Bali to Gili Air Speedboat

How to get to Gili Air from Bali

Getting to Gili Air from Bali is relatively easy, and there are a few options available depending on your preferences and budget. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different ways to get to Gili Air from Bali, along with some helpful tips to make your journey safe and comfortable.

bali to gili air

Speedboat from Bali to Gili Air

If you’re looking for the fastest and most convenient way to get to Gili Air, taking a speedboat from Bali is your best bet. Several speedboat companies operate daily services from Bali to Gili Air, including Ekajaya, Semaya One, Golden Queen, and Starfish. The journey takes around 2 to 3.5 hours, depending on which port you depart from, weather conditions, and the speedboat company you choose. Here are the details you need to know:

The boat trip from Padangbai to Gili Air usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, and it is 30 minutes faster if you are traveling from Amed to Gili Air.
If you are traveling from Sanur or Serangan, there is no direct boat to Gili Air as you need to stop at Nusa Penida. The estimated travel time by boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida is approximately 40 minutes and around 45 minutes from Serangan. And then you need to continue the boat trip from Nusa Penida to Gili Air, which usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on the speed of the boat as well as depending on the weather and sea conditions.
For time efficiency, we recommend Padangbai as your starting point from Bali to Gili Air.
Advantages of Taking a Speedboat: Fast and convenient travel, the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean, and the availability of different time slots and services.

Slow Ferry from Bali to Lombok and then Take a Boat to Gili Air

Another way to get to Gili Air is by taking a ferry from Bali to Lombok and then taking a boat from Lombok to Gili Air. This option is usually cheaper than taking a speedboat, but it takes longer and involves more transfers. Here’s what you need to know:

Take a slow ferry from Padangbai Harbor in Bali to Lembar Harbor in Lombok, which takes around 5 to 6 hours.
From Lembar Harbor, take a taxi or shuttle bus to Bangsal Harbor, which is around 1hr 20 mnt away.
From Bangsal Harbor, take a public or private boat to Gili Air, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes.

Private Boat Charter

If you’re looking for a more luxurious and personalized transportation option, you can charter a private boat to travel from Bali to Gili Air. Private boat charters are more expensive than speedboats and slow ferries, but you’ll have the entire boat to yourself and can customize your itinerary. Advantages of private boat charter:

Personalized Experience: With a boat charter, you have the flexibility to create your itinerary and you can also choose the length of the trip and the type of boat that best suits your needs.
Privacy and Comfort: When you charter a boat, you have the whole boat to yourself, giving you complete privacy and comfort.
Customized Services: Boat charter companies can provide customized services such as catering, fishing equipment, and snorkeling or diving gear.
Professional Crew: Most boat charter companies provide professional crews who are trained to navigate the waters around Bali. They can guide you to the best spots for swimming, snorkeling, or diving, and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Hotel Transfer

We also provide pick-up services from the hotel where you stay.

If you are staying at Uluwatu, Nusa Dua, or Jimbaran, it is best to choose Sanur as your starting point for Gili Air. It would take approximately 1 hour to travel by car from these areas to Sanur via the toll road.
If you have just landed at the airport or are staying in Kuta – Seminyak, you will need less than 1 hour to arrive at Sanur.
Guests living in Canggu may need around 1 hour to get to the nearest port of Sanur, depending on the traffic in Canggu.
If you stay in Ubud, you have 2 choices, either to Sanur or to Padangbai, both are around 1 hour’s drive.

Port of Departure	Pick-up	Pick-up Time	Price
Padangbai Port	Canggu	3 hrs before departure	IDR 445.000
Padangbai Port	Kuta	2.5 hrs before departure	IDR 395.000
Padangbai Port	Seminyak	2.5 hrs before departure	IDR 445.000
Padangbai Port	Airport	2.5 hrs before departure	IDR 445.000
Padangbai Port	Jimbaran	2.5 hrs before departure	IDR 445.000
Padangbai Port	Nusadua	2.5 hrs before departure	IDR 445.000
Padangbai Port	Uluwatu/Pecatu	3 hrs before departure	IDR 545.000
Padangbai Port	Ubud	2 hrs before departure	IDR 395.000
Padangbai Port	Sanur	2 hrs before departure	IDR 345.000
Padangbai Port	Sidemen	1.5 hrs before departure	IDR 245.000
Padangbai Port	Candidasa	1 hrs before departure	IDR 200.000
Padangbai Port	Selat (Karangasem)	2 hrs before departure	IDR 395.000
Padangbai Port	Amed	2.5 hrs before departure	IDR 445.000

Travel Tips

Book in advance: Gili Air is starting to be a popular destination these days, so it’s important to book your accommodation, ferry tickets, and activities ahead of time. This will guarantee that you get the best deals and avoid disappointment when you arrive.
Pack light: The Island is quite small and is best explored on foot or by bicycle. Pack light and bring only the essentials to make your trip more enjoyable.
Bring cash: make sure you bring enough cash to cover your expenses as there is no ATM on the island.
With stormy weather and high waves, the ride on speedboats can be quite rough and feel bumpy. You may consider choosing large boats if you are prone to getting seasick on boat rides.
Pregnant women shouldn’t take a speed boat. Bumpy rides and big waves can harm you and your child easily. It is better to be on the safe side. Alternatively, pregnant women can choose large boats if they want to go around for a while and explore.
Pack a first-aid kit. A good first-aid kit is an absolute must. This includes a good selection of medication for traveling: remedies against seasickness, pain medication, medicine for children, etc.
Avoid an empty stomach during the boat trip. We would advise packing a meal or snacks at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most cost-effective way to get from Bali to Gili Air?

The cost-effective way to get from Bali to Gili Air is by speedboat which costs IDR 200.000 – 400.000

What is the fastest way to get from Bali to Gili Air?

The quickest way to get from Bali to Gili Air is by speedboat which departs from Padangbai Port and takes 1h 30m to 2h

Which speedboat companies operate between Bali to Gili Air?

Speedboats traveling from Bali to Gili Air are operated by Ekajaya, Semaya One, Golden Queen, and Starfish

Where do the speedboats depart from in Bali?

The speedboats generally depart from the ports of Padangbai, Sanur, and Serangan in Bali.

How often do the speedboats run between Bali and Gili Air?

The speedboats generally run daily, with multiple departures throughout the day, especially from Padangbai Port

What time does the first speedboat from Bali to Gili Air leave?

The first speedboat from Padangbai Port leaves at 09:00 with Ekajaya. Times may vary depending on the time of year.

What time does the last speedboat from Bali to Gili Air leave?

The last speedboat from Padangbai Port leaves at 13:30 with Semaya One. Times may vary depending on the time of year.

Is it necessary to book the speedboat tickets in advance?

It is recommended to book the tickets in advance, especially during the high season, to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Can I take a private boat or charter a boat to go to Gili Air from Bali?

Yes, private boats and charter services are available for those who prefer a more personalized and flexible travel option. However, these options can be more expensive than taking the regular ferry.