BOAT TRANSFERS
& GILIS

Everything You Need to Know Before Your Adventure Begins

Lombok is well-connected by sea, with daily transfers to the Gili Islands, Bali, and smaller nearby islands. Below is a detailed guide to each type of boat transfer, what to expect, and useful tips for travellers.

Fast Boats
Private Speedboats
Public Boats

Fast boats

FAST BOATS FROM BALI TO THE GILI ISLANDS

Fast boats from Bali are the most common way travellers reach Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. Boats depart from Padang Bai, Sanur, Serangan, and Amed, with Padang Bai offering the quickest crossings.

Best For:

  • Travellers looking for the quickest and most direct connection from Bali to the Gilis or Lombok

  • Solo travellers, couples, and backpackers wanting a budget-friendly transfer

  • Visitors who want multiple daily departure options

  • People staying in South or East Bali wanting a convenient route

  • Travellers who don’t mind a faster, more adventurous ride on the water

What to expect:

  • Travel time ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the port and sea conditions.

  • Seating options range from indoor air-conditioned cabins to outdoor areas (depending on the company)

  • Most boats stop at the Gilis first, then Lombok (Bangsal Harbour).

  • Luggage is stored at the back of the boat or on top.

Tips:

  • Choose reputable operators for safety and reliability.

  • Sea conditions can be rough during certain times of the year.

  • Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early to avoid queues and confirm boarding.

  • Keep valuables and electronics in a waterproof bag

  • If prone to seasickness, take medication 30 minutes before departure

  • Hold on to your return ticket confirmation; ports can be busy during peak season

  • Morning departures usually offer calmer seas.

Fast Boat Operators for Bali, Lombok & the Gili Islands

We’ve put together a helpful list of fast boat operators serving Bali, Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Lombok. This makes it easier for you to explore your options and choose the most suitable boat for your journey.

Company Routes Website Notes
BlueWater Express Bali ↔ Gilis ↔ Lombok bluewater-express.com Premium, reliable
Gili Getaway Bali ↔ Gilis ↔ Lombok giligetaway.com High comfort
Eka Jaya Fast Boat Bali ↔ Gilis ↔ Lombok ekajayafastboat.com Large modern fleet
Wahana Gili Ocean Bali ↔ Gilis ↔ Lombok wahanagiliocean.com Mid-range option
Golden Queen Fast Boat Bali ↔ Gilis ↔ Lombok goldenqueenfastboat.com Standard comfort
FreeBird Express Amed ↔ Gilis freebirdfastboat.com Best for East/North Bali
Ostina Fast Boat Bali ↔ Gilis ↔ Lombok ostinafastboat.com Standard operator
Starfish Fast Cruise Bali ↔ Gilis starfishfastcruise.com Budget-friendly
Scoot Fast Cruises Sanur ↔ Lembongan ↔ Gilis ↔ Lombok scootcruise.com Multi-stop route
Semaya One Fast Cruise Bali ↔ Gilis ↔ Lombok semayacruise.com Budget option
Ganggari Fast Boat Bali ↔ Gilis ganggarifastboat.com Budget/mid-range
Karya Bahari Bangsal ↔ Gilis karyabahari.com Public fast boat
Gili Transfers (Sea Taxi) Lombok ↔ Gilis gilitransfers.com Private speedboat
Gili Ferries Bali ↔ Gilis ↔ Lombok giliferries.com Ticket aggregator
Bali to Gili Fast Boats Bali ↔ Gilis ↔ Lombok baligilifastboat.id Aggregator
Direct Ferries Indonesia Bali ↔ Gilis ↔ Lombok directferries.co.id Aggregator
Lombok Fast Boats Bali ↔ Gilis ↔ Lombok lombokfastboats.com Aggregator

Disclaimer:
These companies are independent operators and are provided for reference only. Solo Vida Adventures does not own, manage, or control any of these services and is not responsible for schedules, delays, cancellations, pricing, safety standards, or service quality.

Need a private TRANSFER?

We provide reliable, stress-free transfers for all Solo Vida Adventures guests. Whether you need a pickup or drop-off, simply pre-book and our trusted driver will be waiting for you — ideal for solo travellers, first-time visitors, friends and families.

Book Now

Private Speedboats

Speedboats offer flexible, quick connections between the Gili Islands and Lombok, or island-to-island.

Best For:

  • Travellers who want a fast, private, and flexible transfer

  • Those catching flights or needing specific timing

  • Guests with limited time

  • People staying in areas away from major harbours

What to Expect:

  • Departures on-demand from Gili T, Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Lombok’s west coast

  • Very short travel times: 5–15 minutes depending on the route

  • Flexible schedule — leave whenever you want

  • Great option for last-minute connections

Tips:

  • Confirm the price before boarding

  • Sea taxis can be more expensive than shared fast boats

  • Ideal for early morning or late transfers when public boats aren’t operating

  • Hold belongings securely when boarding from the beach

Need a private boat TRANSFER?

Travelling from Lombok to the Gili Islands is quick and easy with a private boat. Depart from Bangsal, Teluk Nare, or Teluk Kodek and reach Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Gili Meno in just 10–20 minutes.

Choose your own departure time, skip the crowds, and enjoy a smooth, direct transfer to the island. Perfect for couples, families, and small groups.

Book Now

public boats

Public boats offer the cheapest way to reach the Gili Islands from Lombok, operating on a simple schedule based on passenger numbers.

PUBLIC SLOW BOATS (BANGSAL TO THE GILIS)

Best For:

  • Travellers on a strict budget

  • You don’t mind waiting for departure

  • Visitors wanting to experience local-style transport

  • Guests staying near Bangsal or travelling light

What to Expect:

  • Departures from Bangsal Harbour

  • Boats leave when enough passengers are onboard

  • Travel time: 30–45 minutes depending on the destination

  • Basic wooden boats used by locals for daily transport

  • Very budget-friendly

Tips:

  • Bring small cash; public boats do not accept cards

  • Expect delays during quiet periods

  • Water may splash onto the boat — keep valuables covered

  • Not ideal for travellers with heavy luggage

  • Avoid during rough sea conditions

Your Guide to the Best of Lombok

  • Travel & Transport

    How to get here and get around the island

    Learn More

  • Where to Stay

    The best areas and stays around Lombok

    Learn More

  • Food & Drink

    Local food, beach bars, and hidden gems

    Learn More

  • Visas & Entry

    Everything you need to enter Indonesia

    Learn More

  • Practical Info

    Tips to make your trip smooth and easy

    Learn More

  • Things to Do

    Capture adventure, fun, and discovery

    Learn More

  • Make a Difference

    Explore the charities and initiatives we’re proud to support

    Learn More

MISSED A SPOT?

One adventure is never enough. Good thing there’s a whole island left to wander.