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Travelling between Bali and Lombok is one of the most popular journeys in Indonesia. Many travellers choose to combine both islands in one trip, making the most of Bali’s friendly culture and exciting nightlife before heading to Lombok for peaceful beaches, fewer tourists and authentic island life.

There are several ways to get from Bali to Lombok, by public ferry, fast boat, or a short domestic flight. Each option has its advantages depending on your budget, travel style and schedule. In this detailed guide, we break down ferry prices, travel times, routes and top tips, helping you plan a smooth and enjoyable journey across the Lombok Strait.

How to Use This Guide

Use the contents table above to jump straight to the section you’re most interested in. This guide breaks down all the ways to travel from Bali to Lombok, including public ferries, fast boats and flights, with detailed information on routes, prices, travel times and tips to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Whether you’re looking for the cheapest way to cross, the fastest route, or want to travel with a vehicle, this guide will help you choose the best option for your Bali to Lombok trip.

Travel Options from Bali to Lombok

When we travelled from Bali to Lombok via the public ferry, we found good reliable information hard to come by. This guide is built on our experience of travelling from Bali to Lombok. There are three main ways to travel from Bali to Lombok:

Public Ferry (Slow Ferry) – the cheapest option, great for travellers on a budget or those travelling with vehicles.
Fast Boat – the most popular choice for tourists, faster and more comfortable than the public ferry.
Domestic Flight – the quickest but typically more expensive, ideal if seas are rough.

We recommend using either of the ferry options unless you are really short on time or suffer from travel sickness. We found the public ferry to be a great way to experience how locals travel between the islands. It is also far more affordable than the fast boat or flying, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travellers.

The public ferry is the only option that allows you to bring a vehicle across, so if you already have a motorbike or car in Bali, you can easily take it with you to Lombok, which is a big bonus for those planning to explore independently once they arrive.

Read our Lombok vs Bali guide

💡 TOP TIP | If you are travelling during peak season (June to September or around Christmas), book your ferry or fast boat tickets a few days in advance. Boats can fill up quickly, especially the morning departures, and booking early helps you avoid long waits at the port.

Option	Price (per person)	Time	Best for
Public Ferry	75,000 IDR (£5)	4–5 hours	Budget travellers, vehicles
Fast Boat	500,000 IDR (£25)	1.5–2.5 hours	Tourists, quickest option by sea
Flight	1,200,000 IDR (£50)	40 minutes (plus transfers)	Travellers short on time, avoid seasickness

Bali to Lombok Public Ferry

The public ferry is the most budget-friendly way to travel from Bali to Lombok. Ferries depart from Padangbai Port in East Bali and arrive at Lembar Port in West Lombok.

Travel time: 4–5 hours (can be longer depending on conditions)
Price: 75,000 IDR (around £5) per person
Departures: 24 hours a day, roughly every hour
Vehicle transport: Yes, scooters, motorbikes and cars can be taken onboard for an extra fee
Buy your tickets from the official ticket booth at the Padangbai Port
people will offer you ‘official tickets’ at a higher price than the official ticket booth

The public ferry is ideal for travellers looking to save money or those who need to travel with a motorbike or car. However, be aware that departures and arrivals can sometimes be delayed, and ferries can get busy. There are basic facilities on board, but don’t expect luxury. Depending on the ferry, the amenities are usually fine for the journey, and there is often plenty of seating available.

It can get hot on board, and at times the ferry can feel like a furnace. We have crossed when the air conditioning was working and when it was not, and without AC, it can get very warm. In that case, sitting outside is the best option to stay comfortable.

Refreshments are available on most ferries, although the quality and size of the snack bar vary depending on the vessel. Before departure, local vendors often walk around selling snacks and drinks. We recommend bringing your own water, snacks, and plenty of patience. It’s also a good idea to travel earlier in the day to avoid arriving in Lombok late at night.

