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Driving in Timor-Leste: Car Hire, Licences, Roads and Costs

Last verified: Checked against rental operators and government travel advice

By David · Updated

Quick answer · as of October 2026

You can drive in Timor-Leste with your home licence and an International Driving Permit, on the left. But roads outside Dili are slow, unlit and often damaged, accidents are common and there is no roadside assistance, so most visitors hire a 4WD with a local driver. Self-drive 4WDs and pick-ups cost about USD 120 to 190 a day; a city SUV, for Dili only, about USD 90.

Drive on the
Left
Licence
Home licence + IDP
Self-drive 4WD
From USD 120–190 a day
Scooter
From USD 15–25 a day
Fuel cap (March 2026)
Petrol USD 1.50/L · diesel USD 1.65/L
On this page

Should you drive yourself?

Only if you are an experienced, confident driver and plan to stick to the main roads in the dry season. UK government advice describes roads as "generally in poor condition" with frequent accidents, especially involving motorbikes, and mountain roads can become impassable in the wet season. There is no formal roadside assistance, and outside Dili help can take hours.

For most visitors, a 4WD with a local driver is the better choice: drivers know the roads, the rules and the places to stop, and the cost difference is smaller than it looks once fuel and stress are counted. The national tourism office also recommends hiring a vehicle and driver through a tour operator.

Licences and documents

  • Your home licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). Get the IDP before you leave home; you cannot buy one in Timor-Leste.
  • Your passport, carried while driving.
  • A motorcycle licence for scooters and motorbikes.
  • A minibus licence may be needed for vans with more than nine seats.

What it costs

Typical car and scooter rental prices in Dili, 2026 (from, per day)
VehiclePrice (USD)Notes
Mid-size SUV90Dili only: may not leave the city
Double-cab pick-up120Good for rough roads
Full-size 4WD1405–7 seats
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado1904WD
12-seat minibus140Groups
Scooter (110–150 cc)15–25Helmet included; weekly rates available
Trail motorbike35Off-road tyres
4WD with driver (typical)120–150Agree what is included

Self-drive rates usually include insurance, but check the excess and whether tyres, windscreen and undercarriage are covered: they are the most likely damage. Cars can be collected at Dili airport or Timor Plaza, or delivered to your hotel.

Fuel

Fill up in Dili before you leave. Fuel stations are scarce outside towns, and in villages fuel is often sold from drums or bottles at the roadside. In March 2026 the government capped prices at USD 1.50 a litre for petrol and USD 1.65 for diesel.

Roads and driving times

Plan on 50 to 60 km/h on the main highways and 20 to 30 km/h on mountain roads. Google Maps times are unreliable; double them. In the wet season, add 30 to 50% to times on unpaved roads, and expect landslides.

Typical driving times from Dili in the dry season
ToTime
Baucau3–4 hours
MaubisseAbout 3 hours
Hato Builico (Mount Ramelau)About 4 hours
Com6–7 hours
Valu Beach (for Jaco Island)8–10 hours

Safety on the road

  • Do not drive after dark. Roads are unlit, and people and animals walk on them.
  • Drive in convoy outside Dili if you can, as UK advice suggests, because emergency services are limited.
  • Watch for motorbikes, potholes, livestock and children.
  • Avoid flooded roads and keep away from uncovered drains in Dili after heavy rain.
  • If you have an accident, call the police (112), your rental company and your insurer. If you feel unsafe, leave and report it at the nearest police station.

Alternatives

Buses, mikrolets, ferries and domestic flights are all covered in getting around Timor-Leste. In Dili, blue metered taxis run 24 hours (+670 774 7777).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Timor-Leste?

Yes, carry one with your home licence and passport. UK advice says you need both the correct IDP and your licence, and some rental companies insist on it. You must get an IDP in your home country before you travel.

Is it safe to drive in Timor-Leste?

It is possible for experienced drivers, but roads are generally in poor condition, motorbike accidents are common, there are no street lights outside towns, and help can take hours to arrive. Avoid driving at night and in heavy rain, and consider hiring a driver.

Do I need a 4WD in Timor-Leste?

Outside Dili, yes. Rental companies restrict smaller SUVs to Dili. Roads to the Mount Ramelau trailhead and to the far east are rough, and wet-season travel is slower still.

Can I rent a scooter in Dili?

Yes, from about USD 15 to 25 a day, with a helmet. You need a valid motorcycle licence, and accidents involving motorbikes are common.

Sources

Official sites, operators and references we checked for this page.

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