Getting from Bali to Lombok is easy — but choosing between the fast boat and the flight involves real trade-offs. This guide covers every option so you can make the right call for your trip.
For the complete Lombok travel guide once you arrive, see our Lombok Travel Guide for Australians 2026.
The Two Main Options at a Glance
| Fast Boat | Flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Journey time (door to door) | 3–5 hours | 2.5–4 hours |
| Cost (AUD) | $25–80 | $30–80 |
| Goes to Gili Islands direct? | Yes | No |
| Luggage on roof (gets wet)? | Sometimes | No |
| Risk of seasickness? | Yes | No |
| Scenic experience? | Yes | No |
| Reliability | Weather-dependent | High |
Option 1: Fast Boat (Most Popular)
The fast boat is the most popular choice for Australians — it's scenic, roughly the same price as flying, and can drop you directly at the Gili Islands without touching the Lombok mainland.
Departure Points in Bali
- Padangbai (most common): East Bali, 1.5 hours from Kuta/Seminyak. Multiple operators, frequent departures.
- Sanur: Easier to reach from Kuta/Seminyak (30–45 mins). Slightly fewer options.
- Serangan: Close to Kuta. Some operators depart here.
Arrival Points in Lombok/Gilis
- Gili Trawangan (most common for Gili-bound travellers)
- Gili Air
- Gili Meno
- Bangsal (northern Lombok, for Senggigi access)
- Teluk Nare
Operators and Costs
| Operator | Route | Cost (AUD) | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eka Jaya Fast Boat | Padangbai → Gilis/Lombok | $30–50 | 2–3 hours |
| Gili Getaway | Padangbai/Sanur → Gilis | $45–70 | 2–2.5 hours |
| BlueWater Express | Sanur/Padangbai → Gilis | $55–80 | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Scoot Cruise | Sanur → Gilis/Lombok | $40–65 | 2–3 hours |
Practical Tips
- Waterproof your luggage — bags often travel on the boat roof and can get wet. Use a dry bag or wrap luggage in plastic.
- Book in advance in peak season (June–August) — popular operators sell out.
- Take seasickness medication if you're prone — the crossing can be choppy, particularly November–March.
- Departure times: Most fast boats depart 8am–1pm. Afternoon crossings can be rougher.
- Delays and cancellations: In rough weather (mainly wet season), boats are delayed or cancelled. The flight is more reliable if your schedule is tight.
Option 2: Flight (Fastest and Most Reliable)
The Bali (DPS) to Lombok (LOP) flight takes 25–30 minutes in the air. Total door-to-door time is typically 2.5–3.5 hours including airport transfers and check-in.
Airlines and Costs
- Garuda Indonesia: Most frequent. AUD $35–70 one way.
- Wings Air: Budget option. AUD $30–55 one way.
- Citilink: Budget. AUD $30–60 one way.
Book via the airline websites directly or through Google Flights. Prices vary significantly — book 2–4 weeks ahead for the best rates.
Airport Transfers
Lombok International Airport (LOP) is at Praya, about 20km from Mataram and 30–40km from Senggigi. Taxis and ride-hailing (Grab) are available at the airport. Budget AUD $10–20 for a transfer to Senggigi or Kuta Lombok.
Note: Flying doesn't get you to the Gili Islands directly — you'll need an additional transfer (taxi to Bangsal Harbour + boat to the Gilis, approximately 1.5 hours and AUD $15–25 extra).
Which Should You Choose?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Going to the Gili Islands first | Fast boat — drops you directly at the Gilis |
| Going to Kuta Lombok or Senggigi | Flight — faster door-to-door, no extra transfer |
| Travelling in wet season (Nov–Mar) | Flight — more reliable, no seasickness risk |
| Travelling with heavy luggage | Flight — no roof luggage issues |
| Want the scenic experience | Fast boat — the crossing is genuinely beautiful |
| Tight schedule | Flight — predictable timing |
| Budget-conscious | Even — both options are AUD $30–80 |
The Public Ferry (Budget Option)
For the budget-conscious, a public ferry runs between Padangbai (Bali) and Lembar (southwest Lombok). It's slow (4–5 hours), basic, and not designed for tourists — but it's cheap (approximately AUD $5–8 per person) and perfectly functional if you have time and want the local experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the fast boat take from Bali to Lombok?
2–3.5 hours depending on the operator, departure point, and sea conditions. Door-to-door (hotel in Bali to hotel in Lombok/Gilis) is typically 3.5–5 hours.
Is the fast boat safe from Bali to Lombok?
The major operators (Gili Getaway, BlueWater Express, Eka Jaya) maintain reasonable safety standards. Choose established operators over the cheapest unknown options, and avoid travelling in rough weather. The crossing has had incidents historically — it's not dangerous, but it's worth using a reputable operator.
Can I take a car from Bali to Lombok?
Yes — via the public ferry from Padangbai to Lembar (Lombok). The crossing takes 4–5 hours. Useful if you're doing a multi-week road trip through Bali and Lombok.
How much does it cost to get from Bali to Lombok?
AUD $30–80 for the fast boat. AUD $30–70 for the flight. The public ferry is approximately AUD $5–8 but takes 4–5 hours.