Transport guide · How to get from Bali to Lombok
Bali to Lombok has three main transport options: 30-minute domestic flight DPS-LOP (700k-1.5M IDR return), fast boat from Padang Bai or Serangan to Gili Trawangan (2-3 hours, 350-600k IDR one-way), or public ferry Padang Bai-Lembar (4-5 hours, 70-110k IDR one-way). Choose based on destination: flight for Lombok mainland, fast boat for Gili Islands, ferry for vehicles or extreme budget.
| Method | Time | Cost | Comfort | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic flight DPS → LOP | 30 min flight, 3 hours total with airport time | 700,000-1,500,000 IDR return | Multiple daily on Wings, Batik, Lion, Citilink | Travelers going to Lombok mainland | |
| Fast boat from Padang Bai → Gili Trawangan | 2 hours crossing, 3-4 hours total with Bali drive | 350,000-550,000 IDR one-way | Multiple daily morning departures | Gili Islands-bound travelers | |
| Fast boat from Serangan → Gili Trawangan | 3 hours crossing, 3.5-4 hours total | 450,000-600,000 IDR one-way | Daily morning departures | South Bali-based travelers | |
| Public ferry Padang Bai → Lembar | 4-5 hours crossing, 6-7 hours total | 70,000-110,000 IDR foot passenger | Multiple daily departures | Vehicle transport, budget backpackers |
30 min flight, 3 hours total with airport time · 700,000-1,500,000 IDR return
Tip: Fastest option for Kuta Lombok, Senggigi, or Mount Rinjani destinations.
2 hours crossing, 3-4 hours total with Bali drive · 350,000-550,000 IDR one-way
Tip: Best for Gili Islands destinations — direct boat to the island.
3 hours crossing, 3.5-4 hours total · 450,000-600,000 IDR one-way
Tip: Better for south Bali bases (Sanur, Seminyak) — closer than Padang Bai.
4-5 hours crossing, 6-7 hours total · 70,000-110,000 IDR foot passenger
Tip: Cheapest but slowest. Used for vehicle transport or extreme budget travel.
Choose by destination: Domestic flight (DPS-LOP) for Kuta Lombok, Senggigi, or Mount Rinjani trips — fastest door-to-door. Fast boat (Padang Bai or Serangan) for direct Gili Trawangan access — eliminates onward transfer. Public ferry only for vehicle transport or extreme budget travel. Most tourists choose flight for mainland Lombok or fast boat for Gili Islands.
# Bali to Lombok: Every Transport Method Compared
Bali to Lombok is the most common international-feeling travel route in Indonesia, used by hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. The two islands are separated by the Lombok Strait, and three main transport methods exist: domestic flight, fast boat, or public ferry. Choosing correctly depends entirely on your destination in Lombok.
Going to Kuta Lombok (south coast)? → Fly. The 30-minute DPS-LOP flight + 30-minute drive to Kuta is dramatically faster than any boat option to Lombok mainland.
Going to Senggigi or west coast Lombok? → Fly. Same logic — flight + 75-minute drive beats boat + ground transport combinations.
Going to Mount Rinjani trekking? → Fly. Trek operators pick up from LOP airport for the 3-hour drive to Senaru.
Going to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Gili Meno? → Fast boat. You land directly on your destination island without needing onward transport.
Transporting a vehicle? → Public ferry. The only way to move cars or motorbikes between Bali and Lombok.
Hardcore budget backpacker? → Public ferry. 80,000 IDR vs 350,000 IDR fast boat saves money but costs 3+ extra hours.
Multiple daily flights between Denpasar (DPS) and Lombok International (LOP):
Flight is 30 minutes. Total journey including airport time is 3 hours. Fares run 700,000-1,500,000 IDR return depending on airline and season.
This is the right choice for any Lombok mainland destination — Kuta, Senggigi, Mataram, Rinjani.
Three reputable operators serve the Bali-Gili Trawangan route:
Departures from:
Choose departure point based on your Bali base — Padang Bai for central/east Bali, Serangan for south Bali.
This is the right choice for direct Gili Islands access — you land on the island without onward transfer.
Padang Bai to Lembar Ferry Port (south Lombok):
Used primarily for vehicle transport. For tourists, only worth it if you're transporting a vehicle, have very heavy luggage, or are on extreme budget travel.
For a typical Bali-Lombok trip (one-way, foot passenger):
| Method | Cost (one-way) | Time |
|--------|----------------|------|
| Wings Air flight | 350-750k IDR | 3 hours |
| Padang Bai fast boat | 350-550k IDR | 3-4 hours |
| Public ferry | 80-110k IDR | 6-7 hours |
Fast boat and flight are similar cost; ferry is dramatically cheaper but slower.
Most international travelers structure Indonesia trips as combined Bali + Lombok. Common patterns:
3+5 night: 3 nights Bali + 5 nights Lombok
5+7 night: 5 nights Bali + 7 nights Lombok
7+10 night: 7 nights Bali + 10 nights Lombok (the comprehensive option)
For combined trips, the standard flow:
1. Arrive at DPS airport
2. Spend Bali portion first (decompression from long flight)
3. Transfer to Lombok via flight or fast boat depending on Lombok destination
4. Lombok portion
5. Return via DPS or Lombok-Bali transfer
This combined approach justifies the long-haul travel investment by giving exposure to two distinct destinations.
1. Flying to LOP when going to the Gilis: Adds 2.5-hour onward transfer that the fast boat eliminates
2. Taking a fast boat when going to Kuta Lombok: Adds onward 2-hour drive that the flight + driver combination eliminates
3. Choosing public ferry without considering time cost: 270k IDR savings rarely worth 3+ extra hours
4. Not pre-booking fast boats: Walk-up tickets often unavailable in peak season
5. Using budget no-name operators: Safety has been a historical issue with cheaper boats