The journey between Lombok and Bali is a classic island-hopping route that takes you across the deep waters of the Lombok Strait. While Lombok offers a more rugged, laid-back charm with its quiet beaches and the towering Mount Rinjani, Bali welcomes you back with its iconic rice terraces, vibrant nightlife, and bustling cultural hubs. Navigating between these two Indonesian gems is relatively straightforward, but the choice between a quick flight or a salt-sprayed boat ride can significantly change your travel experience.
Depending on whether you are heading to the surf breaks of Canggu, the cultural heart of Ubud, or the transit hub of Padang Bai, there are several ways to make the crossing. You can choose the efficiency of the air, the speed of a modern speedboat, or the budget-friendly communal experience of a bus and ferry combo. All these options can be explored and booked on GoAsia.cc to ensure your transition between islands is as seamless as possible.
Lombok to Bali by Ferry
The most popular way to bridge the gap between these islands is by sea. There is a vast range of maritime options, from high-speed vessels that zip across the strait to larger, slower ferries that offer a more relaxed pace. The experience varies greatly depending on your arrival point in Bali, with many boats docking at Padang Bai, Sanur, or Serangan.
Speedboat and Fast Boat
Speedboats are the preferred choice for those looking to maximize their time. These vessels typically take between 1 hour 15 minutes and 3 hours 30 minutes to reach various ports in Bali. Prices for a speedboat seat range from $16 to $55. These boats are generally enclosed with seating areas, though they can be a bumpy ride if the swell in the Lombok Strait is high. It is a thrilling way to travel, often accompanied by views of the smaller Gili Islands as you depart.
Shuttle and Ferry Combinations
For travelers looking for a more economical route, the shuttle and ferry service is a reliable alternative. These journeys are longer, often taking between 4 and 5 hours, with prices starting around $16. This is a great way to see the coastline of both islands at a slower pace. Some services also include transfers to popular tourist areas like Kuta, Seminyak, or Ubud, making it a convenient door-to-door option.
Lombok to Bali by Flight
If you prefer to skip the waves entirely, a flight is the fastest way to travel. The flight from Lombok International Airport (LOP) to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali takes approximately 45 minutes. With a fixed price of around $80 for an economy seat, it is a premium option but offers unmatched comfort and speed. This is particularly recommended during the monsoon season when sea conditions can occasionally lead to boat cancellations or a very rough ride.
Lombok to Bali by Bus
The bus option is actually a multimodal journey that includes a land transfer in Lombok, a ferry crossing, and often a final drop-off at your destination in Bali. Prices range from $22 to $54 depending on the final destination and the type of boat used for the water leg. Duration can vary significantly, from 3 hours to 6 hours. This is an excellent choice for those staying in central Lombok who want a single ticket to take them all the way to Bali hubs like Denpasar, Canggu, or Jimbaran.
Lombok to Bali by Van
Similar to the bus, van services offer a more intimate transport experience, often using a "Van + Speedboat" combination. These services are priced between $55 and $61 and can take anywhere from 5 to 8 hours. The advantage of the van is often a more direct pickup from your hotel or specific areas in Lombok, followed by a speedboat crossing and a final van transfer to your Bali accommodation in areas like Ubud or Sanur.
Lombok to Bali by Transfer
For those seeking private transport, a standard transfer service is available. This is primarily a land-based arrangement to the port or airport, or a private vehicle that accompanies you through the transit process. Prices for a standard 4-pax vehicle range from $24 to $40, with durations between 40 minutes and 2 hours depending on the distance covered within the islands.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
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| Flight | $80 | 45m | High |
| Speedboat | $16 - $55 | 1h 15m - 3h 30m | Moderate |
| Bus + Ferry | $22 - $54 | 3h - 6h | Moderate |
| Van + Speedboat | $55 - $61 | 5h - 8h | Moderate |
| Ferry (Slow) | $9 - $43 | 4h - 5h 30m | Low |
Tips for Traveling from Lombok to Bali
- Book in Advance: During peak tourist seasons (July-August and December), speedboats and flights fill up quickly. Secure your tickets early to avoid being stranded.
- Sea Sickness: The Lombok Strait is known for strong currents. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication 30 minutes before boarding a speedboat or opt for the flight.
