Fast Boat
Gili Trawangan → Gili Air
Distance
~4.5 km
Travel Time
10-15 min
Best Option
Sudin Transport
Gili Trawangan to Gili Air
Gili Trawangan to Gili Air, and the return trip from Gili Air to Gili Trawangan, is a short crossing of around 10 to 15 minutes by speedboat.
Public boats run roughly every hour between 9am and 5pm, with multiple stops along the way that can add to the overall journey time, increasing travel time to about 30 minutes.
Sudin Transport offers a private speedboat transfer between the two islands, running from 6am to midnight. It's a direct pier-to-pier crossing with no set schedule to work around and no waiting for the boat to fill up, which makes it a useful option if you're travelling outside public boat hours or don't want to plan around a fixed timetable.
Gili Air to Gili Trawangan
The return journey from Gili Air to Gili Trawangan is just as short. If you've spent a few days on Gili Air and are heading back to Trawangan, the crossing itself is quick, the main thing to plan around is the boat schedule.
A day trip from Gili Air to Trawangan is common too, since the islands are close enough to visit Trawangan's shops and restaurants and be back in Gili Air the same day.
A private speedboat with Sudin Transport from Gili Air to Trawangan takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Public boats also run this route roughly every hour between 9am and 5pm, so a private transfer is mainly useful if you're travelling outside those hours or don't want to wait for the next scheduled departure.
Best way to travel from Gili Trawangan to Gili Air
To transition from Gili Trawangan to Gili Air without time at the jetty, a private speedboat with Sudin Transport is the gold standard.
Why Sudin Transport is the preferred choice:
- Total Flexibility: You can select your own preferred departure time.
- Extended Operating Hours: Sudin Transport operates from 6:00 AM to Midnight, making it the only reliable option for early morning departures or late-night returns when public services have stopped.
- No Crowds: Skip the long queues and the "waiting for the boat to fill up" routine at the public harbor office.
- Luggage Handling: Moving between islands with suitcases can be a chore. Private crews assist with your bags directly from the pier to the boat.
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Safe and Dry: While public boats often involve wading through water (wet landing), private speedboats aim for the most accessible docking points.
Travel Tips - Gili Trawangan to Gili Air
To ensure your Island Hopping Gili Islands experience is smooth, keep these tips in mind:
- Day Trips are Easy: Because the journey is only 10-15 minutes, a day trip is completely possible. You can head to Gili Air for a quiet lunch and snorkeling, then return to Gili Trawangan by sunset.
- Check the Last Boat: If you aren't booking private, the last public public boat usually leaves around 5 PM. Always confirm the daily schedule at the harbor office.
- Pack Light for the Day: If you are just doing a day trip, leave your heavy luggage at your hotel and just bring a small dry-bag for your essentials.
- The Ultimate Choice: Booking a private transfer with Sudin Transport is considered the best way to travel between the islands. It eliminates the "scramble" at the harbor and provides a professional, seamless experience that public options simply cannot match.
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No Motorized Vehicles: Remember that there are no cars or motorbikes on either Gili Trawangan or Gili Air.
Once you arrive at the jetty, your transport options are walking, renting a bicycle, or taking a cidomo (horse carriage).
Frequently Asked Questions - Gili Trawangan to Gili Air
How often do boats run from Gili Trawangan to Gili Air?
Public boats typically run every hour from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM . However, private speedboats with Sudin Transport are available from 6:00 AM to Midnight, allowing you to depart at any time. Scoot Cruise also offers one daily scheduled fast boat.
What is the fastest way to get from Gili Air to Gili Trawangan?
The fastest way is a private speedboat with Sudin Transport. The crossing takes about 10–15 minutes, whereas public boats can take longer due to multiple stops and boarding procedures
Can I do a day trip between the Gili Islands?
Absolutely! Many travelers enjoy a Gili Island Hopping day trip, exploring the different vibes of Gili Air and Gili Trawangan in a single day.
How much does a private speedboat cost for Gili Island Hopping?
For the latest rates and to secure your booking, use the search box at the top of this page.
How do I get from Gili Trawangan to Gili Air?
The most convenient way is to book a private speedboat with Sudin Transport. Your boat will be ready at the jetty at your requested time and take you directly to Gili Air. Alternatively, you can use the scheduled services of Scoot Cruise or local public boats.
