How to get from Bali to Lombok

Beaches & Tropical · Indonesia · Nature & Outdoors · Bali · Lombok

Bali ⇄ Lombok is straightforward once you pick between fast boats (to Bangsal/Senggigi), the 24/7 public ferry (Padangbai→Lembar), or a quick hop flight (DPS→LOP) plus a short ride to your Lombok base. Below are at-a-glance picks, booking tips, and step-by-steps for each route.

At A Glance (Bali to Lombok)

Mode Duration Best For
🚤 Fast Boat (Padangbai / Serangan / Sanur → Lombok) ~1.5–2.5h on water (+ hotel pickup if included) Most travelers, direct & simple
🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 350k–850k one-way » compare Padangbai→Bangsal boats | alt. listings
✈️ Flight (DPS→LOP) + Road ~30–40m flight + ~1–2h road Reliable timing in windy weeks
🏷️ Cost: Flight ~IDR 400k–1.2m + transfers » search flights
⛴️ Public Ferry (Padangbai→Lembar) + Overland ~4–6h sea + ~1–2h road Lowest cost, night travel
🏷️ Cost: Passenger ~IDR 50k (vehicle extra) » ferry times
🚐 Hotel Pickup + Boat (Bundled) ~2.5–4.5h door-to-door (area-dependent) Hassle-free, families, big luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 500k–1.1m pp » bundled transfers

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Fastest / Most Convenient: Fast boat from Padangbai (best for Ubud/East Bali) or Serangan/Sanur (best for South Bali) to Bangsal or Senggigi.
  • Cheapest / Runs 24–7: Public ferry Padangbai→Lembar, then continue by car to Mataram, Senggigi, or Kuta (Lombok).
  • Most Reliable in Rough Seas: Fly DPS→LOP and finish by road; best when swells cancel boats.
  • Least Hassle: Door-to-door bundles with hotel pickup plus pier check-in help.

How to Book and Practical Tips

🚤 Option #1 — Fast Boat (Most Popular, Direct)

Direct Frequent Sea-state dependent

  • Overview: Multiple operators run Bali→Lombok services to Bangsal (north Lombok) and sometimes Senggigi. Departures from Padangbai, Serangan, and Sanur; some include Bali hotel pickup.
  • How to book (with price): Expect ~IDR 350k–850k one-way. Compare times & baggage rules on 12Go or bundled transfers on Klook and GetYourGuide. Official operators: BlueWater Express, Eka Jaya.
  • Pros: Direct & frequent; no airport transfers. Cons: Weather-dependent; strict check-in cut-offs.

Step-by-step: Fast Boat

  1. Pick the nearest Bali port: Padangbai (best for Ubud/East), Serangan or Sanur (best for South Bali).
  2. On 12Go (Padangbai→Bangsal), compare departure times and baggage/pickup options.
  3. If no pickup, arrange a ride with Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer. Budget: Grab/Gojek.
  4. Arrive 45–60 minutes early for check-in; tag checked bags and keep valuables/meds in your daypack.
  5. On arrival at Bangsal or Senggigi, continue by taxi or prebooked car to Mataram/Senggigi/Kuta (Lombok).

Getting to the main embarking points (Padangbai / Serangan / Sanur)

  • From South Bali (Seminyak/Canggu/Kuta): Serangan or Sanur are closest. Use Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, or Grab/Gojek.
  • From Ubud/East Bali: Padangbai is nearest; allow 60–90 minutes by car depending on traffic.
  • Bali Airport (DPS) → pier: 45–120 minutes depending on pier & traffic—buffer for check-in.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛴️ Option #2 — Public Ferry (Padangbai→Lembar) + Overland (Cheapest)

Very low fare 24/7 service Slowest

  • Overview: The state-run RoRo ferry runs day & night between Padangbai (Bali) and Lembar (Lombok). On arrival, continue by road 45–120 minutes to Mataram, Senggigi, or Kuta Lombok.
  • How to book (with price): Passenger ticket ~IDR 50k at the port; vehicles extra. Check schedules & vendors on 12Go. Official: ASDP Indonesia Ferry / online booking via Ferizy.
  • Pros: Cheapest way, runs 24/7, huge capacity. Cons: Slow; variable comfort; touts at terminals—pay only at official counters.

Step-by-step: Public Ferry

  1. Reach Padangbai by shuttle/taxi or a private car booked via Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer. Budget: Grab/Gojek.
  2. Buy a passenger ticket at the official counter. Board the next Padangbai→Lembar ferry (~4–6h typical).
  3. At Lembar, continue by taxi/private car to Mataram, Senggigi, or Kuta Lombok (45–120m depending on destination).

