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To reach Gili Trawangan (Gili T) from Bali, choose between various fast boat (ferry) services from Padang Bai, Serangan, Nusa Penida, and Amed Ports.
While Gili T is gaining popularity, many first-time travelers still don’t know that this beautiful sandy island is located on the coast of the island of Lombok, not Bali. Therefore, getting here takes much longer than transport to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan.
Luckily, the demand has resulted in more new routes and speed boat options than didn’t exist just a few years ago during my first visit. These days, you can get to Gili Trawangan from Bali in less than 1.5 hours if you pick the right ferry.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best ferry routes, speed boat options, and help you choose which Bali port to book your boat to Gili T from.
I’m Olly, a full-time traveler for the past 5 years. I visit every destination I write about & handpick all recommendations.
Best Option to Get to Gili T from Bali
Currently, the best and easiest way to arrange your transport from Bali to Gili T is to book a 1-Way Speedboat Transfer with Gili Voyages online using GetYourGuide.
This boat departs from Padang Bai Port to Gili Trawangan and only takes 1.5 hours. The ticket prices are approximately 400,000 IDR per person for the one-way trip, with optional transport options available to Padangbai Port for those staying in Canggu, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Ubud, Seminyak, Sanur, and others.
An additional 10,000 IDR harbor tax is also payable at Padang Bai & Gili T Ferry Terminal.
I recommend this option because it includes all transport in one ticket and offers the best balance between the shortest travel time and price.
Tip: Check the timetable and book your ferry and fast boat tickets + transport on GetYourGuide using the calendar below. This means you get free cancellation & an e-ticket at a cheaper rate than you’ll find on the street.
How to Book Ferry Tickets From Bali to Gili Trawangan
If you want to book ferry tickets independently, then the best way to do so is to book them online using the 12Go ferry booking website.
Booking last-minute tickets when you arrive at the port is generally not a good idea, since tickets often sell out, especially during the high season. Luckily, 12Go lists several fast and speed boat options and different schedules from the various ports in Bali.
Port Departures & Speed Boat Routes
There are several port options to choose from when booking a ferry from Bali to Gili Trawangan. However, the most popular are Padang Bai, Sanur, Serangan Harbor, and Amed.
I recommend booking a ferry from Padang Bai Port since this results in the shortest ferry time. It is worth the extra hour or so of road transport to Padang Bai since this results in time savings of at least 2 hours on the ferry.
Below are the main transport routes.
1. Padang Bai Port to Gili Trawangan Best Port
Padang Bai is the most popular and most convenient port to book your Bali to Gili T ferry. This is where most quality speed boats and fast boats depart from. Most routes stop at Gili T, Gili Air, Gili Meno, and finish in Lombok.
Tip: Ensure you plan ahead if you book your ferry from Padang Bai as the journey is quite far, taking around 1.5 hours from Kuta Beach or 1 hour and 45 minutes from Canggu by Grab or Taxi.
Pros:
- Fastest ferry times with just 1.5 hours to Gili T.
- Most affordable ferry prices.
- Most popular route.
Cons:
- The furthest port from Uluwatu and Kuta region.
2. Sanur to Gili Trawangan
Sanur is another popular port option with several frequent fast boat departures running to the Gili Islands and Lombok in the mornings. However, there are fewer fast boat operators and the sea distance is much greater than from Padang Bai.
Pros
- Sanur is closer for travelers staying in South Bali areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Denpasar.
- Offers picturesque views of the coastline along the way.
Cons
- The sea journey from Sanur to Gili Trawangan is longer, often taking about 2-3 hours depending on sea conditions.
- The route from Sanur can experience rougher sea conditions.
- The variety of fast boat operators from Sanur might be more limited compared to Padang Bai.
3. Serangan Harbor to Gili Trawangan
Traveling from Serangan to Gili Trawangan typically involves a fast boat journey of approximately 2.5-4 hours. Fast boat services operate daily, with departures mainly in the morning to ensure travelers reach Gili Trawangan by early afternoon.
