The Most Complete Transport Guide to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air & Gili Meno
Traveling to the Gili Islands should be simple, safe, and well-planned — not confusing or stressful.
Green Rinjani provides reliable and flexible Gili Islands transfer services from Bali and Lombok, designed to help travelers choose the best route, transport type, and schedule based on their real needs.
Unlike many transport websites that only sell tickets, this page gives you clear options, honest explanations, and practical advice, so you can decide how to reach Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Gili Meno in the most efficient way.
Whether you are coming directly from Bali, arriving at Lombok International Airport, or staying anywhere on Lombok Island, this guide explains all possible connections — clearly and transparently.

Why Choosing the Right Transfer to Gili Islands Matters
The Gili Islands have no airport and no cars, which means every journey requires a combination of land and sea transport. Many travelers underestimate this and end up with:
- Long waiting times
- Missed boats
- Overpriced port services
- Unclear pickup points
Green Rinjani helps you avoid those problems by arranging door-to-door transfers, proper timing, and the right port and boat option for your situation.
Gili Islands Transfer Options Overview
We organize Gili Islands transfers based on where you start your journey:
- From Bali to Gili Islands
- From Lombok to Gili Islands
- Return transfers from Gili Islands to Lombok
Each option below is explained in detail so you can compare routes easily and realistically.
Bali to Gili Islands Transfer Options
Traveling from Bali to the Gili Islands is usually done by fast boat. However, not all departures, ports, and services are the same.
1. Fast Boat from Bali to Gili Islands
This is the most common route.
Available departure ports in Bali:
- Padang Bai
- Serangan
- Sanur (seasonal)
Estimated travel time:
- 1.5 – 2.5 hours (depending on sea conditions)
Drop-off points:
- Gili Trawangan
- Gili Air
- Gili Meno
Best for:
- Travelers staying in Bali
- Direct connection without overnight stay
- Backpackers and couples
Important note: Sea conditions can affect schedules, especially between January–February.
2. Bali to Gili Islands – Private Transfer + Boat
This option combines:
- Private car pickup from your hotel in Bali
- Fast boat ticket to the Gili Islands
Advantages:
- No shared shuttle
- Flexible pickup time
- More comfort and privacy
Best for:
- Families
- Honeymoon couples
- Travelers with luggage or tight schedules
Lombok to Gili Islands Transfer Options
For many travelers, Lombok offers a shorter and more flexible route to the Gili Islands, especially when arriving by plane or after trekking Mount Rinjani
3. Lombok Airport to Gili Islands Transfer
This is the most efficient option if you land at Lombok International Airport.
Route:
- Pickup at Lombok International Airport
- Private car transfer to Bangsal or Teluk Nare Harbor
- Boat crossing to Gili Islands
Travel time:
- Airport → Harbor: ±2–2.5 hours
- Boat crossing: 10–15 minutes
Boat options:
- Public boat (scheduled, cheaper)
- Private speedboat (faster, flexible)
Best for:
- Late arrivals
- Groups
- Travelers who want a smooth arrival without waiting
4. Lombok Hotel to Gili Islands Transfer
We arrange transfers from any hotel or location in Lombok, including:
- Senggigi
- Kuta Lombok
- Mataram
- Senaru (after Rinjani trekking)
Harbor choices:
- Bangsal Harbor – public & busy
- Teluk Nare Harbor – private, faster, more comfortable
We recommend the harbor based on your location, time, and budget, not fixed packages.
5. Gili Islands to Lombok Return Transfer
Returning from Gili Islands to Lombok is just as important.
We handle:
- Gili → Lombok Airport
- Gili → Lombok hotels
- Gili → Senggigi / Kuta Lombok / Senaru
Pickup is coordinated directly from the harbor on Gili Islands, with clear timing and assistance.
Bali – Lombok – Gili Islands Travel Connection Guide
Many travelers ask:
“Is it better to go directly from Bali or via Lombok?”
Go Direct from Bali if:
- Sea conditions are good
- You prefer one-day travel
- You stay near Padang Bai or Serangan
Go via Lombok if:
- You land late in Bali
- Sea conditions are rough
- You plan Rinjani trekking or Lombok tour first
This flexibility is exactly why Green Rinjani focuses on real route planning, not one-size-fits-all tickets.
Why Choose Green Rinjani for Gili Islands Transfer?
✔ Local operator based in Lombok
✔ Active since 2011
✔ Clear communication & honest advice
✔ Private cars & licensed drivers
✔ Flexible routes (not limited to one port)
✔ Support before & during travel
We don’t just sell transfers — we manage logistics, timing, and real conditions on the ground.
Need Help Choosing the Best Route?
Every traveler is different. Instead of guessing, contact our team and tell us:
- Where you start
- Arrival time
- Group size
- Destination Gili
We’ll recommend the most efficient and realistic transfer option for you.
Important Things to Know Before Traveling Between Bali, Lombok & Gili Islands
Before you finalize your travel plan to Lombok or the Gili Islands, it is important to understand how sea conditions and weather regulations can affect transport between Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands.
This section is written to help you prepare mentally and practically, especially if you travel during seasonal weather changes.
Fast Boat Operations Are Weather Dependent
Fast boat services between:
- Bali ↔ Lombok
- Bali ↔ Gili Islands
are fully dependent on sea conditions.
During certain months each year, fast boats may:
- Be temporarily stopped
- Operate only at specific times
- Open and close on a daily basis
These decisions are made by:
- Harbor Master (Syahbandar)
- Port Authority
- Government weather agencies
If fast boats are not allowed to operate, no operator is permitted to sail, even if tickets have already been booked.
How Long Can Fast Boats Stop Operating?
Based on real operational experience:
- Usually 1–3 days
- Sometimes longer if weather does not improve
- The system is open–close, reviewed daily
Weather conditions are often decided on the same day, not far in advance.
What Should You Do If Fast Boats Are Cancelled?
If your fast boat is cancelled due to weather, you still have reliable alternatives.
Option 1: Public Ferry (Padang Bai – Lembar)
- Operates 24 hours
- Most reliable sea option during bad weather
After arriving at Lembar Port (Lombok):
- Continue by private car to Bangsal or Teluk Nare
- Cross to Gili Islands by public boat or private speedboat
Option 2: Flight from Bali to Lombok
- Denpasar (DPS) → Lombok International Airport (LOP)
- Flight time ±40 minutes
- Continue to Gili Islands by land transfer and boat
Our Honest Advice
If you travel during:
- December to February
- Or during changing seasons
We strongly recommend:
- Flexible schedules
- Backup travel options
- Avoid tight same-day connections
This information is shared openly so you know exactly what to do, even when plans change at the last minute.