Getting to the main embarking points (Padangbai and Lembar)

  • To Padangbai (Bali): From South Bali allow 60–120m by car; from Ubud ~60–90m.
  • From Lembar (Lombok): Taxis/private cars are plentiful; prearrange late-night arrivals if possible.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #3 — Flight DPS→LOP + Road (Most Reliable)

Frequent flights Most reliable More steps

  • Overview: Fly Denpasar (DPS) → Lombok (LOP) in ~30–40 minutes, then drive ~1–2h to Senggigi, Mataram, or Kuta Lombok. Great backup in windy weeks when fast boats delay.
  • How to book (with price): Fares often IDR 400k–1.2m one-way on Booking.com Flights. Official: Ngurah Rai (DPS), Lombok International Airport (LOP).
  • Pros: Predictable timing; many daily departures. Cons: Airport transfers; slightly higher total cost vs. ferry.

Step-by-step: Flight via Lombok

  1. Book a morning DPS→LOP flight to maximize same-day connections via Booking.com Flights.
  2. Get to DPS by prebooked car (Welcome Pickups or Grab/Gojek). Check in ~2 hours before departure.
  3. At LOP, continue by taxi/private car to Senggigi/Mataram/Kuta Lombok (~1–2h). Prebook with GetTransfer if arriving late.

Getting to the main embarking points (DPS & LOP)

  • To DPS (Bali): Expect 30–90m from most tourist areas depending on traffic.
  • From LOP (Lombok): Metered taxis and private cars available in arrivals.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Hotel Pickup + Boat (Door-to-Door Bundle)

Seamless Great with kids Zone-dependent

  • Overview: One booking includes Bali hotel pickup, pier check-in help, and the fast boat to Lombok—ideal for families or heavy luggage.
  • How to book (with price): Expect ~IDR 500k–1.1m per person. Search “Bali to Lombok transfer” on Klook or browse curated options on GetYourGuide. You can still compare pier-only tickets on 12Go. Official operators often used in bundles: BlueWater Express, Eka Jaya.
  • Pros: Minimal logistics; staff handle bag tags & boarding. Cons: Pickup zones can be limited; pricier than pier-only tickets.

Step-by-step: Door-to-Door Bundle

  1. Choose a bundle that covers your hotel area (Seminyak/Canggu/Kuta/Ubud etc.).
  2. Confirm pickup window, luggage limits, and arrival port (Bangsal/Senggigi).
  3. Be in the lobby at earliest pickup time; keep passports & e-tickets handy.
  4. At the pier, staff assist with check-in, bag tags, and boarding.
  5. On arrival in Lombok, transfer to your hotel (taxi or prebooked car).

Getting to the main embarking point (Your Bali hotel → assigned pier)

FAQ (Bali to Lombok)

What’s the easiest way to get from Bali to Lombok?
For most travelers, the fast boat from Padangbai or Serangan to Bangsal is simplest; if seas are rough, fly DPS→LOP.

How long does each option take?
Fast boat: ~1.5–2.5h on water (plus pier transfers). Public ferry: ~4–6h crossing plus 1–2h road. Flight: ~30–40m air time plus airport + road transfers.

Which Bali port should I use?
Padangbai (shortest crossing; best for Ubud/East). Serangan/Sanur (convenient for South Bali: Kuta/Seminyak/Canggu/Jimbaran/Nusa Dua).

Which Lombok port is best?
Bangsal for North Lombok and Gili connections; Senggigi for resorts along the west coast; Lembar for those taking the public ferry.

Are boats safe? What about rough seas?
Reputable operators cancel/delay if swells are unsafe and will rebook you. If you’re on a tight schedule during windy weeks, use the flight option.

Can I bring surfboards or big luggage?
Yes, but fast-boat operators have size/weight limits and may charge a fee. Check the baggage policy when booking.

Do Grab or Gojek work in Lombok?
Yes, ride-hailing is available in major areas (availability varies by time of day). Private cars via GetTransfer are reliable for late arrivals.

Where should I base myself in Lombok?
Senggigi (classic beach strip), Kuta Lombok (surf & coves), Mataram (city conveniences). Compare stays on Booking.com.

Can I take a vehicle on the public ferry?
Yes. Buy a vehicle ticket (price by type/size) at Padangbai. Motorbikes are common; cars/van spaces can sell out on peak dates—arrive early or use Ferizy.

What’s the best time to travel?
Morning crossings are usually calmer; aim for earlier boats or flights for the smoothest day.

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