How to Get from Bali to the Gili Islands
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Bali to the Gili Islands? The Gili Islands are the perfect escape from Bali for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. Its tropical white sandy, palm-fringed beaches, and crystal clear turquoise waters are the best places for beach lovers.
Getting to the Gili Islands may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are a few ways to get there. You can easily get to the Gili Islands by public ferry, fast boat, and helicopter, or fly into Lombok and travel by boat from there.
The speedboat is the most convenient and fastest way to get to the Gili Islands. But in this ultimate guide, you’ll find all the ways to get to the Gili Islands, including the cheapest and fastest mode of travel, travel times, which harbor is ideal for you, and ferry ticket prices.
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How to Get from Bali to the Gili Islands by Ferry
You can get to Gili Trawangan or any of the other two islands by ferry from various ports in Bali. Here are the best options.
From Padang Bai Port to the Gili Islands
Padang Bai is the best and most popular port to reach the Gili Islands, especially if you are in Ubud.
The speedboat ticket costs between 15 USD and 23 USD per person, one way. The journey time is only 1.5-2 hours, so it is faster than traveling from Sanur or Serangan Harbour.
Before boarding the boat, you must pay the Padang Bai harbor tax, which is 10,000 IDR per person and can only be paid in cash.
Good to know
Padang Bai Port is only a 1-hour drive from Ubud. However, traffic is often chaotic, so plan at least 1.5-2 hours to get there.
Alternatively, you can book a van + ferry ticket from Ubud to the Gili Islands.
From Sanur Port to the Gili Islands
Ferries run regularly between Sanur Harbour and Gili Islands. This port is ideal for those staying in Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, or Canggu.
From Sanur Port, we took the Starfish fast boat to Gili Air. The ferry doesn’t stop at Gili Meno, but you can easily get there from the other two islands. The ferry’s route was Nusa Penida – Gili Trawangan – Gili Air – Bangsal Harbour, Lombok.
Fast boat tickets start from 24 USD per person, and travel time is approximately 5-6 hours.
Sanur Harbour is about a 30-minute drive from Kuta and Seminyak and 1-hour from Canggu. However, traffic in Bali is often chaotic, so plan to allow enough time for traffic jams and delays.
Alternatively, you can book a van + ferry ticket from Canggu, Kuta, or Seminyak to the Gili Islands.
From Serangan Harbour to Gili
Serangan Harbour is the least popular way to get from Bali to the Gili Islands, as the journey time takes 3-3.5 hours, and the boat ticket is expensive.
From Serangan Port, only one ferry departs daily at 8 AM to Gili Air and Gili Trawangan. Fast boat tickets start at 53 USD per person, one way.
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As Serangan Port is only a 30-minute drive from Sanur, we recommend saving money and traveling from Sanur instead.
From Amed Harbour to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air
Amed Harbour is the closest to the Gili Islands! Travel time to Gili Trawangan is approximately 1.5 hours, and to Gili Air is 2 hours. If you are in Amed or on the east side of Bali, this port is the best option for you.
However, there is only one ferry departing from Amed daily at 9:30 AM!
The FreeBird Express ferry ticket prices start from 500,000 IDR (30 USD) per person per way.
Important note
Amed Port is officially closed. We recommend using Padang Bai Port instead.
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Bali to the Gili Islands Ferry Time and Schedule
The fast ferry ride to the Gili Islands usually takes 1.5-3 hours, depending on the port, stops, waiting times, and sea conditions.
There are several daily departures from Padang Bai Port to the Gili Islands between 8 AM and 4 PM. As ferry schedules change frequently, we recommend checking the timetable on 12Go for up-to-date information.
It’s good to know that during the rainy season (from November to March) or when the sea conditions are bad, the boat schedules can change and be delayed a lot, so plan your trip in advance.
The boats don’t usually leave at the exact departure time as they depart when they are full, so you should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure!
Bali to the Gili Islands Ferry Price
The cost of a fast ferry ticket can vary depending on the company, the type of boat, the port of departure/arrival, and whether you are traveling in high or low season.
Fast boat tickets usually cost between 15 USD and 30 USD per person one way. Ferry ticket prices may increase as the departure time approaches. Book now to secure the best price!
Where can I Buy Ferry Tickets?
You can easily buy boat tickets at the ports, but since tickets to the Gili Islands sell out quickly during the high season, we recommend buying them days in advance or online!
