How To Get From Lombok Airport To Gili Air
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Landing at Lombok Airport and wondering how to get to Gili Air? You’re not alone. The journey is fairly straightforward, but between drivers, taxis, and boats, it can feel confusing if it’s your first time in Lombok.
I actually live in Gili Air and have been doing this trip regularly for the past year. I’ve tried all the routes, compared prices, and yes, I have also been overcharged a few times so you do not have to make the same mistakes.
My personal favourite way to do this journey is booking a private transfer from Lombok Airport to Bangsal Harbour and then taking a speedboat to Gili Air.
It’s by far the easiest and smoothest option after a long flight. If I am travelling light with just a backpack, I sometimes take the public boat instead because it is much cheaper and still fairly comfortable.
In this guide, I will show you exactly how to get from Lombok Airport to Gili Air step by step.
You will learn the fastest routes, the cheapest options, how long the journey takes, and which option makes the most sense depending on your luggage, budget, and arrival time.
Distance and Travel Time From Lombok Airport to Gili Air
Lombok International Airport (LOP) is located in the south of Lombok, while the Gili Islands are in the northwest.
To reach Gili Air, you first need to travel by land to Bangsal Harbour, which is the main departure point for boats to the Gili Islands. From there, you will take a speedboat or public boat to Gili Air.
In total, the journey usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and the waiting time at the harbour.
I always allow a half-day, especially if I’m planning on taking the public boat. I will explain this later but the boat leaves when it reaches a specific number of tickets, so sometimes there is a long wait!
Quickest Options To Get To Gili Air
| Transport | Cost | Best For | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer + boat | From IDR 450k | Most convenient |
👉
Reserve transfer
👉 Get boat tickets |
| Scooter + boat | From IDR 200k | Light luggage |
👉
Rent scooter
👉 Get boat tickets |
| Car + boat | From IDR 400k | Explore Lombok before Gili Air |
👉
Check cars
👉 Get boat tickets |
Step 1: Lombok Airport → Bangsal Harbour
As shown in the table above, to reach Bangsal Harbour from Lombok Airport, you have three main options:
#1 Book Your Driver In advance: My Favourite Way To Get To The Harbour
If you want the easiest option, booking a private transfer from Lombok Airport to Bangsal Harbour is the most straightforward solution.
➡️ I use Klook.com to reserve a car with a driver. It’s affordable and reliable. As a solo traveller, I love having someone waiting for me at the airport!
With this option, a driver meets you at arrivals and takes you directly to Bangsal Harbour. Once you arrive, you can take the public boat or a speedboat to Gili Air (more on this later!).
Prices for a private transfer to Bangsal Harbour usually start around IDR 350,000 to IDR 450,000, depending on the type of car and number of passengers.
The speedboat from Bangsal Harbour to Gili Air typically costs IDR 85,000 to IDR 150,000.
Booking in advance can be reassuring, especially if you arrive late in the evening or if you are travelling alone.
➡️ Check cars’ availability and latest prices on Klook.com.
Alternatives:
You can also call Grab or take a regular taxi when you arrive. However, I often get to Lombok late at night and super tired. I just want someone to wait there for me.
The price difference is very thin, if not nonexistent, so I would rather book the driver in advance!
#2 Scooter Rental: If You’re Travelling Light
If you are travelling with a small suitcase and backpack and feel comfortable driving in Indonesia, renting a scooter is another option.
People here would travel with a carry-on placed sideways in front of the driver and then the backpack could go in the storage area under the seat or on top of the carry-on secured by the handlebar.
Scooter rentals are available near Lombok Airport and across the island. You can drive from the airport to Bangsal Harbour and then leave the scooter at a rental office near the harbour before taking the boat to Gili Air.
Prices usually start around IDR 80,000 to IDR 120,000 per day depending on the scooter. If you want to travel comfortably alone or with another person, I suggest N Max. Otherwise any Honda Scoopy or Honda Vario would do!
The drive to Bangsal Harbour takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
➡️ Check Out Scooter Rental Prices on BikAgo. This is the n.1 website for scooter rentals in Indonesia. It’s super reliable and affordable!
Best route to take
Once you get to Mataram, there are 2 main ways to get to Bangsal.
One is through the monkey forest and the other one is through Senggigi. If you’re not an experienced rider, go for the Senggigi route which is by the coast (see blue route). The views are beautiful and it’s quite relaxing.
The monkey forest route (in orange) comes with a lot of curves and during the rainy season, there are landslides on the way too, so not the safest.
It’s nice to see the monkeys and there are lovely views but only go through it if you feel confident. This is the shortest route but you really have to be careful!
Don’t forget to get your health insurance! ➡️ I use Safety Wing and it also covers scooter accidents.Better be safe than sorry!
Road conditions in Lombok
Roads in Lombok are in a really good state compared to Bali. There are rarely holes and they are very well looked after. If you decide to rent a scooter, roads are nothing to be worried about!
#3 Car Rental If You Want To Stop On The Way And Have AC!
If you are planning to explore Lombok before or after visiting the Gili Islands, renting a car might be a good option.
Car rentals are easily available at Lombok Airport and throughout the island. You can drive to Bangsal Harbour, park nearby, and then take the boat to Gili Air.
In terms of pricing, car rentals in Lombok typically start around IDR 300,000 per day, although prices vary depending on the type of car and time of the year.
➡️ The easiest place to reserve a car in advance is Traveloka. Simply choose Lombok Airport as your pick-up point and select your travel dates.
