Travel by Air
Major airlines operating into Dili are Air North (Dili-Darwin-Dili approximately 1 hour), Sriwijawa Air (Dili-Bali-Dili approximately 1.5 hours), Citilink (Dili-Bali-Dili approximately 1.5 hours ) Trans Nusa operated by Air Timor (Dili-Kupang-Dili approximately 45 mins), and Royal Bhutan Air operated by Air Timor (Dili-Singapore-Dili approximately 3.5 hours). Timor-Leste is a compact, mountainous country and flying greatly reduces travel time to regional airports. It can also be cost effective with short flights between Dili and regions typically costing approx. US $60.

Travel by Road
Timor-Leste has made significant investments in its roads over the past few years particularly in the north of the country. Roads crossing the mountains are variable and some require a strong 4WD. Cars and drivers can be hired easily.

Travel by Ship
The port in Dili is the main and only international port of entry to Timor-Leste, the harbour is surrounded by a natural reef with only one clearly marked access route; the reef provides a natural protection against severe weather which can occur in the rainy season (typically Nov – Feb).
Timor-Leste Port of Dili

Timor-Leste first modern and international standard port is constructed after the independence and its operation is underway. The progress of Tibar Bay Port construction is currently reached 50%, and is set to initiate the operation in mid 2022. This modernized port will help diversify and boost the economy of Timor-Leste expand the import and export activities, meanwhile assist the private companies and commercial activities in reducing delays and transaction costs. In addition, this port will inevitably facilitate the country collect profits and improve the domestic revenues of the country faster and transparent. Also, this port will help Timor-Leste link to global market and will enhance Timor-Leste commercial accesses to the market such as agriculture, tourism, fisheries and agribusiness and other industries as a way to diversify the economy. The World Bank points out, “Timor-Leste’s future is brighter today thanks to steps taken by the government to open its economy and enable investment. One of its largest private investments in public infrastructure is the Tibar Bay port, the country’s first PPP project. The World Bank and IFC assisted in building up the government’s PPP capacity, structuring the project, and securing interest from international investors. Now under construction, the state-of-the-art port will increase cargo capacity, improve the business climate, and help diversify the economy and create jobs”.

Travel by Bus and Taxi
Public buses operate regularly between all the provincial centres. Schedules and trip times vary depending on the number of stops and road conditions. The famous Timor microlets operate around set routes in Dili and other major towns costing 25c per journey. Taxis operate in Dili and there is no shortage of them. City fares vary between $2 and $5 depending on the distance.