Bali to Gili Air
Gili Air sits just off the northwest coast of Lombok, a short, fast boat ride from Bali. Quieter than Gili Trawangan and less developed than many expect, it draws travellers looking for good snorkelling, a relaxed pace and a more local feel without sacrificing the basics.
The fast boat from Bali to Gili Air takes between 1h40 and 3h15, depending on your departure port. Gilitickets compares the best value operators on the Bali to Gili Air route, with daily departures from Padang Bai, Sanur and Serangan. All operators are licensed and have a good safety record. Tickets start from €17.50.
Bali to Gili Air Fast Boat Operators
- Eka Jaya Fast Ferry: the most established operator departing from Padang Bai and Serangan. Features large, steel-hulled vessels for the smoothest, most stable ride. Organised, reliable, and well worth the price.
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Golden Queen Fast Ferry: Reliable daily service from Padang Bai. Features AC cabins and consistent schedules for a straightforward crossing.
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Marina Fast Ferry: Departs from Serangan (via Nusa Penida). Large, stable ship ideal for those staying in South Bali or needing close access to the airport.
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Wahana Virendra: Operates new AC boats from Padang Bai to Gili Air. A reputable mid-range operator with multiple daily departures.
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Wijaya Perkasa: Departs from Padang Bai and Sanur. Very convenient for South Bali travellers, though prone to occasional delays. Best for flexible schedules.
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Semaya One: Usually the cheapest option on the route, departing from Padang Bai and Sanur. Great for strict budgets, but comfort and punctuality can vary, so leave a time buffer.
Bali to Gili Air Departure Ports
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Padang Bai to Gili Air: Padang Bai is the best starting point for the fast boat to Gili Air if you are based in eastern or central Bali. Tickets start from €17.50, and the crossing takes around 1h40. It is around 1h to 1h30 by car from Ubud, and closer still from Candidasa and Amed. Morning departures between 08:00 and 09:00 get you to Gili Air well before lunch, leaving the rest of the day to settle in and explore.
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Sanur to Gili Air: For travellers staying in Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu, Sanur cuts out the long drive east to Padang Bai. The Sanur to Gili Air ferry takes around 3 hours, and tickets start from €20.50. A practical middle ground that costs a little more on the boat but saves significantly on taxi fares and travel time from the south.
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Serangan to Gili Air: Serangan is the closest departure point to Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Uluwatu. The crossing to Gili Air takes around 3h15 and tickets start from €26. The harbour is quieter than Sanur, and the boarding process tends to be smoother. It is also the most practical option for travellers arriving at Bali airport on a morning flight and looking to reach the Gili Islands the same day.
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Getting to Gili Air from Amed: There are no direct fast boats from Amed to Gili Air. The most straightforward option is to take a car or shuttle to Padang Bai, around 1h30 away, and catch a fast boat from there.
Bali to Gili Air Travel Tips
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Work out your full journey cost before booking: the cheapest ticket is not always the cheapest trip.
If you are staying in South Bali, a long taxi to Padang Bai can cost more than the money saved on the boat.
Factor in your transfer cost and pick the port that makes sense for where you are.
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Book in Advance During Peak Periods: fast boats on the Bali to Gili Air route fill up quickly in July, August and over the Christmas and New Year period.
Booking ahead is the safest way to secure your preferred departure time and often gets you a better price than buying on the day.|
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Port taxes are usually paid separately: most operators on this route do not include port taxes in the ticket price (except Eka Jaya Fast Ferry).
You pay these at the harbour on the day of departure.
Check the Bali and Gili Air port taxes.
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Morning crossings are generally calmer: the Lombok Strait can get choppy in the afternoon, particularly during the wet season.
If you are sensitive to motion sickness, an early morning departure is the more comfortable option.
Most fast boats on the Bali to Gili Air route depart around 08:00-09:00.
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Luggage allowances vary by operator: different operators on the Bali to Gili Air route have different luggage limits, ranging from 15kg to 30kg.
Check your operator's policy before arriving at the port, especially if you are travelling with dive equipment or oversized bags.
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Gili Air to Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno: Once on Gili Air, local island hopping boats run regularly to Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan.
It is an easy and affordable way to explore all three islands during your stay.
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Return trip Gili Air to Bali: all operators running the Bali to Gili Air route also offer the return crossing.
Booking a return ticket at the same time as your outbound journey can be slightly cheaper than two separate one-way tickets.
Other Ways to Get from Bali to Gili Air
Bali to Gili Air Public Ferry
The total journey typically takes 6 to 8 hours with multiple connections. It is a significant amount of effort for a modest saving, and only really worth considering for travellers on the tightest of budgets who have plenty of time.
Bali to Gili Air Flight
The extra connections also add complexity that most travellers would rather avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bali to Gili Air
What is the cheapest fast boat from Bali to Gili Air?
Semaya One from Padang Bai is typically the most affordable option, with tickets from €17.50. Prices vary by season and availability, so use the search box above for current fares.
Which port should I leave from for the Bali to Gili Air ferry?
Padang Bai: cheapest and fastest. Best for Ubud, Amed, Candidasa and east/central Bali.
Sanur: good option for south Bali. Saves the long drive east to Padang Bai.
Serangan: closest to Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Uluwatu. Quieter harbour and convenient for airport connections.
How long does the fast boat from Bali to Gili Air take?
Journey times vary depending on your departure port:
- From Padang Bai: around 1h40
- From Sanur: around 3h00
- From Serangan: around 3h15
What time do fast boats depart from Bali to Gili Air?
Most departures leave around 08:00 in the morning, with some early afternoon options. Schedules vary by operator and season. Use the search box above for up-to-date departure times.
Is the fast boat from Bali to Gili Air safe?
Yes. All operators listed on Gilitickets are licensed and have a good safety record. The budget price reflects competitive fares, not lower safety standards. Every boat carries life jackets and complies with Indonesian maritime regulations.
Are port taxes included in the ticket price?
Most operators on the Bali to Gili Air route (except Eka jaya Fast Ferry) do not include port taxes in the ticket price. These are paid at the harbour on the day.
Can I book a return ticket from Bali to Gili Air?
Yes. Return tickets are available with most operators and can be booked at the same time as your outbound journey. This is often slightly cheaper than two separate one-way bookings.