Lombok has substantially less tourist infrastructure than Bali, which means getting around requires slightly more planning. App taxis work in the main centres; for anywhere else, you are using a scooter, a private driver, or the public bemo system (infrequent and rarely practical for tourists). The island’s size — comparable to Bali but with one-third the road network in the tourist south — makes transport logistics more critical.
Scooter Rental
A scooter is the most practical way to explore Lombok if you are comfortable riding. The south coast roads between Kuta Lombok’s cluster of beaches are scenic but sometimes rough, and navigating them independently gives flexibility that no other transport option can match.
Costs (as of 2026):
- Standard 125cc automatic: from IDR 70,000–100,000/day
- Monthly rate: from IDR 800,000–1,200,000
- Fuel: available at Pertamina stations (Mataram, Senggigi, Praya); small fuel stalls (eceran) cover rural areas at slightly higher prices
Practical notes:
- A valid motorcycle licence or international driving permit (IDP) is required
- Road quality varies significantly — the main ring road between Mataram and Senggigi is good; tracks down to smaller beaches (Mawun, Selong Belanak side roads) can be unpaved
- Fill up in Mataram or Senggigi before heading south — fuel stations become sparse south of Praya
- Helmets are typically provided; check fit before leaving the rental shop
Grab and Gojek
Grab and Gojek operate in Mataram (the main city), Senggigi, and, with less reliability, around Praya and the airport corridor. In Kuta Lombok, coverage is improving but not consistent — peak hours and weekends work better than quiet weekday mornings.
Indicative fares (as of 2026):
| Journey | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Mataram → Senggigi (12 km) | IDR 35,000–55,000 |
| Airport (Praya) → Mataram (18 km) | IDR 50,000–75,000 |
| Senggigi → Kuta Lombok (45 km) | IDR 100,000–140,000 |
| Mataram → Bangsal Harbour (20 km) | IDR 55,000–80,000 |
Limitation: South coast beaches between Kuta Lombok and Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak, and Mawun are effectively outside app coverage. A private driver or scooter is the only practical option for beach-hopping in this area.
Cidomo (Horse-Drawn Carts)
Lombok’s traditional transport is the cidomo — a two-wheeled horse-drawn cart originally found in rural Sasak villages. They are still used in Senggigi town and, most practically, at Bangsal harbour where they carry passengers and luggage from the car park to the public boat dock (approximately IDR 10,000–20,000/person). On the Gili Islands, cidomo is the primary transport since motorised vehicles are banned. Expect IDR 20,000–50,000 per journey on the islands.
Private Driver
A private driver is the most efficient way to cover Lombok’s south coast beaches, the Rinjani trailheads, or a full-island circuit.
Costs (as of 2026):
- Full day (8 hours): IDR 400,000–600,000 (includes driver and car; confirm whether fuel is included)
- Airport transfers: IDR 150,000–250,000 depending on destination
- Senggigi to Kuta Lombok one-way: IDR 200,000–300,000
Where to arrange:
- Senggigi and Kuta Lombok hotels can book drivers at reliable rates
- WhatsApp-based drivers with hotel referrals are standard
- Lombok Honest Tour and similar operations offer transparent fixed pricing for common routes
South coast beach circuit tip: Hire a driver for a full day and cover Kuta Lombok, Selong Belanak, Mawun, Tanjung Aan, and Bukit Merese viewpoint. The round trip from Mataram or Senggigi takes 8–9 hours with stops. Public transport between these beaches does not exist.
Buses and Bemos
Lombok has public bemos (shared minibuses) connecting Mataram with Praya, Senggigi, and the regional market towns. Fares are IDR 5,000–15,000. They are infrequent, do not run to schedules, and routes do not connect the tourist south coast beaches. For budget travellers: Damri public bus connects Praya airport with Mataram city centre (approximately IDR 15,000) and is reliable. Beyond that, public transport is not practical for most visitor itineraries.
Getting to and from the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air) sit 5–10 km off Lombok’s northwest coast. Transport options:
From Bangsal Harbour (nearest Lombok port):
- Public slow boat: IDR 20,000–35,000/person; boards when full; departs every 1–2 hours
- Fast boat (shared): IDR 60,000–100,000; 15–20 minutes; runs on schedule
- Private speedboat: IDR 250,000–400,000; departs immediately
From Lombok Airport (Praya): Allow 1.5–2 hours to Bangsal by car. Pre-arrange transport (IDR 200,000–250,000) or use Grab/Gojek with a Bangsal Harbour destination.
From Bali direct: Fast boats from Sanur or Padang Bai run to Gili Trawangan in 90–120 minutes (IDR 350,000–550,000 depending on operator and season). Klook fast boat tickets are bookable in advance and include both departure and return.
On the Gili Islands: No motorised vehicles. Walking or cycling (bike hire IDR 30,000–50,000/day) for the flat central areas; cidomo horse cart for longer journeys (IDR 20,000–50,000).
Airport Transfer
Lombok International Airport (LOP) is at Praya, 25 km southeast of Mataram. Grab and Gojek work at the airport. Official taxi stands quote fixed rates:
- Airport → Mataram: IDR 120,000–150,000
- Airport → Senggigi: IDR 200,000–250,000
- Airport → Kuta Lombok: IDR 150,000–200,000
For full details on arrival logistics, see our Lombok airport transfer guide.
Practical Summary
| Option | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter | Beach-hopping, local flexibility | IDR 70,000–100,000/day |
| Grab / Gojek | Town-to-town, Mataram–Senggigi | IDR 35,000–140,000 |
| Private driver | South coast beaches, full-day tours | IDR 400,000–600,000/day |
| Fast boat | Gili Islands, Bali connection | IDR 20,000–550,000 |
| Cidomo | Gili Islands local transport | IDR 20,000–50,000 |
Lombok rewards independent transport more than Bali does — the south coast beaches in particular are so spread out that having a scooter or a booked driver makes the difference between seeing two beaches or six. Plan transport before arriving; options at the airport are more expensive than pre-arranged options from Senggigi or Mataram.
For island touring context, see our full Lombok island guide which covers what to prioritise across the island.