Gili Air to Bali

The fast boat from Gili Air to Bali takes between 1h45 and 3h20 depending on which port you are heading to. Daily departures run to Padang Bai, Sanur and Serangan, with most boats leaving in the morning. If you are catching a flight from Denpasar, your choice of arrival port and departure time from Gili Air is important.

Gilitickets compares budget operators on the Gili Air to Bali ferry route so you can find the right crossing for your schedule. Tickets start from €17.50. All operators are licensed and have a good safety record.
 

Gili Air to Bali Fast Boat Operators 

• Eka Jaya Fast Ferry: Highly reliable operator sailing to Padang Bai and Serangan. Uses large vessels, with AC,  for a much more stable ride in choppy waters. Great for airport connections via Serangan (30 minutes away).
   
• Golden Queen Fast Ferry Daily AC service to Padang Bai featuring TVs and generous luggage allowances. A dependable, well-equipped choice for onward travel to East or Central Bali.
   
• Marina Fast Ferry: A large, AC ship-like vessel sailing to Serangan. Offers a much smoother, steadier crossing than smaller boats. Ideal for travelers with afternoon flights out of Denpasar.
   
• Wahana Virendra: Operates new, air-conditioned boats from Gili Air to Padang Bai. A reliable mid-range option with convenient daily morning departures.
   
• Wijaya Perkasa: Sails to both Padang Bai and Sanur. Very convenient location-wise, but prone to occasional delays; best for flexible schedules.
   
• Semaya One: The cheapest operator on the route, sailing to Padang Bai and Sanur. Ideal for strict budgets, but comfort and punctuality vary: do not book if you have a tight flight connection.
   

Gili Air to Bali Arrival Ports

• Gili Air to Padang Bai: Cheapest and Fastest.
  Padang Bai is the right arrival port if you are heading to Ubud, Candidasa, Amed or anywhere in eastern or central Bali. The Gili Air to Bali fast boat reaches Padang Bai in around 1h45 and tickets start from €17.50.
  If you are heading to South Bali or the airport afterwards, factor in the taxi cost from Padang Bai, which can be 90 minutes or more depending on traffic. The savings on the ticket can easily be offset by a higher transfer cost.
   
• Gili Air to Sanur: Convenient for South Bali
  Sanur puts you in south Bali without the long taxi ride from Padang Bai. The crossing from Gili Air takes around 3h20 and tickets start from €20.50.
  Sanur, Kuta, and Seminyak are around 30 to 50 minutes by car, and the airport is about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. A practical option for travellers heading to the Kuta corridor, Seminyak or Canggu.
   
• Gili Air to Serangan:  Best for Airport Connections
  If you have a flight out of Denpasar, Serangan is the most useful arrival port. It is the closest of the three ports to Ngurah Rai Airport, around 20 to 30 minutes by car via the toll road. The crossing from Gili Air takes around 2h50, and tickets start from €26.
  The harbour is quieter than Padang Bai, and boarding tends to be organised. For a morning departure from Gili Air with an early afternoon flight, Serangan is the safest option to make the connection.
   

Gili Air to Bali Travel Tips

A few things worth knowing before you book. The Gili T to Bali fast boat is a straightforward crossing, but small decisions like which port to arrive at or when to depart can make a real difference to how the rest of your day goes:
 

• Allow enough time before your flight: If you are catching a flight from Denpasar, work backwards from your check-in time. A morning departure from Gili Air arriving at Serangan takes around 2h50, plus 20 to 30 minutes to the airport.
  Add time for unexpected delays and aim to be at the airport at least 2 to 2.5 hours before your flight. Do not cut this too tightly.
   
• Book in advance during peak season: Seats on the fast boat from Gili Air to Bali sell out quickly in July, August and over Christmas and New Year. If your onward plans depend on a specific departure, book ahead.
  Last-minute tickets on popular sailings can be significantly more expensive or simply unavailable.
   
• Morning crossings are generally calmer: The Lombok Strait can get choppy in the afternoon, particularly during the wet season between November and March. An early morning departure is more comfortable if you are prone to seasickness, and it also gives you more time on arrival in Bali.
   
• Your arrival port affects your total journey cost: The cheapest ticket lands you at Padang Bai. If you are heading to Kuta or the airport, the taxi from Padang Bai can cost as much as the boat ticket itself. Run the full journey cost before deciding which port makes sense for your itinerary.
   
• Port taxes are paid at the harbour: Most operators on the Gili Air to Bali ferry do not include port taxes in the ticket price (Except Eka Jaya). You pay these at Gili Air harbour before boarding. 
  Check the Gili Air and Bali port taxes.
   

Other Ways to Get from Gili Air to Bali

Gili Air to Bali Public Ferry 

Gili Air to Bali Flight