How to Get to Flores: Flights, Labuan Bajo & Overland

Working out how to get to Flores is simpler than the island’s remote reputation suggests — a short flight from Bali puts you on its shores, ready for adventure. As a local Indonesian team that’s run Flores trips since 2006, here’s our clear, practical guide to reaching and travelling the island.

Planning the wider trip? Start with our Flores travel guide.

The Main Gateway: Labuan Bajo

Almost every Flores trip begins in Labuan Bajo (LBJ), the lively harbour town on the island’s western tip. Its airport has grown rapidly with tourism, and it’s also the launch point for Komodo. This is where most overland Flores adventures start.

Flights to Flores

The easiest way in is a short flight to Labuan Bajo. There are frequent direct flights from Bali (Denpasar), usually around 1.5 hours, plus connections from Jakarta and other Indonesian hubs. We can advise on the best timings for your trip.

Ending in the East: Maumere or Ende

If you cross Flores overland from west to east, you’ll usually finish near Maumere (MOF) or Ende (ENE), the central and eastern airports. From there, you fly back to Bali, often via a connection. This one-way routing — fly into Labuan Bajo, out of Maumere — is the classic way to see the whole island without backtracking. We arrange the flights and timing.

Travelling Across Flores

Flores is explored overland, along the scenic but winding Trans-Flores Highway. There’s no quick way across — the mountain roads are slow and twisting, which is exactly why a comfortable private vehicle and a good driver matter. We provide both, so you can enjoy the views rather than wrestle the road. Public transport exists but is slow and impractical for visitors.

Do You Need to Arrange It Yourself?

You can travel independently, but coordinating one-way flights, the long overland route, accommodation and village permits takes real effort. Most travellers find it far easier to have a local operator handle the whole chain. That’s what we do — airport pickup, private transport, guides and the full route.

Combining Flores With Komodo

Because Labuan Bajo is the gateway to both, Flores and Komodo combine beautifully. Fly into Labuan Bajo, add a Komodo boat trip, then head overland across Flores — or the reverse. Browse our Komodo tours to pair them.

Let Us Handle the Logistics

The simplest way to reach and cross Flores is to let a local team take care of the flights, transport and route, so your adventure runs smoothly.

Tell us your plans and we’ll arrange it all. Message us anytime on WhatsApp, or browse our Flores tours. As always, we’re happy to share a local’s advice — whether you book with us or not.