GoAsia
How to Get from Sanur to Gili Islands

How to Get from Sanur to Gili Islands

Last updated: October 17, 2026
Contents

Leaving the golden sands of Sanur for the car-free paradise of the Gili Islands is a transition from Bali's sophisticated coastal charm to a world of turquoise waters and turtle sightings. While Sanur offers a relaxed pace, the Gilis - Trawangan, Air, and Meno - provide a barefoot luxury experience where the only traffic you will encounter is the occasional horse-drawn carriage or a bicycle bell.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

Booking and payment are handled by 12Go, not GoAsia. We may receive a commission when you book through our links.

The journey across the Lombok Strait is a rite of passage for many travelers in Indonesia. Whether you are heading to Gili Trawangan for its sunset parties, Gili Air for its blend of local life and chill cafes, or the quiet shores of Gili Meno, Sanur is one of the convenient departure points on Bali. You can browse and book tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc.

Sanur to Gili Islands by Ferry

The fast boat is the primary and most popular way to reach the Gili Islands from Sanur. Scoot Fast Cruises runs boats from the Sanur Harbor terminal to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno, as well as to Bangsal on Lombok.[1] On booking platforms, tickets from Sanur cost from about $20 to $47 depending on the operator and island, and journeys take from about 3 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 45 minutes, including boats that stop at several islands. Departures are concentrated in the morning, from about 06:00 to 09:00 (October 2026).[2]

Boats on turquoise water off Gili Trawangan
Boats on turquoise water off Gili TrawanganPhoto: Andrea Huls Pareja / Unsplash

Fast Boat and Speedboat Services

Most travelers opt for the fast boat. Booking platforms list speedboat and ferry options to Gili Trawangan from about 3 hours 15 minutes, and to Gili Air from about 4 hours.[2] Some boats call at Gili Trawangan first, then Gili Meno and Gili Air.

Sanur to Gili Islands by Van

The van option is a combined ticket that includes a road transfer and a boat crossing, so one company handles the logistics. On booking platforms, the standard van and boat service from Sanur leaves at 06:00 and costs about $26, taking about 4 hours to Gili Trawangan and about 4 hours 30 minutes to Gili Air (October 2026).[2]

Sanur to Gili Islands by Bus

A minibus and fast boat combination from Bali to Gili Trawangan is listed at about $24 with a fixed duration of about 3 hours 20 minutes, departing at 07:00.[2]

Comparing Your Options

ModePrice (USD)DurationComfort
Ferry (Fast Boat)About $20 - $47[2]3h 15min - 6h 45min[2]High
Van + BoatAbout $26[2]4h - 4h 30min[2]Medium
Bus (Minibus + Boat)About $24[2]3h 20min[2]Medium

Tips for Traveling from Sanur to Gili Islands

  • Book in Advance: During the peak dry season, boats can fill up days in advance, so secure your tickets early to get your preferred departure time.
  • Prepare for the Sea: The crossing can be bumpy. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication before boarding.
  • Luggage Handling: Keep your valuables in a small daypack that stays with you.
  • Arrival at the Gilis: There are no motorized vehicles on the Gili Islands. Once you land, you will either walk to your hotel or hire a Cidomo (horse carriage).
  • Check the Harbor: Boats from Sanur use the Sanur Harbor terminal, but confirm your exact departure point when booking.

Timetable

Bus Bali - Gili Trawangan $ 24.19 3h 20m
  • →  Minibus + Fastboat 07:00
Ferry Bali - Gili Trawangan $ 20.73–41.46 3h 45m – 5h 15m
  • →  Exclusive Aluminium 06:00, 08:45
  • →  Van + Ferry 10:30
  • →  Standard 06:00, 09:00, 09:15
  • →  Taxi + Fast boat 11:00
Van Bali - Gili Trawangan $ 20.73–69.11 3h – 5h 25m
  • →  Van + Speedboat 08:00
  • →  Speedboat + Van 07:00, 09:30
  • →  Standard 06:00, 09:00, 14:00
  • →  Van + Fast Boat 07:00, 07:40
Ferry Sanur - Gili Air $ 20.04–46.37 4h – 6h 45m
  • →  Speedboat 06:00
  • →  Shuttle + Ferry 09:00
Van Sanur - Gili Air $ 25.71 4h 30m
  • →  Standard 06:00
Ferry Sanur - Gili Trawangan $ 20.04–46.37 3h 15m – 6h
  • →  Speedboat 06:00
  • →  Ferry 08:00, 08:15
  • →  Shuttle + Ferry 09:00
Van Sanur - Gili Trawangan $ 25.71 4h
  • →  Standard 06:00
Ferry Bali - Gili Air $ 20.73–41.46 4h – 5h 15m
  • →  Exclusive Aluminium 06:00, 08:45
  • →  Taxi + Fast boat 11:00
  • →  Standard 06:00, 09:00, 09:15
  • →  Van + Ferry 10:30
Van Bali - Gili Air $ 20.73–27.64 4h 15m – 5h 55m
  • →  Van + Fast Boat 07:00
  • →  Van + Speedboat 08:00
  • →  Speedboat + Van 07:00, 09:30
  • →  Standard 06:00, 09:00
  • →  Minivan + Ferry 06:30
Ferry Bali - Gili Islands $ 39.81–51.83 4h 30m – 4h 45m
  • →  Taxi + Fast boat 11:00
  • →  Fast Boat + Van 07:30

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Sanur to Gili Islands?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Sanur to Gili Islands, including current prices and schedules.

What is the cheapest way to get from Sanur to Gili Islands?

Booking platforms list fast boat tickets from Sanur from about $20 (October 2026). A van and boat combination costs about $26.

What is the fastest way to get from Sanur to Gili Islands?

The fastest options are fast boats and the minibus and fast boat combination, with journeys of about 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes to Gili Trawangan.

How long does it take to get from Sanur to Gili Islands?

Journeys take from about 3 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 45 minutes, depending on the operator, whether the boat stops at several islands, and which island you are going to.

Which operators run boats from Sanur to the Gili Islands?

Scoot Fast Cruises runs boats from the Sanur Harbor terminal to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno.

Do I need to print my ticket for the ferry?

Check your booking confirmation for the operator's check-in instructions and keep it on your phone. Operators usually ask you to check in at the harbor before boarding.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] Scoot Fast Cruises: Scoot Fast Cruises. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  2. [2] 12Go: 12Go Timetable Sanur - 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.