Nusa Penida to Gili Islands
You can travel from Nusa Penida to the Gili Islands without going back to Bali, saving you significant time if you are island hopping.
Four operators run this route through Gilitickets, connecting Nusa Penida to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. Journey times vary between operators and range from around 1h40 to just over 2 hours.
Tickets to Gili Trawangan start from €16. All operators are licensed and have a good safety record.
Nusa Penida to Gili Islands
Cheapest price From €16
Journey time ~1h40–3h
Departures Multiple daily
Operators
Eka Jaya Fast Ferry • Marina Fast Ferry • Wijaya Perkasa • Semaya One
Nusa Penida to Gili Islands Operators
All operators on Gilitickets are licensed and vetted. Infants under 2 travel free on all operators.
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Eka Jaya Fast Ferry: The strongest operator on this route and the only one that includes Gili taxes in the ticket price. The large, stable vessels offer a more comfortable ride than the smaller boats used by other operators on this crossing. The ticket price is higher, but with port taxes included and a top-tier operator, it is the best overall value if reliability matters to you.
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Marina Fast Ferry: Marina departs from Nusa Penida in the afternoon and covers Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. A large, stable vessel with air-conditioning and a noticeably smooth ride. A solid choice for those who prefer an afternoon departure.
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Wijaya Perkasa: Two daily departures from Nusa Penida to Gili Trawangan, covering all three Gili Islands. Schedule reliability is lower than Eka Jaya and Marina, with occasional delays. A reasonable option if the departure time suits you and your plans allow some flexibility.
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Semaya One: The cheapest option at €16, with an afternoon departure from Nusa Penida. Journey time to Gili Trawangan is around 3 hours as the route includes stops. Covers all three Gili Islands. A practical choice for budget travellers who are not in a hurry and have flexibility in their schedule.
Nusa Penida to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno
All three Gili Islands are car-free and surrounded by clear water with good snorkelling and diving.
The main differences come down to pace and atmosphere:
The main differences come down to pace and atmosphere:
Nusa Penida to Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is the largest and most visited of the three islands, with the widest choice of restaurants, bars, dive shops and accommodation.
It has a lively nightlife scene and is well set up for tourists. Most travellers heading to the Gili Islands for the first time end up here. Four operators run the direct fast boat from Nusa Penida to Gili T.
It has a lively nightlife scene and is well set up for tourists. Most travellers heading to the Gili Islands for the first time end up here. Four operators run the direct fast boat from Nusa Penida to Gili T.
Nusa Penida to Gili Air
Gili Air sits between Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno and has a noticeably calmer feel. Good snorkelling, a solid selection of restaurants and a mix of accommodation options make it popular with travellers who want a quieter stay without complete isolation.
All four operators cover Gili Air from Nusa Penida.
All four operators cover Gili Air from Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida to Gili Meno
The smallest and least developed of the three, Gili Meno is the right choice if you want a genuinely peaceful experience. Fewer tourists, fewer restaurants, and a slower pace.
Eka Jaya, Wijaya and Semaya One all serve Gili Meno from Nusa Penida.
Eka Jaya, Wijaya and Semaya One all serve Gili Meno from Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida to Gili Islands Travel Tips
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Port taxes are not included for most operators: Only Eka Jaya includes Gili port taxes in the ticket price.
Check the Nusa Penida and Gili Islands port taxes.
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Book in advance during peak season: Fast boats from Nusa Penida to the Gili Islands fill up in July, August and over Christmas and New Year.
Booking ahead guarantees your seat and often locks in a better price.
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Island hopping between the Gili Islands: Once you arrive at one Gili Island, local island-hopping boats connect all three throughout the day.
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Getting back from the Gili Islands to Nusa Penida: Return crossings are available with the same operators. Booking your return at the same time as your outbound ticket can be slightly cheaper and avoids having to arrange it once you are on the island.
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Getting around the Gili Islands: All three islands are small enough to walk across in under 30 minutes. Gili Trawangan is the largest and takes around 2 hours to walk around the perimeter.
The main ways to get around are on foot, by bicycle or by horse-drawn cart (cidomo).
Bicycles can be rented cheaply near the harbour on all three islands.
Gili Islands to Nusa Penida
The same operators run the return crossing from Gili Trawangan to Nusa Penida, with tickets starting from €15.50.
Most departures leave in the morning, so plan your last day on the island accordingly.
Booking your return at the same time as your outbound can be slightly cheaper and means one less thing to organise once you are there.
Use the search box above to check available return crossings and times.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nusa Penida to Gili Islands
How much does the ferry from Nusa Penida to Gili Trawangan cost?
Tickets from Nusa Penida to the Gili Islands start from €16.
Is the fast boat from Nusa Penida to the Gili Islands safe?
Yes. All operators listed on Gilitickets are licensed under maritime regulations and carry life jackets for all passengers. Budget ticket prices reflect the competitive market, not any compromise on safety standards.
Which operator should I choose for the Nusa Penida to Gili Trawangan ferry?
Eka Jaya is the strongest operator with the most stable vessels, and Gili port taxes included, though it is the most expensive. Marina Fast Ferry offers a good balance of quality and price. Wijaya Perkasa gives the most departure time flexibility with two daily options. Semaya One is the cheapest but the slowest crossing due to stops.
Do I need to go back to Bali to get to the Gili Islands from Nusa Penida?
No. Direct fast boats connect Nusa Penida to the Gili Islands without routing through Bali. This makes it a very efficient island-hopping connection and saves several hours compared to the via-Bali alternative.