How Much Does It Cost from DIL Airport to Dili

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. The standard price to central Dili is 5-10 USD per vehicle. Where you fall in that range depends on your negotiating and how far exactly you are going.

• Comoro area (closest to airport): 3-5 USD
• Central Dili (waterfront, government district): 5-8 USD
• Eastern Dili (Metiaut, Cristo Rei direction): 7-10 USD

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 5-10 USD. 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 runs 15-25 USD. This is more than you would pay for a taxi, but you get a confirmed driver, a name sign at arrivals, and a guaranteed vehicle. 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, taxis for short trips cost 2-5 USD. Mikrolet minibuses run common routes for about 0.25 USD, but they are crowded and slow. For day trips outside Dili, hiring a car with a driver runs about 50-80 USD per day depending on the destination.

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. At 5-10 USD for the taxi, the cost is negligible. The main thing to prepare is having the right cash on hand.