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Lombok sits just east of Bali, quieter than its famous neighbour and crowned by Mount Rinjani. Flying gets you from Bali to Lombok in 1h 40m - 4h 50m. By sea, the slow ferry is the cheapest way across at $4.20 (75,000 IDR), but it will take a long time, around 4-6 hours. The fast ferry costs more at $15 (270,000 IDR).
Below you'll find each option with schedules, prices and where to board.
Distance from Bali to Lombok
Bali and Lombok are about 126 km (78 miles) apart, crossed directly by sea. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 1h 15m and 6h.
3 ways to travel from Bali to Lombok
There are three ways to travel from Bali to Lombok. You can choose between the ferry, slow ferry, and flight. The journey takes 1h 15m–4h and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by slow ferry with tickets starting at $4.20 (75,000 IDR).
Slow FerryDuration4hPricefrom$475,000 IDR
Bali to Lombok by Slow Ferry
Besides the fast ferries, there's another way to get from Bali to Lombok by sea: the slow ferry.
While it's not the fastest option, it is the cheapest. The crossing usually takes 4-6 hours, although rough seas can extend the journey to as long as 8 hours.
We only recommend the slow ferry if you're bringing a car or motorbike across to Lombok. It’s the only roll-on/roll-off vehicle ferry between the two islands. It’s also a safer bet than the fast boats when the ocean gets rough.
The ferry departs from Padang Bai in East Bali and docks at Lembar Port in West Lombok. From there, it’s about 1.5 hours south to Senggigi or 1.5 hours west to Kuta, Lombok.
Slow ferry schedule and prices from Bali to Lombok
Slow ferries between Bali and Lombok are available 24 hours a day. They sail every 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Ticket prices start at:
$10 (180,000 IDR) for a motorbike (including 2 people)
$66 (1,180,000 IDR) for cars
Around $4.20 (75,000 IDR) per passenger if you're not bringing a vehicle
You’ll also pay a small fee of around $0.60–$0.70 (10,000–12,000 IDR) for processing.
Where to buy tickets for the slow ferry?
The best way to get tickets for the slow ferry from Bali to Lombok is to buy them directly from the ticket booths at Padang Bai Port.
Don’t forget to bring your passport. It's required for booking, as you will be crossing the ocean to another island.
Good to know: You no longer need a separate travel card to board, just a regular ticket.
What’s the ferry like?
This really depends on the boat.
Some of the larger ferries have comfortable air-conditioned seating and even rest areas with mattresses. But on the older or smaller ferries, seating is basic, and the AC can be pretty weak.
If comfort matters to you, make sure to check out the ferry in advance. Here’s how:
Pro tips for taking the slow ferry from Bali to Lombok
Check out the Padangbai Port Service Unit on Instagram. They post updates on ferry schedules and which boats are operating.
Remember: the listed times are boarding times. For example, 00:00–01:30 means you board at midnight, but the ferry leaves at 1:30.
Once you know the ferry name, Google it to find photos, videos or reviews. It’ll give you a good idea of the boat’s condition, especially the AC and comfort levels. Some of the older ones are much slower and not exactly a breeze to ride.
Taking the slow ferry from Bali to Lombok definitely isn’t about speed. But if you’re travelling with a vehicle or just want a more local experience, then it can be a great way to cross the oceans between Bali and Lombok.
The slow ferry from Bali to Lombok departs from Padang Bai, northwest of Bali. Padang Bai is Bali’s largest port and also the only port from which the slow ferry leaves.
How to get to Padang Bai Port
Padang Bai is about a 1.5-hour drive from the most popular destinations on the west side of Bali
To get to Padang Bai Port, you have two options. You can take a minivan departing from Kuta or Ubud, or more conveniently, a taxi from your hotel.
Taxi fares to Padang Bai
You’ll find estimated taxi fares from Bali’s most popular tourist destinations to Padang Bai in the table below. If you’re travelling with others and can split the fare, taking a taxi can cost around the same as, or even less than, booking a higher-priced ticket that includes pickup.
Another advantage of a private pickup service is that you can travel straight to Padang Bai without stopping to pick up other passengers. These extra pickups can easily add an hour to your journey.
Estimated taxi fares to Padang Bai Port
Departure point | Travel time | Taxi fares* |
|---|---|---|
Canggu | 2-2.5 hours | from $23 (400,000 IDR) |
Ubud | 1.5-2 hours | from $20 (350,000 IDR) |
Kuta, Seminyak | 1.5-2 hours | from $18 (320,000 IDR) |
Uluwatu | 2.5-3 hours | from $31 (550,000 IDR) |
*Taxi fares are based on Grab. Note that there are some areas in Bali where taxi-hailing apps are not allowed. Actual taxi fares might be higher than the fares indicated above if Grab or Gojek is not available.
