How to get there
Labuan Bajo to Kelimutu (Ende)
This is a journey, not a transfer. It is about 545km broken into daily 3 to 6 hour driving legs, so realistically a 5 to 7 day overland trip across Flores, not one long drive.
Our pick
Do not treat this as a quick hop. Book a 5 to 7 day private overland tour that breaks the journey at Ruteng, Bajawa and Riung and times Kelimutu's coloured lakes for sunrise. Private cars are priced per day, not per person, so the cost drops sharply with a group. Pricing is usually quoted on request. Many travellers fly one leg between Ende and Labuan Bajo to skip the return drive.
Your options
Private car and driver, multi-day overland
Around $30 to $65 per day for the car; a 6 to 7 day trip totals roughly $300 to $550 and up per person, less with a group (working estimate)- Duration:
- Daily 3 to 6 hour legs over 5 to 7 days (about 545km total)
- Frequency:
- On request
Roads are paved but slow and winding, with landslide risk in the wet season. Hotels and meals are often extra on driver-only deals.
Local buses, segment by segment
Cheap, around $15 to $30 total (working estimate), but slow and basic- Duration:
- Several days
- Frequency:
- Varies by segment
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Common questions
- How long does it take?
- There is no single long leg: it is about 545km split into daily 3 to 6 hour drives, so realistically a 5 to 7 day trip with stops, not a single travel day.
- How much does it cost?
- As a working estimate, the private car runs about $30 to $65 per day, so a 6 to 7 day overland trip totals roughly $300 to $550 and up per person, dropping with a larger group. Most operators quote on request.
- Is it reliable?
- The roads are paved but slow and winding, and the wet season brings landslide risk.
- Can I avoid the long drive back?
- Yes. Many travellers fly between Ende and Labuan Bajo for one direction to skip the return overland journey.
Itineraries that use this route
See it in a full day-by-day trip you can book.
Prices and schedules are working estimates and change with season and operator. Confirm current fares and departure times before you book. Some links are affiliate links; booking through them helps fund the site at no extra cost to you.