Almost all journeys to Rote involve a ferry ride from Kupang, Timor; Especially since Wings Air stopped their daily flights to the island.
Thankfully the Express Bahari fast ferry was on hand and stepped up to the task, becoming a trusted a very important connection between Kupang and Rote Island.
So here is everything you need to know about the Express Bahari Fast Ferry to Rote.
Schedule
The Express Bahari fast ferry operates daily between Kupang and Rote Island. It departs from Kupang at 9:00 am every day arriving around 11.00am in Rote.
It then departs Rote at 12.00pm returning to Kupang around 14.00pm.
While they are usually pretty good, just be prepared for these times to change here and there. This talk about rubber island time is a real thing here.
How long is the fast ferry from Kupang to Rote?
The journey takes approximately 2 hours, but is heavily impacted by sea conditions.
Rote Fast Ferry Route
The Express Bahari Ferry runs between Kupang and Rote Island, covering a distance of about 33 nautical miles, crossing the Roti Straight.
It departs Kupang from Terminal Helong Kupang which is important to note is a different port to where the slow ferry leaves from.
It arrives in Rote at the small port in Pantai Baru which is a change from its previous arrival port of Papela.
Ticket Information
Tickets can be purchased at the harbor on the day of travel, as there is usually sufficient space for all passengers.
If you want to ensure you have a VIP seat which, among other things, gets you access to the coldest AC in Timor, then its worth booking in advanced. Your accommodation in Rote or hotel in Kupang can help you organise this. Just don’t forget a jumper.
Express Bahari Ticket Prices
Kupang to Rote
VIP – 217,000 IDR
Exectuive – 187,000 IDR
Rote – Kupang
VIP- 204,000 IDR
Executive – 174,000 IDR
Can you book the Express Bahari in advance?
Yes, you can.
If you have access to an Indonesian bank account or card you can book in advance using the Express Bahari App, which actually works great and is the easiest way to book in advance. Get it from the App Store or the Google Play Store.
As the app does not work with international cards, as a foreigner your best option is to arrange with you accommodation or guide to book your tickets in advance.
If you need help with booking your ferry tickets Rote Guide can help you. Just get in touch.
Can you take surfboards on the Express Bahari Fast Ferry?
Yes! You can bring your surfboards on the ferry to Rote with you.
This is great news as when Wings Air do finally reschedule their Rote to Kupang flights, they now charge 1,000,000 IDR per board! As there is also no size restriction on the ferry, for surfers, the ferry may well remain the most popular way to reach Rote Island.
Surfboards have a small additional fee, based a little bit on how heavy they are and a little bit about how happy the guy is. In general it is around 50,000 IDR for a board bag with 3 boards, so it’s really not much to worry about.
Wings Air Flights From Kupang to Rote Island Are Starting Again. Maybe.
Travel Tips For The Express Bahari Fast Ferry to Rote
- Bring a warm layer. They seem to have the very best refrigeration engineers in Timor working for them. The AC is cold!
- Bring some cash to pay porters if you want help with your luggage.
- We recommend getting the VIP tickets for space and comfort.
- Bring seasick pills if you are not good on boats
- Leave plenty of buffer time for connecting journeys.
