There are 6 airlines that fly from Australia to East Timor. The most popular route is from Darwin International Airport in Darwin to Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili. On average this flight takes 1 hour 23 minutes one-way and costs $477 round-trip.
Dili is well-connected internationally with regular flights between Dili and Denpasar (Bali) with Aero Dili and Citilink, Darwin (Australia) with Qantas and Air North, and Singapore with Aero Dili. Please note, most nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival at Dili airport for 30 USD (cash only).
Air travel
Airport infrastructure across the country may be maintained to a different standard than in Australia, including emergency response vehicles.
DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Timor-Leste’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
- Air travel
West Timor
If you’re travelling to West Timor or other parts of Indonesia, read travel advice for Indonesia.
Transport within Timor-Leste.
Domestic flights connect Dili to other parts of Timor-Leste, including Baucau and Suai. Airlines such as Air Timor and STAE offer these services. Flight schedules can be subject to change, so it’s recommended to check with the airlines for the latest information.
Sea travel
Travel by boat can be dangerous.
Not all vessels are seaworthy.
Passenger limits are sometimes exceeded. Don’t get on or stay on an overloaded vessel.
Before booking sea travel, confirm that vessel maintenance and safety standards are maintained.
There may not be enough life jackets on board. Make sure any vessel you board is carrying safety equipment, including enough life jackets for all crew, passengers and children.
Some cruise lines have stopped over in Timor-Leste.
More information:
Piracy
Piracy happens in South-East Asian waters.
The International Maritime Bureau publishes piracy reports.
Avoid trouble spots and take safety precautions.
Public transport
Many buses, ‘microlets’ and trucks used as public transport are not well maintained.
Poor driving standards add to the risk.
Air travel
Airport infrastructure across the country may be maintained to a different standard than in Australia, including emergency response vehicles.
Transport within Timor-Leste.
DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Timor-Leste’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
West Timor
If you’re travelling to West Timor or other parts of Indonesia, read our travel advice for Indonesia.
Sea travel
Travel by boat can be dangerous.
Not all vessels are seaworthy.
Passenger limits are sometimes exceeded. Don’t get on or stay on an overloaded vessel.
Before booking sea travel, confirm that vessel maintenance and safety standards are maintained.
There may not be enough life jackets on board. Make sure any vessel you board is carrying safety equipment, including enough life jackets for all crew, passengers and children.
Some cruise lines have stopped over in Timor-Leste.
More information:
Piracy
Piracy happens in South-East Asian waters.
The International Maritime Bureau publishes piracy reports.
Avoid trouble spots and take safety precautions.
Public transport
Many buses, ‘microlets’ and trucks used as public transport are not well maintained.
Poor driving standards add to the risk.