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Bali to Gili Air

Getting from Bali to Gili Air is simple and stress-free, thanks to daily fast boat services departing from Padang Bai, Serangan, and Sanur. The journey across the Lombok Strait typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.

Fast boats are the most efficient and popular option for traveling from Bali to Gili Air, as well as for the return trip back from Gili Air to Bali. Many operators offer convenient hotel transfers, making the entire experience easy from start to finish.

This guide covers the best fast boat operators, departure ports, and schedules, helping you plan with confidence and enjoy a smooth journey to Gili Air.

Fast Boat

Bali to Gili Air

Bali Main Ports

Padang Bai
Serangan
Sanur

Travel Time

Padang Bai - 2h/2h30
Serangan - 2h45/3h30
Sanur - 3h30

Ways to Travel

Fast Boat Best
Public Ferry Slow
Flight Expensive

Fast boat Frequency

Multiple daily departures

Departure location → Best Port

Ubud / Nusa Dua / Central Bali / Amed → Padang Bai
Sanur / Kuta / South Bali / Ngurah Rai Airport → Sanur / Serangan

Recommended Fast Boat Operators

Blue Water Express
Eka Jaya Fast Ferry
D'Camel Fast Ferry
Gili Gili Fast Boat
Scoot Cruises
Gili Getaway

Best Ways to Travel from Bali to Gili Air

Getting from Bali to Gili Air is straightforward, though your travel experience and duration will vary depending on the transport option you choose:

Fast Boat from Bali to Gili Air: This remains the most direct and efficient way to reach Gili Air. Numerous reputable companies operate daily departures from key Bali harbors, including Padang Bai to Gili Air, Sanur to Gili Air, and Serangan to Gili Air. These modern vessels feature air-conditioned interiors, padded seating, and rooftop decks for those who want to enjoy the sea breeze. To make the trip even easier, most fast boat company offer optional hotel transfers in Bali, ensuring a hassle-free transition from your lobby to the island's white sand beaches.
Public Ferry from Bali to Gili Air: For those on a very tight budget, the public ferry runs 24/7 from Padang Bai to Lembar (South Lombok). However, this is a slow-paced journey that typically takes 5 to 6 hours on the water alone. Once in Lombok, you must then travel 2 hours by car to reach Bangsal Harbor, followed by a local boat crossing to Gili Air. While this is the most affordable route and stays operational most of the time when fast boats are paused for weather, the total travel time can exceed 10 hours. Facilities are minimal, so it is generally only recommended for adventurous travelers or as a backup plan.
Flight from Bali to Gili Air: While Gili Air does not have its own airstrip, you can fly from Bali (DPS) to Lombok International Airport (LOP). After the 40-minute flight, you will need a 1.5-hour land transfer to the coast and a short boat ride to the island. “When you include airport check-ins and transfers, this option generally costs more and takes longer than a direct fast boat, but it’s a popular choice for travelers who want to minimize time spent on the water.

fast boat bali to gili air

Overall, fast boats are the easiest way to travel from Bali to Gili Air, offering speed, comfort, frequent departures, and convenient hotel transfers. They provide the most efficient and hassle-free way to reach the island.

Bali to Gili Air map

Bali to Gili Air Fast Boat Operators

Planning your trip from Bali to Gili Air or from Gili Air to Bali? Choosing a reliable fast boat can make your journey smooth, comfortable, and stress-free.

Here are some of the top operators for this route:

Eka Jaya Fast Ferry: One of the most trusted names on the Bali to Gili Air route. Known for larger boats, punctual departures, and a consistently smooth ride, Eka Jaya is a favorite for travelers seeking a hassle-free experience.
Blue Water Express: Offers a premium travel experience with modern, air-conditioned vessels and excellent onboard amenities. Ideal for travelers who value comfort and professionalism on their journey to Gili Air.
D'Camel Fast Ferry: A budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on reliability. Their newer boats make for a comfortable and safe trip, perfect for travelers looking for affordability without sacrificing quality.
Gili Gili Fast Boat: Operates smaller boats, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a more personal and intimate experience. The attentive staff and fast crossings ensure a reliable and efficient way to reach Gili Air.
Scoot Cruises: Offers a longer route that includes stop in Lembongan, making it great for travelers interested in island-hopping along the way to Gili Air..
Gili Getaway: A practical choice for a straightforward, no-fuss trip. While the boats are older and don’t have air conditioning, punctual departures and friendly crews make it a solid option for stress-free travel.

