Cheap flights from Kupang (KOE) to Rote (RTI)

With white-sand beaches, world-class surf at T-Land, and dramatic coastal views, Rote offers a refreshing escape into natural beauty. This hidden gem is perfect for nature lovers and culture seekers alike, with fewer crowds and a slower pace. Experience authentic local life, traditional music, and warm hospitality in one of Indonesia’s most peaceful corners. Ready to go beyond the usual? Rote is the kind of place you’ll be glad you added to your itinerary.

Which airlines fly direct from Kupang to Rote? 

A short flight, flying direct from Kupang to Rote is easy with a few airlines offering direct flights for eager travellers. 

• Susi Air: If keeping costs at a minimum is a priority, Susi Air is known for offering the most affordable direct flight from Kupang to Rote Island. Plus, if you’re planning to surf, Susi Air offers a free surfboard allowance of up to two boards per passenger. However, it’s worth noting that this is a small aircraft, seating only 12 passengers per flight. 
• Wings Air: If you prefer a larger aircraft, Wings Air flights are operated via an ATR-72, which typically offers around 72 seats per flight. However, there is a surfboard fee of around AU$100 per board. 

Flight time from Kupang to Rote?

When flying direct, it takes 35 to fly from Kupang to Rote — short and sweet. The perfect amount of time to start a short podcast episode or to catch up on some much-needed shut-eye.

Average price of flights between Kupang and Rote

Currently, you can get one-way fares between Kupang and Rote for as low as AU$45. 

As flights from Kupang to Rote operate on smaller aircrafts, last-minute bookings are not recommended. Booking 4-6 weeks in advance is the best time for the most reasonable flight prices and availability. Plus, if you’re planning to book your adventure during peak surf season, it’s best to book earlier, rather than later, due to higher demand. 

Cheapest time to fly to Rote

Timing your travel outside of peak travel seasons can offer unique experiences with substantial 

savings. As Rote Island is known for its immaculate waves, surfers will flock to T-Land and Nemberala during peak surf season from May to October. So, if you’re not planning to surf, choosing to travel outside these months will be ideal. 

The annual local school holidays rush (late-June to mid-July) and end-of-year festivities will see demand for flights increase, which means flights are not only harder to get, but are likely at their highest price. 

Our tip? Book outside peak travel months (AKA shoulder seasons) and try to fly midweek as opposed to weekends for the ultimate combination of cheap and cheerful. 

Where is the airport in Rote?

The primary airport on Rote Island is David Constantijn Saudale Airport, near the island’s capital, Ba’a. Getting to the airport is a short 20-minute drive from the city centre, and around 45-60 minutes from the surf hub of Nemberala. 

Public transport is pretty limited and irregular on the Island, so we’d recommend looking at private transport options when you’re here. Hotel transfers are typically offered at most accommodations — this is the easiest and stress-free way to plan your commute to and from the airport. Other options include hopping into a local taxi, which can be booked through your hotel as well. 

Visa and passport requirements for Australians flying to Rote 

While this is a domestic route within Indonesia, Aussies will need to travel with their passport, and it's vital that your visa is still valid for your stay in Rote. 

For Australians travelling to Indonesia, you’ll need to ensure your passport has at least 6 months until expiry from the date you enter the country. Additionally, you must have at least one blank page for any entry or exit stamps. 

In terms of visas, Australians will need to obtain either a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or an e-VoA, both of which serve the same purpose, granting tourists up to 30 days in Indonesia.  

Obtaining a VoA is relatively simple and costs approximately AU$50. You can pay for this upon arrival (as the name suggests) in major Indonesian airports (like El Tari in Kupang or Denpasar in Bali). This visa is valid for 30 days. You can apply for an extension for an additional 30 days, but applications for extensions must be made at least 7 days before your initial visa expires. Further, you can only apply for an extension of 30 days once, making 60 consecutive days your maximum stay in Indonesia. 

If you like to be prepared, you can also apply for an e-VoA before you fly to Indonesia online, here. Fees are the same, except you can skip the queue for efficiency. 

Our tips to getting the best price on flights

Lucky for you, finding the best price on flights is our forte. Here are a few expert tips to keep in mind when booking your next trip. 

• Set Price Alerts: Set up Traveloka Price Alerts to catch fare drops before they disappear. Simply look for the “Set Price Alert” button when searching for your flights in the Traveloka App or Online.
• Target Midweek Flights: Browse mid-week flights for the lowest prices.
• Check for Promos & Deals: Traveloka’s Deals page is where you’ll find limited-time promos on flights, accommodation, activities, and more (lucky you!).
• Catch a Red-Eye: Red-eye flights are hard, but if you can fall asleep just about anywhere, then why not catch up on sleep as you fly to your dream destination? It’s time-saving and cost-saving — just what we like.
• Finesse Your Traveloka Points: Use Traveloka Points to save even more on your final ticket price.

Why trust Traveloka with your flight booking

Hate the admin of booking flights, hotels, and activities? Are the multiple tabs opened on your laptop going out of control? Why not fast-forward to a surf-filled break at Rote Island with Traveloka? With Traveloka, you can plan every aspect of your dream holiday all in one place—from flights and hotel bookings to jaw-dropping experiences—all you’ll need to do is grab a mate and pack a surfboard (or two). 

• Honest Pricing: Comprehensive airline comparisons without commission bias.
• No Hidden Fees: The first price you see closely matches your final checkout.
• Australian-Based Customer Service: 24/7 Australian-based customer service for unpredictable travel moments.
• Flexible Finances: Interest-free payment plans to make travel budgeting easier than ever.
• Lightning-Fast Booking: Fewer tabs, more time thinking about your impending wind-swept adventure at Rote Island. 

Ready for your Rote adventure?

More than just flights, we can also help you find the perfect accommodation in Rote along with attraction tickets, tours and day trips to help you make the most of your trip.

Other popular destinations in Indonesia from Kupang you might want to check out:

• Kupang - Bali
• Kupang - Surabaya
• Kupang - Jakarta
• Kupang - Lombok (via Surabaya)

Flying in the other direction? Here's all the information you need about the reverse journey from Rote to Kupang.