How to Get from Bali to the Gili Islands by Fast Boat
GiliBaliBoat · 8 July 2026
The Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno — sit off the north-west coast of Lombok, a short hop across the water from Bali. There are no cars, no scooters and no stress: just white sand, turquoise water and some of the best snorkelling in Indonesia. The fastest and easiest way to reach them is by fast boat, and this guide walks you through everything a first-timer needs to know.
The quick answer
A fast boat from Bali to the Gili Islands takes roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on which Bali port you leave from. The two main departure points are Padang Bai (East Bali, the shortest crossing) and Sanur (South Bali, most convenient if you're staying in the south). Return tickets typically run IDR 300,000–700,000 per adult depending on the operator and season.
If you want to skip the reading: compare live schedules and prices for every operator in one search and book an instant e-ticket.
Where do the fast boats leave from?
Not every Bali port serves the Gilis, and the one you choose changes your crossing time and how far you'll drive to the harbour.
| Bali port | Region | Crossing time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Padang Bai | East Bali | ~1h 30m | Shortest, calmest crossing; travellers near Ubud, Candidasa, Amed |
| Sanur | South Bali | ~2h – 2h 30m | Staying in Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu or near the airport |
| Serangan / Amed | South / East | Varies | Occasional operators; usually not the best default |
Padang Bai has the shortest open-water leg, so it's the calmest option and the one we recommend if seasickness is a concern. Sanur saves you the 1.5–2 hour drive across Bali if you're based in the south, but the crossing itself is longer.
Ready to pick a route? See the Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan and Sanur to Gili Trawangan schedules.
Which Gili island should you go to?
All three islands are reached by the same boats — many operators stop at Trawangan first, then Air and Meno. Choose your destination before you book:
- Gili Trawangan ("Gili T") — the largest and liveliest, with beach bars, restaurants and the best nightlife. Book the Bali to Gili Trawangan crossing.
- Gili Air — the sweet spot: local island life, good food and a relaxed pace, but still plenty to do. See Bali to Gili Air.
- Gili Meno — the quietest and most romantic, ideal for honeymooners and anyone who wants to switch off completely. See Bali to Gili Meno.
How long does the crossing take?
- From Padang Bai: about 1 hour 30 minutes direct.
- From Sanur: about 2 to 2.5 hours, sometimes with a stop at Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida.
Add 60–90 minutes for the drive to a Bali port, plus a 60-minute check-in buffer before departure. Plan for a half-day of travel door to door.
How much does it cost?
Fast boat prices vary by operator, season and how far ahead you book. As a guide:
- One way: roughly IDR 175,000–400,000 per adult.
- Return: roughly IDR 300,000–700,000 per adult.
Children are usually discounted, and infants often travel free. The cheapest fares go early — peak season (July–August, Christmas and New Year) sells out and prices rise. Rather than checking each operator's own site, search every operator at once to see the real cheapest option for your date.
How to book — step by step
- Pick your route and date. Decide your Bali port (Padang Bai or Sanur) and which Gili island you're heading to.
- Compare operators. Look at departure times, crossing duration, boat size and price together.
- Book online and pay securely. You'll get an instant e-ticket by email — no need to queue at a counter.
- Arrive early. Get to the harbour 60 minutes before departure to check in and load luggage.
- Keep your return flexible. If your plans might change, book your return leg separately.
The best time of day to cross
Morning departures are almost always the smoothest — the sea is calmest early, and winds pick up through the afternoon. An early boat also means you arrive on the island with the whole day ahead of you. If you're prone to motion sickness, a morning Padang Bai crossing is the gentlest combination.
For more on staying comfortable, read our guide on how to avoid seasickness on the Gili fast boat.
Is the fast boat safe?
Reputable operators run modern boats with life jackets, trained crew and safety briefings. To travel safely:
- Book with an established operator rather than the cheapest unknown.
- Check that life jackets are available and accessible.
- Avoid crossings in genuinely rough weather — a delayed boat is better than a dangerous one.
We only list operators we'd put our own family on, and we show crossing details up front so you can choose with confidence.
Padang Bai or Sanur — still deciding?
If you're weighing the two main ports against each other, we've written a dedicated comparison: Padang Bai vs Sanur — which port to the Gili Islands.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book in advance? In low season you can often book a day or two ahead, but in peak season (July–August, Christmas, New Year) boats sell out — book as early as you can.
Can I island-hop between the Gilis? Yes. Local boats and the fast boats themselves connect Trawangan, Air and Meno, so you can split your stay across islands.
What if my boat is cancelled due to weather? Established operators will rebook you on the next available crossing or refund you. Build a buffer day before any onward flight from Bali or Lombok.
Can I bring luggage? Yes — a standard suitcase and hand luggage are fine. Very large or excess bags may incur a small fee with some operators.
Ready to go? Search fast boats from Bali to the Gili Islands and get your instant e-ticket in minutes.