Everything you need to know about Lombok Airport Guide 2026: visa on arrival, transport to South Lombok, SIM cards, taxis vs Grab, and what to expect on arrival.
Lombok International Airport (IATA code: LOP) is smaller, calmer, and significantly less chaotic than Bali’s Ngurah Rai. The arrivals process is straightforward. The main decisions, visa on arrival, SIM card, and transport are all simple once you know what to expect.
This guide covers: everything from walking off the plane to arriving at your hotel in South Lombok. We will tell you exactly where to go, what to pay and which queue to join first.
Lombok Airport Guide 2026 — Fast Facts
Official name: Lombok International Airport (Bandara Internasional Lombok)
IATA code: LOP Location: Praya, Central Lombok, approximately 45-60 min from Kuta Lombok by car.
Airlines: Lion Air, Garuda, Wings Air, Citilink (domestic) · Scoot, AirAsia, Malindo (international)
Terminal: Single terminal. Domestic and international arrivals in the same building.
ATMs: Available in the arrivals hall (BRI, BNI, Mandiri). Withdraw on arrival.
Step 1: Visa on Arrival (For Most Nationalities)
Most international visitors to Lombok are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA). This is processed at the airport before you reach immigration. Do this first, before the immigration queue.
Who needs a visa on arrival?
Most nationalities, including all EU countries, the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and many others. The Indonesian government’s official list changes periodically; check the latest list on the Indonesian immigration website before travel.
ASEAN nationals (Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, etc.) typically enter visa-free without needing the VoA counter.
How to get your visa on arrival — step by step
1. Walk off the plane and follow signs for ‘Visa on Arrival’ — this counter is before immigration.
2. Join the VoA queue. At LOP this is usually short (5-20 people). In peak season (July-August) allow 20-30 minutes.
3. At the counter: present your passport (must have 6+ months validity) and pay the fee.
4. Fee: IDR 500,000 per person (approximately USD 30-32). Cash only at most counters — bring USD or IDR. Some counters accept card; do not rely on this.
5. You receive a stamp in your passport. Valid for 30 days. Extendable once at the Mataram immigration office for another 30 days.
6. Proceed to the main immigration queue with your VoA stamp.
Visa on arrival tips
Bring USD 35 cash per person as a backup, the exact IDR amount or USD equivalent. The VoA counter is clearly signed before the immigration desks. Do not skip it and join immigration directly. If you have a long layover or connecting flight via Singapore, you can sometimes prepare IDR there. Read our full visa on arrival guide for Lombok for more details.
Step 2: Immigration and Customs
Immigration
After your VoA stamp, join the immigration queue. At LOP, immigration is generally efficient, taking 15-30 minutes under normal conditions and up to 45 minutes during peak season (July-August peak arrival days). Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
You will fill in an arrival card on the plane or at the airport. Keep the departure portion; you will need it when you leave.
Customs
Standard Indonesian customs rules apply. 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars, 1 litre of alcohol, and goods up to USD 500 per person are duty-free. Declare cash over USD 10,000. Lombok is not a smuggling hotspot; the customs process is typically brief.
Baggage
Baggage claim at LOP is a single carousel in a small hall. Bags typically arrive within 15-20 minutes of landing. The hall is air-conditioned and has seating.
Step 3: SIM Card
Buy your Indonesian SIM card inside the arrivals hall before you exit — there are stalls from Telkomsel, XL Axiata and Indosat. This is the right moment: you will immediately need maps, Grab and communication.
| Provider | Coverage in South Lombok | Price (approx) | Data |
| Telkomsel (recommended) | Best 4G coverage in Kuta and Selong Belanak | IDR 50,000-80,000 | 10-20GB depending on package |
| XL Axiata | Good in Kuta, patchy in Selong Belanak | IDR 40,000-70,000 | 10-20GB |
| Indosat | Variable in South Lombok | IDR 35,000-60,000 | 10-20GB |
Telkomsel is the clear recommendation for South Lombok. It has the best rural coverage and Selong Belanak in particular has weak signal on other networks. The airport stall staff will insert and activate the SIM for you.
