All boats use the harbour on the south coast, which has a proper jetty as well as the beach. From Bali, most fast boats from Padang Bai stop at Gili Air either just before or just after Gili Trawangan. From Lombok, Bangsal harbour is only a couple of kilometres away across the channel, which makes Air the natural choice if you are flying into Lombok or want the option of leaving when the Bali boats are not running.
Our region-wide fast boats & getting there guide compares operators and ports and explains the Bangsal routine in detail. Times and fares below are typical; schedules shift with the season and boats stop in heavy swell.
Routes at a glance
| From | Route | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Padang Bai (east Bali) | Direct fast boat; many also call at Trawangan or Bangsal | About 1.5–2.5 hours on the water | From roughly €21–26 online; more with hotel pick-up |
| Serangan or Sanur (south Bali) | Fast boat, usually via Nusa Penida or Padang Bai | About 2.5–4 hours | Around €30 and up |
| Bangsal harbour (Lombok) | Public boat (leaves when full) or scheduled speedboat | 20–25 minutes / about 10 minutes | A few tens of thousands of rupiah / around €15 online |
| Lombok airport (LOP) | Car to Bangsal or Teluk Nara, then boat | About 2–2.5 hours door to door | Private car-and-boat packages from around €16–35 per group online; check what is included |
| Senggigi | Car over the Pusuk pass or along the coast to Bangsal, then boat; a direct fast boat is also listed | About 1–1.5 hours / 45 minutes | Taxi plus boat / around €23 online |
| Gili Meno / Gili Trawangan | Twice-daily island-hopping boat or private charter | 10–15 minutes to Meno, 20–30 to Trawangan | A few euros on the public boat; charter by negotiation |
Getting around Gili Air
On foot. Nothing on the island is more than 20–25 minutes’ walk from the harbour. Most visitors walk everywhere.
By bicycle. Useful for the firm paths in the south, east and interior. The west and north have soft sand where you will push. Check lights and brakes; cycle slowly through the village.
Electric scooters. Now common among residents and available to rent in places. They are quiet and quick — too quick for narrow lanes shared with children and animals, so keep the speed down.
Horse carts (cidomo). They meet arriving boats to carry luggage. The welfare of the ponies is a real and long-standing concern, explained in getting around. With a backpack you can simply walk; with heavy bags, ask your hotel about a porter or cart.
Arriving at night. Paths inland are dark. Download an offline map, and let your accommodation know your boat time — many will meet you.
