Fast Boat
Ubud → Gili Islands
Distance
~95 km
Travel Time
3-4h
Fastest Option
Eka Jaya
Cheapest Option
D'Camel
Ubud to the Gili Islands
Traveling from Ubud to the Gili Islands is a common two-stage journey requiring a land transfer to the coast followed by a fast boat crossing. Since Ubud is landlocked, travelers typically depart via Padang Bai harbor, with a total travel time of 3 to 4 hours to reach the Gilis.
On our website, you can book your fast boat ticket and land transfer in one seamless booking. This flexibility allows you to choose your preferred boat operator, such as Eka Jaya or Blue Water Express, and then add a private or shared shuttle transfer from Ubud.
This page covers everything you need to know for your transfer from Ubud to Gili Trawangan, Ubud to Gili Air, and Ubud to Gili Meno.
Ubud to Gili Trawangan
Traveling from Ubud to Gili Trawangan is a seamless two-part journey consisting of a land transfer to Padang Bai followed by a fast boat crossing. With various departures from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan throughout the day, travelers can easily reach the island in 3 to 4 hours.
You can book your fast boat ticket and land transfer in one single process. This gives you the flexibility to choose between top operators like Eka Jaya Fast Ferry, Blue Water Express, D'Camel Fast Ferry or Gili Gili Fast Boat, and then add a private or shared shuttle transfer from Ubud.
This ensures your transfer from Ubud to Gili Trawangan is coordinated and efficient. By selecting your preferred boat and adding a synchronized pickup, you avoid the hassle of negotiating local transport and ensure a smooth journey from Ubud to Gili T.
Ubud to Gili Air
The journey from Ubud to Gili Air begins with a land transfer to Padang Bai harbor, which typically takes between 1 to 1.5 hours, followed by a fast boat crossing from Padang Bai to Gili Air. With total travel time averaging 3 to 4 hours, this route is the most efficient way to transition from Bali’s highlands to the quieter side of the Gilis.
You can book your fast boat ticket and land transfer in one single process. This flexibility allows you to select from reputable operators like Eka Jaya Fast Ferry, Blue Water Express, D'Camel Fast Ferry or Gili Gili Fast Boat, and then add a private or shared shuttle transfer.
By selecting your preferred vessel and adding a synchronized pickup, you ensure a reliable connection for your island-hopping adventure.
Ubud to Gili Meno
The journey from Ubud to Gili Meno is a two-stage trip consisting of a land transfer to Padang Bai followed by a fast boat crossing from Padang Bai to Gili Meno. Since Ubud is inland, travelers typically spend 1 to 1.5 hours on the road before the boat trip, reaching the quietest of the Gili Islands in approximately 3.5 to 4 hours total.
You can choose from top-tier operators like Eka Jaya Fast Ferry or Gili Gili Fast Boat and pair your crossing with a shared shuttle or a private car pick-up for a perfectly timed arrival at the port.
Because Gili Meno has a more sensitive coastline than its neighbors, many larger vessels like Eka Jaya dock at a floating mooring platform just offshore. From there, a local shuttle boat will bridge the final gap to the beach or jetty for a small additional fee of approximately IDR 35,000, ensuring the island's reefs remain protected.
By coordinating your boat and transport together, you ensure a reliable connection from Ubud to Gili Meno without the stress of arranging last-minute transfers.
Travel Tips - Ubud to Gili Islands
- Port Fees: Padang Bai and the Gilis charge a small harbour fee. Some operators include this in the ticket, others require payment on-site. Check the Padang Bai and Gilis port taxes.
- Gili Meno Arrival: Keep approximately IDR 35,000 in cash ready if you are heading to Gili Meno, as you may need to pay for the local shuttle boat from the offshore platform to the beach.
- Sea Conditions: The Lombok Strait can get choppy during the windy season (June–September). Morning departures are generally smoother than afternoon sailings if you want a calmer crossing.
- Integrated Transfers: You can add a shared shuttle or private car directly to your booking, which eliminates the need to worry about the logistics. This ensures your land transport from Ubud is perfectly synchronized with your boat's departure time.
- Self-Transfer Precautions: If you choose to make your own way to the harbor, be mindful that Bali’s roads are unpredictable. Even though the distance is only 35–45km, allow enough time for the drive to ensure you don't miss your boat.
- Tickets & Booking: Book well in advance, especially during peak season. Top-tier operators like Eka Jaya can sell out weeks ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions – Ubud to Gili Islands
How do I get from Ubud to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno?
Since Ubud is located in the central highlands, the most efficient route is to take a land transfer (car or shuttle) to Padang Bai Harbor on the east coast. From there, you board a fast boat that stops at Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno.
How long does the journey take from Ubud to the Gili Islands?
The total travel time is typically between 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
- Land Transfer: 1 to 1.5 hours from Ubud to Padang Bai.
- Fast Boat Crossing: 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the island and the number of stops.
What is the best way to book a transfer from Ubud to the Gilis?
The most convenient way is to book your fast boat ticket and land transfer together in a single process. This allows you to add a shared shuttle from a central point in Ubud or a private car pick-up directly from your hotel, ensuring your arrival at the port is perfectly timed with the boat’s departure.
Which harbor should I use when traveling from Ubud to the Gilis?
Padang Bai is the best and closest harbor for travelers coming from Ubud. It offers the most daily departures and the shortest time on the water compared to other ports like Sanur or Serangan.
What are the boat departure times from Padang Bai?
Fast boats depart throughout the day, with the most frequent sailings in the morning (between 08:00 and 10:30). It is best to use the searchbox for the most up to date departure times.
How do I get from the Gili Islands to Ubud?
The return journey from Gili Meno, Gili Air, or Gili Trawangan to Ubud is a two-stage process. First, you take a fast boat from the island's harbor to Padang Bai in Bali. Once you arrive at the port, you continue with a land transfer, either a shared shuttle or a private car, for the final 1 to 1.5-hour drive to Ubud.