bali to gili air fast boat

boat from bali to gili air

ferry bali gili air

Bali to Gili Air Tickets

Fast Boat Bali to Gili Air - Travel Tips

To ensure your journey from Bali to Gili Air or your return from Gili Air to Bali is as smooth as possible, follow these essential travel tips:

Crossing Conditions: The Lombok Strait is usually pleasant, but the "windy season" from June to September can bring choppier waves. Morning crossings are typically much calmer than afternoon trips. If you are sensitive to motion, it is smart to have seasickness tablets or natural ginger sweets ready before you board.
Check-In: Plan to reach the harbor office about an hour before your scheduled departure. This gives you plenty of time to tag your luggage, settle any port fees, and secure your boarding pass.
Port Fees - Some ports require a small entrance or terminal fee. Some operators include this in the ticket; others require payment on-site.
You can check the port taxes.
Luggage: Space on fast boats is limited, so most operators allow one large suitcase or backpack (up to 25kg) plus a small carry-on.
Embrace the Island Pace: Island travel in Indonesia is famously beautiful but can occasionally be unpredictable. Factors like shifting sea currents, localized weather changes, or harbor logistics may lead to minor schedule adjustments or delays. Approaching your trip with a flexible mindset and a bit of patience ensures that these small hiccups don't dampen your spirits. Remember, a relaxed attitude is the best way to start your vacation, and these unexpected moments often become part of the unique adventure when traveling from Bali to Gili Air or returning from Gili Air to Bali.
Booking Your Tickets: To secure the best rates and your preferred departure time, always book your tickets for Bali to Gili Air and from Gili Air to Bali online in advance. This is especially important during peak holiday months like July, August, and the Christmas season, when boats frequently sell out days ahead.
Best Time to Travel - For the calmest seas and the smoothest ride, plan your trip between April and October.
If you prefer a gentler crossing, avoid the peak windy months of June to September, when stronger winds can make the waters a bit rougher.
Island Hopping Opportunities: Many travelers use the fast boat network to explore more of Indonesia. You could stop at Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan for a few days before continuing your journey.
Onboard Safety and Comfort: Always listen to the crew’s safety briefing and locate the life jackets near your seat. If you choose to enjoy the views from the roof deck, remember that the tropical sun is intense; high-SPF sunscreen and a hat are essential to avoid a nasty burn during the crossing.

Gili Air to Bali

Fast Boat Bali to Gili Air

Padang Bai to Gili T

fast boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan

Gili Air to Bali

Heading back from Gili Air to Bali is a straightforward process with several fast boats departing daily for the mainland. These services link the island directly to Bali’s primary gateways at Padang Bai, Sanur, and Serangan, with the crossing usually lasting between 2 and 3.5 hours depending on your final destination.

Most fast boat operators provide hotel drop-offs, air-conditioned cabins, and essential safety measures, making the trip smooth and worry-free.

Selecting a trusted operator for your Gili Air to Bali transfer is the best way to ensure a punctual and organized trip. By choosing a fast boat, you avoid the long delays of public transport.

from Gili air to Bali

Ferry Bali Gili Air - Routes

There are several convenient routes for traveling from Bali to Gili Air by fast boat, depending on your starting point in Bali. Choosing the ideal departure port can significantly reduce your travel time and ensure a more relaxed start to your island getaway:

Padang Bai to Gili Air - This is the most popular and direct route, especially for travelers staying in Ubud, Sidemen, or East Bali. Because Padang Bai is geographically the closest major port to the Gilis, the crossing is the shortest, typically taking 1.5 to 2 hours. It is a high-traffic hub with the most frequent daily departures. If you are coming from Amed, since the local harbor there is currently inactive for fast boats, Padang Bai serves as your primary gateway, located about a 90-minute drive away.
Sanur to Gili Air - Perfect for those staying in South Bali hubs like Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, or near the airport. Most boats now depart from the modern Sanur Port terminal, which offers vastly improved boarding facilities compared to the old beach landings. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Serangan to Gili Air - This is the premier gateway for travelers in South Bali hubs like Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, and the Bukit Peninsula. Serangan provides a much quieter and more organized boarding experience than the busier ports. The fast boat journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. It is particularly convenient for those arriving from the airport, as Serangan is only a 20-minute drive away via the Bali Mandara Toll Road, helping you bypass the island's notorious central gridlock.

bali to gili air

Bali to Gili Air

Frequently Asked Questions – Bali to Gili Air Fast Boat

How do I get from Bali to Gili Air?

