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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 62 kilometre distance from Bali to Gili Islands. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 3 ways to get from Bali to Gili Islands. You can choose between the flight, fast boat, slow boat (not recommended). The most affordable option is by flight, starting from $1. The fastest route is by fast boat (1h ).
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1h
$15
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4h 20m
$1
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$280
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The nearest airport to the Gili Islands is in Lombok. The flight from Bali to Lombok takes only 40 minutes, but this option requires several transfers to and from the airports, plus the boat ride to the Gili Islands.
First, you’ll have to take a 40-minute flight from Bali to Praya Airport in the south of Lombok. This is followed by a bus or taxi ride to the north of Lombok (Bangsal Harbour) and from there, you can take a local boat to one of the Gili Islands.
Considering that the journey from Praya Airport in the south of Lombok to Bangsal Harbour in the north takes about 2-3 hours, we recommend taking the fast boat from Padang Bai in Bali.
That single boat trip from Bali to Gili Islands will already be faster than the journey from Lombok Airport to the Gili Islands.
From our point of view, the only reason to take a flight is if you’re prone to motion sickness and don’t want to spend hours on a boat. The distance from Lombok to the Gili Islands is very short and the ocean is usually less rough than the (more open) ocean between Bali and the Gili Islands.
The total travel time of this flight option is about 4h 20m - 4h 55m, excluding boarding time. Combined rates start from $1 if you travel by public bus from the airport to the port.
The best and fastest way to travel from Bali to Gili Islands is by fast boat. Several fast boat companies operate from the main ports in Bali: Padang Bai, Sanur, Serangan, and Amed.
Depending on the port you take the fast boat from, you can get to the Gili Islands in .
Most of the fast boats head to the two busiest islands, Gili Trawangan and Gili Air and few stop at Gili Meno.
Fast boat ticket prices start from from Bali to Gili Islands.

We don’t recommend travelling to the Gili Islands by public ferry. Although there are departures almost every hour, the trip will take almost an entire day. Here’s a rundown of your journey:
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
Treat YourselfMusa Villas and Bungalows on Gili Air tick all the boxes — outdoor bathroom, gorgeous swimming pool, lush gardens and a private balcony overlooking the pool. The villas are stunning, boasting high ceilings and the traditional bamboo bungalow style with a dash of luxury.
The whole place is amazing, but the star of the show has to be the staff. They are extremely friendly and super helpful. It’s them that make your stay here super memorable. The delicious free breakfast comes in at a close second.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Koh Tao is a premier diving destination in the Gulf of Thailand, widely known as one of the most affordable places in the world to obtain your PADI certification. Beyond diving, the island offers beautiful bays, pristine beaches, stunning viewpoints, coral gardens, and abundant marine life.
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Carbon Footprint
This 62 km journey produces approximately 6 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
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Treat YourselfWant to stay in one of the best spots on Gili T? Pearl Sunset Resort is definitely up there with some of the best. The stunning swimming pool overlooks the private beach area with sun loungers and cabanas waiting for you to spend the day on.
The rooms are huge, coming with a separate seating area and a private terrace. Hopefully, you get a sea view! Sunset happens right in front of the resort, so we recommend dining at the delicious onsite restaurant or grabbing a refreshing cocktail at the bar.
Treat YourselfYou can’t beat the location of Le Pirate! Set right on the beach of Gili Meno, you’re directly in front of some of the best snorkelling spots on the island. This is where you’ll find the statues, turtles and other fascinating marine life. There’s also a private beach for you to enjoy, set up with sun loungers and hammocks.
The beach huts are relatively simple and aren’t huge, but they do provide great value for money, especially on Gili Meno. Also, who wants to spend a lot of time in their room when they have two pools to enjoy and incredible sunsets to watch from the onsite bar and restaurant?
Mid-RangeGuava Garden on Gili Trawangan feels like a luxury resort, just without the price tag. The hotel is surrounded by luscious gardens providing much-welcomed shade around the gorgeous swimming pool. It feels like you’re in an oasis.
The villas are bright, traditional with a modern touch and come with a private balcony. The highlight though has to be the outdoor bathrooms where you can shower under the stars. It’s an experience! The little touches at this place make it special, like the pool towels, welcome drink and local recommendations from the staff.
BudgetCaptain Coconuts is one of the coolest hostels on Gili Air, and maybe even one of the most unique that you’ve ever stayed in. The hostel offers both open-air dorm rooms and gorgeous private villas. You can have the social aspect of a hostel, whilst having your privacy.
The swimming pool is a great place to hang out, surrounded by sun loungers and palm leaf umbrellas. Whilst you’re there enjoy breakfast or lunch from their onsite cafe, CocoLoco. This spot is truly magical and the kind of place where you keep on extending your stay.
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