Ferry to Sumba: routes from Flores, Sumbawa, Bali and Timor

Almost everyone flies to Sumba, but the island is also connected by sea. Ferries are cheaper and can fit into a slow overland trip through Nusa Tenggara, for example from Flores or Sumbawa. They are also slower, less frequent and more affected by weather. This guide explains the routes, how long they take and how to check what is actually running.

Sumba's ports

• Waingapu (East Sumba): the main port, with Pelni passenger ships and ASDP ferries.
• Waikelo (Southwest Sumba, near Tambolaka): a smaller harbour used mainly for the crossing from Sumbawa and some Pelni calls.

The main routes

From Flores: Ende or Aimere to Waingapu

The most used sea link. Ships from Ende to Waingapu take around 13 hours. Services run roughly weekly rather than daily, and delays are common. Pelni ships such as KM Awu call here on their loops through Nusa Tenggara.

From Sumbawa: Sape to Waikelo

The ASDP ferry between Sape, in the east of Sumbawa, and Waikelo was officially reopened on 24 May 2026, according to the Southwest Sumba regency government. The crossing takes roughly 8 to 9 hours. It is the most direct way from Labuan Bajo and Komodo overland: Labuan Bajo to Sape by ferry, then Sape to Waikelo.

From Timor: Kupang to Waingapu

Ships from Kupang reach Waingapu, often via Flores, in around 15 to 20 hours. These are irregular, so check locally.

From Bali: Benoa

Some Pelni ships include Benoa (Bali) and Sumba on routes that take about two weeks to complete a loop. It is possible but slow; for most people the one-hour flight is the obvious choice. See Bali to Sumba for both options.

What the ships are like

There are two kinds of boats. Pelni runs large passenger ships with economy decks and cabins, following long loops between many islands. ASDP runs roll-on/roll-off car ferries on shorter crossings; they carry cars and motorbikes, and some have a small air-conditioned room you can pay to use. Bring food and water, a sarong or light blanket and something to sleep on, and keep valuables with you.

How to check schedules

• Pelni publishes schedules and sells tickets on its official website and app.
• ASDP schedules are on the ASDP website; for local changes, port offices often post updates on social media.
• Ask your accommodation in Sumba to confirm the week before; schedules change with the weather and with ship maintenance.

Is the ferry worth it?

If you are travelling slowly through Nusa Tenggara with time to spare, yes: the sea route from Sumbawa or Flores is part of the adventure. If you have one or two weeks of holiday, fly, and spend the saved days on the island. Whatever you choose, plan your first day in Sumba with our interactive map and the guide to getting around.