Pros
- Closest port for travelers in South Bali, reducing land travel time.
- A longer boat journey offers picturesque views of the coastline along the way and a chance to spot dolphins.
Cons
- The sea journey is the longest out of all options, expect 2.5-4 hours.
- The traffic to the port can get busy in the early mornings around the time of boat departures.
Amed Pier to Gili Trawangan
Amed Pier is located in the northeast corner of Bali. From Amed to Gili Trawangan, the journey is the quickest by sea, taking approximately 1-1.5 hours, making it the fastest route to the Gili Islands. However, departures are less frequent, with a few operators offering services, primarily in the morning.
Pros
- Shortest crossing, around 1-1.5 hours from North Bali.
- Offers stunning views of Mount Agung and Batur from the sea
Cons
- Very far from from South Bali, not ideal for those staying there.
- Fewer departures and operator options.
- Speed boats are lower quality
Bali to Gili T Speed Boat Schedules
Below are the most popular speed boat schedules and fast boat companies running daily from Bali to Gili Trawangan. Remember to check for updated prices and schedules.
Public Boats: While there are cheap public boats running from Bali to Lombok, there are currently none operating between Bali and the Gili Islands. While you can take the public boat from Bali to Lombok, then arrange another slow boat to Gili Trawangan, this method is very slow and can take more than 8 hours. Therefore, I don’t recommend it.
| From/Operator | Daily Departure Times | Duration | Price (IDR per person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Padang Bai Port | |||
| Gili Voyages Best | 9:00 am | 1.5 hours | 400,000 |
| Ganggari Fast Boat | 9:00 am, 9:30 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm | 2 hours | 190,000 |
| Wijaya Perkasa | 6:00 am, 6:05 am, 9:00 am, 9:05 am | 1.5 hours | 240,000 |
| Sanur | |||
| Sanur Scoot | 9:30 am | 3 hours | 450,000 |
| Sanur Wanderlust | 9:30 am | 3.5 hours | 330,000 |
| Serangan Pier | |||
| Blue Water Express | 10:00 am | 3.5 hours | 860,000 |
| Gili GetawayPopular | 9:00 am | 2 hours 15 minutes | 750,000 |
| Eka Jaya Fast Boat | 8:00 am | 4 hours | 550,000 |
| Amed Pier | |||
| Freebird Express | 9:30 am | 1 hour | 460,000 |
What to Expect on the Fast Boat Ferry from Bali to Gili Trawangan
I’ve visited Lombok and the GIli Islands several times. Each time I go via the fast boats from Bali, stopping in at Gili T. While I’ve taken the boats from Serangan and Sanur, I prefer departures from Padang Bai, since the boats are better and the sea time is shorter.
The first step is always organizing transport to Padang Bai Pier. The easiest way to do this is to arrange it with Gili Voyages if you book the transport option on GetYourGuide. However, if you are booking your ferry ticket independently, I recommend taking a Grab or Taxi.
Arriving at Padang Bai Port
Padang Bai is a large, scenic commercial port. There is a main tourist pier located in the middle of the beach where all fast boats depart from.
I recommend arriving at Padang Bai at least 60 minutes prior to departure. This is because traffic can be bad in Bali, especially in the mornings when many tourists are rushing to the ports.
Once you arrive, you’ll need to go to the designated meeting point to get your ticket and pay the harbour tax (10,000 IDR). On my most recent trip, the meeting point was set for Padangbai Billabong Coffee. The team there took our bags and we sat down and enjoyed a great breakfast from this cafe.
The Fast Boat Journey to Gili Trawangan
The passage between Bali and Gili T crosses the Lombok Strait, which can experience rough seas. This is why I highly recommend booking with a reputable fast boat company. In fact, many local boats and even private speedboats have flipped overboard with tourists in the past.
Before boarding, we received a lanyard with our ticket number on it, as well as our paper ticket and harbor tax receipt. Upon boarding, we handed all of these receipts and tickets to the staff, who helped load our baggage onto the boat. Next, we boarded and chose our seats downstairs in the air-conditioned cabin.
