Presidente Nicolau Lobato Airport is about 6 km from central Dili. The ride takes 10-20 minutes. East Timor uses the US dollar, so there is no currency conversion to worry about.
Taxi fares
Taxis at DIL are not metered. You negotiate the fare before getting in. There is no standard price to central Dili. Dili taxis are unmetered and there is no published tariff, so the fare is whatever you agree before you get in. That also means no honest fixed price can be printed here — ask your hotel what the current going rate is for your route, and agree the fare before you get in. Timor-Leste uses the US dollar as its official currency, so you pay in dollars and small notes matter. Where you fall in that range depends on your negotiating and how far exactly you are going.
Fixed-price private transfer
DIL Dili City Center
From€45for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €62 per vehicle, about €16 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
- Comoro area (closest to airport): the shortest hop, and the cheapest
- Central Dili (waterfront, government district): a little further
- Eastern Dili (Metiaut, Cristo Rei direction): the longest of the three, and the dearest
These are per vehicle, not per person. Two people sharing a taxi pay the same as one.
Hotel pickup
Most hotels in Dili offer airport pickup. Some include it in the room rate, especially the mid-range and higher-end places. Others charge a fee. This is the easiest option if you can arrange it before arrival. Email or message your hotel with your flight details.
Pre-booked private transfer
A pre-booked transfer through a service costs more than a negotiated taxi fare, but the price is fixed and confirmed when you book, and you get a confirmed driver, a name sign at arrivals, and a guaranteed vehicle. Check current pricing with your chosen operator at the time of booking. For the short distance in Dili, this is more of a convenience purchase than a necessity.
Getting around Dili after arrival
Once in the city, short taxi trips are cheap, and the fare is still agreed before you set off. Mikrolet minibuses run common routes for a fraction of a taxi fare, but they are crowded and slow. For day trips outside Dili, hiring a car with a driver is priced per day and depends on the destination — agree it in advance.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in East Timor, but it is appreciated. Rounding up or adding a dollar to the fare is generous by local standards.
Cash is essential
Dili runs on cash. Card payments are rare outside of hotels and a few restaurants. Bring enough US dollars for your first day at least. ATMs exist in the city (BNU and ANZ banks are common) but can run out of cash or have technical issues.
Keep small bills. A 100 USD note is nearly impossible to break at a taxi or small shop. Fives and tens are ideal.
Summary
Getting from DIL to your hotel is one of the cheapest airport transfers you will find anywhere. Set against the airfare to get here, the taxi is negligible. The main thing to prepare is having the right cash on hand.
When a private transfer from DIL is the right choice
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Dili City Center is from €62, about €16 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
- Going to a specific address rather than the main station: the car goes to the door, so the public-transport fare is not the whole cost of the trip.
- Arriving tired or late: the driver waits at arrivals with your name, included for 60 minutes after landing.
DIL → Dili City Center from €45Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.