How to Get from Mataram to Lombok
How to travel from Mataram to other parts of Lombok: private transfer prices and journey times, Gili Air transfers, and the airport bus.
Contents
Mataram, the capital of West Nusa Tenggara, lies on Lombok itself, so the trips from here lead to the rest of the island: the ferry port for Gili Air, the airport and the beaches of the south.[1] Leaving the city opens up a world of diverse landscapes, from the turquoise waters of the southern coast to the foothills of Mount Rinjani.
Public transport on the island is limited: bemos run only during the day and ojek motorbike taxis have no meters,[1] so many travelers book a private transfer with a driver who picks them up in Mataram.
Mataram to Lombok by Transfer
A private transfer gives you door-to-door convenience in the tropical heat and a fixed price upfront. On booking platforms, a standard transfer from Mataram across the island costs about $86 (October 2026) and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. Shorter transfers within Lombok cost about $17 to $31 for a 4-seat Standard car, MPV or small car, and take from 30 minutes to 2 hours.[2] An MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) gives you extra luggage space and legroom.
Mataram to Gili Air by Transfer
For the Gili Islands, you need a transfer to the ferry port for Gili Air. A standard transfer for up to four passengers costs about $21 and takes about 45 minutes.[2] A short boat ride then takes you to Gili Air, where cars and motorbikes are prohibited and you travel by bicycle or horse-drawn cidomo.[1]
Mataram to Lombok International Airport
The airport lies about 30 km, around an hour's drive, southeast of Mataram.[1] DAMRI buses run daily from 07:00 to 17:00 and cost Rp25,000 to Mataram. The taxi counter at domestic arrivals works the same hours, with fares by zone or meter.[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Transfer (Across the Island) | $86[2] | 2h 30min[2] | High |
| Transfer (Short Distance) | $17 - $31[2] | 30min - 2h[2] | High |
| Standard Transfer (to Gili Air Port) | $21[2] | 45min[2] | High |
Tips for Traveling from Mataram to Lombok
- Book in Advance: Arrange your private transfer ahead of time, especially for an early flight or a ferry connection.
- Watch the Weather: During the rainy season, some roads in the mountainous regions of Lombok can become slippery or cause delays. Always allow extra time if you have a boat or flight to catch.
- Hydration is Key: Even in an air-conditioned car, the Indonesian sun is intense. Keep a bottle of water handy.
- Currency: Keep some Indonesian Rupiah in small denominations for tips or snacks at roadside stops.
- Luggage Space: If you are traveling with surfboards or dive gear, mention it when booking so that your car has enough room.
Timetable
| Taxi Lombok - Lombok $ 16.80–31.04 30m – 2h | |
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| Taxi Lombok - Gili Air $ 20.89 45m | |
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| Taxi Mataram - Lombok $ 85.84 2h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Mataram to Lombok, including current prices and schedules.
Short private transfers within Lombok start at about $17 for a 4-seat car on booking platforms (October 2026). A DAMRI bus runs between the airport and Mataram for Rp25,000.
Short local transfers can take as little as 30 minutes. Crossing the island takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Short transfers take between 30 minutes and 2 hours, while a full transit across the island takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Bemos run only during the day and ojek have no meters, so many visitors book a private transfer in advance. It gives you a fixed price and avoids negotiating with drivers on the street.
Yes. A transfer from Mataram to the ferry port for Gili Air costs about $21 and takes about 45 minutes. From there a boat takes you across to the Gilis.
Both typically take up to 4 passengers. The MPV usually has more space for luggage and more legroom, which makes it a better choice for families or travelers with bulky gear.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia (Wonderful Indonesia): Planning a leisure in Lombok? Start here!. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Mataram to Lombok. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [3] Lombok International Airport (Angkasa Pura Indonesia): Public Transport (DAMRI bus and taxi). Retrieved October 23, 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.