Read our when to visit Lombok guide

Port	Island	Use
Padangbai	Bali	Main departure point for public ferries and fast boats
Serangan / Sanur	Bali	Alternative departure ports for some fast boats
Lembar	Lombok	Public ferry arrival port
Bangsal	Lombok	Fast boat arrivals, closest to the Gili Islands
Senggigi	Lombok	Some fast boats arrive here, convenient for West Lombok

💡 TOP TIP | Try to catch a morning ferry from Padangbai to avoid the midday heat and the busiest travel times. Arriving in Lombok before dark makes it much easier to arrange onward transport or find your accommodation. Bring a refillable water bottle and light snacks, as onboard options can be limited depending on the ferry.

Bali to Lombok Fast Boat

For most travellers, the fast boat is the best balance between price and travel time. Fast boats are designed for passengers only (no vehicles) and operate several daily services between Bali and Lombok.

Travel time: 1.5–2.5 hours depending on departure point and sea conditions
Price: 500,000 IDR (£25) per person
Main routes:
- Padangbai (Bali) → Bangsal (Lombok) – the most common route
- Serangan / Sanur (Bali) → Bangsal / Senggigi (Lombok) – longer journey but convenient for some areas

Fast boats are much quicker than the public ferry and generally more comfortable (unless the crossing is rough). Many companies offer hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to get to the port depending on the area you are staying in. Seas can be rough during the wet season, so if you’re prone to seasickness, consider travelling in the morning when conditions are usually calmer.

Read our Lombok travel guide

💡 TOP TIP | Book your fast boat tickets in advance online, especially during peak season, as popular departure times can sell out quickly. Morning departures usually offer calmer seas and smoother crossings, while afternoon trips can be choppier.

Recommended Fast Boat Companies

Eka Jaya Fast Boat | large, stable vessels with daily departures from Padangbai

BlueWater Express | reliable service with hotel transfers available
Gili Getaway | smaller boats with great customer service, ideal for reaching the Gilis

Our recommendation is Eka Jaya Fast Boats. These larger vessels are more reliable and stable in rougher sea conditions, making them a great choice for comfort and safety. The company adheres to international safety standards, which is reflected in its strong safety record and professional service.

With the limited space on the fast boats, luggage is often stored on the roof, so take this into consideration depending on the weather.

💡 TOP TIP | Always book through reputable companies and avoid offers that seem too good to be true. Cheaper, unlicensed boats often have safety issues or unreliable schedules.

Flying from Bali to Lombok

If you prefer to skip the sea crossing entirely, domestic flights operate daily between Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali and Lombok International Airport (LOP).

Flight time: 30–40 minutes
Price: 1,100,000 IDR (one way from £50), depending on the season and airline
Airlines: Lion Air, Wings Air and Garuda Indonesia

Flights are ideal if you’re short on time or travelling during periods of rough seas. However, once you land in Lombok, you’ll need to arrange transport to your final destination, as the airport is inland.

💡 TOP TIP | Skip the boat and fly 30–40 mins from Bali to Lombok. Fast and reliable, but the airport is inland, so plan transport ahead.

FAQs

The journey from Bali to Lombok is simple, and with several options available you can choose the one that best fits your budget and travel style. The fast boat is the most popular choice for tourists, while the public ferry remains unbeatable for budget and those travelling with vehicles. If time is tight, a short flight is the quickest way across.

Whichever option you choose, combining Bali and Lombok’s in the same journey well worth it.

Is the ferry from Bali to Lombok safe?
Yes, both the public ferry and reputable fast boat operators are generally safe. Always check sea conditions before travelling.

Can I take a motorbike or car on the ferry?
Yes, the public ferry allows vehicles for an additional fee. Fast boats are for passengers only.

How long is the Bali to Lombok crossing?
Fast boats take around 1.5–2.5 hours, while the public ferry takes 4–5 hours.

What is the cheapest way to get from Bali to Lombok?
The public ferry from Padangbai to Lembar is the cheapest option at around £5.