Minivan to Padang Bai Port
As an alternative, you can also take a shared minivan. Perama Tour & Travel and Bali Triptop operate shared minivans from some tourist hotspots in Bali to Padang Bai.
This is a good option when you're travelling solo, but it can be time-consuming. The journey can take between 2.5 and 3.5 hours.
See here the costs of the minivan tickets:
Reach out to our Community
6Hello,
Thank you for all your help! We are interested in a surf instructor, but the link for Bibi's instagram is not working. Do you know how we can contact him?
Hey Bridget,
Thanks for notifying us on that! We'll find his up-to-date contact details and update them on the website. Make sure to check back soon!
hi Maarten
We are planning to go from Sanur to Lombok in October with the fast boat.
Can you tell me which fastboat goes and what the fares are
Hey Eric, there are several fast ferry companies operating between Sanur Port to Lombok, however we recommend to travel via Padang Bai. The ferries from Sanur Port take about 5 hours, while you can reach Lombok from Padang Bay in about 2 hours. It's always more comfortable to travel 1.5 hours more by car instead of 3 hours extra by ferry.
PS: Dit antwoord is in het Engels geschreven zodat we er ook andere reizigers van andere nationaliteiten mee kunnen helpen. Je kunt Google Translate gebruiken om dit antwoord naar het Nederlands te vertalen.
Hi, I had a question about the fast boats. Are there options for bigger fast boats for pregnant women and kids? I'm concerned the smaller fast boats will be very rough.
Hi Marie, the ride with smaller fast boats from Bali to Lombok can be quite bumpy, and it's not the best option for pregnant women and children. While there are bigger fast boats, like the Eka Jaya Ferry, they don't recommend pregnant passengers to take their fast ferry. This is specified on their Terms and Conditions page (baliekajaya.com).
For a safer and more comfortable journey, consider taking a flight from Bali to Lombok (skyscanner.com) instead.
Hi Marteen and Abegail,
It is probably not a really common question but I am landing very soon in Denpasar and will be backpacking solo with my hammock. I plan to walk from Denpasar to Padang Bai and go to Lombok with a fast boast. However, I do love snorkeling and I am contemplating going through Gili to spend one or two days before hoping to Lombok. I know that sleeping in a hammock in Indonesia is not a very common practice and that Gili is quite touristy compared to Lombok so I wanted to know if you feel that I should be able to find two or three trees on Gili to set up my hammock without getting in trouble? :) Thanks. Pierre
Hello Pierre, as far as we know, there aren't specific laws or regulations that strictly prohibit sleeping in a hammock in Indonesia. However, it's important to consider the location where you want to set up your hammock. If you set up your hammock on someone else's property, you will need to ask permission. To our knowledge, there are no designated areas to set up your hammock in the Gili Islands, and I'm not sure if the locals will be happy with this.
A reminder: Always be respectful of the environment and the local community. If you want to camp or save money, it's best to book accommodation with camping facilities.
Hello,
We want to take the ferry boat to the Gili islands and to Lombok.
Can I bring my 25 kg suitcase on the boat?
Read somewhere that you can only take 10 kg of hand luggage.
What is the best way to get from Bali to Lombok?
Hi Harrie, the fast ferry is a great way to travel from Bali to Lombok. You'll avoid the long waiting times at the airport and it's also better for the environment. If you are not planning to visit the Gili Islands (geckoroutes.com) and booked a stay in Kuta Lombok, however, then it might make more sense to book a flight as Praya airport is very close to Kuta, Lombok.
Regarding the fast ferries: The boat companies usually set their luggage policies. However, based on my own experience, the staff don't really check the weight of the luggage. I regularly take my surfboard on board to different islands around Bali and it has never been a problem either. I don't think it will happen, but the worst-case scenario would be that you need to pay a little additional charge for your oversized luggage, but this is very unlikely.
PS: Dit antwoord is in het Engels geschreven zodat we er ook andere reizigers van andere nationaliteiten mee kunnen helpen. We raden aan Google Translate te gebruiken om dit antwoord naar het Nederlands te vertalen.
Hello, thanks a lot for your blog! Its really helping us in our itinerary. I do have a question, if we will be in Bali (not sure yet which part/port) and we are planning to go to Lombok and Gili Islans then head back to Bali. Which should be our arrival island and which our leaving island? to not repeat routes
Our favourite places to stay in Lombok
Lombok is a magnificent and diverse island with so much to offer. Most people visiting Lombok tend to base themselves in Kuta or Sengiggi.
