Wondering how to get from Bali to the Gili Islands without the stress and confusion? You’re not alone—between all the fast boats, ferry options, and different ports, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you’ve even packed your bag. When I first made the trip, I spent way too long trying to figure out the fastest route, the best departure point, and whether I needed to prebook anything. Since then, I’ve gone through the journey multiple times—by fast boat, slow ferry, and even the long detour through Lombok. I’ve learned exactly what works (and what doesn’t), and I’m here to pass that on. Whether you’re after the fastest, cheapest, or most scenic route, I’ve broken it all down here so you can choose what works best for your trip. Here’s my guide to going from Bali to the Gili Islands.
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Before you book anything, it helps to understand how travel between Bali and the Gili Islands works. The main thing to know? There are no direct cheap ferries from Bali to the Gilis. But there are DIRECT FAST BOATS. You either hop on a fast boat that takes you straight there, or go the long way around via Lombok using a combination of ferry and local boats. Most travelers choose the fast boat—it’s quicker and easier, especially if you’re short on time.
EASIEST WAY TO TRAVEL
Book the Fast Boat + Transfer Included
Include a hotel transfer to get to the port of your choice and then a fast boat that gets you to the Gili Islands in the smoothest fashion. This is the easiest way to go to the Gili Islands from Bali.
That said, where you leave from in Bali makes a big difference. There are several ports, and the best one for you really depends on where you’re staying. So if you’re in Ubud, you probably don’t want to head all the way to Sanur. Read on for the details.
Where are the Gili Islands?
The Gili Islands are a cluster of three small islands off the northwest coast of Lombok, in eastern Indonesia. Gili Air, Gili Menos and Gili Trawangan. Despite their proximity to each other, each island has its own distinct personality, so choosing the right one can really shape your trip.
They’re all car-free, which means you’ll be getting around by bicycle, on foot, or by horse cart. Think beach bars, coral reefs, and sunset swings. Most people travel here from Bali, and even though they’re technically part of Lombok, the Gilis feel like a world of their own—remote but still easy to reach.
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Gili Air
Gili Air strikes a sweet balance between chill and lively. It’s got a bit of everything—beach bars, yoga classes, snorkeling straight off the shore, and some great local warungs if you want to eat well on a budget. It’s the closest Gili to Lombok, so you’ll get a stronger local vibe here too. If you want peaceful mornings and the option of a low-key social scene in the evenings, Gili Air is a solid pick.
Gili Air was my favorite.
Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan—often just called Gili T—is the party island of the trio, but there’s more to it than cocktails and DJ sets. Sure, it’s got nightlife, beach bars, and backpacker buzz, but it also offers scuba diving, paddleboarding, and some surprisingly quiet corners if you cycle away from the main strip. It’s the biggest of the three Gilis and has the most accommodation options, from budget hostels to boutique resorts.
Gili Meno
Gili Meno is the quietest and most secluded of the three islands—perfect if you’re after that true castaway feel. Think empty beaches, hammocks under palm trees, and candlelit dinners. It’s popular with honeymooners and anyone craving peace and quiet. There’s some great snorkeling off the beach, and you might even spot turtles. Just don’t expect much nightlife—this is where you go to unplug completely.
How to Go from Bali to the Gili Islands
There are two main ways to get from Bali to the Gili Islands: fast boats or a combination of ferry and local boats via Lombok. Most travelers choose the fast boat for convenience—it goes direct and saves a ton of time.
If you’re taking the ferry route, you’ll go from Bali to Lombok first, then continue on to the Gilis from there. It’s cheaper, but slower and less straightforward. I’ll detail the ferries shortly, but for getting from Lombok to Gili, read my guide here.
Fast Boats from Bali to the Gili Islands
Fast boats are the most popular way to reach the Gili Islands from Bali—and for good reason. They’re quick, direct, and run daily from several ports across Bali. The main thing you’ll need to decide is which port to depart from. This mostly depends on where you’re staying in Bali. Some ports are better if you’re based in the south (like Kuta or Seminyak), while others make more sense if you’re up in Amed or heading from Ubud.
Most boats go to Gili Trawangan first, then stop at Gili Air and Gili Meno. So if you’re heading to Gili Meno, expect to be the last drop-off. Travel times range from 1.5 to 3.5 hours depending on your departure point and the weather. Prices vary, so I always recommend booking with a reputable company. You can compare times and reviews on platforms like 12Go Asia.
Padang Bai Port to Gili Islands
Padang Bai is one of the busiest and most convenient ports if you’re staying in Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, or Denpasar. It’s located on Bali’s east coast, and the fast boats from here run frequently to all three Gili Islands. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on sea conditions and the number of stops.
Boats usually depart in the morning, with most companies leaving between 08:00 and 09:30. A few offer early afternoon options as well, but morning departures are more reliable, especially during rougher weather.
To book your tickets, I recommend using 12Go Asia—it’s easy to compare prices, check reviews, and choose a departure time that fits your schedule. You can also book through local travel agents in Bali, but during busy months like July and August, prebooking online is definitely the way to go.
Sanur to Gili Air
Sanur is a convenient departure point if you’re staying in Sanur itself, Ubud, or even parts of central Bali. While it’s not the closest port to the Gilis, some fast boat companies offer direct services from Sanur to Gili Air, which is ideal if that’s your island of choice.
The journey usually takes around 4 hours, depending on sea conditions and whether the boat stops at Gili Trawangan first. Departures are generally in the early morning, between 08:00 and 09:00, so plan to leave your hotel with time to spare.
You can book tickets online through 12Go Asia or directly through the boat operator’s website. During high season, boats fill up quickly, so booking at least a few days in advance is smart—especially if you’re on a tight schedule or want to avoid bouncing between islands.
