Getting from Bali to Lombok means crossing the Lombok Strait — a 35 km stretch of deep open ocean between the two islands. There are two main options: the public Padangbai–Lembar car ferry (slow, cheap, runs 24 hours) and fast boat services from south or east Bali to the Gili Islands or Lombok mainland ports (quicker, more expensive, not suitable in rough weather).
This guide breaks down both options with current prices, departure points, operator recommendations and the practical details that most booking sites leave out.
Option 1: Padangbai–Lembar Car Ferry
What It Is
The Padangbai–Lembar crossing is operated by ASDP Indonesia Ferry (PT Angkutan Sungai Danau dan Penyeberangan), Indonesia’s state ferry company. This is the public ferry used by local residents, vehicles, motorcycles, livestock trucks and inter-island freight. It is not a tourist ferry but it is reliable, runs around the clock, and is by far the cheapest way to cross.
Departures are from Padangbai Port, on the eastern coast of Bali in Karangasem Regency. Arrival is at Lembar Port, on the southwest coast of Lombok.
Journey Time and Schedule
The crossing takes approximately 4–5 hours in normal sea conditions. Factor in 30–60 minutes of queuing and boarding on each side, particularly during peak periods (school holidays, Lebaran, Chinese New Year). Total journey time from arriving at Padangbai port to departing Lembar is realistically 6–7 hours.
Ferries depart 24 hours a day, roughly every 60–90 minutes. There is no fixed timetable — departures happen when a vessel is full and ready. Night crossings are generally faster to board (less traffic waiting) but offer no scenery.
Fares
| Ticket Type | Approximate Price (2026) |
|---|---|
| Adult foot passenger | IDR 50,000–60,000 |
| Child (under 5) | Free |
| Motorcycle | IDR 200,000–250,000 |
| Car (under 5 metres) | IDR 600,000–850,000 |
| Bus/truck | Higher rate, pay at port |
Foot passengers pay at the ASDP ticket window on the right as you enter the port. Do not buy from touts outside the gate — the port windows are clearly marked and the official price is fixed.
On the Ferry
The standard ASDP ferries have covered passenger decks with plastic benches, a small canteen selling nasi bungkus, instant noodles and drinks, and basic toilet facilities. There is no air conditioning on most vessels — bring water, a light layer for the sea breeze and something to do. The upper deck often has open seating with views.
During rough weather (particularly December–February) the Lombok Strait can be choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, sit on the lower deck midship where movement is least felt, and take medication before boarding.
Getting to Padangbai
- From Kuta/Seminyak: 90–100 minutes by car (57 km via bypass road)
- From Ubud: 60–75 minutes (36 km)
- From Sanur: 60 minutes (47 km)
- By Grab/Gojek: Available from most of south Bali; budget IDR 200,000–280,000 from Kuta
- By bus: Perama Tour runs scheduled buses from Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud and Sanur to Padangbai — fares around IDR 75,000–100,000 per person, departing early morning
Getting from Lembar to Mataram/Senggigi
Lembar port is on the western coast of Lombok, 22 km from Mataram (the provincial capital) and 30 km from Senggigi. Public bemos run from the port to the Mandalika bus terminal in Mataram, from where onward connections are available. Taxis and apps (Grab operates in Lombok) are more comfortable — expect IDR 80,000–120,000 to Mataram and IDR 120,000–160,000 to Senggigi.
Option 2: Fast Boats
What They Are
Fast boat services (also called speedboats or express boats) use fibreglass speedboats carrying 30–60 passengers. They are marketed as a direct, faster option — particularly useful if your destination is the Gili Islands, since the car ferry arrives at Lembar (southwest Lombok) and requires a separate 1.5-hour drive plus boat to reach the Gilis.
Most fast boats operate from Padangbai or Serangan (southern Bali), with some services from Sanur.
