If you want to reach Labuan Bajo from Surabaya by sea, several ships serve the route: the KM Dharma Rucitra 7 and 8, the KM Niki Sejahtera, and the KMP Swarna Bahtera. The journey takes more than a day, so it isn't the fastest option, but it's a common choice if you want to bring a vehicle, keep costs lower, or simply experience the voyage. Almost all of these ships leave from Tanjung Perak port in Surabaya and arrive at Wae Kelambu port in Labuan Bajo. So before we look at each ship in detail, the short answer is this: you have three main options, with roughly one to two days at sea.
Your ship options, Surabaya–Labuan Bajo
Three operators serve this route, each with a different character:
- KM Dharma Rucitra 7 & 8 (PT Dharma Lautan Utama / DLU) — passenger ships with the widest range of classes, from economy to private cabins and VIP.
- KM Niki Sejahtera (PT Berlian Lautan Nusantara) — a Ro-Ro ship (vehicles drive straight on and off) running Surabaya–Labuan Bajo–Ende.
- KMP Swarna Bahtera (PT Jembatan Nusantara, an ASDP subsidiary) — a long-distance ferry launched in 2024 that also carries passengers and vehicles.
KM Dharma Rucitra 7 & 8 (DLU)
This is the most sought-after ship for the Surabaya–Labuan Bajo route. Dharma Rucitra leaves from Tanjung Perak port in Surabaya and arrives at Wae Kelambu port in Labuan Bajo. To give you a sense of the journey time, one KM Dharma Rucitra 8 schedule departs Friday at 20:00 (Jakarta time) and arrives early Sunday at 02:37 (Central Indonesia time) — so roughly 30 hours at sea. That figure can vary with the schedule, transits, and weather.
The KM Dharma Rucitra 8 offers a very full range of classes, from Economy Seat and Economy Sleeper, through Class III, II, and I, Executive Seat, up to Double Cabin, Single Cabin, and VIP Suites. The KM Dharma Rucitra 7 has a slightly more compact set of classes. The onboard facilities are decent for a long trip: a dining area, a children's play area, a lactation room, a running track around the ship, an entertainment area, and Wi-Fi.
Indicative KM Dharma Rucitra 8 fares (Surabaya–Labuan Bajo, adult, as of June 2026)
| Class | Adult fare (IDR) |
|---|---|
| Economy / Economy Seat | 470,000 |
| Economy Sleeper | 480,000 |
| Class III | 480,000 |
| Executive Seat | 515,000 |
| Double Cabin | 545,000 |
| Single Cabin | 560,000 |
| Class II | 595,000 |
| Class I | 660,000 |
| VIP Suites (2 beds, 2 passengers) | 1,805,000 |
Child and infant fares are lower than the adult fares. Keep in mind these figures are a June 2026 snapshot and can change, so always check the latest fares on DLU's official site, tiket.dlu.co.id, before you book.
Fares last updated: June 2026.
KM Niki Sejahtera
The KM Niki Sejahtera is a Ro-Ro ship, meaning vehicles can drive straight on and off — handy if you want to bring a motorbike or car. Its route links Surabaya, Labuan Bajo, and Ende. It usually sails about once a week, and its schedule is known to be unreliable, so you'll need to confirm directly before travelling.
As a rough guide to fares from Surabaya, a passenger is around IDR 350,000, a motorbike around IDR 450,000, and a car around IDR 2,500,000. Again, these are estimates and are best confirmed with an agent or the operator, as they shift with load and policy.
KMP Swarna Bahtera (ASDP)
The KMP Swarna Bahtera is operated by PT Jembatan Nusantara, an ASDP subsidiary, as part of the long-distance ferry service that has been expanding since 2024. It runs the Surabaya–Labuan Bajo route over roughly 462 nautical miles, taking about 38 hours. Its capacity is sizeable — hundreds of passengers plus a range of vehicles, from motorbikes and cars to trucks. Because it sits under ASDP, tickets are booked through the ASDP channel.
