Lombok, the island next to Bali, is it's more quiet neighbor known for its beautiful beaches, green landscapes, and calm vibe. While Bali is often busy with tourists, Lombok offers a more relaxed experience, making it a great destination for digital nomads and travelers. People often refer to it as “Bali, how it was 10 years ago”.
Whether you want to hike Mount Rinjani or enjoy the beaches of Kuta Lombok, getting from Bali to Lombok is easy and worth the trip. In this guide, I'll show you the best ways to travel from Bali to Lombok, including fast boats, ferries, and flights, with all the details you need for a smooth journey.
If you are planning to visit the one of the Gili Islands instead of Lombok mainland, you will find all the information you need in this post.
General Tips for Traveling to Lombok
- Be flexible: Times and prices listed below are rough estimates and subject to change. My personal experience is that boats never leave and arrive on time, so make sure to be flexible with what you’re planning for the rest of the day.
- Leave early: Start your journey early to avoid traffic and long lines at the harbors. Especially for your car journey on Bali, plan at least 30-45 minutes as a buffer in case you get stuck in heavy traffic.
- Pack light: Boats have baggage limits, so take only what you need. Make sure to pack your valuable items like laptops in your hand luggage to keep it safe from breaking
- Book in advance: To get the best prices and avoid last-minute problems, book your tickets in advance through reliable sites like 12go.asia.
- Check the weather: Weather can affect boat schedules, so keep an eye on the forecast.
- Bring cash: Some harbors charge a small fee called harbor tax (usually around 10k IDR per person).
- Don’t let taxi drivers pressure you: There is no Grab or Gojek on Lombok so you have to take local taxis. Taxi drivers can be very pushy and intimidating when you arrive at the harbour. Don’t let them pressure you. To get to Kuta Lombok, a good price is roughly 400k IDR.
From Bali to Lombok by Fast Boat or Public Ferry
Padang Bai to Lombok
Padang Bai to Lombok is the most common route travelers take to get to Bali’s neigbor island. Most ferries will arrive in Bangsal harbor but be sure to double check as occasionally a boat might go to Senggigi harbor which is located a bit more south west down the coast of Bangsal.
Location: East Bali
Getting to Padang Bai: 53 km from Kuta, 51 km from Canggu, 37 km from Ubud
Option 1: Fast Boat or Speed Boat to Lombok
This is the option most tourists and travelers choose since it’s quick and easy. The speed boats to Lombok usually have seating options inside the boat or upstairs on the deck.
Fast Boat Duration: Between 2h to 5h, depending on stops along the way.
Departure times: Regularly from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: 250k IDR to 760k IDR (15 USD - 47 USD) depending on boat company and timing.
Buying a ticket: You can buy tickets online on 12go.asia or at the counter at the harbor. I recommend buying them beforehand, as harbor prices are usually higher.
Option 2: Public Ferry
Public or local ferries usually take way longer than the fast boats but are a great way to save some money on ticket prices. Another reason to choose public ferry over fast boat is the fact that you can take your scooter with you.
Public Ferry Duration: Between 3h 30min to 6h, depending on weather conditions.
Departure Times: There are no fixed departure times for the public ferries, however there will be a ferry departing every hour, 24h per day.
Price: Passenger tickets are 62k IDR (3.80 USD). Scooter tickets start from 160k IDR (10 USD) depending on the size of the bike. They usually include the driver and a passenger. This website offers a good price overview for different vehicles.
Buying a Ticket: There is no option for online tickets available. Tickets can be bought directly on the counter at the harbour on a first come first serve basis.
Serangan to Lombok
All fast boats from Serangan to Lombok will take you to Lomboks main harbor in Bangsal. From here you can take a taxi to get to your final destination, be it Kuta Lombok, Senggigi or the Rinjani volcano in the north.
Location: South Bali
Getting to Serangan: 10 km from Kuta, 20 km from Canggu, 30 km from Ubud
Fast Boat Duration: 2h 45min to 5h 45min depending on route and weather.
Departure times: Regular departures between 8:00 am and 13:30 pm.
Price: Between Typically 620k IDR (38 USD) to 825k IDR (51 USD). Prices might differ depending on the season.
Buying a ticket: For the best rate comparison check 12go.asia. Alternatively you can buy last minute tickets at the harbor, however these would tend to be more expensive.
Good to know: Serangan is a convenient departure point for travelers staying in Kuta or Seminyak. Because there are fewer ferries leaving from Serangan compared to other harbors, the boats can fill up fast. It's a good idea to book your tickets early to secure your spot and avoid any last-minute hassles.
Sanur to Lombok
Location: South Bali
Getting to Sanur: 12 km from Kuta, 21 km from Canggu, 25 km from Ubud
Duration Fast Boat: 3h 30min to 5h, depending on route and weather conditions.
Departure times: Boats from Sanur only leave in the mornings, starting from 7:55 am to 9:30 am
Price: Ranges from 345k IDR (21 USD) to 615k IDR (38USD).
Buying a ticket: With only a few boats per day leaving from Sanur, I would recommend booking your tickets in advance. One of the most popular sites travelers use is 12go.asia.
Good to know: Boats from Sanur usually stop at Nusa Lembongan, hence might take longer than other trips.
Flights from Bali to Lombok
Flying from Bali to Lombok is the quickest and most convenient option, with flights taking around 40 minutes. Several airlines, including Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, and Lion Air, operate multiple daily flights.
Departure Point: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), Bali.
Arrival Point: Lombok International Airport (LOP), Lombok.
Flight Duration: About 40 minutes.
Price: Typically 1mil IDR (65 USD) to 1.7mil IDR (105 USD), depending on season and booking time.
Buying a Ticket: You can buy tickets through 12go.asia directly or compare fares on websites like Skyscanner or Kiwi.
Good to Know: Flights are the fastest option and great for those who get seasick or have a tight schedule. From Lombok International Airport, you can easily reach various parts of the island by taxi or shuttle bus.
Traveling from Bali to Lombok is simple with several options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you choose the classic way of traveling by fast boat or a quick flight for convenience, each mode of transport offers its own benefits.
I recommend booking your tickets in advance, ensuring you get the best prices and avoid last-minute stress. As you plan your trip, remember to pack wisely, check the weather, and carry some cash for small expenses. Most importantly, stay flexible and enjoy the adventure of exploring Lombok's beautiful landscapes and rich culture.
I hope this guide has given you all the information you need to plan your journey from Bali to Lombok. Safe travels and enjoy the stunning beauty of Lombok!
For more travel tips and guides, be sure to check out our other articles on Nomadwise.io.
