Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport is Timor-Leste's leading airport, located at the gates of the capital Dili, on the northern coast of the island.
It connects the country with Indonesia, Singapore, and Australia, as well as internal flights to other airports in the territory.
How to get to Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport
By Train
There is no railway connection to the airport.
By Bus
Local minibuses exist on the main routes, but are not a practical option for travelers with luggage.
In Dili the Bolt app is active for private transport; other apps like Grab are not available in East Timor.
Parking near Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport
A surface parking lot is located in front of the terminal.
How to get to Dili from DIL
The transfer to Dili city center is typically by taxi.
By Train
There is no rail connection for the airport.
By Bus
Local minibuses cover the main routes but are inconvenient for travelers with luggage.
By Taxi
Dili city center is approximately 6 km away, a journey of 10–15 minutes; drivers often request a fixed fare of around 10 USD (East Timor's official currency is the US dollar), to be confirmed before the trip.
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
From DIL to the most sought-after destinations
Current direct connections are to Indonesia (Citilink and Batik Air to Denpasar and Kuala Lumpur) and to Darwin, Australia (Airnorth and Qantas), the only Australian city reachable without a stop. Aero Dili also operates seasonal connections to Denpasar, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and some Chinese cities.
Car rental at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport
Europcar is essentially the only operator with a desk at the airport.
Hotels near Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport
Avenida de Portugal Seafront
Unmetered taxis, to negotiate or book through the hotel: 10-15 minutes for the 6 km to the airport, with no direct public buses.
Best for: Travelers who want the seafront within walking distance, with restaurants and an evening stroll, while still staying just 10 minutes by taxi from the airport.
- Beach and seafront just steps away, with bars and restaurants open in the evening
- Same distance from the airport as the capital's other hotels, so no compromise on the transfer
- The sea in front of the city is not very inviting for swimming, better suited to an evening stroll
- Few taxis circulate after 22:00: it's better to have the hotel call one in advance
Recommended hotels
- Hotel Timor On the seafront, about 100 meters from the beach and in the heart of Dili; a pool with loungers and a restaurant with Portuguese-influenced dishes, 10 minutes by taxi from the airport. View availability
- Hotel Esplanada Overlooking the beach on Avenida de Portugal, with an outdoor pool, garden and terrace; about 3 km (10 minutes) from the airport. View availability
- Palm Beach Hotel Dili A quieter stretch of beach toward Pantai Kelapa, near the US embassy area; an outdoor pool, free parking and an airport shuttle are included, about 4 km from the terminals. View availability
Timor Plaza
About 3 km and 10 minutes by taxi from the airport, on the same Rua Presidente Nicolau Lobato; the hotel also arranges free transfers to and from the terminals.
Best for: Travelers who'd rather have supermarkets, shops and a cinema right under the hotel than the seafront, just minutes from the airport.
- Supermarkets, shops, a cinema and several restaurants in the same building
- Free airport transfers organized directly by the hotel
- No beach in the immediate vicinity: a taxi or car is still needed to reach the seafront
- More of a shopping-mall atmosphere than a historic neighborhood
Airport services
The country's primary airport, it offers basic essential services.
Shopping & Duty Free
A duty-free shop is available.
Lounges & relaxation
A VIP lounge is available.
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi covers the terminal area.
Families & Children
Family-friendly services are minimal, consistent with the airport's size.
Terminal guide
A single terminal handles all passenger traffic, both international and domestic.
Map of Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do you need a visa for East Timor?
It's issued on arrival for most nationalities, including Italy and the EU, at a cost of 30 US dollars payable in cash: bring the exact amount.
Q. Is Dili safe for tourists?
Moderate risk according to the United States: local police forces sometimes use force during protests, with incidents of stones being thrown at vehicles.
Q. What currency is used in East Timor?
The US dollar is the official currency, alongside local coins (centavos) equivalent to dollar cents.
Q. What languages are spoken in Dili?
Tetum and Portuguese are the official languages, with Indonesian and English used as working languages.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights