# How do you get from Bali to the Gili Islands by fast boat?

> Bali to Gili Trawangan takes about 1h30 by fast boat from Padang Bai or 3-4h from Serangan, around IDR 400,000-700,000 one way. Ports, operators, tips.

- Source: https://clevertourists.com/resources/bali-to-gili-islands-fast-boat-guide
- Authors: Evan & Clara, Clever Tourists (first-hand, from years of travel across 20 countries)
- Published: 2026-11-10
- Last updated: 2026-11-11

**Take a morning fast boat from Padang Bai in east Bali: about 1 hour 30 minutes to Gili Trawangan, then a few more minutes to Gili Air.** One-way tickets run roughly **IDR 400,000 to 700,000**, often with a hotel pickup in south Bali included or offered. Boats from **Serangan**, near Sanur, save the drive to Padang Bai but take about **3 to 4 hours** at sea because they stop along the way. There are no flights to the Gilis; the slow alternative is the public ferry to Lombok and a short boat from Bangsal.

## Which Bali port to leave from

Padang Bai has the shortest crossing and the most boats. Serangan only makes sense if you are staying in Sanur, Nusa Dua or near the airport and would rather sit on a boat than in a car.

| Departure port | Time to Gili Trawangan | Example sailings | Good for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Padang Bai** (east Bali) | About 1h30 | Blue Water Express 08:00, arrives 09:30; Eka Jaya also sails to Gili Meno | Ubud, Sidemen, Amed and most first-timers |
| **Serangan** (near Sanur) | About 2h45 to 3h45 | Blue Water Express 08:00 and 11:00; Gili Getaway 08:00 via Nusa Penida, arrives 11:45 | Sanur, Nusa Dua, airport hotels |
| **Padang Bai public ferry to Lembar** (Lombok) | 4 to 5 hours, plus road and boat to the Gilis | ASDP car ferries around the clock | Bringing a vehicle, or a very tight budget |

## Fast boats from Padang Bai

Padang Bai is about 1.5 to 2 hours by road from Seminyak or Kuta, less from Ubud, and most operators sell a ticket with a shared minibus pickup from south Bali or Ubud. On Blue Water Express's timetable the 08:00 boat reaches **Gili Trawangan at 09:30** and **Gili Air at 10:05**. **Eka Jaya** sails from Padang Bai to all three Gilis and on to Lombok, with an online fare of **IDR 600,000** for Bali to the Gilis.

Check in at the operator's office about an hour before departure. Ask whether the fare includes the **harbour fee**: Blue Water Express includes port taxes, but not every operator does.

Going to **Gili Meno**? Fewer boats stop there. If yours does not, get off at Gili Trawangan or Gili Air and take a local boat across; check the day's times on arrival.

## Fast boats from Serangan

**Gili Getaway** leaves Serangan at **08:00** and calls at Nusa Penida, Gili Gede and Senggigi before **Gili Trawangan (11:45)** and **Gili Air (12:15)**, from **IDR 700,000**. **Blue Water Express** runs **08:00** and **11:00** departures from Serangan, arriving at Gili Trawangan at 11:00 and 13:45.

The longer route is worth it only if the drive to Padang Bai would take you longer. On a calm day the Nusa Penida stop breaks up the trip. On a rough day it means more time on open water.

Some sellers also list departures from **Sanur** or **Amed**. Before you pay, check whether the boat actually sails from there or the ticket includes a road transfer to Padang Bai, and check the arrival time.

## Sea conditions and safety

The crossing runs over the **Lombok Strait**, and conditions change quickly. The UK government's Indonesia advice warns that boats can be overloaded and poorly maintained, and says to check life jackets before you board and avoid sailing after dark. Choose an established operator and a morning boat, and do not book one that would arrive after sunset.

Operators cancel or delay boats in rough weather. Never plan a Gili-to-Bali boat on the same day as an international flight without several hours of spare time. Take seasickness tablets before boarding, not after you start to feel sick. Our [best time to visit Bali](https://clevertourists.com/resources/best-time-to-visit-bali) covers the seasons.

## The slow way: public ferry to Lombok, then Bangsal

ASDP's car ferry runs around the clock from **Padang Bai to Lembar** in south-west Lombok, about **4 to 5 hours**. From Lembar it is a long drive north to **Bangsal** harbour, where **Koperasi Karya Bahari** public boats cross to the Gilis in about 45 minutes, leaving when they are full. Buy boat tickets at the cooperative's office inside the Bangsal terminal, not from people outside it.

This costs less than a fast boat but takes most of a day. It makes sense if you are travelling with a scooter or car, or if you are already planning time on Lombok.

## Fees and practical tips

**Bali levy:** international visitors to Bali pay a one-off **IDR 150,000** levy, usually online before or on arrival. It is a Bali charge, not a boat fee; see our [Bali airport arrival guide](https://clevertourists.com/resources/bali-airport-arrival-guide-customs-evoa-and-taxis).

**On the Gilis:** there are no cars or motorbikes, so you walk, cycle or take a cidomo (horse cart) from the harbour. Wheeled luggage is hard work on the sandy tracks. In **September 2026** a clean-water outage on Gili Trawangan led some visitors to leave early, so ask your accommodation how it gets its water.

**Booking:** in July, August and late December, book a few days ahead for a morning seat and a matching hotel pickup. In quieter months you can usually book the day before. See [how many days in Bali](https://clevertourists.com/resources/how-many-days-in-bali) for fitting the Gilis into a trip, and our [18-day Bali route](https://clevertourists.com/resources/bali-itinerary-our-18-day-route-seminyak-munduk-ubud-sidemen) for the east Bali stops near Padang Bai.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long is the fast boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan?

About 1 hour 30 minutes from Padang Bai, or roughly 3 to 4 hours from Serangan because those boats make stops.

### How much is the fast boat from Bali to the Gili Islands?

Roughly IDR 400,000 to 700,000 one way, depending on the operator, port and whether a hotel pickup is included.

### Which port in Bali is best for the Gili Islands?

Padang Bai, for the shortest crossing and the most boats. Serangan suits Sanur and Nusa Dua stays but takes longer at sea.

### Is the fast boat to Gili safe?

Use an established operator, check that life jackets are on board, sail in the morning and do not travel after dark or in bad weather.

### Can you get to the Gili Islands without a fast boat?

Yes. Take the 4-to-5-hour public ferry from Padang Bai to Lembar on Lombok, drive north to Bangsal, then take the public boat across.

## Official sources

- [Love Bali: official Bali tourist levy payment](https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/)
- [UK FCDO: Indonesia safety and security (sea travel)](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/indonesia/safety-and-security)
- [Gili Getaway: routes, fares and times](https://www.giligetaway.com/routes)
- [Eka Jaya Fast Ferry](https://www.ekajayafastboat.com/)