The cheapest way from Dili to Atauro is the government ferry run by the port authority APORTIL: it sails six days a week (not Monday) at 8:00am, costs US$4–5 in cash and takes about 2¼–3 hours to Beloi pier. If you want a faster or more flexible crossing, book a private boat through an Atauro hotel, or a short MAF light-aircraft flight from Dili airport. Schedules below are as of October 2026, based on the official tourism site’s check of the APORTIL board in August 2026.
Quick answers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cheapest option | APORTIL ferry, US$4 (Berlin Nakroma) or US$5 (Success), cash |
| Ferry days | Nakroma: Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun. Success: Tue, Fri. No Monday ferry |
| Departure / return | 8:00am from Dili, 3:00pm from Beloi, Atauro |
| Crossing time | About 2h15 (Nakroma) or about 3h (Success) |
| Where tickets are sold | At the port ferry office on the day of travel, no online booking |
| Fastest option | MAF flight from Dili airport, booked through MAF’s online form |
| Day trip possible? | Yes, on ferry days: out at 8:00am, back at 3:00pm |
| Where you arrive | Beloi pier, on Atauro’s east coast |
The APORTIL ferries: Nakroma and Success
Two vessels run the public service on APORTIL’s timetable. They leave from different places in Dili, so check which one you are taking.
| Ferry | Days | Leaves Dili | Leaves Atauro (Beloi) | Crossing | Fare (one way) | Dili departure point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin Nakroma | Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | 8:00am | 3:00pm | About 2h15 | US$4 | Porto Dili (Farol, central waterfront) |
| Success (“Laju Laju”) | Tue, Fri | 8:00am | 3:00pm | About 3h | US$5 | Kolmera, central Dili |
- There is no regular Monday ferry in either direction.
- The Dragon Star fast boat that used to run at weekends has been out of service since late 2025, so ignore older blogs that recommend it.
- Both ferries carry motorbikes and small vehicles. Vehicle space is limited and priced separately: ask at the port office a day or two before.
- Sailings can move or be cancelled for weather, maintenance or public holidays (for example Restoration of Independence Day, All Souls’ Day and Christmas). Confirm with APORTIL on (+670) 331 7264 before you travel.
How to buy ferry tickets
- Go to the right port: Porto Dili for the Nakroma, Kolmera for the Success.
- Buy your ticket at the ferry office on the day of travel. There is no online booking.
- Pay in US dollars cash, ideally small notes.
- Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure, and earlier at weekends and on public holidays, when Dili residents head to the island.
Return tickets are bought at Beloi on the day you come back.
Private boats and water taxis
Private boats are faster than the ferry and run on demand, but they cost more and must be booked ahead.
Beloi Beach Hotel boats
Beloi Beach Hotel runs its own motor launches across the strait on a demand basis, for hotel guests and other travellers.
- Departs Dili: from inside the Marine Police compound (UPM) on the Dili foreshore, next to Largo de Lecidere
- Arrives: Beloi, near the hotel
- Schedule: the hotel’s water-taxi page gives one daily departure from Dili at 8:00am; boats run on demand, so book ahead
- Fares (hotel website, October 2026): US$70 per adult and US$35 per child, one way. Confirm the time and fare when booking
- Phone: (+670) 7729 2222 (alternate 7558 3421)
- Website: beloibeachhoteltimorleste.com: Water taxi
Other water-taxi and charter operators have appeared in guidebooks over the years, but we could not confirm that any of them is still running in October 2026. If your accommodation offers a boat transfer, ask for the departure point, time, price and what safety equipment is on board.
Local boats
Fishing and outrigger boats can sometimes be arranged directly with crews. They usually leave very early, when the Wetar Strait is calmer. Many carry no radio or lifejackets and passengers are exposed to sun and spray, so they are not recommended unless you know the boat and the conditions.
MAF flights to Atauro
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) runs a weekly scheduled service for visitors, NGO workers and residents on fixed routes that include Atauro (the official tourism site says two to three flights a week), plus charter flights. It is by far the quickest way to the island, because Atauro is only about 30 km north of Dili.
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Departs | Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, Dili |
| How to book | ”Request a Flight” form on MAF Timor-Leste’s website. It is not a confirmation: the bookings team replies by email or phone |
| Bookings phone | (+670) 7732 7771 |
| Fares | Priced per seat. Ask MAF for the current fare |
| Weight | Passengers and all luggage are weighed. You may have to leave bags behind if the plane is over its limit |
| Cancellations | For weather, pilot or maintenance cancellations, MAF offers a full refund or the next available flight |
MAF also flies Timor-Leste’s medical evacuations, so a plane can be pulled from a scheduled flight at short notice. Arrange a pickup from the airstrip with your accommodation.
Sea conditions and the best time to go
- The dry season (May to November) brings the calmest crossings, clearest water for snorkelling on arrival and the most reliable ferry service. See Timor-Leste weather and seasons.
- In the wet season seas are rougher and ferry crossings are occasionally cancelled. Build a spare day into your plans if you have a flight out of Dili.
- If you get seasick, sit on deck in the open air and take medication before boarding.
What to bring
- US dollars in cash, in small notes, for the ferry, transport and most guesthouses. Do not count on finding an ATM on Atauro: withdraw in Dili first. See money and currency in Timor-Leste.
- Drinking water and snacks: food and drink on board are limited or not available.
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and a light rain jacket.
- A dry bag or plastic bag for phone and passport.
- Your accommodation’s phone number, so they can meet you at Beloi.
Getting around Atauro on arrival
Ferries and most boats arrive at Beloi pier, on the island’s east coast. Beloi and the main town, Vila (Vila Maumeta), are the two main villages on the east side and are linked by the island’s one main road.
- Ask your accommodation to collect you. Most places to stay on Atauro arrange transfers from the pier or airstrip, and they know which local drivers are working that day.
- There is no formal public transport timetable. Local drivers can be hired by the trip or for the day: check the price with your accommodation and agree it before you set off.
- Remote villages and the west coast are often easier to reach by boat or on foot than by road.
Places to stay are small and fill up at weekends, so book before you cross. Browse options on our accommodation pages, and read the Atauro Island guide for diving, snorkelling and hiking. For the rest of your trip, see the practical travel guide and keep the emergency numbers handy.
Sources
- Timor-Leste official tourism site: Ferries, Dili to Atauro and Oecusse (checked against the APORTIL board, August 2026)
- Timor-Leste official tourism site: Transport
- Timor-Leste official tourism site: Atauro Island
- MAF Timor-Leste: Scheduled services
- MAF Timor-Leste: Request a flight
- MAF Timor-Leste: Before you fly
- MAF Timor-Leste: Contact
- Beloi Beach Hotel
- Beloi Beach Hotel: Water taxi (schedule and fares, October 2026)