Home » Layover Guide » Dili Presidente Nicolau Lobato Layover Guide (DIL)

Dili Presidente Nicolau Lobato Layover Guide (DIL)

What are you looking for in DIL?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Dili Lobato Airport (DIL) is an international airport located in Comoro, just 6 km (3.7 miles) from downtown Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste. The airport officially opened in 2002 after the country’s independence. Dili is the largest city in Timor-Leste and serves as its political and economic center. The city is known for its coastal beauty, vibrant culture, and nearby diving spots, making it an emerging destination for travelers and expats alike.

Can you leave Dili Lobato Airport (DIL) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers on layovers at Dili Lobato Airport may clear immigration and explore Dili if they hold a valid visa or are eligible for visa-exemption. Most travellers can obtain a 30-day visa-on-arrival for US$30. Short transit stays under 48 hours still require a transit visa. Alternatively, apply in advance through missions. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Cristo Rei Statue Take a scenic visit to the towering Cristo Rei statue perched on a limestone hill offering panoramic views of Dili Bay and city skyline, a testament to faith and resilience. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi ride)
• Dili Waterfront Promenade Stroll along the vibrant Dili Waterfront Promenade lined with cafes, art installations and local vendors, soaking in ocean breezes and daily life while sampling street snacks and fresh coconut water. (Time required: 1½ hours / Airport to here: 10-minute taxi or public minibus)
• Museu da Resistência Timorense Explore the Museu da Resistência to learn about East Timor’s struggle for independence through photographs, artifacts and multimedia exhibits that honor local heroes and resilience. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 12-minute taxi)
• Panteão Nacional dos Heróis Visit the National Pantheon of Heroes to pay respects at the memorial dedicated to Timorese martyrs, featuring solemn stone monuments and informative plaques detailing their sacrifices. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: 10-minute taxi)
• Santa Cruz Cemetery Wander through the historic Santa Cruz Cemetery, site of the 1991 massacre, and reflect on East Timor’s past while viewing memorial murals and well-kept graves of national significance. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi)
• Mercado de Comoro Immerse yourself in local life at Mercado de Comoro, browsing stalls selling fresh produce, traditional textiles and street food while engaging friendly vendors in East Timorese bargaining. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 8-minute taxi or minibus)
• Areia Branca Beach Relax on the white sands of Areia Branca Beach, swim in clear turquoise water or enjoy a coconut under palm trees just beyond the airport’s runway end. (Time required: 1½ hours / Airport to here: 5-minute taxi or walk)
• Timor-Leste Coffee Tasting Savor a tasting flight of renowned East Timorese coffee at the Timor-Leste Coffee Company, learning about local bean cultivation and roasting techniques from passionate baristas. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 10-minute taxi)

Things to Do in Dili Lobato Airport (DIL)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Although modest in size, Dili Airport features a VIP lounge adjacent to the departure area. Accessible to business class passengers and Priority Pass holders via pre-booking, it offers cushioned seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi, and basic conference facilities. It’s the only dedicated relaxing space before flights at DIL. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
While no on-airport hotels exist, Timor Plaza Hotel & Apartments sits 0.7 mi away offering comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, fitness centre, and complimentary shuttle service. Other options like Palm Springs and Plaza Hotel provide airport transfers, air-conditioned rooms, and 24-hour front desk for convenient overnight stays near DIL, timely and reliable. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Dili Airport terminal has limited seating and no dedicated rest zones or sleep pods. Travelers seeking naps must use bench seats in quieter gate corners. Power outlets are sporadic, so pack a portable charger. Lighting stays bright after hours; bring an eye mask and earplugs to rest within the terminal.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal comes without charge and requires no code. Simply select the ‘Dili Free WiFi’ network and accept terms. Coverage spans both arrival and departure areas. Speeds are basic, dropping near gates. For reliable browsing, purchase a local data SIM or eSIM upon arrival. Available from arrivals.

SIM/eSIM Card: Upon arrival at Dili Airport, Timor Telecom and Telkomcel kiosks sell prepaid SIM and eSIM plans. Packages start at 2 GB for around US $5, including local calls. Registration requires passport ID. Activation is immediate. eSIM QR codes are available for major international providers, offering flexible data options without a physical card. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Dili Lobato Airport (DIL) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxi stands are located directly outside the airport. Journey time to the city centre is about 15 minutes, with fares around US $20. Drivers generally use meters, but confirm rates upfront. Payment in USD and local currency is accepted. For large groups, book a van. Taxis operate 24/7; late-night surcharges may apply.

Train: Timor-Leste lacks a railway system, so no train services operate to or from Dili Airport. Ground transportation relies entirely on taxis, buses, shuttles, and car hires. Travellers seeking rail access must cross into Indonesia and board at border stations. more info.

Bus: There is no dedicated airport bus; travelers catch local minibuses (microlets) from Comoro bus station 2 km away. Microlets serve routes across Dili for about US $0.20. To reach the city, take a short taxi or shuttle to the bus hub. more info.

Shuttle: Several hotels, including Timor Plaza and Palm Springs, provide complimentary airport shuttle services upon reservation. Shuttles operate on a fixed schedule linking the terminal to central Dili hotels. Private shuttle operators offer shared vans for US $5–7 per person. Advance booking via hotel concierge is recommended for punctual pick-ups, daily service.

Car rentals: Car rental desks for Avis and local agencies are located in the arrivals hall. Vehicles include compact cars, SUVs, and 4x4s. Drivers must be 21+ with valid international driver’s licence. Rates start around US $50/day, including basic insurance. Booking online is advisable. Fuel policies vary; inspect vehicle thoroughly before departure. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: A small public car park sits directly outside the terminal offering short- and long-term spaces. Rates are approximately US $1 per hour, capped at US $10/day. Payment on departure at the cashier window accepts cash only. Disabled bays and motorcycle parking are available near the entrance. Parking office hours match terminal operations.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No public luggage storage or lockers exist at Dili Airport. Travelers must arrange storage through airlines or third-party ground handling agencies, which offer limited space and typically charge per bag per day. Plan to carry all valuables or ship excess items onward, as facilities are minimal and capacity scarce strictly. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Dili Lobato Airport (DIL) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks