Labuan Bajo Airport Guide: Arrivals, Transfers & Getting to Town
· labuan bajo, airport, travel tips, practical
Quick answer: Komodo Airport (LBJ) is 2 km from town — 15 minutes by taxi (IDR 50K–80K). Get a Telkomsel SIM at the airport. Withdraw cash here if needed, but have IDR from Bali as backup.
Komodo Airport (LBJ) — The Basics
Official name: Komodo Airport IATA code: LBJ Location: 2 km northeast of Labuan Bajo town centre Terminal type: Domestic (with international-capable upgrades) Size: Small regional airport — one runway, one terminal
Labuan Bajo has one of the most scenically situated airports in Indonesia: the approach comes in low over the Komodo archipelago, and on clear days you can see Padar Island and the Flores Sea from the window seat. If you’re on the right side of the plane from Bali (usually the left/south side), look out.
Arriving: step by step
1. Immigration (no longer applies for domestic)
Domestic arrivals from Bali, Jakarta, or Makassar clear no immigration — just baggage claim.
If arriving on an international connection (rare), passport control is handled at your point of entry to Indonesia (usually Bali or Jakarta), not at Labuan Bajo.
2. Baggage claim
The belt is small and slow. Bags arrive 15–25 minutes after landing. There is one belt for all flights.
Tip for liveaboards: Most liveaboard operators ask you to pack a soft bag or duffel for the boat (not hard-shell luggage). If you’re going straight from airport to harbour, confirm your operator’s bag preference in advance.
3. SIM card counter
Before exiting arrivals, there are Telkomsel and XL counters. Buy Telkomsel. It has the best coverage for the Trans-Flores route — other providers have dead zones between Bajawa and Ruteng. A tourist SIM with 10–15 GB costs IDR 50K–80K. Bring your passport (required for registration).
4. ATM
ATMs are available in arrivals. They work most of the time, but Labuan Bajo ATMs are known to run dry during peak season (July–September). Don’t rely on the airport ATM as your only cash source. Ideal: arrive with IDR in hand from Bali.
5. Exit and transport
Getting from the airport to town
The airport is 2 km from the Labuan Bajo waterfront — 10–15 minutes by vehicle.
| Transport | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Official taxi (airport counter) | IDR 70,000–80,000 | Fixed rate, air-conditioned, recommended |
| Ojek (motorbike taxi, curbside) | IDR 20,000–40,000 | Negotiate before getting on |
| Guesthouse pickup | Usually free | Arrange in advance via WhatsApp |
| Walk | Free | 20–25 min, flat road, doable without heavy luggage |
The road from airport to town is straightforward — flat and follows the bay. Walking is genuinely manageable without a large pack.
Grab: Active in Labuan Bajo but driver availability at the airport is inconsistent. Don’t rely on it for the airport run.
Getting from the airport to your liveaboard
Most liveaboard operators depart from the main harbour, 3–4 km from the airport. If you’re going directly from the plane to a boat, the operator will typically arrange transport. Confirm pickup point (airport or harbour) when booking.
Briefings usually happen at the harbour, not the airport.
Departing Labuan Bajo Airport
Check-in and security
- Arrive 1.5–2 hours early for domestic flights (airport gets congested at peak times)
- Online check-in for Lion Air and Garuda works; bring confirmation or use kiosks
- Security is basic — standard liquid rules apply (not always strictly enforced, but don’t push it)
- Baggage allowance: Lion Air domestic is 20 kg checked + 7 kg carry-on standard; Garuda is 20 kg + 7 kg. Overweight fees are applied.
The departure hall
Small — limited seating, basic food kiosk (nasi goreng, mie goreng, drinks). Prices are airport-inflated. Eat in town before you go.
Shops and dining
There is a small souvenir shop in departures. The ikat cloth quality is decent; prices are higher than in town markets. If you haven’t bought anything and need a last-minute gift, it works.
