Planning a trip to Rote Island? You’ll first need to pass through Kupang, the regional capital of West Timor. Since Rote is a remote island with limited flight access, almost every visitor must take a multi-step journey: fly into Kupang Airport (KOE), stay overnight in town, then catch the morning ferry to Rote. This guide breaks down exactly how to do it, step by step, including transport options, current ferry schedules, flight alternatives, and tips for traveling with surfboards. If you’re wondering how to make the transfer smooth, affordable, and stress-free, this is the guide you need.
What are the main travel options from Kupang to Rote?
| Option | Travel Time | Days / Departure | Cost (USD) | Surfboard Fees | How to Book | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wings Air | 30 min | Daily 15:35 (KOE → RTI) | $20‑100 | IDR 1 000 000 PER BOARD (max 6’5” / 200 cm) | Lion Air website, Traveloka, Skyscanner | Same‑day arrival (when flight isn’t cancelled) |
| Susi Air | 30 min | Mon · Wed · Fri | Varies | Weight‑based, max 6 ft boards | WhatsApp + local agents | Light luggage, flexible flyers |
| Fast Ferry | 2 h | Daily 09:00 | $10‑15 | IDR 30 000 per bag (no size limit) | Express Bahari app* · harbour booth · Rote Guide | Reliability, longboards, budgets |
| Slow Ferry | 4 h | Daily 15:30 | ~$4 | Free (boards on lower deck) | In‑person only | Ultra‑budget & local vibe |
*The Express Bahari app requires an Indonesian card. We can reserve seats for you if needed.
📌 If you’re carrying longboards or multiple bags, the Fast Ferry is the safest bet. The flight boardbag fee is steep and space is limited.
What is the best (most reliable) way to travel from Kupang to Rote Island?
- Arrive at Kupang Airport (KOE).
- Taxi to an overnight hotel (15‑20 min).
- Taxi to Tenau Harbour by 07:45.
- Board the 09:00 Express Bahari fast ferry (2 h).
- Land in Ba’a, Rote and drive to your surf stay.
This “fly–sleep–ferry” combo runs year‑round and shrugs off flight delays that would otherwise strand you also saving you considerable baggae fees if you are traveling with multiple surfboards.
Why can’t I skip the Kupang stop‑over?
Morning ferries sail long before most inbound flights land. Unless you catch Wings Air’s on‑time 15:35 hop (rare), you’ll need a one‑night layover. Bonus: Kupang hotels cost under $40 and let you refresh with a good night sleep and all you can eat breakfast before the early boat ride.
Looking for a hotel in Kupang? Best Kupang Hotels For Your Overnight Stopover in Kupang, Timor
How do you get from Kupang Airport to your hotel or the port?
You can take a local taxi from El Tari Airport to the Tenau Harbour Terminal Helong Kupang which is about 30–45 minutes away directly.
In most scenarios though you will be going from the airport to your hotel, and then to the ferry port in the morning.
| Legs | Time |
|---|---|
| Airport ➜ Kupang hotel | 15-20 min |
| Hotel ➜ Terminal Helong Kupang | 20 min |
No cards, no ride-hailing apps; confirm the fare up-front.
Rote Guide can help arrange your transfer with our trusted drivers in Kupang. We charge a flat fee of 300,000 IDR for both steps of the journey, airport to hotel, and hotel to ferry in the morning. Our driver will also assist you with luggage, surfboard fees and ferry tickets.
- Alternative: Arrange private transfer via your hotel or homestay
- Travel tip: Drivers only accept cash.
What is the Express Bahari ferry and how do you book it?
The Express Bahari ferry is a high-speed passenger catamaran that runs daily between Kupang and Ba’a (Rote Island), with a travel time of around 2 hours.
- Sailings: Daily 09:00am
- Tickets: Rp 165 k (Economy) / Rp 230 k (VIP).
- Booking:
- Buy at the terminal ticket booth (easiest).
- Use the Express Bahari app—requires an Indonesian card.
- Ask Rote Guide or your hotel to reserve seats.
- Surfboard fee: Rp 30 k per board bag, paid at the luggage counter.
- Arrive by 08:00 for boarding; schedules shift on big tides/wind.
📌 Important: Always confirm the ferry schedule the day before you travel as sailings can be heavily impacted by weather.
See our Express Bahari: Kupang to Rote Fast Ferry for more in-depth information.
Can you still fly from Kupang to Rote?
Yes, Wings Air currently operates a short, 30-minute flight from Kupang (KOE) to Rote (RTI), now departing daily at 15:35. This new afternoon schedule means that most travelers arriving in Kupang from Bali or Jakarta can now continue to Rote on the same day, without needing an overnight stay.
But before you book, read this carefully.
Updated Wings Air facts
- Flight IW1937 departs KOE 15:35, lands RTI ~16:05.
- Allows same‑day connection from Bali/Jakarta morning flights.
- BUT: 2‑5 h delays or last‑minute cancellations are common, and refunds move slowly.
Cost & baggage
- Base fare ≈ Rp 1 045 k (~$65).
- Surfboards: Rp 1,000,000 per board, max 200 cm/6’5”. Cash only.
Note: Wings Air charger per board, not per bag. A board bag with 3 boards inside will cost 3,000,000 IDR.
Flying another airline in Indonesia? We have put together information for traveling with surfboards on all Indonesian airlines in our Indonesian Airline Surfboard Baggage Fees Guide
Fly or ferry?
| Fly | Ferry |
|---|---|
| 30 min in‑air | 2 h crossing + hotel night |
| Potentially skip Kupang sleep | Guaranteed overnight but 99% reliable |
| Expensive, strict board rules | Cheap, board‑friendly |
| High cancellation risk | Sails in most weather |
Verdict: If you’re board‑free and the 15:35 flight suits your schedule, gamble on air, but be ready with a back backup plan. Traveling with many boards and want to keep costs down? Stick with the boat.
What happens when you arrive on Rote?
You’ll arrive in Ba’a, the capital of Rote. From there, it is best to pre arrange a transfer to your accommodation in Nembrala, Boa, or elsewhere. Most surf stays offer transfers, ask in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I take a surfboard on the ferry to Rote?
A: Yes. Surfboards are accepted, usually with a small additional fee (~Rp 50,000–100,000 per bag).
Q: Is there a direct ferry from Bali to Rote?
A: No. All routes require flying to Kupang first, then taking the ferry to Rote.
Q: Are there ATMs at the ferry terminal?
A: Yes, but they are unreliable. It’s best to withdraw cash at Kupang airport or city before heading to Rote.
Q: Can I pre-book the ferry online?
A: You can book the Rote Ferry on the Express Bahari app, but you must have an Indonesian bank account to make payment.
Want more help planning your trip?
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