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Leaving the administrative heart of Lombok for the legendary shores of Bali means crossing the Lombok Strait, a deep stretch of water that separates two of Indonesia's most distinct cultures. Mataram offers a glimpse into local Sasak life and bustling markets, while Bali beckons with its emerald rice terraces and iconic coastline. The step from Lombok's quieter streets to Bali's energy is a classic Indonesian journey for anyone who enjoys island hopping.
You choose between the speed of the Lombok Strait fast boats and the slow, budget-friendly overland bus that uses the large public ferries. Whether you head to Ubud, Kuta, Denpasar or Padang Bai, there is a combined ticket to suit your schedule. You can compare modes and book on GoAsia.cc.
Mataram to Bali by Fast Boat
The most popular way across is a fast boat package that includes a van pickup in Mataram, a short drive to the harbour in Senggigi, and the crossing itself.[1] On booking platforms, these packages cost about $36 to $46 (October 2026) depending on your drop-off point in Bali, and a fast boat and van package leaves at 09:30.[2]
To Padang Bai, the main port on Bali's east coast, the trip takes about 4 hours 30 minutes and costs about $56. Ubud and Kuta take about 5 to 5 hours 30 minutes, and each costs about $43.[2] Fast boats can bounce quite a bit when the swell in the Lombok Strait is high, so bring something for seasickness if you are prone to it. Fast ferries from Senggigi land at Padang Bai or Nusa Dua; Padang Bai suits Ubud, Candidasa and Amed, while Nusa Dua suits the south and the airport.[1]
Mataram to Bali by Van and Speedboat
Several operators combine a van or private taxi with a speedboat. These packages cost about $28 to $52 (October 2026) and take from about 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours. A Speedboat and Taxi option leaves at 07:00, and a Private Taxi and Fast Boat option at 08:30.[2]
Mataram to Bali by Bus
The bus is the choice for the patient traveler or anyone on a strict budget. It uses the large roll-on/roll-off ferries between Lembar in Lombok and Padang Bai in Bali, so the trip takes much longer than a fast boat. An Executive bus from Lombok to Denpasar costs about $17 and takes about 10 hours, with a departure at 10:00. From Bima, a long-haul bus to Mengwi near Denpasar takes 23 hours and costs about $28, with a departure at 18:00.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Boat + Van | $36 - $46 | From 3h 15min - 5h 30min | Moderate[2] |
| Speedboat or Private Taxi + Fast Boat | $28 - $52 | From 4h 30min - 5h | High[2] |
| Executive Bus (Lombok to Denpasar) | $17 | About 10h | Standard[2] |
| Long-haul Bus (Bima to Mengwi) | $28 | About 23h | Standard[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Mataram to Bali
- Watch the Weather: The Lombok Strait is known for strong currents and high waves, especially in the rainy season. If you are a nervous sailor, the larger public ferry is more stable than a fast boat.
- Book in Advance: In high season, fast boats can sell out. Booking online via GoAsia.cc a few days ahead is recommended.
- Morning Departures: Fast boats leave in the morning, when the sea is generally calmer. Afternoon crossings can be rougher.
- Luggage: Keep electronics in a waterproof daypack with you, because bags on a fast boat can sit on the roof or in the hull.
- Arrival Ports: Check where your boat lands to save on taxi fares later.
Timetable
| Bus Lombok - Denpasar $ 17.37 10h | |
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| Bus Bima - Mengwi $ 27.50 23h | |
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| Ferry Mataram - Bali $ 36.29–46.19 3h 15m – 5h 30m | |
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| Van Mataram - Bali $ 27.50–51.55 4h 30m – 5h | |
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| Ferry Mataram - Ubud $ 42.89 5h | |
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| Ferry Mataram - Padang Bai $ 56.09 4h 30m | |
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| Ferry Mataram - Kuta $ 42.89 5h 30m | |
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| Van Lombok - Bali $ 61.86 6h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Mataram to Bali, including current prices and schedules.
The Executive bus from Lombok to Denpasar is the most budget-friendly option at about $17 on booking platforms and takes about 10 hours.
A fast boat and van combination is the fastest, with trips from about 3 hours 15 minutes depending on the departure point and sea conditions.
Fast boats take from about 3 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes, while the overland bus takes about 10 hours. From Bima the bus takes about 23 hours.
Fast boats generally run, but the Lombok Strait can become very rough in the rainy season. Small boat departures can be cancelled when waves are too high, in which case the large public ferry may be the only option.
Keep a screenshot of your booking with you. You may need to check in at a booth at the harbour before you board.
Many fast boat tickets from Mataram are sold as Fast Boat + Van packages, which include a pickup in Mataram and a drop-off in Bali.
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: Lombok - Denpasar, Mataram - Bali timetable. Retrieved October 31, 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.