There are also several rental desks at Lombok Airport, although availability can vary.
Step 2: Bangsal Harbour → Gili Air
From Bangsal Harbour, you have three options to reach the Gili Islands:
| Boat | Price | Best For | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat | IDR 85k to 150k | Fastest option | 👉 Check schedule |
| Public boat | IDR 20k to 25k | Cheapest option | Buy at harbour |
| Private boat | IDR 500k to 700k | Late arrivals | 👉 See option |
let me explain one by one 🙂
#1 Speedboat: The Most Comfortable Option!
Speedboats leave more frequently and are fast. Prices usually range between IDR 85,000 and IDR 150,000 depending on the operator.
The boat ride from Bangsal Harbour to Gili Air usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
I recommend booking in advance especially if you are visiting during high season (starting from June) ➡️ Check schedule on 12Go. This is how I book all my boats in Indonesia. The website is easy to use and 100% reliable!
#2 Public Boat
This is the cheapest option and costs around IDR 20,000 to IDR 25,000. The boats run regularly throughout the day but may require waiting until enough passengers arrive (often that number can be 30).
The public boat is great and fast, there isn’t really any difference compared to the speedboat in terms of speed. However, there is something you need to know.
The public boat takes off from the beach (same thing in Gili Air) so you have to go in the water for just a few meters. So bring some flip flops or take off your shoes. Also, don’t take a public boat if you have a suitcase because it will get wet.
Another thing to consider is that public boats carry other things too. Ice, fish, parcels and so on. All these things are placed in the middle of the boat and you only have enough space to sit down, I doubt you can fit your suitcase!
One last thing to know: the last public boat is around 5PM so go there maybe 20 minutes before just to make sure you have the ticket.
#3 Private Boat
During the rainy season, there might be days when the sea looks too dangerous for speedboats and public boats. Or you just arrived late and missed the last boat. I’ve been there and trust me it’s not cheap!
You will have to take a small private boat. A good price is IDR 500,000 max, but obviously, I’ve been scammed and paid IDR 700,000 and more before!
To get one, go straight to Bangsal Harbour and ask for private boat, they will find you one in no time but make sure it’s good price and you are the only one on the boat (you are not carrying others for free!).
➡️ Alternatively you can book one in advance here, a bit pricey but it’s the same boat, so if you click the link you can have an idea and what the boat looks like. It’s small but it’s a good ride, I enjoy it!
If You Are Tired, Stay The Night In Kuta!
I do this A LOT! When I get to Lombok I normally come from really far away and sometimes I don’t feel like I want to go on a long drive.
➡️ What I do is I stay at the Secret Spot Surf And Stay in Kuta. It’s super affordable and lovely! I paid $12 per night with DELICIOUS breakfast included. There is also filtered water available for free and the communal space is beautifully decorated.
At this accommodation, I always meet other travellers over breakfast and have good chats!
➡️ From there, I book a taxi on GetYourGuide or the receptionist would book one for me.
FAQs On Logistics
No, there is no direct boat from Lombok Airport to Gili Air. You first need to travel by road to Bangsal Harbour in the north of Lombok. From there, you can take a public boat or a speedboat to Gili Air.
Public boats from Bangsal Harbour to Gili Air usually run until around 5 PM, although the exact timing can vary slightly depending on the day and sea conditions. If you arrive in Lombok late in the afternoon, it is best to head to Bangsal Harbour as soon as possible so you do not miss the last boat.
If your flight lands late in the day and you miss the last boat from Bangsal Harbour, you may need to stay overnight in Lombok and travel to Gili Air the following morning. Unless you take the private boat, which is a bit pricey!
Most boats to Gili Air depart from Bangsal Harbour, which is the main harbour for the Gili Islands.
Some private speedboats also leave from Teluk Nare Harbour, located a few minutes away by car, and this is sometimes used for private transfers.
Getting from Lombok Airport to Gili Trawangan works almost the same way as reaching Gili Air.
First, you travel by road from Lombok International Airport to Bangsal Harbour in the north of Lombok. From there, you take a boat to Gili Trawangan.
The drive usually takes around 2 hours, and the boat ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the type of boat.
Most travellers choose a private transfer to Bangsal Harbour and then continue by speedboat to the island.
The public boat only goes to Gili Air and from there you can take another public boat going to Gili T. However, if you take the speedboat it’s easier and it’s not that expensive anyway!
Last thoughts: Do This Once Arrived In Gili Air
Gili Air is TINY! You can walk it from north to south and west to east in under 30 minutes. Please don’t take the horse carts; the horses are not treated well. You can easily walk to your accommodation.
Electric scooters are illegal for tourists to rent; however, no one knows that so tourists rent them anyway. Nobody would check, but you really don’t need a scooter. I suggest renting a bike or just walking. Ideally, electric scooters should be for business owners only.
When renting the bike, remember to keep left and check that the brakes are working; they should be IDR 100k per day.
If you will be travelling to Bali too, check out this Bali and Gilis itinerary!
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
Related Blog Posts
17 Best Things To Do In Gili Air (2026 Guide + Local Tips)
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Where To Stay in Gili Air: My Honest Guide After Living On The Island
Top 6 Things To Do In Kuta, Lombok Without Driving
2 Weeks in Bali and the Gili Islands: Full Itinerary + Travel Tips
Best Snorkeling Trips from Gili Trawangan: Top Tours and Spots to Explore
11 Things To Do In Gili Trawangan And Travel Guide For 2026
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