How to get from Bali to Gili Islands

Bali to the Gilis is easy when you match your route to your budget, sea conditions, and where you’re staying (south, central, or east Bali). Below, find at-a-glance options, how to choose, booking tips, and step-by-steps for boats and the Lombok flight workaround.

At A Glance (Bali to Gili Islands)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚤 Fast Boat (Padangbai / Serangan / Sanur → Gili)	~1.5–2.5h on water (+ hotel pickup if included)	Most travelers, direct & simple
🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 350k–800k one-way » compare boats | alt. listings
✈️ Flight via Lombok (DPS→LOP) + Short Boat	~30–40m flight + ~1.5–2h road + ~15–30m boat	Reliable timing in rough seas
🏷️ Cost: Flight ~IDR 400k–1.2m + transfers/boat » search flights | LOP→Gili boats
⛴️ Public Ferry (Padangbai→Lembar) + Overland + Local Boat	~6–10h total (connection-dependent)	Lowest cost, flexible travelers
🏷️ Cost: Ferry ~IDR 50k + road/boat add-ons » ferry times
🚐 Hotel Pickup + Boat (Bundled)	~2.5–4h 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), Serangan or Sanur (best for Seminyak/Canggu/Kuta).
• Cheapest / Most Economical: Public ferry Padangbai→Lembar, road to Bangsal/Teluk Nare, then local boat.
• Most Reliable in Rough Seas: Fly via Lombok and finish with a 15–30 min boat to the Gilis.
• Most Hassle-Free Door-to-Door: Hotel pickup + boat bundles that include pier check-in assistance.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Reserve early (Jul–Sep, Dec): Boats fill up—lock seats on 12Go or bundles on Klook or GetYourGuide.
• Weather watch: Fast boats can be delayed/cancelled in high swells. If you’re on a deadline, pick the flight route.
• Getting to the pier: Prebook a car with Welcome Pickups (Bali) or GetTransfer. Budget alternatives: Grab and Gojek.
• Luggage & comfort: Most boats include ~20–25 kg; oversized items may incur fees. Stash bags via Radical Storage Bali if you’re sightseeing pre/post sailing.
• Where to stay: Choose by vibe—Gili T (lively), Gili Air (chilled), Gili Meno (quiet)—compare stays on Booking.com (Gili Islands).

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

Comfort Frequent No airport transfers

• Overview: Multiple daily boats from Padangbai, Serangan, and Sanur sail to Gili Trawangan and Gili Air (some continue to Gili Meno). Many operators include Bali hotel pickup.
• How to book (with price): Expect ~IDR 350k–800k one-way depending on season/operator. Compare operators, times, and baggage rules on 12Go or find hotel-pickup bundles on Klook / curated options on GetYourGuide. Official operators: BlueWater Express, Eka Jaya, Gili Getaway.
• Pros: Direct and frequent. Cons: Weather-dependent; seas can be choppy; strict check-in cut-offs.

Step-by-step: Fast Boat

1. Pick the nearest Bali port: Padangbai (best for Ubud/east Bali), Serangan or Sanur (best for Seminyak/Canggu/Kuta).
2. On 12Go (Padangbai Port), compare departure times and reviews; confirm luggage allowance and hotel pickup.
3. If no pickup, arrange a ride with Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer. Alternatives in Bali: Grab/Gojek.
4. Arrive 45–60 minutes early for check-in. Tag checked bags; keep valuables/medication in your daypack.
5. Board when called. If seas are rough, request stern seating for a smoother ride.
6. Disembark at Gili Trawangan or Gili Air; for Gili Meno, take a short inter-island boat from Gili T if your service doesn’t stop there.

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; plan 60–90 minutes by car depending on traffic.
• From DPS Airport: Expect ~45–120 minutes; buffer for traffic and check-in.
• DIY wheels: Compare Bali scooter rentals on BikesBooking (helmets required).

✈️ Option #2 — Flight via Lombok + Short Boat (Most Reliable)

Less weather risk Multiple flights More steps

• Overview: Fly Denpasar (DPS) → Lombok (LOP), transfer to Bangsal or Teluk Nare harbor, then a 15–30 minute boat to the Gilis.
• How to book (with price): Flights often IDR 400k–1.2m one-way on Booking.com Flights; boats from Lombok to the Gilis ~IDR 85k–300k depending on public vs. speedboat (see options).
• Pros: Predictable during windy weeks. Cons: Extra transfers; slightly higher total cost.

