🇮🇩 Indonesia · Fast boat · Public ferry · Flight
Bali to Lombok: fast boat, ferry or flight
Lombok sits just east of Bali across the Lombok Strait. You can cross in three ways, and the best one depends on where on Lombok you are going and how much time you have.
1. Fast boat
Fast boats from Padang Bai, Serangan or Amed run to Lombok's north and west coast — usually Bangsal or Teluk Nara (for Senggigi and the north), often with stops at the Gili Islands. Expect roughly 2–3 hours on the water. This is the most popular choice for travellers heading to the Gilis, Senggigi or north Lombok. Many tickets include a shuttle from hotels in south Bali.
2. Public car ferry (Padang Bai → Lembar)
Large public ferries run around the clock between Padang Bai in Bali and Lembar on Lombok's southwest coast. The crossing typically takes about 4–6 hours and can be longer in bad weather or when loading is slow. It is the cheapest option and the only one that carries cars and motorbikes, but you still need road transport from Lembar to your final stop. 12Go lists shuttle-and-ferry combinations on some routes.
3. Flight (Denpasar → Lombok)
Flights from Bali's Ngurah Rai airport to Lombok International Airport take about 40 minutes in the air. Lombok's airport is in the south of the island near Praya — handy for Kuta Lombok and Mandalika, less so for the Gilis or Senggigi. Add airport check-in time and you rarely save more than a couple of hours compared with a boat, but flights avoid rough seas.
Which should you choose?
| Going to | Usually easiest |
|---|---|
| Gili Islands | Fast boat direct to the Gilis |
| Senggigi / north Lombok | Fast boat to Bangsal or Teluk Nara |
| Kuta Lombok / Mandalika | Flight, or ferry to Lembar + car |
| Travelling with a car or motorbike | Public ferry Padang Bai–Lembar |
Booking tips
- Sea crossings are roughest roughly June–September; morning departures tend to be calmer.
- During Indonesian holidays (especially Eid) ferries and flights get very busy — book early.
- All prices are set by operators and airlines and change often; check the live price on 12Go before you plan your budget.
Heading straight for the islands? See Bali to Gili Trawangan. For more Indonesian routes, visit our Indonesia travel hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way from Bali to Lombok?
Flying is fastest in the air (about 40 minutes), but once you add airport time, a fast boat to north Lombok can take a similar total time.
Is there a car ferry from Bali to Lombok?
Yes, public ferries run between Padang Bai (Bali) and Lembar (Lombok) day and night. The crossing usually takes about 4–6 hours.
Where do fast boats to Lombok arrive?
Mostly at Bangsal or Teluk Nara on the northwest coast, often after stopping at the Gili Islands. Check the arrival point on your ticket.
Is Lombok airport near the Gili Islands?
No. Lombok International Airport is in the south of the island; the Gili boats leave from the northwest coast, about two hours' drive away.