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Leaving Mataram, the administrative hub of Lombok, for the Gili Islands means exchanging markets and mosques for small car-free islands. The Gilis are known for their lack of cars, so you get around on foot, by bicycle or by horse-drawn cart (cidomo). The trip from the island's capital to Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno or Gili Air is short but needs some planning.
Your journey always has a land leg followed by a short boat crossing. Boats to the Gilis use the harbours on Lombok's north-west coast; Bangsal is the harbour named in the boat operators' booking lists.[1][2] Whether you want a shared connection or a private transfer, you can browse and book these routes on GoAsia.cc.
Mataram to Gili Islands by Van and Speedboat
The common option for solo travellers and couples is the combined van and speedboat ticket. A taxi or shared van takes you from Mataram to the harbour, and a speedboat takes you across to your island, all on one ticket. Booking platforms list this combined ticket at about $30 (October 2026), with a total journey of about 1 hour 40 minutes to Gili Air and about 2 hours to Gili Trawangan.[3] The price covers the land transfer and the boat crossing, but check the booking terms for baggage and the harbour fees that apply on your date.
Mataram to Gili Islands by Private Transfer
A private transfer suits groups or anyone who values time and privacy. It combines a private car (MPV) from Mataram with a private speedboat, and the car goes straight from your pick-up point to the harbour without stopping for other passengers. Booking platforms list this transfer to Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno or Gili Air at about $40 for up to 4 people and at about 1 hour in total (October 2026).[3] For a group of four, the cost per person is close to the price of the shared ticket.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD, October 2026) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Van + speedboat (shared) | About $30 per person[3] | About 1h 40m to Gili Air, about 2h to Gili Trawangan[3] |
| Private MPV + private speedboat | About $40 for up to 4 people[3] | About 1h[3] |
Tips for Traveling from Mataram to Gili Islands
- Book in Advance: Book your ticket early in the busy dry season (July and August) so that you have a seat and a driver waiting in Mataram.
- Luggage Considerations: Keep your luggage manageable. There are no cars on the islands, so you may have to walk from the beach to your accommodation or take a cidomo.
- Arrival at the Harbor: If you go to the harbour independently, porters may offer to carry your bags. Say clearly if you do not need help, or be prepared to tip.
- Seasickness: If you are prone to motion sickness, sit toward the back of the boat, and bring tablets if you need them.
- Cash: Carry some Indonesian rupiah for small purchases, cidomo rides and local eateries.
Timetable
| Taxi Lombok - Gili Trawangan $ 39.60 1h | |
|
| Taxi Lombok - Gili Air $ 39.60 1h | |
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| Taxi Lombok - Gili Meno $ 39.60 1h | |
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| Van Mataram - Gili Air $ 29.43 1h 40m | |
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| Van Mataram - Gili Islands $ 29.43 1h 45m | |
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| Van Mataram - Gili Trawangan $ 29.43 2h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Mataram to Gili Islands, including current prices and schedules.
The combined van and speedboat ticket is the cheaper option, at about $30 per person on booking platforms (October 2026). It includes the land transfer from Mataram and the boat crossing.
A private transfer (MPV and private speedboat) is the fastest option, at about 1 hour to Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno or Gili Air according to booking platforms (October 2026).
The private transfer takes about 1 hour. The shared van and speedboat ticket takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to Gili Air and about 2 hours to Gili Trawangan, because of the pick-ups and the harbour wait.
The Gili Islands are known for being car-free. Once you arrive by boat, you walk, rent a bicycle or take a horse-drawn cart known as a cidomo.
Boat operators list Bangsal on Lombok's north-west coast as the harbour for the Gilis. Your ticket or transfer provider tells you which harbour your boat uses.
Sea conditions can delay or cancel crossings, so check the weather and your operator's notices before you travel. Some operators, such as Gili Gili Fast Boat, state that their boats carry Jasa Raharja and Jasindo insurance.
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] Eka Jaya Fast Ferry: Ekajaya Fast Ferry official website. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable Mataram - 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.