🏝️ How to Get to the Gili Islands (Trawangan, Air & Meno) from Lombok
Dreaming of white sand beaches, turquoise water, and the easy island life of the Gilis? Whether you’re heading to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Gili Meno, getting there from Lombok is easier than it looks, but it depends on where you’re starting from. Here’s your complete guide to reaching the Gilis from Kuta, Senggigi, Tetebatu, Mataram, and Lombok International Airport (Praya).
Quick answer: All boats to the Gili Islands leave from the northwest coast of Lombok, either Bangsal Harbor (cheap public boats, last boat around 4 to 5pm) or Teluk Nare / Teluk Kodek (private speedboats). The crossing takes 10 to 25 minutes. Total travel time depends on where you start: about 1 to 1.5 hours from Senggigi, 2 hours from Mataram, and 2.5 to 3 hours from Kuta Lombok, Tetebatu, or Lombok International Airport.
🚤 Where Do Boats to the Gilis Leave From?
All boats to the Gili Islands depart from the northwest coast of Lombok.
There are two main harbors:
- Bangsal Harbor (public harbor) the cheapest and most local option, used by public boats and some speedboats. The last boat leaves around 4pm-5pm.
- Teluk Nare / Teluk Kodek used mainly by private speedboats (faster, more comfortable, and a little more expensive, but super flexible).
You can buy tickets at the harbor or through local tour offices. The journey from Lombok to the Gilis takes 10–25 minutes depending on the island and the type of boat.
🛥️ Boat Options and Prices
| Type | Route | Time | Approx. Price |
| Public boat | Bangsal → Gili T/Air/Meno | 25 min | 20,000–40,000 IDR |
| Speedboat (shared) | Teluk Nare → Gilis | 10–15 min | 200,000–300,000 IDR |
| Private speedboat | Teluk Nare → Gilis | 10 min | 500,000–7,000,000+ IDR (per boat) |
🚗 From Different Parts of Lombok
🏄♀️ From Kuta Lombok
Kuta is in the south of Lombok, famous for its surf spots and stunning beaches, but it’s quite far from the Gilis.
- Travel time: around 2.5 to 3 hours total.
- How to get there:
- Take a taxi or private car to Bangsal Harbor (approx. 2 hours).
- From Bangsal, hop on a public boat (about 15–25 minutes) or a speedboat (10 minutes).
🌅 From Senggigi
Senggigi is the most convenient base on the west coast of Lombok for getting to the Gilis.
- Travel time: around 1–1.5 hours total.
- How to get there:
- Drive to Bangsal or Teluk Nare (about 30–40 minutes).
- Catch a public boat or speedboat to your chosen Gili.
🌿 From Tetebatu
Tetebatu, in central Lombok near Mount Rinjani, is a beautiful rural area, but getting to the Gilis takes some planning.
- Travel time: around 3–3.5 hours total.
- How to get there:
- Hire a private driver to take you to Bangsal Harbor (approx. 2.5–3 hours).
- Take a public boat or speedboat to your island.
- Tip: Start early: the last public boats usually leave before 5 PM.
🏙️ From Mataram
Mataram, Lombok’s capital, is centrally located and well-connected.
- Travel time: around 2 hours total.
- How to get there:
- Drive or take a taxi to Bangsal Harbor (1.5 hours).
- Take a boat across to your Gili (15–25 minutes).
- Tip: Blue Bird taxis and Grab are available in Mataram, making transfers simple.
✈️ From Lombok International Airport (Praya)
If you’re landing at Lombok Airport (LOP) and heading straight to paradise, here’s what to do:
- Travel time: around 2.5–3 hours total.
- How to get there:
- Take a private transfer or taxi from the airport to Bangsal Harbor.
- From there, hop on a public boat (budget option) or speedboat (faster).
Getting to the Gilis from Lombok: FAQ
Which harbor do boats to the Gili Islands leave from?
Public boats leave from Bangsal Harbor, the cheapest option, while private speedboats use Teluk Nare and Teluk Kodek, both on the northwest coast of Lombok.
How long is the boat from Lombok to the Gili Islands?
The crossing takes about 10 to 25 minutes depending on the island and whether you take a public boat or a faster speedboat.
What time does the last boat to the Gilis leave?
The last public boats from Bangsal Harbor usually leave around 4 to 5 PM, so it is best to start early, especially from further away like Kuta or Tetebatu.
How do you get to the Gilis from Lombok Airport?
Take a private transfer or taxi from Lombok International Airport to Bangsal Harbor, then a public boat or speedboat, for a total of about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Coming over from Bali first? See our guide on how to get to Lombok from Bali. Not sure which harbor or boat suits your plans? Message us on WhatsApp and we will help you sort the transfer.
