Serangan to Gili Trawangan
Serangan is the most convenient fast boat departure point for travellers based in south Bali, with tickets starting from €25 and a crossing time of around 3 hours.
If you are staying in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu or near the airport, Serangan saves you the long drive east to Padang Bai and is noticeably quieter than Sanur harbour.
Gilitickets lists the fast boat operators running the Serangan to Gili Trawangan route daily, so you can compare and book your ticket in one place. Every operator is licensed and has a good safety record.
Serangan to Gili Trawangan Operators
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Eka Jaya Fast Ferry: The standout option from Serangan. Eka Jaya has been operating since 1999 and consistently ranks as one of the most reliable fast ferry companies on the Lombok Strait.
Their Serangan departures use large, multi-deck vessels with air-conditioned cabins, a well-organised boarding process and stable rides even when conditions get choppy.
Port taxes are included in the ticket price, which is not the case with most other operators. The recommended choice on this route.
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Marina Fast Ferry: A large, stable vessel that follows a circular route via Nusa Penida before reaching Gili Trawangan. The 13:30 afternoon departure from Serangan is particularly well-suited for travellers arriving at Bali airport in the morning, with the harbour sitting just 20 minutes from the terminal via the toll road.
A solid option if you want a smooth, ship-like crossing rather than a standard fibreglass fast boat, or if your schedule works better with the afternoon sailing.
How to Get to Serangan Harbour
It is by far the most accessible harbour for travellers in south and south-west Bali. Here is how to get there from the main tourist areas.
It is worth checking at the time of purchase if you would rather not arrange your own transport to the port.
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From Ngurah Rai Airport to Serangan: Around 20 to 35 minutes by car via the toll road, making Serangan the most practical departure point for travellers connecting directly from an international or domestic flight.
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From Kuta or Legian to Serangan: Around 20 to 35 minutes by car, depending on traffic. A short and straightforward transfer compared to the long eastward drive to Padang Bai.
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From Seminyak or Kerobokan to Serangan: Around 25 to 40 minutes by car. Well within range for a comfortable morning departure without an early alarm.
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From Canggu to Serangan: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Still significantly faster than getting to Padang Bai from the same starting point.
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From Uluwatu or Jimbaran to Serangan: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour by car. One of the closest departure options for travellers staying on the Bukit Peninsula.
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From Ubud to Serangan: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes by car. For travellers based in Ubud, Padang Bai is closer and the more practical choice.
Serangan to Gili Trawangan Travel Tips
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Arrive at Serangan Harbour Early: Both operators recommend arriving at least 1 hour before departure. Serangan is a quieter harbour than Padang Bai or Sanur, but boarding still takes time on busy sailing days.
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Check Whether Port Taxes Are Included: Eka Jaya includes port taxes in the ticket price. Marina Fast Ferry does not.
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Consider the Afternoon Departure if You Have a Morning Flight: Marina Fast Ferry's 13:30 sailing from Serangan is a practical option if you land at Bali airport in the morning and want to head straight to the Gili Islands without spending the night in Bali.
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Book in Advance: Boats from Serangan fill up in July, August and over the Christmas and New Year period. Booking ahead secures your seat and can be cheaper than buying last minute at the harbour.
- Serangan vs Sanur: Both ports serve south Bali, but Serangan is generally closer for travellers in Kuta, Seminyak, Uluwatu and near the airport. Sanur is more convenient if you are staying in Sanur itself or the eastern edge of Denpasar.
Gili Trawangan to Serangan
Marina Fast Ferry's return route is particularly useful if you are planning to connect onwards to Bali airport, as the Serangan harbour is only about 25 minutes from the terminal.
You can book your return leg at the same time as your outward ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions: Serangan to Gili Trawangan
How long is the fast boat from Serangan to Gili Trawangan?
The crossing from Serangan to Gili Trawangan takes around 3 hours. Both operators on this route stop at Nusa Penida along the way, which adds some time compared to the direct crossing from Padang Bai..
What time do fast boats depart from Serangan to Gili Trawangan?
Eka Jaya operates morning departures from Serangan. Marina Fast Ferry departs at 13:30, making it a practical option for travellers arriving on a morning flight at Bali airport. Use the search box for current departure times, as schedules can vary by season.
Is Serangan a good departure port for the fast boat to Gili Trawangan?
Yes, if you are based in south or south-west Bali. Serangan is the closest harbour to the airport and to areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Uluwatu. It is quieter than Sanur harbour and you avoid the long drive east to Padang Bai entirely. If you are staying in Ubud or east Bali, Padang Bai will be closer and cheaper.
How do I get to Serangan harbour from the airport?
Serangan harbour is around 20 to 35 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport by car via the toll road. It is the closest fast boat departure port to the airport, making it the most practical option if you are heading straight to the Gili Islands on arrival.
Are the fast boats from Serangan to Gili Trawangan safe?
Yes. Every operator listed on Gilitickets is licensed and has a good safety record. Both Eka Jaya and Marina Fast Ferry operate modern vessels with full safety equipment including life jackets, life rafts and GPS. Budget pricing reflects competitive fares, not lower safety standards.