Ferry from Bali to the Gili Islands

Tickets, prices & schedules

Ferries to the Gili Islands from Bali run year-round with over 30 daily crossings. Ferries set sail from the ports of Padang Bai, Serangan and Sanur and reach Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. The ferry lasts 1.5 hr to 4.5 hr, depending on the route, and ticket prices start at around €14.

Ferry companies serving the route with fast ferries include BlueWater Express, Gili Gili Fast Boat, Marina Group Fast Ferry, Semaya Darmajaya Fast Ferry, Starfish Fastcruise and Wahana Virendra. Find up-to-date info, compare ferry timetables, companies and prices, and book your Bali - Gili Islands ferry on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

Discounts

The ferry companies operating between Bali and the Gili Islands have special discounts available for infants. More specifically, infants and toddlers up to 2 years old can normally travel free of charge to the Gili Islands. However, note that available discounts may vary from one ferry company to another.

On-board services and amenities

The Bali - Gili Islands ferries are normally high-speed vessels. They are equipped with basic amenities offering a comfortable and smooth trip. On board the ferries, you can choose between indoor air-conditioned seating and outdoor areas.

Some ferries also have bars where you can purchase snacks and beverages during the trip.

Cabins and accommodation

As the Bali - Gili Islands trip is short, there are no cabins available on the vessels. However, onboard seating is included in the ticket price.

Can I reserve a specific seat?

No, seating is usually unassigned within the passenger lounge, so we recommend arriving early to choose your preferred seat.

How much luggage is allowed on the ferries?

Most ferry companies allow passengers to bring on board 1 piece of luggage up to 25 kg at no additional cost.

Amenities for people with disabilities

Accessibility varies depending on the ferry company and the departure port. Many high-speed ferries have crew members available to assist passengers with reduced mobility, although port facilities and boarding procedures may not always be fully accessible.

Can I travel with my pet?

Pets are not allowed on the Bali - Gili Islands ferries. Keep in mind that dogs are prohibited on the Gili Islands.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to the Gili Islands from Bali

Here are some useful tips for your Bali - Gili Islands ferry trip:

  • During the high season, we recommend arriving at the port of departure well in advance to avoid delays.
  • Take advantage of the short Padang Bai - Gili Trawangan ferry duration and plan a day trip to the Gili Islands. You can catch an early-morning ferry and return to Bali in the afternoon!
  • Island-hopping in the Gili Islands is highly recommended, offering a convenient way to explore all 3 islands and experience their unique charm. Check out our Map of ferries to find all connections and plan your itinerary.
  • From the Gili Islands, visitors can take a ferry to Nusa Penida, another stunning Indonesian island known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons and breathtaking viewpoints. Check out the Gili Trawangan - Nusa Penida ferry route for more info.

Where to take the ferry from Bali to the Gili Islands

Ferries to the Gili Islands mainly depart from 3 ports in Bali: Serangan, Padang Bai and Sanur.

Find out more about each Bali port:

Port of Padang Bai

Located on Bali's eastern coast, Padang Bai is the main departure point for ferries to the Gili Islands. The port area features ticket offices, cafés and basic amenities. It is particularly convenient if you are staying in East Bali, including areas like Candidasa, Amed, or Tulamben.

Port of Serangan

Situated 30-40 minutes by car from Bali’s popular southern beach resorts such as Kuta, Seminyak and Legian, Serangan is a less crowded alternative for travelers heading to the Gili Islands. The area around the port offers cafés and restaurants, making it a comfortable departure point.

Port of Sanur

Located on Bali’s southeastern coast, Sanur port provides modern facilities and scenic waterfront views. It is a convenient option for those staying in Kuta, Seminyak, Uluwatu, and other nearby areas.

How to get to Serangan Port

  • By car or taxi: Serangan Port is about 10 km from Kuta, 12 km from Seminyak and 15 km from Ubud. The journey from Ngurah Rai International Airport usually takes 30-40 min, depending on traffic.
  • By shuttle service: many ferry companies offer shared or private transfers from popular tourist areas such as Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Nusa Dua. You can book your transfer together with your ferry tickets or separately.
  • By public transport: there are no frequent direct public bus connections to the port. For this reason, taxis, shuttle services and local transport options such as tricycles are the most convenient ways to get there.

