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Leaving the rugged coastlines and volcanic peaks of Lombok for the tiny, car-free Gili Islands feels like stepping into a different world. While Lombok offers vast landscapes and quiet surf breaks, the Gilis provide that quintessential tropical escape where the only traffic you will encounter is a passing horse-drawn carriage or a bicycle. The journey across the turquoise waters of the Lombok Strait is a short but essential transition from the mainland to island time.
Because the Gili Islands are located just off the northwest coast of Lombok, the crossing is one of the easiest island-hopping trips in Indonesia. Whether you are heading to the lively shores of Gili Trawangan, the honeymooner's paradise of Gili Meno, or the laid-back charm of Gili Air, you can choose between scheduled boats from Bangsal, van-and-boat combinations from Mataram and Senggigi, or a private speedboat transfer.
Lombok to Gili Islands by Ferry
The ferry is the most popular and cost-effective way to reach the islands. Boats to the Gilis leave from Bangsal Harbor in north Lombok.[1] On booking platforms, standard-class boats from Bangsal are listed at about $8 per person (October 2026), with departures roughly hourly from morning to late afternoon. The crossing takes about 15 minutes to Gili Air and about 45 minutes to Gili Trawangan.[2]
Lombok to Gili Islands by Private Transfer
If you prefer a more tailored experience or are traveling in a group, a private transfer is the most flexible option. On booking platforms, private speedboat transfers from Lombok are listed from about $31 for a small group, and combined MPV and private speedboat packages from further afield cost up to about $100, depending on group size and pickup location. The crossing itself can take as little as 10 minutes, and door-to-door transfers take up to about 2 hours 10 minutes (October 2026).[2] Private speedboats are also listed for Gili Meno, from about $32.[2] This is ideal if you have a lot of luggage or want to avoid waiting for scheduled departures.
Lombok to Gili Islands by Van and Boat Combo
For travelers staying in Mataram or the tourist strip of Senggigi, the van and speedboat combination picks you up and handles the whole journey, so you do not have to arrange transport to the harbor yourself.
From Mataram
On booking platforms, the taxi and speedboat combo from Mataram costs about $29 (October 2026). The total travel time is about 1 hour 40 minutes to Gili Air and about 2 hours to Gili Trawangan, with departures between 07:30 and 12:30.[2]
From Senggigi
From Senggigi the combined service is also listed at about $29, with about 1 hour 40 minutes to Gili Air and about 2 hours to Gili Trawangan.[2] From elsewhere on Lombok, a speedboat and taxi combination is listed at about $39 and takes roughly 3 hours.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry (Standard Class) | About $8[2] | 15min - 45min[2] | Standard |
| Private Speedboat | About $31 - $100[2] | 10min - 2h 10min[2] | High |
| Van + Speedboat Combo | About $29 - $39[2] | 1h 40min - 3h 15min[2] | Medium |
Tips for Traveling from Lombok to Gili Islands
- Arrive Early at Bangsal: If you are taking the ferry, arrive at Bangsal Harbor well before departure. The area can be busy, and it takes a moment to find the correct ticket office.
- Pack Light: Most boats require you to step into shallow water or use a small ramp to board. Wear sandals or flip-flops and try to use a backpack rather than a heavy suitcase if possible.
- Protect Your Electronics: Speedboats can be splashy if the sea is choppy. Keep your phone and camera in a waterproof bag during the crossing.
- Currency: Many smaller cafes and boat operators prefer cash (Indonesian Rupiah), so it is wise to withdraw money in Lombok before you head over.
Timetable
| Taxi Lombok - Gili Trawangan $ 32.93–100.95 10m – 2h 10m | |
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| Ferry Lombok - Gili Trawangan $ 7.84 45m | |
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| Van Lombok - Gili Trawangan $ 39.06 3h 15m | |
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| Taxi Lombok - Gili Air $ 30.70–100.95 10m – 2h 10m | |
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| Ferry Lombok - Gili Air $ 7.84–8.12 15m | |
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| Van Lombok - Gili Air $ 39.06 2h 55m | |
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| Taxi Lombok - Gili Meno $ 31.82–100.95 10m – 2h 10m | |
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| Ferry Lombok - Gili Islands $ 7.84 30m | |
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| Van Lombok - Gili Islands $ 39.06 3h | |
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| Van Mataram - Gili Air $ 29.03 1h 40m | |
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| Van Mataram - Gili Islands $ 29.03 1h 45m | |
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| Van Mataram - Gili Trawangan $ 29.03 2h | |
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| Van Senggigi - Gili Air $ 29.03 1h 40m | |
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| Van Senggigi - Gili Islands $ 29.03 1h 45m | |
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| Van Senggigi - Gili Trawangan $ 29.03 2h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Lombok to Gili Islands, including current prices and schedules.
The scheduled boat from Bangsal Harbor is the cheapest option; booking platforms list standard-class tickets at about $8 (October 2026).
A private speedboat is the fastest, with a crossing of as little as 10 minutes.
The boat from Bangsal takes about 15 minutes to Gili Air and about 45 minutes to Gili Trawangan. Van and boat combos from Mataram or Senggigi take about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours.
Bangsal Harbor in north Lombok is the departure point for boats to the Gili Islands. If you book a combined van and boat ticket, the ride to the harbor is included.
Yes, private speedboat transfers to Gili Meno are listed on booking platforms from about $32 (October 2026).
It is manageable, but you may have to carry your bags across the sand or onto a small boat, so packing light makes the transition much smoother.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Gili Gili Fast Boat: Gili Gili Fast Boat: daily fast boat service to Gilis and Lombok. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go Timetable Lombok - Gili Islands. Retrieved October 15, 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.