There are typically 2 rows of chairs here with a TV screen, life jackets, and a toilet at the rear of the vessel.
The fast boat journey from Padang Bai takes just 1.5 hours and in good weather, is a really pleasant experience. On my most recent trip, a pod of dolphins followed our boat for about 10 minutes!
Arriving at Gili Trawangan
The first port of call for almost all fast boats, speed boats, and ferries running from Bali to Lombok is Gili Trawangan. Departure is really smooth, and the crew is usually very fast at getting your luggage onto the pier.
Once we arrived, we had to pay another 10,000 harbor tax to the staff waiting at Gili Trawangan.
How to Get to the Other Gili Islands from Bali
The good news is that if you’re looking for a way to get from the island of Bali to the other Gili Islands (Gili Air or Gili Meno) or Lombok, nearly all fast boat itineraries will stop there too.
The itinerary is almost always Gili Trawangan followed by Gili Air, then Gili Meno, then Bangsal Port in Lombok.
However, you will need to select your final destination when booking online since the staff will check your ticket.
Gili Trawangan Transport Tips
Before you go, here are a few tips that I wish I knew the first time I traveled from Bali to the Gili Islands.
- Arrive Early: Traffic is bad in Bali these days and you don’t want to miss your boat
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially get better rates.
- Check the Weather: Sea conditions can affect travel times and comfort. There are often cancelations.
- Carry Cash: For harbor fees, tips for baggage porters, and to buy snacks from the vendors at the piers.
- Confirm Return Trips: If buying a round-trip ticket, confirm your return date and time in advance.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring water for the journey, especially in the heat.
- Seasickness Precautions: If prone to seasickness, consider medication or choose seats towards the back of the boat.
- Travel Insurance: Ensure it covers sea travel and related activities for peace of mind. Check my guide to cheap backpacker travel insurance for Bali and Southeast Asia.
FAQ About Getting to the Gili Islands from Bali
How do I get to Gili T from Bali?
The fastest and best way to get to Gili T from Bali is to book a speed boat transfer from Padang Bai Port, taking roughly 1.5 hours. This stops at Gili Trawangan port, which is within walking distance of most hotels on Gili T.
Is it worth going to Gili Islands from Bali?
The Gili Islands offer a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Bali and serves as a great gateway to the adventure island of Lombok. Gili Trawangan has great snorkeling with sea turtles, nightlife, and beaches.
How long does it take to get to Gili Trawangan from Bali?
The journey time varies by departure port and the boat you choose. Expect 1 hour from Amed, about 2-5 hours from Serangan, 1.5 hours from Padang Bai, and up to 2-3 hours from Sanur.
Can I buy tickets on the day of travel?
Yes, but it’s riskier during peak season. I highly recommend booking in advance to ensure availability and better prices.
Is there a public ferry service to Gili Trawangan?
No direct public ferry exists. The alternative is a public ferry to Lombok followed by a local boat to Gili Trawangan, which is longer and more complex and also much riskier in bad weather.
Are there any luggage restrictions on the fast boats?
Yes, most operators have luggage limits. Typically, passengers are allowed one suitcase and one carry-on. However, I noticed that most of the operators weren’t too strict on this.
When is the best time to visit the Gili Islands?
The best time to visit the Gili Islands is during the dry season, from April to September, when the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities like snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on the beach.
The schedules don’t align with my itinerary, can I take a private boat?
While private boats are limited, Gili Getaway has this option advertised on their website. However, this involves chartering one of the regular fast boats yourself, which is very expensive.
More Lombok Travel Blogs
I hope you’ve found this transport guide for getting to Gili Trawangan from Bali helpful in planning your adventures! If you find any new transport options or updates, please let me know so I can update this blog post accordingly.
While you’re here on my blog, check out some of my other guides to the small islands of Gili T, Gili Air, and Gili Meno as well as Lombok below for more inspiration!
