Komodo Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo
Komodo Airport has the IATA code LBJ and the ICAO code WATO. It lies near Batu Cermin in the Manggarai Barat district, a short drive from Labuan Bajo town. Labuan Bajo Airport is another name for the same field, so the two names on a booking page mean one airport.
From here the journey continues on land to the marina, and then on the water. Padar Island cannot be reached by car, scooter, ferry or plane. The only way is a speedboat or phinisi from the marina in Labuan Bajo. If you have not picked a tour yet, start with the tours page.
Our take: pickup at the airport
This day trip offers airport or hotel pickup around Labuan Bajo. Confirm that your flight arrival fits the tour pickup time before booking.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Labuan Bajo tours with airport or hotel pickup
Boat trips to Padar Island, Komodo and Pink Beach, some with airport pickup. Check the pickup details on each tour.
Taxi and transfer from Komodo Airport (LBJ)
The harbour area is about 2.5 km from the airport, an 8 to 12 minute drive. A local travel provider gives a taxi guideline of roughly Rp100,000 to 150,000, but there is no fixed fare, so agree on the price before you get in.
App pickups at the airport are not reliable. Some drivers do collect there, and other reports mention restrictions at the terminal, so arrange your pickup with your accommodation or tour in advance. Many tours collect guests at the airport, which solves the question. Browse the options on the tours page. For a boat arranged for your own group, see the private tour to Padar Island.
Popular hotels in Labuan Bajo
Car hire on the Flores mainland
You can collect a hire car at Komodo Airport (LBJ) and use it on the mainland, for example to reach Waecicu Beach, Pede Beach or the ferry pier. Scooter rental and car transfers with a driver also exist in Labuan Bajo. Ask the rental company about insurance and the rules for your licence before you book.
Padar is reachable only by boat, by speedboat or phinisi from the marina in Labuan Bajo, never by car or scooter.
Compare rental cars at Komodo Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo for trips on the Flores mainland.
How to get to Padar Island
To get to Komodo and Padar, you board a boat at the marina in Labuan Bajo. The crossing takes about 1 to 2 hours by speedboat or 3 to 4 hours by phinisi under engine, and no fixed arrival time can be promised. The park publishes three time windows for Padar: 05:00 to 08:00, 08:00 to 11:00 and 15:00 to 18:00 WITA. Day tours usually head for Padar early.
Read the Komodo day trip page for the route and for what the fee covers. Book your park ticket via SiOra at the latest the day before; the rules are on the entrance fee page.
From Bali to Padar Island
There are flights from Bali (DPS) to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) with Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air and Indonesia AirAsia, and from Jakarta with the same airlines plus Citilink. Wings Air has flown from Makassar since 19 July 2026. Check times and fares at booking, because schedules change.
No tour to Padar starts in Bali. The boat trip begins in Labuan Bajo, so you need to fly or travel there first. If you want Bali as a base, our sister guide to arriving in Bali covers the Denpasar side.
Sape ferry from Sumbawa
The state ferry operator ASDP runs a connection between Sape on Sumbawa and Labuan Bajo. The published economy fare for adults was Rp95,600 as of October 2025. The timetable at that time had the departure from Labuan Bajo to Sape at 10:00 WITA. Check the current schedule with ASDP, as days and times can change.
If you plan to bring a hire car or scooter on the ferry, ask the rental company first whether the vehicle is allowed on board. Vehicle fares are separate from passenger fares. Once you reach Labuan Bajo, you switch to a boat for Padar.
Komodo Airport: frequently asked questions
What is the airport code for Labuan Bajo?
Komodo Airport is LBJ (ICAO WATO), near Batu Cermin.
How far is the airport from the harbour?
About 2.5 km, an 8 to 12 minute drive.
Can I drive to Padar Island?
No. Padar is reached only by boat from the marina in Labuan Bajo, never by car or scooter.
Which airlines fly from Bali to Labuan Bajo?
Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air and Indonesia AirAsia list the route. Check current schedules when you book.
Is there a ferry from Sumbawa?
Yes, ASDP runs Sape to Labuan Bajo. Check the current schedule with ASDP.
Where should I stay after landing?
See the where to stay page for areas near the marina, Waecicu and Pede.