Journey Times
| Route | Time |
|---|---|
| Padangbai → Gili Trawangan | 90–120 minutes |
| Padangbai → Gili Meno | 90–120 minutes |
| Padangbai → Gili Air | 90 minutes |
| Padangbai → Teluk Nara (Lombok) | 90 minutes |
| Serangan → Gili Trawangan | 90–120 minutes (via Nusa Lembongan stop) |
Times vary by sea conditions and the number of stops. A “direct” Gili boat from Padangbai should take 90 minutes; boats that stop at multiple Gilis or at Nusa Lembongan on the way add 30–60 minutes.
Fares
| Route | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Padangbai → Gili Islands | IDR 250,000–450,000 |
| Serangan → Gili Islands | IDR 300,000–500,000 |
| Bali → Lombok mainland | IDR 350,000–600,000 |
Prices vary significantly between operators and booking platforms. Buying direct from the operator at the port is sometimes cheaper than booking through a travel agent on Kuta main strip, but the convenience of a confirmed seat (particularly in peak season) often justifies paying slightly more via a booking site.
Operators
Several established fast boat companies operate this route:
Gili Getaway — One of the most reputable operators, with regular departures from Padangbai and transparent safety standards. Online booking available. Prices from approximately IDR 350,000.
Bluewater Express — Operates from Serangan harbour in south Bali, with transfers included from south Bali hotels. Slightly more expensive but convenient for travellers staying in Kuta or Seminyak.
Scoot Fast Cruises — Operates the Bali–Nusa Lembongan–Gili–Lombok route. Good option if you want to combine the crossing with a Nusa Lembongan stop.
D’Camel — Budget option from Padangbai, popular with independent backpackers. Prices from IDR 250,000.
Safety Considerations
Fast boats in Indonesia have had incidents. The following steps reduce risk significantly:
- Choose operators with modern enclosed fibreglass boats (not wooden hulls)
- Check that life jackets are accessible and in good condition before departure
- Avoid booking the cheapest possible boat without researching the operator
- Do not travel during storm warnings — ask the operator about the weather forecast and postpone if in doubt
- Morning departures generally have calmer conditions than afternoon crossings in the wet season
The Bali to Gili Islands route is one of the busiest tourist boat routes in Indonesia and most operators are professionally run. Problems are more common on routes that are less supervised — always confirm your boat has a licensed skipper and is registered with Syahbandar (the Indonesian maritime authority).
When Fast Boats Don’t Run
In heavy weather, particularly during the wet season (November–March), fast boat operators may suspend services at short notice. If your schedule is time-sensitive, have a backup plan — the ASDP car ferry runs through most weather conditions that shut down fast boats.
Which Option to Choose?
| Car Ferry (ASDP) | Fast Boat | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | IDR 50,000–60,000 | IDR 250,000–600,000 |
| Journey time | 4–5 hrs + port time | 90 min–2.5 hrs |
| Destination | Lembar, SW Lombok | Gili Islands or Teluk Nara |
| With a vehicle | Yes | No |
| Operates in rough weather | Usually | May cancel |
| Best for | Budget travel, vehicles | Gili Islands, time saving |
Choose the car ferry if: You are travelling on a budget, taking a vehicle or motorbike, or heading to south or central Lombok (where Lembar port is an efficient arrival point).
Choose a fast boat if: Your destination is the Gili Islands (saves 1.5+ hours of driving across Lombok), you are travelling light, and you are travelling in the dry season when sea conditions are predictable.
Booking Tips
Car ferry: No advance booking needed. Arrive at Padangbai at least 30 minutes before you want to depart. If the first ferry you see is already boarding, buy a ticket and get on — you may wait up to 90 minutes for the next one if you miss it.
Fast boats: Book online at least 2–3 days ahead in July–August. Confirm your departure point before paying — some operators listed as “from Bali” actually depart from a hotel transfer point in Kuta and then drive you 90 minutes to Padangbai, adding time. Read the small print.
Hotel transfers: Most fast boat operators offer free hotel pickup from south Bali. Factor in the pickup time — if you are collecting other passengers first, your boat’s 08:00 departure time may mean a 05:30 hotel collection.
Luggage: Fast boats have limited luggage space. Large backpacks and surfboard bags typically attract an additional fee or may need to be strapped to the outside of the boat. Confirm this at booking.