Padang Bai to Gili Air

Padang Bai to Gili Air Operators

• Semaya One: Cheapest at €20.50, with two daily departures. Hotel transfers available from most main Bali areas. Some older vessels and occasional schedule changes. Fine for flexible travellers. 
   
• Golden Queen Fast Ferry: A more reliable option at €21.50. Air-conditioned, well-equipped boats with a generous luggage allowance. Hotel transfers available.
   
• Wijaya Perkasa: €21.50 with three daily departures. Can run behind schedule. No hotel transfers.
   
• Wahana Virendra: Recommended for reliability. Brand new air-conditioned boats, well-run. Hotel transfers available across most of Bali. Note there is an extra IDR 15,000 per person for the Gili Air shuttle on arrival.
   
• Eka Jaya Fast Ferry: The most established operator on the route, running since 1999. Larger, more stable vessels and a well-organised boarding process. Hotel and airport transfers available. At €34.50 it is the most expensive option, but worth it if you have an onward connection or prefer a guaranteed hassle-free experience.

How to Get to Padang Bai 

• From Ubud: Around 1 to 1.5 hours by car. One of the better-positioned bases for this route.
   
• From Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu: Around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic. Travellers based in south Bali may prefer departing from Sanur or Serangan instead.
   
• From Ngurah Rai Airport: Around 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Worth planning ahead if you are connecting directly from a flight.
   
• From Amed: Around 1.5 hours by car.
   
• From Candidasa: Around 20 to 30 minutes. The closest major tourist area to Padang Bai.
   

Padang Bai to Gili Air Travel Tips

• Arrive at least 1 hour before departure: Padang Bai handles multiple operators and the counters can get busy in the morning.
  Each operator has its own check-in area, so give yourself time to locate yours.
   
• Check whether port taxes are included in your ticket: Eka Jaya includes port taxes. All other operators on this route charge them separately: a small cash amount collected at the check-in counter on the day.
  Check the Padang Bai and Gili Air port taxes. 
   
• Book early during peak season: July, August and the holiday period fill up fast. Morning departures go first.
  Booking in advance is the simplest way to secure your seat.
   
• Morning departures tend to be calmer: The crossing can pick up swell in the afternoon, especially during the dry season. If you are prone to seasickness, a morning departure is worth choosing.
   
• Add a hotel transfer when booking: The drive from south Bali takes up to 2 hours or more.
  Eka Jaya, Semaya One, Golden Queen and Wahana Virendra all offer hotel pick-up that can be added at the time of booking.
   
• Arriving at Gili Air: All operators dock at Gili Air's main harbour.
  The island has no motorised vehicles. Cidomo carts are available at the pier if you have heavy luggage.|
   

Gili Air to Padang Bai