How to Get to Sumbawa. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Airports and Airlines

Major Airports

Sumbawa has two main domestic airports serving different parts of the island.

Island Access Points

Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin Airport (SWQ) in Sumbawa Besar: Serves western Sumbawa, Moyo Island, and Poto Tano ferry terminal.
Sultan Salahuddin Airport (BMU) in Bima: Access to Mount Tambora, Lakey Peak surf breaks, and Sape ferry the terminal for Flores.
Both airports offer basic facilities with limited shops or dining.

Airlines and Routes

Domestic airlines connect Sumbawa to major Indonesian hubs. No direct international flights land in Sumbawa.

Connecting Flights

Wings Air: Frequent flights from Lombok International Airport (LOP) to SWQ and BMU. Also connects BMU to Makassar (UPG).
Citilink: May offer routes to BMU from Denpasar (DPS) or Makassar (UPG). Check schedules.
TransNusa: May offer routes connecting Lombok to Sumbawa airports.

Flight Price Trends

Airfares are higher during high season (July-September), major Indonesian holidays, and breaks from school.

Seasonal Availability

Flight frequency might decrease during the low season (November-March) due to lower demand and weather.

Airport Transfers

Area cabs, private cars, or ojeks are available. Many lodgings provide pre-arranged transfers.

International Connections

Main Hubs for Transfers

Denpasar (DPS) - Bali: Most common and convenient connection point for foreign visitors to Sumbawa.
From DPS, fly domestically to Lombok, then connect to Sumbawa, or sometimes find direct flights to Bima.
Lombok (LOP): Offers a direct gateway to Sumbawa for travelers from Southeast Asia (e.g., Kuala Lumpur, Singapore).
Jakarta (CGK): Indonesia's main international gateway. Connecting flights to Sumbawa from Jakarta are more indirect, often stopping in Lombok or Makassar.

Flight Booking Tools

For best flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club.
Compare flights across airlines using Skyscanner.
For car rentals, consider DiscoverCars.com for global options.
Book transfers with accommodation if arriving late or going to a remote area.

Airport Services and Tips

ATM Availability

ATM availability at Sumbawa's airports (SWQ, BMU) is limited or unreliable. Plan to have Indonesian Rupiah cash upon arrival.

Baggage Allowance

Domestic airlines can be strict, especially with surfboard bags or oversized luggage, which may incur additional fees.

Check-in Time

For domestic flights, arrive at the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure for check-in and security.

Land Transportation Inter-island

Long-distance Bus Options

Buses and collective vans provide inter-town connections across Sumbawa. No train services exist on the island.

Bus and Travel Services

Within Sumbawa: Buses and shared vans ("Travel" services) connect major towns like Sumbawa Besar, Dompu, and Bima.
These are typically non-air-conditioned and operate without strict schedules, stopping often.
Inter-island Buses: Services run from Lombok, crossing by ferry, to various places in Sumbawa and sometimes onwards to Flores.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car for self-drive is less common than motorbikes in Sumbawa.

Car Rental Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your national driving license is a legal requirement.
Driving without an IDP leads to fines and may invalidate travel insurance.
Major international car rental companies do not have offices. Rentals are arranged through local guesthouses or operators.

Road Conditions

Roads can be different significantly across the island.

Surface and Challenges

Main roads (e.g., Trans-Sumbawa Highway) are generally paved but may have potholes or uneven surfaces.
Rural roads, leading to remote spots, can be unpaved, gravel, steep, and prone to becoming muddy during the wet season.
Driving in Indonesia has challenges due to aggressive local driving habits, high motorcycle volume, and livestock on roads.

Night Driving & Safety

Night driving is generally not recommended due to safety concerns.

Visibility & Risks

Poor lighting, unmarked obstacles, and sometimes drivers under the influence contribute to risks.
Visibility significantly reduces after dark, notably on unpaved or rural roads.
Always exercise caution and consider private drivers for night travel.

Border Crossing Note

Sumbawa is an island within The nation of indonesia.
Information on crossing the border does not apply in the global sense.
Travel between islands involves domestic checkpoints at ferry terminals.

Sumbawa does not have any train services.
Land transport relies entirely on roads.
The cost of self-drive car rentals ranges from IDR 300,000 - 500,000 per day.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Sea travel forms a backbone of transportation between Sumbawa and its neighboring islands.

Ferry Routes

Lembar (Lombok) to Poto Tano (West Sumbawa): Most frequent route, taking approx. 1.5 to 2 hours. Operates day and night.
Sape (East Sumbawa) to Labuan Bajo (Flores): Connects Sumbawa to Flores, providing access to Komodo National Park.
The Sape to Labuan Bajo journey takes 8 to TWELVE hours, depending on ferry and sea conditions. Facilities are basic.

Immigration & Connections

Standard international immigration checks do not occur at domestic ferry ports.

Arrival Procedures

For most ferry travel, you simply disembark and proceed with your journey.
Poto Tano Ferry Terminal: Bemos, ojeks, and private cars are available for onward travel. Bargain for fares.
Sape Ferry Terminal: Ojeks and shared cars or buses are available for Bima or other parts of East Sumbawa.

Cruise Ports

Sumbawa does not host major international cruise ports. Smaller ships might visit specific anchorages near Moyo Island.

River Transport

River transportation is not a significant mode of transport for tourists in Sumbawa.

Onward Journey

Upon arrival at ferry ports, various area transportation choices are readily available for your onward journey.

Departure Information from Sumbawa

Departure Procedures

No specific departure tax is typically levied at Indonesian airports, as it is usually included in your airfare. This simplifies the departure process.

Timing and Documents

For domestic flights from Sumbawa's airports (SWQ or BMU), arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure.
Have all necessary documents ready: your passport and e-ticket.
Check your baggage allowance for domestic flights carefully.

Airport/Station Facilities

Sumbawa's airports and ferry docks offer basic facilities for departing travelers.

Amenities

Airports (SWQ and BMU) offer check-in counters, a waiting area, and perhaps a small shop or food stall.
Do not expect extensive dining or shopping options.
Ferry ports like Poto Tano and Sape are very basic, with local vendors selling snacks and drinks.

Travelers' Tips

Snack Provision

Consider bringing snacks or drinks for your journey if you have a preference, as choices may be limited at departure points.

Local Currency

Ensure you have enough Indonesian Rupiah for any last-minute purchases or local transport to the airport/terminal.

Oversized Baggage

If carrying oversized baggage like surfboards, confirm arrangements and potential fees with your airline in advance.

Smooth Departure

Arranging your leaving details supports a stress-free end to your Sumbawa journey.

How to Get to Sumbawa