How to get there
Bali to Gili Islands
Most travellers reach the Gilis by fast boat. The crossing takes roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on departure point and sea conditions, so build a buffer and avoid booking a same-day onward connection.
Our pick
Take a fast boat. Departures from the east coast (Padangbai or Amed) are shorter than those from the south near Sanur or Serangan, but the south is closer to most Bali hotels, so weigh the transfer time on land against the time at sea. Book the morning crossing: afternoon seas are rougher and a cancelled boat can cost you a day.
Your options
Fast boat
Around $35 to $60 one way as a working estimate; confirm current fares- Duration:
- 1.5 to 2.5 hours at sea, plus the road transfer to the port
- Frequency:
- Multiple daily departures, mostly morning to early afternoon
Seas are calmer in the morning. Crossings can be cancelled in bad weather, especially in the windier months, so keep the day you land flexible.
Check schedules & book →Private car to the port
Varies by distance; often bundled with the boat ticket- Duration:
- 1 to 3 hours by road to the departure point, depending on your Bali base
- Frequency:
- On demand
Factor the land transfer into your total door-to-door time, not just the boat.
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Common questions
- How long does it take to get from Bali to the Gili Islands?
- Roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours on the fast boat, plus the road transfer to the departure port. Door to door it is often a half-day, so do not schedule anything fixed for arrival day.
- How much is the fast boat from Bali to the Gilis?
- As a working estimate, around $35 to $60 one way. Prices move with season and operator, so confirm the current fare when you book.
- Which departure point is best?
- East-coast ports like Padangbai and Amed mean less time at sea; southern departures near Sanur are closer to most hotels. Trade the land transfer against the sea time for your specific base.
- Is the crossing safe?
- Reputable operators run it daily, but seas get rougher in the afternoon and in the windier months. Take a morning boat and keep arrival day flexible in case of weather cancellations.
Itineraries that use this route
See it in a full day-by-day trip you can book.
Prices and schedules are working estimates and change with season and operator. Confirm current fares and departure times before you book. Some links are affiliate links; booking through them helps fund the site at no extra cost to you.