Lombok sits roughly 400 km west of Labuan Bajo. There is no direct flight between the two, which surprises some travellers. The most efficient route involves a connection — usually through Bali. But if you have time and a spirit for overland travel, the ferry route through Sumbawa is a genuine option worth considering.
Who This Is For
Travellers finishing time in Lombok — or the Gili Islands — who want to continue east to Labuan Bajo without backtracking all the way to Bali.
Flying: The Fastest Option
There are no direct flights between Lombok International Airport (LOP) and Komodo Airport (LBJ). The standard route is Lombok to Bali, then Bali to Labuan Bajo. Total travel time including the connection is typically 4–6 hours, depending on layover.
Book both legs together or as separate tickets on Google Flights. Airlines operating Lombok–Bali include Lion Air, Batik Air, and Garuda. Onward flights from Bali to Labuan Bajo are available multiple times daily.
The Overland/Ferry Route (For Adventurous Travellers)
If you have time and want to see more of eastern Indonesia, the overland route from Lombok to Labuan Bajo is a legitimate adventure. The full journey takes around 24 hours and involves three main legs:
Leg 1 — Lombok to Sumbawa by ferry: ASDP ferries depart from Kayangan Port on Lombok’s east coast and cross to Poto Tano on Sumbawa. The crossing takes about 2 hours and costs IDR 14,000–24,000 for foot passengers.
Leg 2 — Cross Sumbawa by bus: From Poto Tano, you travel east across Sumbawa by public bus or travel to Sape, the eastern port town. This leg takes 6–9 hours depending on bus connections and road conditions.
Leg 3 — Sape to Labuan Bajo by ferry: ASDP ferries depart Sape once daily, usually around 08:00–09:00, and arrive in Labuan Bajo around 15:00–16:00. The crossing takes approximately 7–8 hours and passes through the park waters.
This route is cheap, scenic, and a real slice of Indonesian island life. It is not for people on tight schedules or those who need reliable departure times — delays are common.
Fast Boat Options
Some operators sell Lombok–Labuan Bajo packages combining fast boats and ferries. These are marketed as quicker than the public ferry route, but the logistics vary and the sea conditions between islands can be rough. Research your specific operator carefully and check current conditions before booking.
Practical Tips
- If flying, book your Lombok–Bali and Bali–Labuan Bajo legs separately to give yourself flexibility. A minimum 2-hour layover in Bali is sensible.
- If taking the overland route, start early. Missing the Sape ferry means an overnight in Sape, which is not a destination in itself.
- Cash is king on the ferry routes. Bring enough rupiah to cover tickets, food, and any unexpected stops.