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Getting Around Timor-Leste: Buses, 4WD, Ferries and Flights

Last verified: Checked against Tourism Timor-Leste, operators and government advice

By David · Updated

Quick answer · as of September 2026

Most visitors get around Timor-Leste with a hired 4WD and local driver (about USD 120 to 150 a day), because roads outside Dili are slow and rough. Cheap buses leave Dili early each morning for the main towns, government ferries run to Atauro and Oecusse, and MAF flies small planes to some districts. Traffic drives on the left.

4WD with driver
USD 120–150 a day
Bus Dili–Baucau
About USD 4, 3 h
Driving side
Left
Dili to Jaco
8–10 hours
On this page

Your options at a glance

For most trips beyond Dili, a 4WD with a driver is the practical choice; buses suit travellers with time and patience.

Ways to get around Timor-Leste, 2026
OptionCost (USD)Good forDownsides
4WD with driver120–150 a dayJaco, Ramelau, flexible road tripsExpensive unless shared
Self-drive SUV or 4WDFrom about 90 (city SUV) to 120–190 (4WD) a dayExperienced drivers on main roadsDifficult roads, accident risk
Long-distance busAbout 4–5 a tripBaucau, Maubisse, main townsSlow, crowded, early starts only
Motorbike15–25 a dayExperienced ridersHigh accident rate
Ferry4–10Atauro and OecusseWeather-dependent
MAF flightAbout 80 to AtauroSaving timeSmall planes, 10 kg baggage

Driving times

Distances look short on a map, but roads wind through mountains and average speeds are low.

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

Hiring a car with a driver

Book through your hotel or a tour operator a few days ahead. Agree the price, what it includes (fuel, the driver's meals and accommodation, tolls) and the route before you set off. Drivers know the roads, the rules and where to stop, which matters more than it sounds.

Driving yourself

Traffic drives on the left. Bring your licence and an International Driving Permit. Our driving and car hire guide covers prices, roads and safety in detail. Petrol is capped at USD 1.50 and diesel at USD 1.65 a litre (March 2026), and fuel stations are scarce outside towns, so fill up whenever you can. Avoid driving after dark, watch for animals and potholes, and expect landslides in the wet season.

Buses and mikrolets

Long-distance buses leave Dili early in the morning and depart when full. Use the right terminal:

  • Becora (east Dili): Baucau, Viqueque, Lospalos
  • Taibessi (central): Maubisse, Same, Suai
  • Tasitolu (west): Liquiçá, Maliana, Batugade

Within Dili and larger towns, numbered mikrolet minibuses run fixed routes for USD 0.25. See getting around Dili.

Ferries

Government ferries run by APORTIL link Dili with Atauro and Oecusse. Tickets are sold at the port on the day, cash only. See the Atauro ferry guide and Oecusse guide.

Domestic flights

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) runs small-plane flights two or three times a week to Atauro and several district towns, plus charters. Aero Dili flies to Oecusse. Baggage limits are strict on MAF: 10 kg of hand luggage to Atauro.

Frequently asked questions

Can tourists drive in Timor-Leste?

Yes, with your home licence and an International Driving Permit. But roads are difficult and accidents are common, so most visitors hire a car with a local driver.

How long does it take to drive across Timor-Leste?

Distances are short but roads are slow. Dili to Baucau takes 3 to 4 hours, Dili to Maubisse about 3 hours, and Dili to Jaco Island 8 to 10 hours.

Sources

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

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