There are three sensible ways to reach Gili Trawangan: a fast boat from Bali, a fly-in via Lombok International Airport (LOP), or the local ferry from Lombok’s Bangsal harbour. We’ve been moving guests on this route for ten years — here’s the honest version.
1. Fast boat from Bali (most popular)
Fast boats leave daily from Padang Bai, Serangan and Amed. The crossing is 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on harbour and sea conditions.
- Total time from south Bali (Seminyak/Canggu): 4 to 5 hours door to door.
- Cost: 35 to 75 USD one way per person, hotel pickup usually included.
- Best for: travellers already in Bali on a 1 to 2 week trip.
2. Fly into Lombok (LOP) — fastest from abroad
Lombok International Airport (LOP) has direct flights from Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bali (25 minutes). From the airport:
- Private car to Bangsal harbour — about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Public boat or private speedboat to Gili Trawangan — 15 to 25 minutes.
- Total: 2 to 2.5 hours from landing to your hotel on Gili.
We run private airport transfers from LOP straight to the boat — fixed price, English-speaking driver. See land transport options →
3. Public ferry from Bali (cheapest, slowest)
Padang Bai → Lembar (4 hours) → Bangsal (2 hours by car) → Gili Trawangan (15 min boat). Around 6 to 8 hours total but cheap. Only worth it if you have time and want the local experience.
Local tips
- Book fast-boat tickets the night before in high season (July–August, Christmas, New Year).
- Check the morning forecast — afternoon crossings can get rough.
- The last public boat from Bangsal to Gili is around 17:00. After that you need a private charter.
- There are no cars on Gili. Bring soft luggage if possible — easier on the cidomo (horse cart).
Ready to book?
Reply within 1 hour. No deposit to get a quote.
Frequently asked
How long is the boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan?
Fast boats take 2 to 2.5 hours from Padang Bai or Serangan harbour. Add 1.5 to 2 hours of road transfer from south Bali to the harbour.
Can I fly to Gili Trawangan?
No. There is no airport on the Gili Islands. The closest airport is Lombok International (LOP). From there it is roughly 1.5 hours by car to Bangsal harbour, then a 15-minute boat to Gili Trawangan.
How much does it cost to get to Gili Trawangan from Bali?
Fast boats are typically 35 to 75 USD per person one way depending on operator and season. The cheapest option is the public ferry via Padang Bai and Lombok, which can take 6 to 8 hours total.
Is it better to fly to Lombok or take the boat from Bali?
If you are already in south Bali and on a short trip, the fast boat is simpler. If you are coming from outside Indonesia or want to also see Lombok, flying into LOP is faster and usually cheaper.