Getting to and from Lombok – Domestic & International Flights

Whether you're arriving on a domestic connection or an international flight, getting to Lombok is straightforward once you know your options.

AirAsia operates regular flights into Lombok International Airport, your starting point for your Lombok journey: Photo by Fasyah Halim on Unsplash

Getting to Lombok from Bali

Most travellers reach Lombok from Bali. You have three main options:

1. Flight from Bali to Lombok (quickest)

Route: Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali (DPS) to Lombok International Airport (LOP)

Flight time: about 30 to 50 minutes

This is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel, especially in the rainy season when seas can be rough.

Airlines on this route usually include Wings Air and other domestic carriers such as Lion Air, Citilink and Super Air Jet, depending on the season and schedule.

Price guide: One way fares often start from around IDR 300,000 to 800,000 in low season, and can be higher in peak periods...flight schedules and tickets can be found at lombokflights.com

Good for:

• Travellers with limited time

• Anyone carrying luggage or surfboards who prefers a short journey

• Wet season travel when fast boats can be delayed

2. Fast boat from Bali to Lombok (most popular scenic choice)

Fast boats are very popular with travellers who want a mix of budget, views and flexibility.

Main departure ports in Bali:

• Padangbai

• Sanur

• Serangan

Arrival ports in Lombok:

• Bangsal (north Lombok, near the Gili Islands)

• Teluk Nare or Teluk Kodek (north coast, used by many Gili transfers)

• Senggigi (some services stop here)

Typical travel time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on route, sea conditions and stops at Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan.

Price guide: Roughly IDR 250,000 to 800,000 per person one way, depending on company, season and route.

Well known operators include:

• Wahana Virendra Fast Boat

• BlueWater Express

• Eka Jaya

• Gili Getaway

• Gili Gili Fast Boat

• giliboattours.com

Good for:

• Travellers who want to visit the Gili Islands on the way

• Those who enjoy a scenic sea journey

• Mid range budgets

Blue Water Express & Wahana Virendra Fast Boats operates fast boat services between Bali, the Gili Islands, and Lombok, a popular choice for travellers island-hopping across the region

3. Public ferry from Bali to Lombok (budget option)

The public ferry is the most budget friendly way to cross between the islands.

Route: Padangbai Harbor in Bali to Lembar Port in West Lombok

Travel time: about 4 to 5 hours, sometimes longer in rough seas

Frequency: Ferries run roughly every one to two hours, twenty four hours a day.

Price guide:Tickets are usually around IDR 50,000 to 75,000 per person, still the cheapest way to get to Lombok. Motorbikes and cars can be loaded for an extra fee.

Good for:

• Budget travellers

• People with vehicles

• Those who do not mind a slower, more local experience

A public slow boat waits in the shallows off the Gili Islands, these traditional wooden vessels depart daily from Bangsal Harbour and remain the most budget-friendly way to make the crossing from Lombok

Getting to Lombok from other Indonesian cities

Lombok’s airport connects to many Indonesian hubs with daily flights. Indonesianflights.com

Common domestic routes include:

• Jakarta to Lombok: about 2 hours

• Surabaya to Lombok: about 1 hour

• Yogyakarta to Lombok: about 1 hour 30 minutes

• Labuan Bajo to Lombok: short regional flights a few times per week

• Makassar, Balikpapan and Banjarmasin to Lombok: several flights each week

Most routes are operated by Indonesian airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Pelita, Batik Air, Lion Air, Citilink, Super Air Jet and Wings Air.

These domestic links make it easy to connect via Jakarta or Bali if you are arriving from Europe, Australia or another long haul destination.

International & Domestic Flights to Lombok

Lombok now has direct international connections from key regional cities.

Direct international routes include:

• Kuala Lumpur to Lombok

  • Airlines: AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia and Indonesia AirAsia

  • Around 3 hours flight time

  • One of the busiest international routes to Lombok

    
    

• Singapore to Lombok

  • Airline: Scoot

  • Around 3 hours flight time

  • Several flights per week

Travellers from Europe, North America or Australia usually connect via Jakarta (CGK) or Bali (DPS) for an onward flight to Lombok.

