Fast Boat
Nusa Dua→ Gili Islands
Distance
~115 km
Travel Time
3-4h
Fastest Option
Eka Jaya
Cheapest Option
Gili Getaway
Nusa Dua to the Gili Islands
When travelling from Nusa Dua to the Gili Islands, you now have two excellent harbour options: Nusa Dua Harbour and Serangan Harbour.
The most direct option is Nusa Dua Harbour, where Eka Jaya Fast Ferry now operates fast boat crossings to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. Departing from right on your doorstep means no land transfer at all, keeping your total travel time to a minimum.
If you prefer another operator, Serangan Harbor is a great alternative. From Nusa Dua, Serangan is just a 20 to 30-minute drive via the Bali Mandara Toll Road, and far more comfortable than the long 1.5 to 2-hour drive to Padang Bai. Operators including Blue Water Express and Gili Getaway depart from Serangan.
Nusa Dua to Gili Trawangan
Traveling from Nusa Dua to Gili Trawangan is now easier than ever. Eka Jaya Fast Ferry departs directly from Nusa Dua Harbour with two daily sailings.
If you prefer another operator, Serangan Harbor is just a short 15–30 minute drive from Nusa Dua. Choose from trusted operators like Blue Water Express or Gili Getaway, and add a private car or shared shuttle straight from your hotel.
We coordinate your entire journey from Nusa Dua to Gili Trawangan, so you can skip the hassle of arranging separate transfers or haggling with taxis. Just sit back, relax, and get ready to soak in the sun, sand, and crystal-clear waters of the Gili Islands.
Gili Trawangan to Nusa Dua
Returning from Gili Trawangan to Nusa Dua is simple and convenient. Your journey starts with a fast boat from Gili Trawangan back to Bali. The quickest and most direct return option for Nusa Dua guests is booking with Eka Jaya Fast Ferry, which arrives directly at Nusa Dua Harbour.
Alternatively, boats also arrive at Serangan Harbor, just a 15-30 minute drive from Nusa Dua. For those seeking another alternative, boats dock at Padang Bai Harbor, though this requires a much longer drive, typically 2.5–3 hours, to reach Nusa Dua.
Through our platform, you can book both your fast boat and land transfer in one easy step. Choose from reliable operators, then add a private car or shared shuttle straight to your hotel.
Nusa Dua to Gili Air & Gili Meno
Travelers looking to journey from Nusa Dua to Gili Air or Gili Meno now have a very direct option. Eka Jaya Fast Ferry departs from Nusa Dua Harbour.
Guests who prefer other operators can depart from Serangan Harbor or the nearby Sanur Harbor, both reachable in 15–30 minutes from Nusa Dua via the toll road.
When it is time to return, booking your boat from Gili Air to Nusa Dua is simple. Eka Jaya can bring you back to Nusa Dua Harbour, while other premium operators offer a Serangan or Nusa Dua drop-off option via shuttle or private car.
Note for Gili Meno: Most larger boats stop at a floating platform a short distance from the shore. From there, a small shuttle boat ferries you to the beach, completing the final leg of your trip
Travel Tips - Nusa Dua to Gili Islands
- Port Fees: Serangan, Padang Bai, and the Gili Islands all charge a small harbour fee for passengers. While some premium operators include this in your ticket price, others require a separate payment on-site. Check the Bali and Gilis port taxes.
- Gili Meno Arrival: If you are staying on Gili Meno, please keep approximately IDR 35,000 in cash ready for your arrival. Because the waters around Gili Meno are particularly shallow, larger fast boats often dock at an offshore platform rather than the beach. You might need this cash to pay for a local shuttle boat that performs the final leg of the journey to the shore.
- Sea Conditions: The Lombok Strait is deep and can experience significant swells, particularly during the "windy season" from June to September. As a rule of thumb, morning departures offer much calmer waters and are less prone to weather-related delays than afternoon sailings.
- Convenient Integrated Transfers: You can streamline your entire journey by adding a private car or shared shuttle service directly to your boat booking on our platform. For guests in Nusa Dua, this is the most reliable way to ensure you arrive at the harbour on time, regardless of whether you are heading to Serangan or Padang Bai.
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Navigating on Your Own: If you choose to manage your own transport to the pier, please give yourself a much larger time buffer than you think is necessary.
Although the drive from Nusa Dua to Serangan is quite short (roughly 15–30 minutes), Bali's traffic can be extremely erratic.
If you are catching a boat from Padang Bai, we recommend leaving your hotel at least 2.5 hours before departure to avoid any risk of missing your trip. -
Securing Your Tickets: We recommend booking your crossing well in advance to lock in your preferred time slot and guarantee a seat with a top-tier boat operator.
Booking early ensures you travel with the most reputable fleets, which provide higher safety standards and more comfortable seating than the last-minute budget options often found at the harbour.
Frequently Asked Questions - Nusa Dua to Gili Islands
What is the best harbor for getting from Nusa Dua to the Gili Islands?
For the most convenient departure, Nusa Dua Harbour is now the top choice. Eka Jaya Fast Ferry operates crossings to all three Gili Islands directly from there, so you board the boat just minutes from your resort with no land transfer needed. If you prefer Blue Water Express or Gili Getaway, Serangan Harbor is the recommended alternative: only about 17 km (a 15–30 minute drive via the toll road) from most Nusa Dua resorts, and far easier than the 2-hour drive to Padang Bai..
How long does the total journey from Nusa Dua to the Gili Islands take?
The total travel time from your Nusa Dua hotel to the Gili Islands is typically 3 to 4 hours.
- Land Transfer: ~15-30 minutes (Nusa Dua to Serangan).
- Sea Crossing: ~2.15 to 3 hours (depending on stops).
What time do the boats from Serangan to the Gili Islands depart?
Fast boats from Serangan to Gili Trawangan usually leave between 08:00 and 09:00, with additional departures every 1–2 hours during the morning and early afternoon. Departure times can vary based on the operator and the season. It is best to use the search box for the most up to date times
Is hotel pickup from Nusa Dua included?
The inclusion of hotel transport depends on the specific boat operator you select during your booking. For instance, Gili Getaway provides a complimentary shared shuttle service from most resorts and villas in Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa directly to Serangan Harbor. For all other premium operators on our site, such as Blue Water Express and Eka Jaya, you have the flexibility to add a shared shuttle or a private car pickup to your booking for a small additional cost.
How do I get from the Gili Islands to Nusa Dua?
Returning to Nusa Dua is just as straightforward as the journey out. You will board your fast boat at the main harbor of the Gili island you are staying on (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, or Gili Air). For the most comfortable return to the south, we recommend booking a boat that arrives at Serangan Harbor. Most boats depart the Gili Islands for Serangan in the late morning or early afternoon, typically between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM. Once you arrive at Serangan, it is a quick 15-30 minute drive back to your Nusa Dua resort via the toll road. If you have booked your return transfer through our site, your driver will be waiting at the Serangan arrival pier with a sign to take you directly to your hotel.