SIM card tips
Ask the stall to set up your phone and confirm data is working before you leave the counter.Top-up (isi ulang) available at any convenience store in Kuta Lombok.Indonesian SIM cards use standard nano/micro sizes — bring an adaptor if your phone is unusual.WhatsApp works on an Indonesian SIM and is how most local businesses communicate.
Step 4: Money — ATMs and Currency
There are ATMs in the arrivals hall from BRI, BNI and Mandiri. Withdraw cash here — ATMs in Selong Belanak can run out of notes during peak season and options are limited outside of Kuta Lombok.
- Recommended: Withdraw IDR 500,000-1,000,000 on arrival to cover first day transport, food and incidentals.
- ATM fees: Varies by your home bank. Typically IDR 25,000-50,000 per withdrawal from an Indonesian ATM.
- Money changers: Available in the arrivals hall but rates are worse than ATM rates. Use only if your card does not work.
- Tip: Bring some IDR from home or exchange at your departure airport if you can — you will need small bills immediately for taxis, food, and SIM cards.
Step 5: Getting from the Airport to South Lombok
The airport is in Praya, Central Lombok. South Lombok (Kuta Lombok, Selong Belanak) is 45-70 minutes south by car. This is the most important practical decision you will make on arrival — the price difference between options is large.
Option 1: Grab or Gojek (Recommended)
Grab / Gojek — best value, transparent pricing
Book from inside the terminal before exiting
Open the Grab or Gojek app as soon as you have a working SIM card. Set your destination: Kuta Lombok or your specific accommodation. The app shows a fixed price before you book — no negotiation, no surprises. Price to Kuta Lombok: IDR 100,000-160,000. To Selong Belanak: IDR 150,000-220,000. The driver meets you at the designated pickup point outside arrivals (usually marked).Note: In peak season (July-August) Grab can have surge pricing. Still usually cheaper than taxis.
Option 2: Official Airport Taxi (Blue Bird)
Official metered taxi — safe but more expensive
Look for the Blue Bird counter inside arrivals
Blue Bird is Indonesia’s most reputable taxi company. Metered and safe.Go to the official Blue Bird counter inside the terminal — do not accept offers from drivers approaching you.Price to Kuta Lombok: IDR 180,000-250,000 metered. To Selong Belanak: IDR 220,000-320,000.Slightly more expensive than Grab but completely reliable and no app needed.
Option 3: Pre-arranged Hotel Transfer
Hotel pickup — most reasonable, highest price
Arrange before you travel
Many guesthouses and hotels in Kuta Lombok and Selong Belanak offer airport pickup.Price is usually IDR 200,000-350,000 — more expensive than Grab but the driver knows where you are going.Best option if arriving late at night or if your accommodation is off the main road.Arrange by WhatsApp with your guesthouse at least 24 hours before arrival.
Option 4: Independent Taxi Drivers (Avoid)
Unofficial taxis — avoid
Drivers approaching you in the arrivals hall
Drivers will approach you immediately outside customs, offering rides. Prices quoted are 3-5x the Grab rate. These are not metered or regulated. Do not engage. Walk past, get your SIM working, and open Grab. If you must negotiate, IDR 200,000 to Kuta Lombok is the absolute maximum to pay.
| Transport option | Price to Kuta Lombok | Price to Selong Belanak | Journey time | Recommended? |
| Grab / Gojek | IDR 100,000–160,000 | IDR 150,000–220,000 | 45-55 min | Yes — best value |
| Blue Bird taxi | IDR 180,000–250,000 | IDR 220,000–320,000 | 45-55 min | Yes — if no data SIM yet |
| Hotel transfer | IDR 200,000–350,000 | IDR 250,000–400,000 | 45-55 min | Yes — if arriving late |
| Independent taxi | IDR 300,000–500,000+ | IDR 400,000–600,000+ | 45-55 min | No — avoid |
What to Expect at Lombok Airport
Size and layout
LOP is a single-terminal airport — domestic and international arrivals share the same building. It is significantly smaller than Bali’s airport, which is a genuine advantage. You are through arrivals in under an hour in normal conditions. The terminal is modern, clean and air-conditioned.