Serangan Port to Gili Air
Serangan Port is a solid choice if you’re staying in southern Bali—especially around Nusa Dua, Benoa, or even the airport area. It’s not as busy as Padang Bai, which can make for a smoother boarding experience. Some fast boat companies run direct routes from Serangan to Gili Air, but be aware that most boats will stop at Gili Trawangan first.
The journey typically takes around 3.5 hours, depending on the sea and how many islands are on the route that day. Boats usually depart between 08:00 and 09:00, so it’s another early morning start. You might find an afternoon departure from here too. Check the timetable here.
As always, booking in advance is your best bet. You can use 12Go Asia to compare routes and prices, or check directly with boat operators. If you’re traveling in high season or carrying surfboards or dive gear, booking early helps avoid last-minute hassle.
Amed Port to Gili Air
Amed is a great departure point if you’re exploring Bali’s northeast coast or staying in Amed itself. There’s only one company that runs this route and it takes about 4 -5 hours to get there. You can book with 12Go. Put your departure port in as Amed, Bali.
Boats from Amed generally head straight to Gili Air, with some continuing on to Gili Trawangan or Gili Meno. There’s usually only one departure from here, run by Freebird Express, each morning. You can book online via 12Go Asia, but make sure to check availability—especially during busy months like July, August, and December.
Ferries from Bali to the Gili Islands
If you’re traveling on a budget and don’t mind a longer journey, the ferry route is the cheapest way to reach the Gili Islands from Bali. But here’s the catch—it’s not direct. You’ll first need to take a public ferry from Padang Bai Port in Bali to Lembar Port in Lombok. This leg takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on the conditions and ferry schedules.
Once you arrive in Lombok, you’ll need to make your way across the island to Bangsal Harbor—usually a two-hour drive—and then catch a local boat or fast boat to one of the Gilis. It’s a multi-step trip that can take the whole day, but it’s much easier on the wallet if you’re not in a rush.
I’ve covered these routes here.
Our Experience of Traveling between Bali and the Gili Islands
We chose the fast boat route between Sanur and Gili Air, it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. The boat was packed, the sea was choppy, and let’s just say—if you’re prone to seasickness, take something beforehand. That said, we were really glad we booked ahead. Every seat was taken, and a few people who showed up hoping to buy tickets on the day didn’t get on.
The boat made a quick stop at Gili Trawangan before continuing to Gili Air, and from there it was just a short walk to our accommodation. Even though it was a bit bumpy, we loved arriving straight on the beach with no taxis or traffic to deal with. If you want to avoid a long travel day with lots of connections, the fast boat route—especially when booked in advance—is definitely the way to go.
Popular Indonesian Routes to Travel
Want to know more about different forms of transport in Indonesia? Our guide to Indonesian transport is here. And here’s how to travel some of the popular routes around Indonesia, your options, and how we did it.
- The Top 5 Scenic Routes in Indonesia.
- How to go from Bali to Lombok
- Going from Ubud to Gilimanuk
- How to go from Banyuwangi to Probolinggo
- How to go from Lombok to the Gili Islands
- Getting to Bromo Independently
- How to get to Kawah Ijen independently
- Going from Bali to Java
- How to get to the Gili Islands from Bali
- Going from Probolinggo to Yogyakarta
- How to get from Banyuwangi to Bromo
- How to get from Surabaya to Probolinggo
Tips for Traveling from Bali to the Gili Islands
Here are a few quick tips to make your journey smoother:
- Book in advance during high season—boats fill up fast, especially July, August, and around the Christmas holidays.
- Stick with reputable companies—cheaper doesn’t always mean better, and safety standards can vary.
- Bring motion sickness tablets if you’re sensitive to rough seas. Some of those fast boat rides get choppy.
- Arrive early to the port—boarding can get hectic, and boats won’t wait.
- Pack light—you’ll be walking across beaches and onto small docks, so wheels don’t always work well.
- Wear flip-flops or waterproof sandals—you’ll likely be wading into the water to board or disembark.
- Carry cash—some ports charge small fees and not all vendors take cards.
The quickest way to get from Bali to the Gili Islands
The fastest way is to take a direct fast boat from the Bali port closest to where you’re staying. If you’re in south Bali, head to Padang Bai or Serangan. From northeast Bali, go from Amed. Travel time depends on your departure point.
The easiest way to go to the Gili Islands from Bali
The easiest option is booking a direct fast boat with hotel pickup included. Many operators offer transfers from your accommodation straight to the port, which takes the stress out of getting there. It’s a one-ticket, door-to-door setup—perfect if you just want to relax and let someone else handle the details.
The cheapest way to go from Bali to the Gili Islands
If you’re trying to save money, take the public ferry from Padang Bai to Lembar Port in Lombok, then travel overland to Bangsal Harbor and catch a local boat to the Gilis. It’s not fast, and it’s not direct—but it’s the most budget-friendly route if you’ve got time.
The best way to go from Bali to the Gili Islands
For most travelers, the best option is a direct fast boat from the port closest to your accommodation in Bali. It strikes the right balance between speed, comfort, and convenience. Book with a reliable company, go early in the day, and enjoy stepping off right onto the sand.
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Final Words on How to Go from Bali to the Gili Islands
Getting from Bali to the Gili Islands is easier than it might first appear—you just need to choose the route that matches your style of travel. Whether you’re after speed, comfort, or saving a bit of cash, there’s an option for you. Fast boats are the most straightforward and time-efficient, especially when you book ahead and depart from the nearest port to where you’re staying. If you’ve got time on your side and want to cut costs, the ferry-plus-local-boat route via Lombok will get you there too—just with more moving parts.
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