Bali to Gili Islands
Bali to Gili Islands: choose your destination
All three Gili Islands are car-free and reachable on the same fast boat crossing from Bali. Most boats stop at more than one island in sequence. Click through to the route page for your destination to see full schedules, operators and ticket prices.
Tickets from €20.50. Journey from Padang Bai: ~1h30.
Tickets from €22. Journey from Padang Bai: ~2h.
Travel tips: Bali to Gili Islands fast boat
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Factor in your full journey cost: a taxi from south Bali to Padang Bai can cost more than the saving on the boat. Pick the port closest to where you are staying.
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Book ahead in high season: fast boats fill up quickly in July, August and over Christmas and New Year.
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Port taxes are usually paid separately: most operators do not include them in the ticket price.
Check the Bali and Gili Islands port taxes.
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Take a morning departure when you can: the Lombok Strait tends to be calmer in the morning, especially during the wet season.
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Check in on time: most operators require check-in at least 60 minutes before departure.
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Island hopping is easy once you are there: local boats run regularly between all three Gili Islands. No need for a separate fast boat from Bali.
Other ways to get from Bali to the Gili Islands
Bali to Gili Islands Public ferry
Total journey time is 6 to 8 hours with multiple connections.
Not the most practical option under normal circumstances, but worth knowing about: if fast boats are cancelled due to bad weather, the public ferry via Bangsal may be the only way to reach or leave the Gili Islands.
Bali to Gili Islands Flight
The extra connections also add complexity that most travellers would rather avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bali to the Gili Islands
Which Gili Island is the best?
The three Northern Gili Islands are very different, which means there is no best island to suit every traveller's needs. Gili Trawangan is the best island for people who are looking for enough to do, a fun nightlife and plenty of activities. Gili Air is a chilled island where you can find stuff to do, but also very easily find peace. Gili Meno is the best island for people who want to escape other tourists and would like no nightlife or busy main strip around. There are also other Gili Islands located in the South of Lombok, which are even more remote!
Can you fly from Bali to the Gili Islands?
There are no flights from Bali to The Gili Islands. The Gili Islands are very small, and not even motorised vehicles are available on the islands. You can check local flights between Bali and Lombok, and then transfer from Lombok airport to the Gili Islands. The transfer from Lombok airport to the Gili Islands takes 90 minutes by car, plus 10-15 minutes to the island by speedboat.
How long is the fast boat trip from Bali to the Gili Islands?
Traveling from Bali to the Gili Islands by fast boat can take between 1h30 to 5h, depending on the route and area in Bali you are staying.
How do I get from Bali to the Gili Islands?
The standard way is by fast boat. Daily services depart from Padang Bai, Sanur, Serangan and Nusa Dua. The crossing takes between 1h30 (from Padang Bai) and around 3 hours (from south Bali ports). Gilitickets lets you compare operators, check live seat availability and book instantly online.
What is the cheapest fast boat from Bali to the Gili Islands?
Semaya One from Padang Bai is typically the lowest-priced option, with tickets from €20.50. Prices vary by season and availability, so use the search box above for current fares.
Are the fast boats from Bali to the Gili Islands safe?
Yes. Every operator on Gilitickets is fully licensed under Indonesian maritime regulations and carries the required safety equipment, including life jackets, life rafts and marine radio. Budget pricing reflects a competitive market, not lower safety standards.