Food and drink before departure
The departures area has a café (Excelso or similar) and a food court with Indonesian staples. Prices are airport-standard — IDR 30,000-80,000 for a meal. There is a small duty-free section. If you are departing internationally, this is your last chance to buy Lombok honey, kain tenun fabric and other local products.
Left luggage
Left luggage storage is available at the airport for IDR 30,000-50,000 per bag per day. Useful if you arrive before your accommodation is ready and want to explore first.
Airport WiFi
Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal. Quality is adequate for messaging but not reliable for video calls. Having a local SIM card is still the better option.
Flights to Lombok — Routes and Airlines
| Route | Airlines | Approx flight time | Frequency |
| Bali (DPS) to Lombok (LOP) | Lion Air, Garuda, Wings Air, Citilink | 25 min | Multiple daily |
| Jakarta (CGK) to Lombok | Lion Air, Garuda, Batik Air, Citilink | 1h 45m | Multiple daily |
| Surabaya to Lombok | Lion Air, Citilink | 1h 15m | Daily |
| Singapore (SIN) to Lombok | Scoot | 2h 30m | 4-5 weekly |
| Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Lombok | AirAsia, Malindo | 2h 30m | Daily |
| Perth to Lombok | Direct charter (seasonal) | 3h 30m | Seasonal |
Booking flights to Lombok
Bali to Lombok flights cost IDR 300,000-800,000 and are an alternative to the fast boat.Book domestic flights via Traveloka or tiket.com for the best Indonesian prices.International flights: book direct or via Google Flights. Scoot from Singapore is consistently competitive. Baggage: Lion Air and Citilink domestic fares often include 0kg hold luggage — add baggage at booking.
From the Airport to the Gili Islands
If you are heading directly to the Gili Islands from the airport rather than South Lombok, the process is different. The Gili Islands are accessed from Bangsal or Teluk Nare piers in northwest Lombok — about 1.5 hours from the airport by car.
- Take a Grab from the airport to Bangsal or Teluk Nare: IDR 150,000-200,000.
- From the pier, take the public boat (IDR 15,000-25,000) or pre-book a fast boat company shuttle.
- Allow 2.5-3 hours total from landing to arriving on Gili Trawangan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Lombok airport from Kuta Lombok?
Approximately 45-55 minutes by car in normal traffic. The road from Praya (airport) south to Kuta Lombok is well-maintained and straightforward. By Grab: IDR 100,000-160,000.
Does Lombok airport have Grab or Gojek?
Yes. Grab and Gojek both operate from Lombok airport. Get a local SIM card in the arrivals hall first, then open the app. The Grab pickup point is outside arrivals — your driver will show the meeting point in the app.
Do I need a visa for Lombok?
Most nationalities need a Visa on Arrival (IDR 500,000, approx USD $30). This is processed at the VoA counter before immigration — it is the first desk you reach after leaving the plane. ASEAN nationals typically enter visa-free.
Can I get Indonesian rupiah at Lombok airport?
Yes. ATMs from BRI, BNI, and Mandiri are in the arrivals hall. Withdraw cash here; options are more limited once you reach South Lombok. Telkomsel also accepts card payment for SIM cards.
Is it easy to get from Lombok airport to Selong Belanak?
Yes. Take a Grab from the airport — the ride to Selong Belanak takes about 60-70 minutes and costs IDR 150,000-220,000. Alternatively, arrange a pickup with your accommodation in advance.
What is the Lombok airport code?
LOP — Lombok International Airport (Bandara Internasional Lombok), located in Praya, Central Lombok.
You Have Landed — Now What?
With transport sorted and a working SIM in your phone, South Lombok is 45-60 minutes away. Here is where to go next:
- Where to stay in Selong Belanak — if you have not booked yet, read this first.
- Things to do in South Lombok — beaches, surf, food and day trips.
- Best restaurants in Kuta Lombok — you will be hungry on arrival.
