Is Bima safe for tourists?

Yes, it is generally safe for travelers.

How far is Bima from the airport?

The airport is about 20 minutes from the city center.

Can I visit Komodo from Bima?

Yes, Bima is a common starting point for boat trips to Komodo.

Are there hotels in Bima?

Yes, there are several decent hotels in the city.

What is the best way to travel to Bima?

Flying is the most efficient method.

Lombok

Bima

Bus Flight

Lombok to Bima

Updated: 28 May 2026

Bima is located on the eastern end of Sumbawa island. You can reach Bima from Lombok by a 1-hour flight or a long 15-hour bus journey. The flight is highly recommended due to the distance and road conditions. If you choose the bus, you will cross the entire island of Sumbawa. This is a journey for those who enjoy long-distance road travel.

Total Distance: 350 km driving distance, 300 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flight taking 1 hour.

Cheapest Way

Public bus for approximately 350,000 IDR.

Compare Lombok to Bima Routes

	Bus Direct	Flight Direct
Duration	15 hours	1 hour
Avg Price	350,000 - 500,000 IDR	800,000 - 1,500,000 IDR
Operator	Tiara Mas	Wings Air
Route	Trans-Sumbawa Highway	Lombok International Airport to Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport
Tip	Prepare for a very long and tiring journey.	Book flights at least two weeks in advance.

Travel Tips

Flight
Check baggage allowances as they can be strict on small planes.
Bus
If taking the bus, choose a 'VIP' class for better seating.
Connectivity
Bima has good mobile coverage in the city center.
Cash
Carry enough cash as ATMs can be scarce in rural Sumbawa.
Language
Bima has a distinct language; Indonesian is the lingua franca.

Safety Tips

Flight Safety
Follow all airline safety protocols.
Road Safety
The Trans-Sumbawa road is long; ensure your bus driver is experienced.
Health
Stay hydrated during the long bus journey.
Emergency
Keep the contact details of your hotel in Bima.