If you’re planning a trip from Bali to the Gili Islands—whether it’s the lively sunsets of Gili Trawangan, the chill island vibes of Gili Air, or the ultra-quiet escape of Gili Meno—one of the biggest questions is always the same: “How long is the fast ferry from Bali to Gili?”
The truth is, the travel time varies depending on the port you depart from, the operator you choose, and the sea conditions on the day of your trip. But don’t worry—this guide breaks everything down in a clear, technical, and SEO-friendly way so travelers can plan accurately and confidently.
Below is a full breakdown of the fast ferry duration from Bali to all three Gili Islands, based on real route distances, vessel specifications, and operator performance on the Lombok Strait.
1. Overview: Average Fast Ferry Duration Bali → Gili
In general, the fast boat trip from Bali to the Gili Islands takes:
1 hour 30 minutes – 4 hours
depending on the departure port:
- Padang Bai → Gili Islands: 1h 30m – 2h (FASTEST)
- Serangan → Gili Islands: 2h 30m – 3h
- Sanur → Gili Islands: 3h 30m – 4h (LONGEST)
Most travelers who want the quickest and most stable trip choose Padang Bai, because it’s the closest point to Lombok Strait and avoids unnecessary detours.
2. Fast Ferry Duration by Departure Port
A. Padang Bai → Gili Islands (Fastest Route)
Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours
This is the most commonly recommended route because it offers the shortest nautical distance and fastest cruise times.
Why Padang Bai Is the Fastest
- Closest Bali port to Gili (approx. 40–55 km depending on island)
- Direct route across the Lombok Strait
- Stable sea conditions except during peak monsoon
- Most of the newest aluminum fast ferries operate from here
(Ekajaya, Ganggari, Semaya Darmajaya, Golden Queen, Wahana, dll.)
Technical Specs (Average Operators)
- Engine: 1,200 – 1,800 HP (2–3 jet engines)
- Cruising Speed: 26–34 knots
- Vessel Capacity: 150–300 passengers
- Cabin: Full AC, life jackets, modern navigation system
This makes Padang Bai perfect for travelers who want the fastest and most time-efficient crossing.
B. Serangan → Gili Islands (Moderate Travel Time)
Travel Time: 2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours
Serangan is located in South Denpasar, offering a more convenient pickup location for travelers staying in:
- Kuta
- Seminyak
- Legian
- Canggu
- Nusa Dua
- Jimbaran
Why It Takes Longer
- Longer sailing distance (approx. 65–85 km)
- Boats navigate around Nusa Penida
- More exposure to open-sea waves
- Some operators make a stop at Nusa Penida or Lembongan
Still, Serangan is a great option if you don’t want to wake up early for the long car ride to Padang Bai.
C. Sanur → Gili Islands (Longest Trip)
Travel Time: 3 hours 30 minutes – 4 hours
Sanur is the furthest major port from the Gili Islands, which naturally makes the trip longer.
Reasons for the Extended Duration
- Longest nautical distance from Bali to Gili
- Boats must pass by or stop at Lembongan/Penida
- Sea conditions between Sanur → Nusa Penida can be rough
- Slower cruising speed due to open-sea exposure
Travelers staying around Sanur, Ubud (via shuttle), or Nusa Dua sometimes choose this route to avoid long car transfers.
3. What Affects the Travel Time?
Even though operators give estimated arrival times, several real-world factors can influence the duration:
1. Sea Conditions & Wave Height
The Lombok Strait is known for strong currents.
During July–August and December–January, wave height can reach 1.5–2.5 meters, causing ferries to reduce speed by 15–40%.
2. Vessel Type & Engine Power
Newer boats with triple jet engines and aluminum hulls hold their speed better compared to older fiberglass boats.
3. Number of Stops
Some ferries stop at:
- Nusa Penida
- Gili Air
- Gili Meno
before reaching Gili Trawangan.
Each stop adds 5–10 minutes to docking time.
4. Port Congestion
Padang Bai and Gili T can get busy during:
- Long weekends
- Christmas
- Eid Holidays
- July & August peak season
This sometimes causes 10–20 minutes waiting time before docking.
4. Route Comparison Table
| Departure Port | Average Duration | Notes |
| Padang Bai | 1h 30m – 2h | Fastest, most stable, ideal for all travelers |
| Serangan | 2h 30m – 3h | Convenient for South Bali areas |
| Sanur | 3h 30m – 4h | Longest route, scenic but slow |
5. Which Gili Island Is Closest to Bali?
In terms of travel time from Padang Bai:
- Gili Air – closest
- Gili Meno – middle
- Gili Trawangan – farthest
However, the difference is small: usually only 5–10 minutes between each island.
6. Final Answer: How Long Is the Fast Ferry from Bali to Gili?
Here’s the simple summary for travelers:
Fastest travel time:
Padang Bai → Gili: 1h 30m – 2h
Average travel time from other ports:
- Serangan → Gili: 2h 30m – 3h
- Sanur → Gili: 3h 30m – 4h
If speed is your priority, always pick a ferry from Padang Bai.