How to get to Padang Bai Port

  • By car or taxi: Padang Bai Port is located on Bali's east coast, about 55 km from Ubud, 60 km from Sanur and 65 km from Denpasar International Airport. The journey usually takes 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic.
  • By shuttle service: many fast ferry operators provide transfers from Bali's main tourist destinations, including Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur and Ubud.
  • By bus: some private bus companies connect Padang Bai with Denpasar and other destinations across Bali, although services are less frequent than the dedicated shuttle transfers offered for ferry passengers.

How to get to Sanur Port

  • By car or taxi: Sanur Port is about 17 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport, 12 km from Kuta and 25 km from Seminyak. The journey usually takes 30-45 min.
  • By shuttle service: several ferry companies offer transfers from Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Nusa Dua to the ferry terminal.
  • By public transport: Sanur is served by a few local bus routes, but taking a taxi or shuttle service is generally the quickest and most convenient way to reach the port.

Where does the ferry arrive in the Gili Islands?

Ferries from Bali travel to all 3 Gili Islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air.

  • Gili Trawangan: ferries arrive at the port on the eastern coast of the island. This is the largest and most developed of the three Gilis, offering a wide range of accommodation, restaurants and diving centers. Direct routes to Gili Trawangan are available from Serangan, Padang Bai and Sanur ports in Bali.
  • Gili Meno: ferries from Padang Bai and Sanur arrive at the small port on Gili Meno’s eastern side. Gili Meno is the quietest and least developed of the three islands. Near the port, you’ll find a few accommodation options, bars, restaurants, and an ATM.
  • Gili Air: accessible by ferry from all 3 main ports in Bali, Gili Air offers a balanced mix of relaxation and activity. Most tourist facilities, including guesthouses, cafés, beach bars, and dive schools, are located along the south and east coasts, near the port area.

How long is the ferry ride from Bali to Gili Islands?

The Bali - Gili Islands ferry trip can take between 1.5 hr and 5 hr, depending on the connection and the operator.

More specifically, ferry time for each connection is:

  • Serangan - Gili Air: between 2 hr 15 min and 3 hr 20 min
  • Serangan - Gili Trawangan: between 2 hr 15 min and 2 hr 45 min
  • Padang Bai - Gili Air: between 2 hr and 3 hr
  • Padang Bai - Gili Trawangan: around 1.5-2 hr
  • Padang Bai - Gili Meno: around 2-3 hr
  • Sanur - Gili Air: between 3 hr 15 min and 4 hr 30 min
  • Sanur - Gili Trawangan: between 3 hr and 4 hr 15 min
  • Sanur - Gili Meno: around 4 hr

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FAQs

You cannot bring your car on the Bali to Gili Islands ferries, as all fossil fuel vehicles are prohibited on the islands. Instead, you can get around on foot, rent bicycles or electric scooters, or use traditional cidomos (horse-drawn carts).

Yes, the Bali - Gili Islands connections are only served by high-speed ferries. The fastest ferry from Bali takes 1 hr 20 min to reach Gili Trawangan from Padang Bai.

The shortest route between Bali and the Gili Islands is from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan, covering a distance of 32 nautical miles (approximately 60 km).

On the other hand, the longest ferry route between Bali and the Gili Islands runs between Sanur and Gili Air, spanning about 50 nautical miles (roughly 93 km).

To travel by ferry between Bali and the Gili Islands, you must carry a valid passport.

If you're visiting Indonesia as a foreign national, make sure your visa, if required, is valid for the entire duration of your stay. We also recommend checking the latest entry requirements before you travel.

No, ferries between Bali and the Gili Islands operate during the day only. Departures are generally scheduled between the early morning and early afternoon, with multiple daily crossings available depending on the departure port and the season.

With the Bali - Gili Islands ferry operators, you can book your tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.

Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.

Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.

Book your ferry tickets