Bali to the Gili Islands and Lombok 2026: Fast Boat, Ferry and Route Guide
Getting from Bali to the Gili Islands takes one fast boat, but which port you leave from changes your whole day. Here’s how the routes compare, how long each takes, and how to get to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, Gili Meno or mainland Lombok.
Staying in Ubud or east Bali? Take a fast boat from Padang Bai, about 1.5 to 2 hours to Gili Trawangan. Staying in Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta or Uluwatu? A boat from Serangan saves the drive east, though it spends longer on the water. Use the public ferry to Lembar only if you’re heading to mainland Lombok or travelling with a vehicle.
Bali to the Gilis and Lombok: routes compared
| Route | Time on the water | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Padang Bai fast boat | About 1.5–2 hours to Gili T | Ubud, Sidemen and east Bali | The shortest sea crossing. Most departures leave in the morning, with some early-afternoon boats. |
| Serangan fast boat | About 3.75 hours to Gili T | Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Sanur and Uluwatu | Gili Getaway leaves at 08:00 and stops at Nusa Penida and Senggigi before reaching Gili Trawangan around 11:45 and Gili Air around 12:15. Fares start at IDR 700,000 one way. |
| Fast boat to Lombok | About 3–4.5 hours from Serangan | Senggigi and north-west Lombok | Some Gili boats also stop at Senggigi and Bangsal on the Lombok mainland. |
| Public ferry Padang Bai–Lembar | 4–5 hours or more | Vehicles and south Lombok | Runs around the clock. Tickets are sold at the port and cost far less than fast boats, but docking queues can add time. |
| Fly to Lombok | Short flight plus transfers | Kuta Lombok and the south | Worth comparing if you’re skipping the Gilis. Less useful for getting to the islands themselves. |
Fares change with season, operator and whether hotel pickup is included, so compare the same date across a few boats before you book.
Which port should you leave from?
Pick the port closest to where you’re staying the night before. The road transfer is often the slowest part of the day, so the shortest boat isn’t always the quickest trip.
Ubud, Sidemen or east Bali
The shortest crossing and the widest choice of morning boats. The drive from Ubud is much shorter than from the south coast.
Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta or Uluwatu
Serangan is next to Sanur, so you avoid driving across the island for an early check-in. Expect a longer boat ride with stops.
Amed or the north-east coast
Amed is the closest point in Bali to the Gilis, but services from there are less regular. If nothing is running on your date, transfer to Padang Bai.
Flying out the same day
Boats can be delayed or cancelled when the sea is rough. Leave at least one night in Bali before an international flight.
Fast boat to the Gilis
Compare departure port, pickup and arrival island in one search. Many operators offer hotel pickup in south Bali or Ubud, which saves arranging a separate driver.
Compare Gili fast boatsFast boat to Lombok
Check where in Lombok the boat lands before booking a hotel. Senggigi and Bangsal are a long way from Kuta Lombok in the south.
Compare Bali to Lombok boats
Which Gili island should you book?
Choose your island before your boat. Each one has a different feel, and not every boat stops at all three.
| Island | Feel | Getting there |
|---|---|---|
| Gili Trawangan | The biggest and busiest, with the most bars, dive schools and places to stay | The first stop for most fast boats |
| Gili Air | Quieter, with good snorkelling and a mix of cafes and beach stays | Served by most fast boats, usually right after Gili T |
| Gili Meno | The smallest and quietest, suited to couples and slow days | Fewer direct boats. Many travellers get off at Gili T or Gili Air and take the local public boat |
Moving between the islands later is easy: local public boats run between the three Gilis and the Lombok mainland at Bangsal, with tickets sold at each harbour.
Getting to mainland Lombok
Lombok is much bigger than the Gilis, so plan around where you’ll actually stay.
- Senggigi and the north-west: some fast boats from Bali stop at Senggigi or Bangsal, which is the simplest way in.
- Kuta Lombok and the south: flying into Lombok’s airport, or taking the public ferry to Lembar, usually makes more sense than a boat to the north.
- With your own vehicle: the Padang Bai to Lembar public ferry is the route that takes cars and motorbikes.
If you’re planning a Lombok road trip, compare car hire in Indonesia before you arrive. Car hire is no help on the Gilis themselves.
Arriving on the Gilis
- There are no cars or motorbikes. You walk, cycle or take a horse cart, so check how far your stay is from the harbour.
- Arrange help with heavy bags. Crews help you on and off the boat, but beyond the dock you’re on your own unless your accommodation sends someone.
- Expect wet feet. Some boats unload at the beach, so keep electronics and your passport in a waterproof bag.
- Arrive early. Operators ask you to be at the dock at least 30 minutes before departure.
What to book before you go
Gili accommodation
Book your island first, then the boat. Gili T has the widest range of hotels and villas.
Compare Gili Trawangan hotelsGili hostels
Dorms on Gili T can sell out in peak season, so book ahead.
Search Gili hostelsIndonesia eSIM
Install data before the crossing so you can message your pickup and accommodation on arrival.
Get an Indonesia eSIMTravel insurance
SafetyWing Essential starts at US$62.72 per four weeks and can be bought while you’re already travelling.
Check SafetyWing pricesSmall things worth packing for the crossing
- Dry bag for valuables if bags are loaded near a wet deck.
- Waterproof phone pouch for boarding, beach landings and spray.
- Packing cubes to keep wet gear away from clean clothes.
- Small travel daypack for your passport, wallet, phone and charger on board.
Mistakes to avoid
- Booking the boat before choosing your island. Gili T, Gili Air, Gili Meno and Lombok aren’t interchangeable stops.
- Ignoring the road transfer. A short boat from the wrong side of Bali can make for a longer day than a slower boat from nearby.
- No buffer before flights. Rough seas can delay or cancel boats.
- Bringing a huge suitcase. With no cars on the islands, a backpack or small wheeled bag is much easier.
FAQs
What is the best way to get from Bali to the Gili Islands?
A fast boat is the easiest option. From Ubud or east Bali, boats from Padang Bai take about 1.5 to 2 hours to Gili Trawangan. From south Bali, boats from Serangan save the drive east but spend longer on the water.
How long is the boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan?
About 1.5 to 2 hours from Padang Bai, depending on the boat and sea conditions. From Serangan, Gili Getaway's 08:00 departure reaches Gili Trawangan at about 11:45 after stops on the way.
Should I leave from Padang Bai or Serangan?
Choose the port closest to where you're staying. Padang Bai suits Ubud, Sidemen and east Bali. Serangan, near Sanur, suits Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Uluwatu.
How do I get to Gili Meno?
Not every fast boat stops at Gili Meno. If yours doesn't, get off at Gili Trawangan or Gili Air and take the local public boat across, bought at the harbour.
Can I take the public ferry from Bali to Lombok?
Yes. Public ferries run from Padang Bai to Lembar in southwest Lombok around the clock. The crossing takes 4 to 5 hours or more, tickets are sold at the port, and it suits travellers with vehicles or heading to south Lombok rather than the Gilis.
Are there cars on the Gili Islands?
No. There are no cars or motorbikes on the Gilis. You walk, cycle or take a horse cart, so check how far your accommodation is from the harbour and arrange help with heavy bags.
Book the boat around your island
Choose Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, Gili Meno or Lombok first, then compare boats by departure port, pickup and arrival point.
Compare Bali to Gili boatsCompare Gili hotelsGet an Indonesia eSIMDisclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. If you book through them, Backpacking Is Life may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Timetables and fares change, so check the final price and departure time when you book.