How to Get to Lombok: Flights, Fast Boats & Ferry from Bali (2026)

Quick Answer: How to Get to Lombok by Air, Fast Boat or Ferry

Lombok is reached by air, by public ferry or by fast boat. Flying is fastest at roughly 30 to 50 minutes from Bali. The public ferry is cheapest, with sources quoting Rp 50,000 to Rp 94,000 per person. Fast boats sit in between, with reported fares of Rp 350,000 to Rp 800,000. Your final base should decide the route, not the ticket price.

• Short on time or traveling in rainy season: fly to Lombok International Airport.
• Heading to the Gili Islands: take a fast boat from Bali.
• Tight budget, flexible schedule or your own scooter: take the Padang Bai to Lembar ferry.
• Heavy luggage, a group or a late arrival: book a private transfer.

Comparison Table: Flight vs Fast Boat vs Public Ferry

Figures below are approximate ranges reported across several sources and they conflict in places. Confirm the current fare and timetable with the airline or operator before you pay. For the ferry and fast boat in more depth, see our public ferry and fast boat details.

Flying to Lombok: Airport, Fares and Transfers

Direct flights from Denpasar reach Lombok International Airport in the south of the island. Flight time is about 30 to 50 minutes. Fares range from Rp 780,000 to Rp 1,600,000 one way, depending on airline, season and how early you book. One source says November to March is cheaper, while July, August and December to January cost more. Check arrival details on the official airport website. Our airport arrival guide covers the terminal itself. A taxi to Kuta takes about 20 to 30 minutes via the Mandalika Bypass and costs around Rp 120,000. Senggigi is about 1.5 hours away. Bangsal, the gateway to the Gilis, is a much longer drive across the island, so allow generous extra time.

Fast Boat from Bali to Lombok and the Gilis

Fast boats leave from Padang Bai, Serangan and Sanur. They arrive at Bangsal, Senggigi, Teluk Nare or the Gilis, depending on the operator. Padang Bai to Bangsal takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and costs roughly Rp 500,000 to Rp 600,000. Padang Bai to Senggigi runs about 1.5 to 2.5 hours at Rp 400,000 to Rp 500,000. Book online in advance. One source warns that walk-up prices at the harbor can reach double the online rate. Expect a bumpy ride if seas are rough. Bags often ride on the roof, so pack a dry bag, and bring seasickness tablets if you are prone to it.

Public Ferry from Padang Bai to Lembar

This is the budget crossing and the only option if you bring a car or scooter. Plan for 4 to 6 hours, since port congestion and weather add delay. One source lists Rp 75,000 per person and Rp 130,000 with a scooter. Another gives Rp 50,000 to Rp 94,000. Sources also disagree on frequency: one says hourly around the clock, another says every 1.5 hours from about 6:30 am. Check the current schedule with ferry operator ASDP. Seating is basic, so bring snacks and patience. From Lembar, Kuta is just over an hour by taxi at around Rp 250,000. Senggigi is about an hour away.

Choosing Your Bali Departure Point

Pick the harbor nearest your Bali base. Padang Bai in East Bali suits Ubud and Candidasa. It is the shortest crossing, and one source puts the fast boat at about 1.5 hours. Both fast boats and the public ferry leave from here. Serangan in South Bali suits Kuta, Seminyak and Legian, and the boat takes about 3 hours. Sanur also serves southern Bali, with crossings of roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. Operators and timetables change by season, so confirm the exact harbor on your ticket.

Getting to the Gili Islands via Bangsal, Teluk Nare or Senggigi

Lombok International Airport has no boat to the Gilis. You drive north, then cross by water. Public boats use Bangsal, while private speedboats often use Teluk Nare. Confirm the pier with your operator. Public boats between the Gilis and Bangsal take roughly 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the island, and cost about Rp 20,000 to Rp 23,000. Fast boats commonly serve Trawangan and Air, but not every service stops at Meno. Check the stops before you buy. From Senggigi, a road transfer north reaches Bangsal. Once on the islands, there are no cars, so you walk, cycle or hire a cidomo. If you want all three islands without changing hotels, consider day trips from the island or private transfers and guided tours.

Best Route by Final Destination

A cheap crossing can land far from your bed. Bangsal to Kuta is about 2 hours by road, while the airport to Kuta is about 20 minutes. Count the whole journey, not just the ticket. Heading for Rinjani, the usual north-coast routing runs Senaru to Bangsal to the Gilis. For more on the north and the mountain, see white-water rafting options and plan your base first.

Arriving Late, Rough Seas and Rainy-Season Planning

Boats suffer from weather far more than planes do. Late in the day, public boat availability is uncertain, so confirm the last departure before you leave the airport. Never rely on an old online timetable. For rainy months, flying is the safer call, and our guide to rainy-season conditions explains what to expect. Season-by-season planning is in our best-months guide. Check forecasts with Indonesia's weather agency. Do not book a tight onward flight after a fast-boat arrival. If you land late, consider a private transfer or an overnight stop.

Luggage, Surfboards and Vehicles

Airlines may charge Rp 250,000 to Rp 1,000,000 per surfboard, not per bag. One source reports that the local airline refuses longboards over 230 cm, so verify with your carrier. Pre-paying baggage at booking can save money. Surf travelers heading south can compare surf spots near Kuta before choosing a base. Boats usually charge extra for boards too. For a scooter or car on the ferry, carry the original registration, since a photocopy may be refused. You also need your license, ID and ticket. Our scooter rental tips cover onward transport.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Most problems come from planning around the ticket rather than the destination. Once you land, use our guide to Lombok's main attractions to plan your days.

• Buying the cheapest ticket that lands far from your hotel.
• Relying on an old public-boat timetable.
• Booking a tight same-day connection after a boat.
• Carrying a photocopy of scooter papers.
• Assuming every fast boat stops at Gili Meno.
• Paying walk-up prices at the harbor.