Depending on where you are staying in Bali, you have several reliable ways to catch a fast boat to Gili Air. South Bali departures leave from Serangan or Sanur Harbor, typically taking 2.5 to 3.5 hours to reach Gili Air.
If you are based in Ubud or Candidasa, we recommend departing from Padang Bai Harbor. The boat journey from here is the shortest, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This port is often the best choice for efficiency, even if you are coming from South Bali, as it offers the most frequent departures.
For those staying in the North around Amed or Tulamben, you currently need to travel to Padang Bai, as fast boat services no longer operate directly from Amed to the Gili Islands.
You can also fly from Bali to Lombok, then take a private land + sea transfer to Gili Air(roughly 25 minutes by plane + 1hours by car + 10 minutes by speedboat).

How do I get from Ubud to Gili Air?

The most efficient way to travel from Ubud to Gili Air is via Padang Bai Harbor. Most reputable fast boat operators provide shuttle pick-ups (often for a small fee) from central Ubud or specific meeting points. Ubud to Padang Bai: 1–1.5 hours by car. Padang Bai to Gili Air: 1.5–2 hours by fast boat. Total Travel Time: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.:

Ubud → Padang Bai: 1–1.5 hours by car
Padang Bai → Gili Trawangan: approx. 1.5 hours by fast boat

How do I get from Bali Denpasar Airport (DPS) to Gili Air?

If you land at Denpasar Airport and want to reach Gili Air on the same day, you have two primary port options: Serangan Harbor or Padang Bai Harbor. Serangan is only 20–30 minutes from the airport via the toll road, making it the most convenient choice for travelers landing in South Bali. Padang Bai is a longer drive (roughly 1.5–2 hours) but is the gateway for the shortest boat crossing to the islands.

Timing is critical for a same-day transfer:

From Serangan Harbor: The latest daily departures are typically at 09:00 AM or 11:00 AM, depending on the season and specific operator. To catch these, your flight should arrive no later than 07:00 AM or 08:30 AM respectively, allowing 90 minutes for immigration and baggage plus travel time to the port.
From Padang Bai Harbor: This port offers more frequent departures, with the final boats of the day usually leaving between 09:00 AM and 12:15 PM, depending on the time of year. Because of the 2-hour drive from the airport, your flight would need to land by 07:30 AM to comfortably make the final 12:15 PM crossing.

If your flight lands later, you will likely miss the last fast boats for the day. In this situation, we recommend staying overnight in South Bali and catching an early morning boat the next day to ensure a fresh and stress-free start to your island holiday.

Alternatively, you can take a 40-minute flight from Bali (DPS) to Lombok International Airport (LOP). From there, a private transfer is the most seamless way to reach Gili Air, typically taking about 2 hours in total.

What are the departure times from Bali to Gili Air?

Fast boats on the Bali to Gili Air route typically depart in the morning, when sea conditions are at their calmest. Most departures from Padang Bai, Serangan, and Sanur take place between 08:00 AM and 09:30 AM.
Schedules vary depending on the season, so we recommend checking the latest departure times using our search box above to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey, whether traveling from Bali to Gili Air or returning from Gili Air to Bali.

Do fast boats from Bali to Gili Air run all year round?

Yes, services between Bali to Gili Air and Gili Air to Bali operate daily throughout the year. However, there are two important exceptions to keep in mind:

Nyepi Day (Day of Silence): Once a year, the entire island of Bali completely shuts down for 24 hours. During this time, the airport, all harbors, and all transport services (including fast boats) are suspended.
Sea Conditions: During the monsoon or windy seasons (typically January–February and July–August), the Port Authority may occasionally cancel or delay departures if waves are deemed unsafe.

What is Gili Air like?

Gili Air is the closest Gili island to mainland Lombok and offers a perfect middle ground between the vibrant energy of Gili Trawangan and the total seclusion of Gili Meno. Known for its clear turquoise waters and a relaxed, car-free atmosphere, the island is famous for its stunning sunrise views over Mt. Rinjani. Most fast boats make Gili Air their second stop after Gili Trawangan. While many boats use the main concrete jetty, be prepared for an occasional "beach landing" where you may need to step into ankle-deep water. Keep those flip-flops handy!

How do I arrange my return from Gili Air to Bali?

Planning your trip from Gili Air to Bali is just as simple as the arrival. Daily fast boats depart from the Gili Air harbor, primarily heading to Padang Bai, Sanur, and Serangan. Most travelers prefer the Gili Air to Bali fast boat because it is the quickest way to return to the mainland, with departures typically leaving between 8:15 AM and 2:30 PM.
Whether you are traveling from Gili Air to Bali to catch a flight or to head to your next destination like Ubud or Seminyak, the Gili Air to Bali fast boat remains the most popular and reliable choice for a stress-free end to your island stay..

Bali to Gili Air Tickets