Getting around East Timor
Asia
From Europe ✈️
Direct flight from Paris
No (1-2 stopovers)
Duration
18-24h with 1-2 stopovers (via Bali/Denpasar, Singapore or Darwin)
Indicative round-trip price
900-1500 EUR A/R
Book
2-4 months ahead
Recommended airlines
Local transport
Bus
Local buses and minibuses between towns, often crowded and slow. Dili-Baucau about 5 USD, Dili-Maubisse about 4 USD.
Train
No railway network.
Taxi
Taxis jaunes a Dili (2-5 USD la course en ville, negocier avant). Mikrolets (minibus) a 0,25 USD. Pas d'Uber ni de Grab.
Metro
No metro.
Essential apps
Common routes and indicative prices
| From | To | Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dili Airport | Central Dili | Taxi | 10-15 min | 5-10 USD |
| Dili | Atauro (boat) | Ferry / speedboat | 1h (speedboat) to 2-3h (public ferry) | 5-30 USD |
| Dili | Baucau | Minibus / car | 3-4h | 5-10 USD |
| Dili | Maubisse | Minibus | 2,5-3h | 4-6 USD |
Indicative prices for 2025-2026. Fares vary by season, demand and how far ahead you book.
Vehicle rental 🛵
Scooter / Motorbike
10-20 USD / day
Motorcycle licence + international permit
Car
40-80 USD (often with a driver) / day
International Driving Permit (IDP) required
International permit : Required or strongly recommended
Transport scams to know ⚠️
Surfacturation des courses
Some drivers quote an inflated fare to foreigners, especially over long distances.
Tip :Agree on the price before getting in and ask your accommodation about the local rate.
Practical tips
- Rent a 4x4 with driver for the east (Baucau, Tutuala, Jaco): the roads are difficult and signage rare.
- The public ferry Berlin Nakroma links Dili to Atauro on Saturdays; otherwise dive operators' speedboats during the week.
- Stock up on cash before any trip to the regions: no ATMs outside Dili and Baucau.
Other transport guides
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