Getting Around Dili: Taxis, Mikrolets and Airport Transfers

Taxis

Yellow taxis are everywhere by day and are unmetered, so agree the fare before you get in. Most rides within the city cost USD 3 to 6. They become scarce after dark.

Blue metered taxis run 24 hours and are the safer choice at night, at roughly double the price. Tourism Timor-Leste lists their number as +670 774 7777. Your hotel can also call a driver it trusts.

Mikrolets

Mikrolets are small, numbered minibuses on 13 fixed routes, and every ride costs USD 0.25. They run from about 6 am to 6 pm. Wave one down anywhere on its route and tap a coin on the handrail when you want to get off. Number 12 goes to Cristo Rei.

They are cheap and fun, but crowded, and pickpocketing is possible. Keep your bag on your lap.

From the airport

The airport is in Comoro, about 15 minutes west of the centre. Taxis wait outside arrivals; the fare is USD 15 or more. Many hotels arrange pick-ups for a similar price. See the Dili airport guide.

Walking and cycling

The waterfront and central Dili are pleasant to walk early in the morning and in the evening. Midday heat and broken pavements make longer walks hard work. Some hotels rent bicycles.

Motorbikes and cars

Motorbikes rent for about USD 15 to 25 a day. Traffic drives on the left. Only ride if you are experienced, wear a helmet and check your insurance. For trips outside Dili, a car with a driver is the better choice: see getting around Timor-Leste.