Is there a direct flight from Lombok to Ruteng?

No, you must fly to Labuan Bajo and then travel by road.

How long is the drive from Labuan Bajo to Ruteng?

It typically takes 5 hours by shared van.

Are there buses available daily?

Yes, shared travel vans operate daily from the Labuan Bajo bus terminal.

What is the best way to get around Ruteng?

Ojek (motorcycle taxis) are the most convenient way to navigate the city.

Is the Trans-Flores Highway safe?

It is safe but requires experienced drivers due to the mountainous terrain.

Bus Flight

Pujut to Ruteng

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Pujut to Ruteng requires a combination of air and land transport. You must first travel to Lombok International Airport (LOP) in Praya. From there, fly to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) via Denpasar or direct if available. Once in Labuan Bajo, take a shared travel van or bus to Ruteng. The final leg covers approximately 130 km of winding mountain roads through the Trans-Flores Highway. Expect a total travel time of roughly 12 to 15 hours depending on connections.

Total Distance: Driving distance 130 km (Flores leg) + straight-line air distance 450 km.

Fastest Way

Flight from LOP to LBJ followed by a private car hire to Ruteng, taking 8 hours total.

Cheapest Way

Bus from Labuan Bajo to Ruteng after flying from Lombok, costing approximately 1.5 million IDR total.

Compare Pujut to Ruteng Routes

	Bus Direct	Flight Connecting
Duration	5 hours	4 hours
Avg Price	150,000 - 250,000 IDR	1,200,000 - 2,500,000 IDR
Operator	Travel Flores	Wings Air
Route	Labuan Bajo to Ruteng via Trans-Flores Highway	LOP to LBJ via DPS
Tip	Request a seat in the front if you are prone to motion sickness due to sharp turns.	Book early as flights to Labuan Bajo sell out quickly during peak tourist seasons.

Travel Tips

Motion Sickness
The road from Labuan Bajo to Ruteng is extremely winding; bring medication.
Currency
Carry sufficient cash as ATMs are limited in smaller villages between Labuan Bajo and Ruteng.
Language
Learn basic Indonesian phrases as English is less common in rural Flores.
Clothing
Ruteng is at a high altitude and can be chilly; pack a light jacket or sweater.
Connectivity
Telkomsel provides the most reliable signal in the mountainous regions of Flores.

Safety Tips

Road Safety
Avoid night travel on the Trans-Flores Highway due to poor lighting and steep cliffs.
Health
Drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid stomach issues.
Emergency
Keep the contact details of your hotel in Ruteng saved offline.
Valuables
Keep your passport and cash in a secure money belt while in transit.