Airport-to-airport: useful connections
| Route | Airline | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bali (DPS) → Labuan Bajo (LBJ) | Garuda, Lion Air, Wings Air, TransNusa | Multiple daily | ~1 hour |
| Labuan Bajo (LBJ) → Maumere (MOF) | Wings Air, TransNusa | 1–2 daily | ~1 hour |
| Labuan Bajo (LBJ) → Makassar (UPG) | Wings Air | 1 daily | ~1.5 hours |
The Labuan Bajo → Maumere connection is useful for the Trans-Flores overland route: fly in to Labuan Bajo, travel east overland through Flores, and fly out from Maumere. This avoids backtracking.
Practical notes
Peak season (July–September): Flights fill up. Book Bali–Labuan Bajo at least 3–4 weeks in advance during peak season. Last-minute fares are expensive and sometimes unavailable.
Flight delays: Domestic Indonesian aviation has a reputation for delays. The Garuda Bali–Labuan Bajo service is generally more punctual than Lion Air. Build buffer into your first day if you have a liveaboard or tour starting immediately.
Early morning arrival: Several Bali–Labuan Bajo flights arrive mid-morning (9–11 AM). This is ideal — it gives you an afternoon to explore town, book tours, and settle in before starting the main activities the following day.
Luggage on liveaboards: The standard advice from liveaboard operators: pack everything you’ll need on the boat into a soft duffel. Store your main luggage at your guesthouse or with the operator’s office in town. Boats have limited storage for hard-shell suitcases.
If your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed
Labuan Bajo has limited accommodation and it fills during peak season. If your flight cancels:
- Call your guesthouse/operator immediately via WhatsApp
- Check rebooking options at the airline counter (Lion Air and Garuda both have counters)
- Tiket.com and Traveloka are the best Indonesian booking apps for finding alternative flights
For liveaboards: operators typically hold departure for late-arriving guests up to 1–2 hours if communicated in advance. If it’s a day-or-more delay, contact them immediately — they usually have flexibility on start date adjustments.
Frequently asked questions
What is Labuan Bajo Airport called?
Labuan Bajo Airport is officially named Komodo Airport (IATA code: LBJ). It's a small regional airport 2 km from the town centre. As of 2024-2025, the airport has been upgraded to international status with a new terminal to handle growing tourism demand.
How do I get from Labuan Bajo Airport to town?
Labuan Bajo Airport is 2 km from the town centre — about a 10-15 minute drive. Options: taxi (IDR 50,000–80,000 fixed fare, official counter outside arrivals), ojek/motorbike taxi (IDR 20,000–40,000, negotiate at exit), or walk (20-25 minutes, flat road along the harbour). Most guesthouses will arrange a free pickup if you ask in advance.
Which airlines fly to Labuan Bajo?
From Bali (DPS): Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Wings Air, TransNusa — multiple daily flights, 1 hour. From Jakarta: Garuda, Lion Air (sometimes via Bali). From Makassar: Wings Air, TransNusa. From Lombok: TransNusa (some seasons). Garuda and Lion Air are most reliable for the Bali–Labuan Bajo route.
Is there a SIM card available at Labuan Bajo Airport?
Yes — Telkomsel and XL counters are in the arrivals area. Buy here if you haven't bought one in Bali. Telkomsel has the best coverage in Flores and is strongly recommended over XL, Indosat, or other providers. IDR 50,000–80,000 for a starter SIM with 10–15GB data.
Is there an ATM at Labuan Bajo Airport?
Yes — there are ATMs in the arrivals area. However, ATMs in Labuan Bajo (both airport and town) sometimes run out of cash or have withdrawal limits. Withdraw enough for your entire Flores trip from Bali before you fly. The next reliable ATM after Labuan Bajo is in Ruteng, then Bajawa — carry at least IDR 1,000,000–2,000,000 in cash buffer.
How far in advance should I arrive at Labuan Bajo Airport for a departure?
For domestic flights, arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. The airport is small but can get congested, especially during peak season (July–September) when multiple flights board simultaneously. Check-in desks open 2 hours before; security is quick. Allow extra time if leaving from a remote part of Flores — road delays are common.
Can I store luggage at Labuan Bajo Airport?
There is no official left-luggage service at the airport. Most guesthouses in Labuan Bajo will store luggage for guests (and sometimes non-guests, for a small fee). If doing a liveaboard, your operator will usually hold luggage while you're on the boat.