How to Get to Gili Trawangan From Bali (June 2025 Guide)

Gili T Routes for Digital Nomads, Remote Workers & Backpackers

Planning a trip to Gili Trawangan from Bali in June 2025? You’re not alone. Gili T is one of Indonesia’s favorite island escapes for digital nomads, divers, backpackers, and sunset lovers.

There’s no airport on Gili Trawangan, so you’ll need to take  a fast boat or ferry. Below we’ll answer the most common questions to help you choose the best route based on your location, budget, and time.

In case you want to work while visiting the Gilis, make sure to check out the best cafes & coworking spaces on the Gili Islands.

What’s the easiest way to get to Gili Trawangan from Bali in June 2025?

• The most common way to get to Gili T from Bali is by fast boat. These boats leave from various harbors across Bali:
  • Padang Bai (East Bali)
  • Serangan (South Bali)
  • Sanur (South Bali, fewer direct options)

👉 See time-tables and ticket prices

Which Bali port should I leave from to get to Gili T?

Padang Bai (East Bali)

• Closest to Ubud, Amed, and Sidemen
• Travel time: ~1.5–2 hours by boat
• Cheapest and most popular option
• Many fast boats like Eka Jaya, Semaya One, and Golden Queen

Serangan (South Bali)

• Best for Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Nusa Dua
• Travel time: ~2.5–5 hours (varies by route)
• Fewer departures, slightly more expensive

Sanur (South Bali)

• Few companies operate directly from here
• Longer travel time: 3–5 hours due to transfers
• Best if you're staying in Sanur and don’t want to drive far

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How long does it take to get to Gili Trawangan from Bali?

Estimated travel time (ferry only):

• Padang Bai → Gili T: 1.5–2 hours
• Serangan → Gili T: 2.5–5 hours
• Sanur → Gili T: 3–5 hours

Don’t forget to factor in your drive to the harbor (which can take 1–2 hours depending on traffic).

How much is the ferry to Gili Trawangan from Bali?

Price range (one-way, June 2025):

• Padang Bai: $11–$30
• Serangan: $20–$40
• Sanur: $15–$35

Booking online in advance is usually cheaper than at the harbor, where prices can be $10-20 higher.

👉 Get your tickets now

Are there extra fees or taxes at the harbor?

Yes, most harbors charge a harbor tax of ~IDR 10,000 per person (~$0.65 USD), payable in cash. Bring small notes to avoid delays.

Be aware that the harbour areas often do not allow Grab or Gojek taxis to enter. When you return, you’ll need to rely on local taxi drivers. We do not recommend falling for the shuttle bus options as these take way longer than private taxis and might not even drop you at your preferred destination.

Do I need to book my Gili Trawangan ferry in advance?

Absolutely. High season in Bali starts around April, and boats often sell out days in advance, especially those from Padang Bai.

Last-minute tickets at the harbor are often:

• More expensive
• Limited to less reliable operators
• Prone to delays

Book 1–3 days ahead online to secure your seat.

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Can I get to Gili Trawangan without using the fast boats?

There is, but we don’t recommend it unless you’re on a super tight budget, want to avoid smaller boats or struggle a lot with motion sickness.

Slow boat route:

1. Padang Bai → Lembar (Lombok) by public vehicle ferry (~4–6 hours)
2. Lembar → Bangsal Port by taxi (~1.5 hours)
3. Bangsal → Gili Trawangan by local boat (~30 minutes)

Total time: 10+ hoursTotal cost: IDR 200,000–400,000 ($13–26 USD)

Can I fly from Bali to Gili Trawangan?

There are no direct flights to Gili Trawangan, as the island does not have an airport.  But you can fly from Bali to Lombok and then take a boat over to Gili Trawangan.

Here’s what you’d need to do:

1. Fly from Bali (DPS) to Lombok (LOP) – ~25 min
2. Taxi from Lombok airport to Bangsal Port – ~2 hours
3. Boat from Bangsal to Gili Trawangan – ~30 minutes

Total travel time: ~6–7 hours (plus waiting)Cost: Starts from ~$55 USD

Can I bring a scooter or car to Gili Trawangan?

No, Gili Trawangan is a car and scooter free island. Transport is by foot, bicycle, or horse cart.

You can:

• Rent a bike (~IDR 50,000/day)
• Walk (Gili T is only ~3km wide)
• Take a horse cart (IDR 100,000–150,000 per ride)

If you can, please avoid the horse carts at all costs due to the poor work conditions of the animals.

What should I know before boarding the ferry to Gili T?

✅ Essential tips:

• Leave early to avoid traffic (add 45 to 60 mins extra to Google Maps estimate as a minimum)
• Bring cash for harbor tax and snacks
• Keep valuables in your hand luggage
• Bring motion-sickness mediaction if waves affect you
• Don’t plan your return trip on the same day as your flight out of Bali
• Weather can affect schedules. Some boats may be canceled on short notice
• If the weather conditions feel unsafe, listen to your gut and decide for yourself wether it’s safe to board

What’s the best fast boat company to Gili Trawangan?

The most well known operators in June 2025 include:

• Eka Jaya
• Semaya One
• Golden Queen

From our own experience, there are no major quality issued between those companies. A higher ticket price does not necessarily mean that your boat will be on time. If anything, I recommend trying to get on a larger boat as these feel a bit more stable in stronger waves.

Final Tip: Book Early, Travel Easy

Ferries between April and October are expected to be busy. If you want the smoothest ride to Gili Trawangan:

• Book online early
• Arrive at the port early
• Double-check boarding details the day before

👉 Compare and book Bali to Gili Trawangan tickets here