We found buying tickets through 12Go easy and reliable.
What should I bring on the ferry?
- Osprey Small Backpack: A very lightweight, versatile, and durable backpack, perfect for day hikes.
- Light Raincoat: Packable, lightweight, and waterproof raincoat with hood perfect for travel and hiking.
- Sunscreen: You don’t have to worry about sun damage with this reef-friendly UVA/UVB sunscreen.
- Power bank: An essential accessory for anyone who needs reliable power on the go.
- Seasickness pills and personal medication
- Hat or cap and sunglasses
- Snacks
- Extra water
- Earphones
- Cash (Local money or USD)
Public Slow Boat
The cheapest way to get from Bali to the Gili Islands is to take a public ferry from Padang Bai Harbour to Lembar Harbour (Lombok). After arrival, you need to get to Bangsal Port, which is a 1.5-hour drive away, and from there, you can travel by boat to the Gili Islands.
Several public ferry services run daily from Padang Bai Port to Lembar Harbour. The slow ferry ticket costs 75,000 IDR (4,50 USD) per person, and the journey takes about 4-8 hours. Tickets can be purchased at the harbor.
Although the two boat tickets are only around 6-7 USD per person, a taxi or private transfer is an additional cost.
The total travel time takes at least 9 hours, so this option is only recommended if you have enough time.
Bali to Gili Islands by Ferry Map
Bali to Gili Islands by Flight
Unfortunately, there is no airport in the Gili Islands. The nearest airport is located on the island of Lombok, the Lombok International Airport (LOP).
You can fly directly from Bali to Lombok, the flight takes just 45 minutes, and plane tickets start from 65 USD (without luggage) per person.
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Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights.
Once you arrive, you will need to take a taxi, Damri bus, or private transfer from Lombok Airport to Bangsal Harbour and then travel by ferry to the Gili Islands. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes to Gili Air, 30 minutes to Gili Meno, and 45 minutes to Gili Trawangan.
Book your ferry ticket with 12Go.
The distance between the airport and Bangsal Port is 60 km, about 1.5-2 hours. Due to the high cost and long journey time, we don’t recommend this option unless you are already in Lombok.
FAQ about the Gili Islands
Where are the Gili Islands?
The Gili Islands consist of three small islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air) located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia.
Which is the best Gili Island?
- Gili Trawangan: Gili Trawangan is the most popular and largest of the three islands. “Gili T” is known as the party island. Most accommodations and restaurants are there.
- Gili Meno: Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest island, perfect for a romantic holiday. Most people take a snorkeling tour to the underwater statues of Gili Meno.
- Gili Air: Gili Air is a blend of the two islands, offering a relaxed atmosphere, stunning beaches, excellent accommodations, and great bars. It was our favorite Gili Island!
In our opinion, each Gili island is unique and well worth a visit! It only depends on your preferences which island is ideal for you.
We have a detailed post on where to stay in the Gili Islands.
Is there any unique way to get to Gili Trawangan?
Yes, you can book a helicopter transfer from Bali to Gili Trawangan with Balicopter or SGi Air Bali.
When is the best time to visit?
The Gili Islands are a popular destination all year round. But the best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for boat tours, swimming, snorkeling, and visiting the islands.
In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation, ferry tickets, and tours in advance!
How many days do you need?
We recommend spending the first day relaxing. Then, stay at least 2-3 full days on one of the islands, and if you have more time, explore the island of Lombok.
We hope our post on how to get from Bali to the Gili Islands will help you plan your next trip to Indonesia. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
More Travel Guides about Indonesia
- Best Areas and Hotels in Gili Trawangan
- Where to Stay in the Gili Islands
- 7 Best Things to Do in Gili Air
- How to Spend 2 Weeks in Lombok
- The Ultimate Lombok Itinerary for 5 Days
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Hi, your blog has been extremely helpful so far. Love what you guys are doing.
Quick doubt. How did you get to your accommodation in Gili from the port in Gili?
Thanks in advance!
Hi! We’re glad you found our blog post helpful! There are no cars or motorbikes. But Gili Meno and Gili Air islands are small, so you can easily walk to your accommodation. Gili Trawangan is the largest island, and the easiest way to get to your accommodation is by horse-drawn carriage. Enjoy your trip!