Contents
Leaving the jungles and surf breaks of Bali for Lombok's administrative heart means crossing the Lombok Strait. Mataram makes a good gateway to Mount Rinjani and the rugged south coast of Lombok, and the crossing from Hindu-influenced Bali to the Sasak traditions of Lombok is a cultural shift that takes just a few hours at sea.
You choose between speed and budget: a fast boat slicing through the waves, a long-haul bus on the slow public ferry, or a short flight.
Bali to Mataram by Fast Boat
Eka Jaya Fast Ferry sails from Padang Bai and Nusa Dua to Senggigi on Lombok's west coast, a short drive north of Mataram. The first boat from Padang Bai leaves at 08:00 and arrives at 10:30. From Nusa Dua the 08:00 boat arrives at 10:00. Check-in is 1 hour before departure.[1]
Packages that combine a fast boat with a van or taxi to the Mataram area start at about $28 on booking platforms (October 2026), with a door-to-door time from about 4 hours.[2] The Lombok Strait can be choppy, so expect some swell.
Bali to Mataram by Public Ferry and Bus
The cheapest option is the long way round. The public ferry from Padangbai to Lembar covers 36 nautical miles in an average of 4 hours 30 minutes. ASDP sells tickets online via Ferizy and through online agents at the port entrance, and check-in opens 5 hours before departure.[3]
A long-haul executive bus from Denpasar to Lombok, which uses this ferry, is listed on booking platforms at about $19 (October 2026) and takes from about 13 hours.[2] Reclining seats let you sleep through much of it, and it saves a night's accommodation.
Bali to Mataram by Flight
Wings Air and TransNusa fly non-stop from Bali (DPS) to Lombok International Airport (LOP), in about 40 to 50 minutes.[4] Mataram is a short drive from the airport.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Fast boat + van or taxi | From about $28 | From about 4h |
| Bus + public ferry | About $19 | From about 13h |
| Flight | Varies by date | 40 - 50min |
Tips for Traveling from Bali to Mataram
- Book ahead in peak season: Fast boats fill up quickly in the dry season, so book a few days early for your preferred departure.
- Prepare for seasickness: The strait has strong currents. If you get motion sick, take medication about 30 minutes before boarding.
- Know your departure harbor: Bali has several harbors, such as Padang Bai and Nusa Dua. Check which one your ticket uses, because traffic can make the way there take longer than you expect.
- Plan your arrival in Mataram: Mataram is spread out. If your ticket has no hotel drop-off, keep a ride-hailing app or cash for a taxi ready.
Timetable
| Bus Denpasar - Lombok $ 19.10 13h | |
|
| Ferry Bali - Mataram $ 36.29–48.12 2h 15m – 4h 45m | |
|
|
| Van Bali - Mataram $ 27.50–51.55 1h – 5h 15m | |
|
| Ferry Bali - Lombok $ 51.55 5h 30m | |
|
|
| Van Bali - Lombok $ 51.55 3h 55m – 5h 55m | |
|
| Ferry Ubud - Mataram $ 42.89 4h 15m | |
|
| Ferry Padang Bai - Mataram $ 56.09 4h 15m | |
|
|
| Van Padang Bai - Mataram $ 37.81 3h 45m | |
|
| Ferry Kuta - Mataram $ 42.89 4h 45m | |
|
| Van Padang Bai - Lombok $ 37.81 4h 25m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Bali to Mataram, including current prices and schedules.
The bus from Denpasar, which uses the public ferry. On booking platforms it is listed at about $19 and takes from about 13 hours.
Flying. Wings Air and TransNusa take about 40 to 50 minutes non-stop from Bali to Lombok International Airport.
The Eka Jaya boat from Padang Bai to Senggigi takes 2 hours 30 minutes, and packages with a road transfer to Mataram take from about 4 hours door to door.
The Lombok Strait has strong currents and can have significant swell, especially on windy days. Take seasickness medication before boarding if you are prone to it.
ASDP sells Padangbai-Lembar tickets online via Ferizy and through online agents at the port entrance.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Ekajaya Fast Ferry: Daily Schedules | Ekajaya Fast Ferry Departures & Routes. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: Bali to Mataram timetable. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
- [3] Satpel Lembar, BPTD Kelas II Nusa Tenggara Barat (Ministry of Transportation): Satpel Lembar - Jadwal & Informasi Pelabuhan Penyeberangan Lembar. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [4] AirAsia: Get cheap flights from Bali to Lombok. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.