Step-by-step: Flight via Lombok

1. Book a morning DPS→LOP flight to maximize same-day connections on Booking.com Flights.
2. At LOP, take a private car to Bangsal/Teluk Nare (~1.5–2h). Prearrange via GetTransfer (Lombok); ride-hailing is limited—airport taxis available.
3. Buy or redeem tickets for a speedboat/public boat to Gili T/Air (for Meno, connect from Gili T if no direct service) or prebook on 12Go.
4. Board the next available boat (daytime frequency 30–60 minutes). Keep small cash for any pier fees.

Getting to the main embarking points (DPS & Lombok harbors)

• To DPS (Bali Airport): Prebook Welcome Pickups or use Grab/Gojek. Arrive ~2 hours before departure.
• From LOP to Bangsal/Teluk Nare: Prebook a car on GetTransfer or hire an airport taxi (~1.5–2h).

⛴️ Option #3 — Public Ferry + Overland + Local Boat (Cheapest)

Very low fare Runs day & night Slowest

• Overview: Large RoRo ferry Padangbai→Lembar (Lombok), then road to Bangsal/Teluk Nare and a short island boat.
• How to book (with price): Ferry ticket ~IDR 50k (buy at Padangbai or check times on 12Go). Road transfer Lembar→Bangsal ~IDR 200k–500k (vehicle/type-dependent). Local boat to the Gilis ~IDR 85k–150k.
• Pros: Cheapest way, operates 24/7. Cons: Multiple changes; variable comfort and timing—be firm with touts; pay only at official counters.

Step-by-step: Public Ferry Route

1. Reach Padangbai by shuttle, taxi, or a car booked via Welcome Pickups / GetTransfer. Grab/Gojek also work in Bali.
2. Buy a passenger ticket and board the Padangbai→Lembar ferry (4–6h typical crossing).
3. From Lembar, continue by taxi/private car to Bangsal or Teluk Nare (about 1.5–2h).
4. Purchase a public boat or speedboat ticket to Gili T/Gili Air; for Gili Meno, transfer from Gili T if there’s no direct service.

Getting to the main embarking points (Padangbai and Lembar)

• To Padangbai (Bali): From South Bali allow 60–120 minutes by car; book Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, or use Grab/Gojek.
• From Lembar (Lombok) to Bangsal/Teluk Nare: Use a private car or taxi (~1.5–2h). Prearrange if arriving late at night.

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

Seamless Great for families Zone limits apply

• Overview: One booking covers Bali hotel pickup, pier check-in, and the fast boat—ideal with kids or heavy luggage.
• How to book (with price): Expect ~IDR 500k–1.1m per person depending on zone/operator. Search “Bali to Gili hotel transfer” on Klook or GetYourGuide. You can still compare pure boat tickets on 12Go.
• Pros: Minimal logistics; staff handle check-in. 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 the pickup window, luggage limits, and which Gili(s) the boat serves.
3. Be ready in the lobby at the earliest pickup time; keep passports and e-ticket accessible offline.
4. At the pier, staff handle check-in, bag tags, and boarding. Follow boarding calls and crew instructions.
5. On arrival, retrieve bags and walk to your stay; the islands are car-free.

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

• If your area is included: The shuttle collects you at your hotel—no extra transport needed.
• If your area is excluded: Use Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, or Grab/Gojek to reach the designated meeting point.

FAQ (Bali to Gili Islands)

What’s the easiest way to get from Bali to the Gilis?
The fast boat from Padangbai or Serangan is the simplest one-ticket solution for most travelers.

Is there a best time of day to sail?
Morning crossings are usually calmer. If you’re prone to motion sickness, choose earlier boats and sit toward the stern.

What if the sea is rough or boats are cancelled?
Reputable operators will rebook you on the next sailing or refund. If you must arrive on a fixed day, keep the flight via Lombok backup in mind.

How long does the fast boat take?
Roughly 1.5–2.5 hours on water depending on pier, boat, and sea state. Add transfer time if your ticket includes hotel pickup.

Which Bali pier should I use?
Padangbai (shortest crossing, lots of times) suits Ubud/Central/East Bali. Serangan fits Kuta/Seminyak/Jimbaran/Nusa Dua. Limited direct Gilis services run from Sanur—check your voucher.

Can I bring surfboards or big luggage?
Yes, but operators have size/weight limits and possible fees. Check your boat’s baggage policy when booking.

Are there cars on the Gilis?
No. You’ll walk or cycle; many stays offer rentals. Porters are available near the jetty if your bags are heavy.

How do I get from Bali airport to the pier?
Prebook a fixed-price pickup with Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer. Budget rides: Grab or Gojek.

Where should I stay on the Gilis?
Pick your vibe—Gili Trawangan (lively), Gili Air (chilled), Gili Meno (quiet). Compare stays on Booking.com.