How to Go to Gili Trawangan from Bali (2026 Complete Travel Guide)

Quick Answer (Best Way, Time & Cost)

If you want the simplest option:

• ✅ Best way: Fast boat from Padang Bai
• ⏱️ Travel time: 1.5 to 3 hours
• 💰 Cost: $20 – $50
• 🚐 Bonus: Most tickets include hotel pickup

This is the fastest, most convenient, and most popular route for travelers going from Bali to Gili Trawangan.

Where is Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is part of the Gili Islands, located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia.

• 🏝️ Known for white sand beaches & clear water
• 🐢 Famous for snorkeling with turtles
• 🎉 Best nightlife among the Gili islands
• 🚫 No cars or motorbikes (only bicycles & horse carts)

Distance from Bali: ~60 km

All Ways to Travel from Bali to Gili Trawangan

1. Fast Boat (Best Option for Most People)

• 🚤 Direct boats from Bali to Gili Trawangan
• ⏱️ Duration: 1.5 – 3 hours
• 📍 Departure ports:
  • Padang Bai (fastest)
  • Serangan
  • Sanur

Why choose this:

• No transfers
• Easy booking
• Hotel pickup available

👉 Ideal for: tourists, couples, first-time travelers

2. Ferry via Lombok (Cheapest Option)

• Route:
  • Bali → Padang Bai → Lombok (public ferry)
  • Drive to Bangsal
  • Boat to Gili Trawangan
• ⏱️ Duration: 6–10 hours
• 💰 Cheapest option

Downside:

• Long and tiring
• Multiple transfers

👉 Ideal for: budget travelers / backpackers

3. Flight + Boat via Lombok (Fast but Expensive)

• ✈️ Bali → Lombok flight (~30 min)
• 🚤 Lombok → Gili (~20 min boat)

Why choose this:

• Fastest overall door-to-door (if timed well)
• More comfortable

👉 Ideal for: luxury travelers / tight schedules

4. Via Nusa Islands (Scenic Route)

• Bali → Nusa Penida / Lembongan → Gili
• ⏱️ Longer but more scenic

👉 Ideal for: island-hopping trips

Best Bali Departure Ports (Which One to Choose?)

Padang Bai (Recommended)

• 🚀 Fastest route to Gili Trawangan
• ⏱️ ~1.5–2 hours boat ride
• 💸 Usually cheapest fast boats

👉 Best overall choice

Serangan (Comfortable Option)

• Cleaner boarding experience
• More premium boats
• ⏱️ ~2.5 hours

👉 Best for: South Bali (Seminyak, Kuta, Uluwatu)

Sanur (Convenient but Limited)

• Good for nearby stays
• Some routes include stops

👉 Best for: convenience over speed

How to Get to Gili Trawangan from Different Areas in Bali

From Ubud

• 🚐 Transfer to Padang Bai (1–1.5 hrs)
• 🚤 Fast boat (1.5–2.5 hrs)

⏱️ Total: ~3–4 hours

From Seminyak / Canggu

• 🚐 Hotel pickup included
• 🚤 Boat from Serangan or Padang Bai

⏱️ Total: ~3–5 hours

From Uluwatu / South Bali

• Travel to Serangan or Padang Bai
• Then fast boat

Travel Time Breakdown

Route	Time
Fast boat only	1.5 – 3 hours
Ubud → Gili	3 – 4 hours
Seminyak → Gili	3 – 5 hours
Ferry via Lombok	6 – 10 hours

Fast Boat Operators (Popular Choices)

• BlueWater Express
• Eka Jaya Fast Ferry
• Gili Getaway

What to check before booking:

• Safety record
• Boat size
• Reviews
• Inclusions (pickup, luggage, taxes)

Cost Breakdown

Option	Cost
Fast boat	$18 – $48
Ferry route	$14 – $30
Flight + boat	$48 – $96

💡 Prices increase during peak season (June – September)

Important Travel Tips

• 🕘 Book morning boats (calmer seas)
• 💊 Take motion sickness medicine if needed
• 🎒 Carry waterproof bag
• ⏰ Arrive 1 hour early
• 🎟️ Book in advance in peak season

Return Trip (Gili Trawangan to Bali)

• Same fast boat routes available daily
• ⏱️ 1.5–3 hours
• 💰 Round-trip tickets can be cheaper

Alternative Routes (If You Want Something Different)

Via Lombok

• Lombok → Bangsal → Gili (20 mins boat)

Via Nusa Lembongan / Penida

• Island hopping experience
• Slightly longer but unique

FAQs

Final Recommendation

For 90% of travelers:

👉 Take a fast boat from Padang Bai
👉 Book with a reliable operator
👉 Choose a morning departure + hotel pickup

This gives you the best balance of speed, cost, and convenience.