International carriers including Garuda Indonesia and Cathay Pacific serve routes into Indonesia, with connections available to Lombok International Airport, making the Gili Islands more accessible than ever for international travellers: Photo by Fasyah Halim on Unsplash

Local transfers after you arrive in Lombok

Once you land at Lombok International Airport, approximate travel times are:

• About 25 minutes to Kuta Lombok

• About 45 minutes to Selong Belanak or Torok

• About 1 hour to Senggigi

• About 1 hour 30 minutes to Bangsal, the main jumping off point for the Gili Islands

Transport options from the airport:

• Official taxis

• Private drivers and pre booked transfers

• Car rental with or without driver

For most travelers, pre arranged private transfers or taxi services are the easiest and most comfortable option.

Getting from Lombok to the Gili Islands

Many travelers combine Lombok with Gili Trawangan, Gili Air or Gili Meno.

Main departure harbours:

• Bangsal

• Teluk Nare

• Senggigi

Options include:

• Public boats from Bangsal

  • Very cheap tickets, usually under IDR 25,000 per person

  • Boats leave when enough passengers have boarded, so there is no fixed schedule

    
    

• Fast boats and speedboats

  • Much faster and more comfortable

  • Travel time around 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the island

  • Higher prices but easier to plan

If you are going directly from Bali to the Gilis, many fast boats sail Bali to the Gilis with a brief stop in Lombok.

The view from the back of a private speedboat leaving the Gili Islands, a fast, direct, and comfortable way to make the crossing to Lombok, particularly for groups or travellers with luggage

Summary table

How to get to Lombok

Route	Mode	Duration	Price (approx)	Recommended for
Bali to Lombok	Flight	30 to 50 minutes	From around IDR 300,000 (one way)	Fast and comfortable
Bali to Lombok	Fast boat	1.5 to 4 hours	IDR 250,000 to 800,000	Scenic and flexible
Bali to Lombok	Public ferry	4 to 5 hours	Around IDR 50,000 to 75,000	Budget and travellers with vehicles
Jakarta to Lombok	Flight	Around 2 hours	Varies by season	Domestic and international connections
Singapore to Lombok	Flight	Around 3 hours	Varies by season	International visitors

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting To and From Lombok

Is it better to fly or take a fast boat from Bali to Lombok?

Flying is the quickest and most reliable option. The journey takes around thirty to fifty minutes, and flights run several times a day. Fast boats are more scenic and popular with travellers heading to the Gili Islands, but they can be delayed during rough seas or rainy season.

Do I need to book my fast boat to Lombok in advance?

It is recommended, especially in high season. Many boats fill early for morning departures, and booking ahead helps you avoid inflated last-minute prices. If you are travelling during rainy season, booking early also gives you more flexibility if schedules change.

Are fast boats safe between Bali and Lombok?

Most major operators follow safety standards and run modern vessels, but sea conditions can affect the experience. Choose reputable companies like Eka Jaya, BlueWater Express or Gili Getaway, and avoid travelling during storms. Morning departures usually have calmer seas.

How long is the public ferry from Bali to Lombok?

The public ferry from Padangbai to Lembar normally takes four to five hours. In busy periods or rough seas, the crossing can take longer. It is the cheapest option, but also the slowest.

Is the public ferry suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes, but it is a more local and basic experience. There is no assigned seating, and comfort varies. If you want the quickest or easiest trip, choose a flight. If you want the cheapest option, the ferry works well.

Which arrival port should I choose in Lombok?

Choose the port closest to where you are staying:

• Bangsal / Teluk Nare for the Gili Islands or North Lombok

• Senggigi for West Lombok

• Lembar for West and South Lombok

• Lombok International Airport for South Lombok, Kuta, Selong Belanak, Torok and central regions

How do I get from Lombok airport to Kuta, Selong Belanak or Senggigi?

Taxis and private transfers are available at the airport.

• Kuta: about twenty five minutes

• Selong Belanak or Torok: about forty five minutes

• Senggigi: around one hour

• Bangsal (for the Gilis): around one hour thirty minutes

• Pre-booking a transfer makes the arrival smoother.

Can I go directly from Bali to the Gili Islands without stopping in Lombok?

Yes. Many fast boats travel Bali to the Gili Islands with stops at Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. If you want the fastest route to the Gilis, book a Bali to Gili direct service.

Which option is best for budget travelers?

The public ferry is the cheapest way to travel between Bali and Lombok. Public boats to the Gilis from Bangsal are also very inexpensive. Fast boats and flights cost more but save a lot of time.

Are international flights to Lombok reliable?

Yes. Routes from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur operate consistently throughout the year. For long haul travellers from Europe, Australia or North America, connecting via Jakarta or Bali is the most common option.