Trading the emerald rice terraces of Ubud for the turquoise waters of Gili Air is a classic Balinese transition. While Ubud offers a deep dive into spiritual and cultural life, Gili Air provides a laid back, car free sanctuary where the pace of life slows down to a gentle crawl. The journey involves crossing the Lombok Strait, a stretch of water that can be as smooth as glass or quite spirited depending on the tides.
Most travelers find that the transition from the highlands of Bali to the sandy shores of the Gilis is best managed as a combined ticket. Since Ubud is landlocked, you will first head to a port like Padang Bai or Sanur before boarding a vessel. This route is highly popular, and you can easily book your entire journey from Ubud to Gili Air on GoAsia.cc to ensure your seat is secured before the boats fill up.
Ubud to Gili Air by Ferry
The ferry is the most direct way to reach Gili Air once you arrive at the coast. These services typically include a pickup from your accommodation in Ubud or a central meeting point, followed by a boat crossing. Prices for ferry based transfers range from $22 to $49, with the journey taking anywhere from 4 hours and 30 minutes to nearly 7 hours depending on the port of departure and the number of island stops along the way.
Speedboats and Fast Ferries
If you prefer a quicker crossing, the Speedboat and Fast Ferry options are the standard choice. These vessels are designed for efficiency, cutting through the waves to get you to the Gili Air harbor quickly. The "Exclusive Aluminium" and "Aluminium Fast Ferry" classes often provide a slightly smoother ride due to the hull material, which handles the Lombok Strait chop better than smaller fiberglass boats. These services generally depart in the morning, between 06:00 and 09:15, allowing you to reach the island in time for a late lunch.
Combined Van and Ferry Transfers
For many, the "Van + Ferry" or "Shuttle + Ferry" packages offer the best value. These are seamless transfers where a driver picks you up in Ubud and drops you directly at the pier. Once at the port, staff will guide you to your specific boat. This eliminates the stress of negotiating with local taxis in Ubud or at the busy ports. Standard ferry classes are the most budget friendly, while the speedboat classes offer a more premium, faster experience.
Ubud to Gili Air by Van
While you cannot drive all the way to an island, many operators categorize their full door to door service under "Van" or "Minivan" options. These services focus heavily on the land leg of the journey, offering various levels of comfort for the drive from Ubud to the harbor. Prices for these combined land and sea packages range from $21 to $58, with durations spanning 2 hours and 45 minutes to 6 hours.
Private and Shared Van Options
If you value privacy or are traveling with a group, the "Private Car + Fast Boat" or "Private Taxi + Fast Boat" options are excellent. You won't have to wait for other passengers to be picked up around Ubud, which can save significant time. On the other hand, the "Shared Van" and "Standard" van options are perfect for solo travelers or those on a budget. These vehicles are usually air conditioned and modern, providing a comfortable ride through the Balinese countryside before reaching the coast.
Specialized Transfers
There are also "Taxi + Ferry" and "Minivan + Ferry" classes that cater to different schedules. Some of these depart as late as 13:00, which is ideal if you want one last morning yoga session in Ubud before heading to the islands. The "Speedboat + Van" and "Van + Speedboat" options are essentially the same high speed service, ensuring the maritime portion of your journey is as short as possible.
Ubud to Gili Air by Bus
For a consistent and reliable price point, the minibus services offer a middle ground. At a fixed price of $23, these "Minibus + Fast boat" services take between 3 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours. This is one of the most efficient ways to travel, as these operators often use dedicated routes and have well established procedures at the ports. Departures for these bus based transfers are typically scheduled for the morning at 07:00 and 10:30.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry (Speedboat/Fast Ferry) | $22 - $49 | 4h 30m - 6h 45m | Moderate to High |
| Van (Combined Transfer) | $21 - $58 | 2h 45m - 6h 00m | High |
| Bus (Minibus + Fast Boat) | $23 - $23 | 3h 45m - 4h 00m | Standard |
Tips for Traveling from Ubud to Gili Air
- Book in Advance: Gili Air is a popular destination, and boats can sell out, especially during the dry season. Booking your ticket a few days early is highly recommended.
- Prepare for Waves: The Lombok Strait is known for its deep waters and occasional swells. If you are prone to sea sickness, take motion sickness medication about 30 minutes before boarding the boat.
- Pack Light: You will often need to walk across a beach or a narrow pier to board the boat. Large, heavy suitcases can be difficult to manage; a backpack is often the better choice for the Gilis.
- Arrival at Gili Air: There are no motorized vehicles on Gili Air. Once you arrive at the harbor, you will either walk to your hotel or hire a "cidomo" (horse drawn carriage).
- Stay Hydrated: The transition from the cool Ubud highlands to the humid coast and open sea can be taxing. Keep a bottle of water handy for the van ride and the boat crossing.
Timetable
| Bus Ubud - Gili Air $ 22.60 3h 45m – 4h | |
|
|
| Ferry Ubud - Gili Air $ 21.40–47.86 4h 30m – 6h 45m | |
|
|
| Van Ubud - Gili Air $ 19.97–56.21 2h 45m – 6h | |
|
| Van Bali - Gili Air $ 26.75–27.11 3h 45m – 5h 30m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
You can book train, bus, flight, taxi, van, and ferry tickets from Ubud to Gili Air directly on GoAsia.cc. Use the booking tool on this page to compare all available options and prices in real time.
The most affordable way to travel is by van or ferry, with prices starting at approximately $21. Shared van transfers and standard ferry classes offer the best value for budget travelers.
The fastest way to reach Gili Air from Ubud is via a combined van and speedboat transfer, which can take as little as 2 hours and 45 minutes. This usually involves a private or direct vehicle to the port followed by a high speed boat.
The total travel time varies between 2 hours and 45 minutes and 6 hours and 45 minutes. This duration includes the land transfer from Ubud to the harbor and the boat crossing to the island.
Ubud is located in the mountains, so there is no direct boat. However, most operators sell combined tickets that include a van pickup from Ubud and a ferry from the coast, making the trip feel like a single direct service.
Most fast boat operators allow one large suitcase and one carry on bag per person. If you have excessive luggage, it is wise to book a private car transfer to the port to ensure there is enough space in the vehicle.
Operators monitor sea conditions closely. If the swells in the Lombok Strait are too high, departures may be delayed or cancelled for safety. It is always best to check the weather forecast and travel with reputable companies.