Fast Boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan: Schedule & Price (2026)

Where the Boats Leave From

Most fast boats to Gili Trawangan depart from Padang Bai Harbour on Bali's east coast, roughly 1.5 hours by car from the Kuta/Seminyak area and about 1 hour from Ubud. A smaller number of operators also run from Sanur and Serangan Harbour in South Bali, but Padang Bai remains the main gateway for Gili-bound travelers because it offers the shortest crossing.

How Long Does It Take?

The crossing from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on sea conditions, the boat's speed, and how many stops it makes at the other Gili Islands along the way. Morning departures generally have calmer seas than afternoon sailings, so if you're prone to seasickness, book the earliest boat you can.

Fast Boat Operators, Prices & Departure Times

Prices and schedules vary by operator and season, and they do change, so always confirm at the time of booking. As a general guide, one-way fares from Padang Bai to the Gili Islands typically run from around IDR 375,000 up to IDR 575,000+ per person, depending on the boat, amenities, and number of daily departures:

• Budget-to-mid-range operators with a single daily departure (typically mid-morning) tend to sit at the lower end of the price range.
• Operators with two departures a day (morning and early afternoon) sit in the mid-range.
• Larger, more established operators running multiple daily sailings (four or more times a day) usually charge a premium for the added flexibility and bigger, more stable boats — useful if the Lombok Strait is choppy.

Because fares shift with season, fuel costs, and promotions, it's worth comparing two or three operators before you book rather than locking in the first price you see.

What's Included (and What Isn't)

A standard one-way ticket covers your seat and life jacket. It usually does not include:

• Hotel transfer to/from Padang Bai (often offered as an add-on).
• Harbour tax and Gili entry fees, paid in cash at the port — budget roughly IDR 50,000–80,000 per person round trip across the various checkpoints, since fees are collected in small increments (typically IDR 10,000–30,000 each) at departure and arrival.
• Return transport once you're on Gili Trawangan (most of the island is walkable or reachable by bicycle or cidomo horse cart, since motorized vehicles are banned).

Booking Tips

1. 1Book online in advance, especially in peak season (July–August and the December holidays), when popular morning departures sell out.
2. 2Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure to check in, since boarding is done via lanyard/boarding pass and boats can fill up fast.
3. 3Bring cash in small denominations for harbour taxes and fees — card payment is rarely available at the port.
4. 4Confirm your exact departure pier, since several ticket offices operate out of Padang Bai and it's easy to walk into the wrong one.
5. 5If you're doing a round trip with an open return date, most operators require you to reconfirm your return sailing at their office on Gili Trawangan at least a day in advance.

Best Time to Travel

The Lombok Strait can get rough, particularly during the wet season (roughly November to March). If you want the smoothest ride, choose an early morning departure and, where possible, a larger boat — bigger vessels handle chop noticeably better than smaller speedboats.