Surabaya–Labuan Bajo by ship at a glance
- Ports: Tanjung Perak (Surabaya) → Wae Kelambu (Labuan Bajo)
- Ships: Dharma Rucitra 7 & 8, Niki Sejahtera, Swarna Bahtera
- Journey time: more than a day (about 30 hours on one Dharma Rucitra 8 schedule; varies by ship & weather)
- Cheapest fare: economy from around IDR 470,000 (Dharma Rucitra 8, as of June 2026)
- Why go by ship: you can bring a vehicle, carry more cargo, and the voyage itself
- Check fares & schedule: the operators' official sites (e.g.
tiket.dlu.co.id, ASDP/Ferizy)
Ship or plane?
It depends on your priority. If you want to get there fast, flying is far quicker: about 1 hour 10 minutes from Bali and around 2.5 hours from Jakarta, versus roughly one to two days by sea. But a ship offers what a plane can't — the ability to bring a vehicle, plenty of cargo capacity, and often a cheaper fare for that. For some travellers, the long voyage is part of the experience rather than just a way to get there.
If the fastest route is what you're after, see our guides on Jakarta to Labuan Bajo and Bali to Labuan Bajo.
How to check the schedule and book
Because ship schedules change often and are sometimes cancelled due to weather, it's best to check close to your departure date rather than far ahead. For the KM Dharma Rucitra, the schedule and tickets are available on DLU's official site, tiket.dlu.co.id. For the KMP Swarna Bahtera, booking follows the ASDP channel. For the KM Niki Sejahtera, you'll need to contact an agent or the operator, as its schedule is the least certain. Avoid relying on dates you find in old articles or posts, since ship schedules change quickly.
Tips for a long sea crossing
A one-to-two-day crossing is more comfortable with a little preparation. Bring some food and drink even though there's a canteen on board, pack seasickness tablets if you're prone to nausea, and carry a power bank since outlets can be limited. If you want to sleep better, consider a class with a bed — like Economy Sleeper or a cabin — rather than a seat. Bring your own entertainment too, such as books or downloaded films, because there isn't always a signal out at sea.
Once you arrive in Labuan Bajo, you're close to the gateway to Komodo National Park. To understand the area, see our guides to the location and map of Komodo Island and the best time to visit Labuan Bajo.
FAQ
How long does the ship from Surabaya to Labuan Bajo take?
More than a day. As a guide, one KM Dharma Rucitra 8 schedule takes about 30 hours, while the KMP Swarna Bahtera takes around 38 hours. The exact time varies with the ship, transits, and weather.
Which ships serve the Surabaya–Labuan Bajo route?
The KM Dharma Rucitra 7 and 8 (DLU), the KM Niki Sejahtera (Berlian Lautan Nusantara), and the KMP Swarna Bahtera (ASDP/Jembatan Nusantara).
How much is a ticket from Surabaya to Labuan Bajo?
For the KM Dharma Rucitra 8 (as of June 2026), economy starts at around IDR 470,000, while a VIP Suite for two is around IDR 1,805,000. Fares change, so check the operator's official site before booking.
Can I bring a motorbike or car?
Yes. Ships like the KM Niki Sejahtera (Ro-Ro) and the KMP Swarna Bahtera carry vehicles, from motorbikes and cars to trucks. That's one of the main reasons people choose the sea route.
Where do I check the schedule and book tickets?
For Dharma Rucitra via tiket.dlu.co.id, for Swarna Bahtera via the ASDP channel, and for Niki Sejahtera via an agent or operator. Schedules change often, so check close to your departure date.
Which ports are used?
Ships depart from Tanjung Perak port in Surabaya and arrive at Wae Kelambu port in Labuan Bajo.
Is it better to take a ship or a plane to Labuan Bajo?
If you want speed, flying is far quicker (about 1 hour 10 minutes from Bali, 2.5 hours from Jakarta). A ship is better if you're bringing a vehicle, carrying a lot of cargo, or want the voyage experience at a lower cost.