budget and don’t mind roughing it, the overland ferry route will save money (but essentially wastes a couple of days in transit).
• If you want an all-in-one adventure and have a few days, the 4-day boat tour from Lombok is a fantastic experience – you turn the journey itself into a memorable trip, seeing many sights along the way.
• Just choose a reputable operator for safety.
For most travelers, we recommend flying to Labuan Bajo and then doing a Komodo boat tour from there. This way you arrive fresh and can enjoy either a day tour or liveaboard cruise in Komodo with all your time saved. 

6. Do I need to book a tour to visit Komodo Island?

Yes. Independent travel in Komodo National Park is not really possible – visitors are not allowed to roam Komodo or Rinca Island without certified guides (park rangers) for safety reasons (the dragons are dangerous). Also, to reach the islands, you need a boat. So practically speaking, you must join a tour or hire a boat. This could be a multi-day liveaboard, a day trip, or a private charter. The tour will arrange the park entrance tickets, guide, and boat transport.

7. Can I do a day trip to Komodo from Lombok?

Not in a single day, no – Lombok is too far from Komodo for a day trip. However, you can fly from Lombok to Labuan Bajo in the morning and do a Komodo day tour the next day. If you’re extremely tight on time, a possible itinerary is: Day 1 morning flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight there, Day 2 take a full-day speedboat tour of Komodo’s highlights, and return to Labuan Bajo by evening (and fly out that night or next day). Trying to go from Lombok and back in one day isn’t feasible. If you only have one day to spare total, you’re better off doing something else – Komodo deserves at least a couple of days to experience properly.

8. How long is the boat from Lombok to Komodo Island?

The boat ride from Lombok to Komodo Island typically takes between 24 to 36 hours, depending on the type of boat and weather conditions. However, with the Lombok to Komodo Island Tour by Komodo Luxury, the trip lasts 4 days and 3 nights.

Why longer? Because this isn’t just about crossing the sea—along the way, you’ll visit top destinations like Saleh Bay to swim with whale sharks, explore Moyo Island’s hidden waterfalls and coral reefs, and relax on the famous Pink Beach. This tour combines a scenic journey with unforgettable stops, making it much more than just a boat ride.