Bali to Gili Trawangan 2026: Fast Boat Guide (Which Company)
There’s no bridge or flight from Bali to the Gilis, the fast boat is the way. It runs from Sanur or Serangan (south Bali) to Gili Trawangan in about 2-3 hours. From Senggigi: Fast Ferry Transfer to Padang Bai between Bali, Nusa Penida, and the Gilis starts at €24.04. The route is simple but the booking has a few gotchas: which port, which operator, and whether to book the direct boat or the fly-then-boat alternative.
For most, the direct fast boat wins on simplicity, it docks on Gili T beach with no extra transfer. This guide covers the route, the companies, and the cost math so you book the right boat instead of the first listing you see.
Here is the math. Prices verified: July 13, 2026.
At a glance
No bridge or flight; the fast boat runs Sanur/Serangan to Gili T in 2-3 hours. GYG’s fast ferry starts at €24.04 one way. The direct boat docks on Gili T beach, no extra transfer. The fly-to-Lombok alternative adds a flight, a transfer, and a second boat, more moving parts for little time saved unless you’re already near that flight.
| Leg | Mode | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bali to Gili T | Fast boat | 2-3 hrs |
| Bali to Lombok + boat | Flight + transfer + boat | 3-4 hrs total |
The route
| Leg | Mode | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bali (Sanur/Serangan) to Gili T | Fast boat | 2-3 hrs |
| Bali to Lombok flight + boat | Flight + transfer + boat | 3-4 hrs total |
The direct boat is 2-3 hours and lands on Gili T’s beach, a car-free island where you walk or take a cidomo (horse cart). The fly-then-boat alternative means a flight to Lombok, a transfer, then a second boat, more moving parts for little time saved unless you’re already near that flight.
Sanur is the common tourist departure; Serangan is the alternative. Pick based on your Bali base, Ubud and Seminyak are both a transfer away. The boat docks at Gili Trawangan’s beach, so once you’re there the only cost is food and a snorkel trip.
Verdict: Direct fast boat from Sanur, the standard call.
On the Gilis
| Activity | GYG price |
|---|---|
| Gili snorkel & lunch | from €24.04 |
| What’s free | Beach, walk, cidomo ride |
Gili T is car-free, walk or cidomo (horse cart). The From Senggigi: Fast Ferry Transfer to Padang Bai from €24.04 are the headline, book after arrival. The islands are small, so once you’re there the only cost is food and a snorkel trip.
The boat is the only way across, so book it ahead in high season, the boats fill up. Once on Gili T, the pace drops to zero, which is the whole point of the detour from Bali.
Verdict: Book the direct boat ahead, snorkel on arrival.
Who should skip this
- Fly-to-Lombok unless already there: adds a transfer and a second boat.
- Last-minute in peak season: boats fill, book ahead.
- Overpriced private charters: the shared fast boat is the standard, cheap play.
How to book (and common mistakes)
Book the From Senggigi: Fast Ferry Transfer to Padang Bai on GYG ahead in high season; pick Sanur or Serangan based on your Bali base. On Gili T, walk or take a cidomo, and book the snorkel trip after arrival. The boat is the only crossing, so lock it in early.
Final thoughts
€24.04 and up, direct boat, done. The Bali on a budget guide covers the daily cost; the Bali eSIM covers island data.
Prices verified as of July 13, 2026. Confirm on the provider page before buying.
Pro tips (the stuff that saves you money)
- No bridge or flight, the fast boat is the only way, 2-3 hours from Sanur/Serangan.
- GYG’s fast ferry starts at €24.04, book ahead in high season, boats fill up.
- Sanur is the common departure, Serangan the alternative, pick on your Bali base.
- Gili T is car-free, walk or cidomo, the snorkel trip (from €24.04) is the headline.
The direct fast boat docks on Gili T beach with no extra transfer, which is why it wins over the fly-to-Lombok alternative for most. The guide covers the daily cost, the guide covers island data, and the guide covers the activities on the Bali side.
The bottom line for budget travelers
The Bali to Gili crossing has no bridge and no flight, so the fast boat is the only way, and the direct boat is the right one for most. It runs 2-3 hours from Sanur or Serangan and docks on Gili Trawangan’s beach, a car-free island where you walk or take a cidomo, with no extra transfer. The fly-to-Lombok alternative adds a flight, a transfer, and a second boat, more moving parts for little time saved unless you’re already near that flight. GYG’s fast ferry starts at €24.04, and you should book ahead in high season because the boats fill up. Once on Gili T, the only real cost is food and a snorkel trip, so the crossing is the main expense and the island itself is cheap.
Book these while you’re there
Bali: Fast-Boat Transfer between Sanur and Nusa Penida
Bali: Nusa Penida Tour with Lunch & Manta Point Snorkeling
#bali#gili#fast boat#transportation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Bali to Gili Trawangan?
By fast boat from Sanur or Serangan (south Bali) to the Gilis, about 2-3 hours. GYG lists the fast ferry between Bali, Nusa Penida, and the Gilis from €24.04. There's no bridge or flight, the boat is the way.
How much is the Bali to Gili fast boat?
Roughly €24 and up one way, depending on the port and operator. Book ahead in high season, the boats fill up.
Which port should I leave from?
Sanur is the common tourist departure; Serangan is the alternative. Pick based on your Bali base, Ubud/Seminyak are both a transfer away. The boat docks at Gili Trawangan's beach.
Is the fast boat worth it vs flying to Lombok?
The boat is direct to the island; flying means Bali to Lombok, then a transfer and a shorter boat to the Gilis. The direct fast boat is simpler for most, the fly-plus-boat only saves time if you're already near the Lombok flight.