Kuta — Not to be confused with Kuta in Bali, is a paradise for surfers and beach lovers. Located on the south coast it boasts a laidback and relaxing vibe that some refer to as Bali 10 years ago
Sengiggi — is a popular basecamp for visiting Mount Rinjani. Its location on the west coast of Lombok, next to the port makes it a popular destination to stay. We don’t think you should spend too much time here. Sure, it has a nice beach, plenty of restaurants and some nightlife, but you’ll find all of this in and around Kuta, but ten times better.
Check out our favourite accommodations in both of these places:
Treat YourselfRascals Hotel
Rascals Hotel is one of the most popular places to stay in Kuta and it’s easy to see why. There’s a beautiful swimming pool area fitted with sun loungers, bean bags and cabanas. Their onsite restaurant serves some of the best food in Kuta — it’s so good you won’t want to eat anywhere else. And their coffee is great!
The rooms are spacious, bright and designed with a Balinese flair. Some of the rooms even have a dreamy outdoor bathroom where you can shower under the stars. As if it couldn’t get any better, the staff are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
- Amazing swimming pool
- Beautiful and spacious rooms
- Onsite delicious restaurant and bar
- Exceptional breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 (890,000 IDR)+ per night
Mid-RangeSunset Lavinia
If you decide to stay in Senggigi, Sunset Lavinia is the place to stay. It’s a small five-room boutique hotel situated in Sengiggi that will guarantee you a comfortable stay. The size of the hotel creates an intimate atmosphere where the staff welcome you like family.
The views of the ocean and mountains are unbeatable. And they can be enjoyed from the swimming pool or your private balcony. The rooms are bright, spacious and very clean. Plus, the beds are huge! Before you leave, you have to enjoy a meal in the delicious onsite restaurant.
- Amazing staff
- Swimming pool
- Beautiful views
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms between $30-$50 (540,000-890,000 IDR) per night
BudgetCewin's Homestay
Located in Kuta, in the south of Lombok, Cewin’s Homestay offers incredible value for money, with rooms starting from $16 (285,000 IDR). The stunning Indonesia-style bungalows boast high ceilings made from bamboo and the bathrooms are decorated with stone walls, making you feel like you are in nature when you’re showering.
Here you’re located a few minutes from the main street and less than 1km from Kuta Beach. The staff here are incredibly friendly and will help you with anything you need.
- Great location
- Amazing value for money
- Spacious and clean rooms
- Awesome staff
Double rooms between $15-$30 (270,000-540,000 IDR) per night
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Lombok?
Lombok is the more serene island paradise version of its neighbour Bali. Here you'll find long, often near-deserted stretches of white sand beaches, amazing waves, beguiling waterfalls, and the majestic Mt. Rinjani — one of Indonesia’s highest volcanoes.
The South Lombok coastline is a true surfing mecca, while the main tourist hub Kuta is more peaceful than its hectic namesake in Bali. On the northern part of the island, you’ll see the heavenly Gili Islands, a group of three small islands that you can reach via a 30-minute boat ride from Lombok.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Bali to Lombok, roughly 126 kilometres (78 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $4.20 (75,000 IDR). The quickest trip takes 1h 15m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Lombok from Bali?
Is it worth going from Bali to Lombok?
What's the cheapest way to get from Bali to Lombok?
What's the fastest way to get from Bali to Lombok?
Gili Islands or Lombok?
The Gili Islands are just 30 minutes away from Lombok by ferry and we recommend exploring both if you have the time.
The Gili Islands are known for their fine beaches, clear waters and coral reefs, making them great for swimming, snorkelling and diving. If you love turtles, you will enjoy the Turtle Sanctuary at Gili Meno.
Lombok, on the other hand, is a larger island that offers a bit of everything. On top of its beaches, Lombok also has mountains, forests, and a rich culture. It's a good destination for those who want to explore beyond the beach.
Ultimately, both the Gili Islands and Lombok have a lot to offer, so consider what you want to do and see while on vacation before making a decision.
What are the best things to do in Lombok?
Where to surf in Lombok?
Like Bali, Lombok boasts of great swells, sans Bali's crowds. You can find a good surfing spot here all year round.
During the dry season (May to September), you can get the best waves at Mawi and Dessert Point. When you're visiting in the rainy season (October to April), the swells at Seger Reef and Are Guling are better.
Other popular surfing spots on the island include Ekas, Don-Don and Selong Belanak, among a few others.
How many days should I spend in Lombok?
Will I get seasick on the boat from Bali to Lombok?
Route Update History
- Updated ferry prices.
- Updated flight prices.
- New ferry operators: Wahana Virendra, Wijaya Tramena, Marina Group.
- Ferry operator no longer listed: Eka Jaya Fast Boat.
- Updated ferry departure times.
- New ferry operator: WaterJet.
- Ferry operator no longer listed: Scoot Fast Cruises.
Updated ferry prices.
Updated ferry prices.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