- Luggage: Speedboats have limited space. While they can accommodate standard suitcases, try to keep your luggage manageable as you may have to help load it or walk across a sandy beach to board.
- Arrival Ports: Bali has several ports. Padang Bai is central but a long drive from South Bali. Sanur is much closer to Kuta and Seminyak. Check where your boat docks before booking your onward land transfer.
- Weather Watch: In the event of very high waves, the port authorities may cancel boat departures. Always have a backup plan or check the weather forecast a day before your trip.
Timetable
| Flight Lombok - Bali $ 77.25 45m | |
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| Bus Lombok - Bali $ 21.77–52.28 3h – 6h | |
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| Taxi Lombok - Bali $ 23.52–39.21 40m – 2h | |
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| Ferry Lombok - Bali $ 15.29–53.85 1h 15m – 5h 30m | |
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| Van Lombok - Bali $ 55.94–58.81 5h – 8h | |
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| Bus Lombok - Sanur $ 21.81 6h | |
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| Ferry Lombok - Sanur $ 22.51–52.28 2h 55m – 5h | |
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| Van Lombok - Sanur $ 53.32 7h | |
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| Bus Lombok - Kuta $ 21.54 6h | |
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| Ferry Lombok - Kuta $ 22.74–41.45 3h 30m – 5h 30m | |
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| Bus Lombok - Legian $ 21.81 6h | |
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| Ferry Lombok - Legian $ 22.74–41.45 3h 30m – 5h 30m | |
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| Bus Lombok - Seminyak $ 21.81–22.89 6h | |
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| Ferry Lombok - Seminyak $ 22.74–41.45 3h 30m – 5h 30m | |
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| Bus Lombok - Jimbaran $ 21.77–21.81 6h | |
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| Ferry Lombok - Jimbaran $ 22.74–41.45 3h 30m – 5h 15m | |
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| Bus Lombok - Canggu $ 26.14 3h 30m – 4h 30m | |
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| Ferry Lombok - Canggu $ 23.79–26.66 3h 30m – 5h | |
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| Bus Lombok - Ubud $ 27.77 4h 15m | |
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| Ferry Lombok - Ubud $ 22.74–41.45 3h 30m – 5h 15m | |
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| Van Lombok - Ubud $ 53.32–57.51 6h – 7h 30m | |
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| Bus Lombok - Denpasar $ 21.81 6h | |
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| Bus Lombok - Payangan $ 27.77 4h 30m | |
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| Bus Lombok - Tegalalang $ 27.77 4h 30m | |
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| Ferry Lombok - Nusa Lembongan $ 8.50–43.67 1h 30m – 4h 30m | |
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| Ferry Lombok - Nusa Penida $ 16.14–41.90 1h 30m – 4h | |
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| Ferry Lombok - Padang Bai $ 15.44–16.16 1h 45m – 3h 30m | |
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| Ferry Lombok - Nusa Dua $ 41.45 5h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can book train, bus, flight, taxi, van, and ferry tickets from Lombok to Bali directly on GoAsia.cc. Use the booking tool on this page to compare all available options and prices in real time.
The cheapest way to travel is by ferry or a bus and ferry combination, with prices starting as low as $9 to $16 for some routes. Choosing the public ferry or a shuttle service is the most budget-friendly option for backpackers.
The fastest way is to take a flight, which takes only 45 minutes in the air. If you prefer traveling by sea, the fastest speedboats can make the crossing in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The duration depends on your mode of transport. A flight takes 45 minutes, speedboats take between 1 hour 15 minutes and 3 hours 30 minutes, and bus or van combinations can take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours.
Yes, there are direct speedboat and ferry services from Lombok to both Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. These trips typically take between 1 hour 30 minutes and 4 hours, with prices ranging from $9 to $45.
If you are heading to Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu, look for boats arriving at Sanur or Serangan. While many boats go to Padang Bai, it requires a much longer drive (1.5 to 2 hours) to reach the southern tourist hubs.
Flying is best for those who want to avoid sea sickness or are short on time. Taking a speedboat is more scenic and often more convenient if you are already staying near the coast in Lombok, such as in Senggigi or the Gili Islands.