Transport guide · How to get from Gili Trawangan to Gili Air
Gili Trawangan to Gili Air is a 10–15 minute public boat ride for 25,000 IDR. Boats depart three times a day (roughly 9am, 11:30am, 2:30pm) from the Gili T harbor. Private speedboat charters run 500,000 IDR for small groups. The public boat is adequate for any traveler; private only matters if you have a schedule the public runs can't meet.
| Method | Time | Cost | Comfort | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public island-hopping boat | 10–15 minutes | 25,000 IDR per person | 3 scheduled departures daily | Almost everyone — the standard inter-Gili option | |
| Private speedboat charter | 5 minutes | 400,000–600,000 IDR for up to 6 people | On demand | Groups with tight schedules |
10–15 minutes · 25,000 IDR per person
Tip: The schedule is Gili-time approximate. Show up 15 minutes early and confirm the boat hasn't departed or been delayed. Return boats operate on the same schedule in reverse.
5 minutes · 400,000–600,000 IDR for up to 6 people
Tip: Only worth it if you're missing a public boat and have an urgent onward connection.
Take the public island-hopping boat for 25,000 IDR. This is the standard and correct way to move between Gilis, and the experience (short, breezy, shared with other travelers) is part of the Gili vacation vibe. Only charter a private boat if you're actively missing a public departure.
# Gili Trawangan to Gili Air: The 15-Minute Hop
Moving between the Gili islands is the easiest travel you'll do in Lombok. The three islands sit within a 3 km triangle, and public outrigger boats crisscross between them on a loose schedule throughout the day. A single ride is 25,000 IDR and takes 10–15 minutes.
The Gili public boats run on a published schedule of roughly 9am, 11:30am, and 2:30pm departures in each direction. In practice this schedule is "Gili-time approximate" — boats leave when they leave, which is usually within 20 minutes of the scheduled time. Show up early, ask the kiosk staff for the latest plan, and expect some waiting.
A common Gili T routine includes at least one day trip to Gili Air for a change of pace — slower, quieter, better shore snorkeling, fewer parties. Leave Gili T on the 9am boat, explore and snorkel Gili Air all day, return on the 2:30pm or a later boat. Total boat cost: 50,000 IDR round-trip.
Don't miss the last return boat (roughly 4–5pm, varies seasonally). If you do miss it, you're chartering a private boat at 400,000+ IDR or finding someone to share with. Save the public boat schedule in your phone before leaving Gili T.