- The options at a glance
- Flying into Lombok
- Fast boats from Bali
- The public ferry from Padang Bai to Lembar
- Arriving from the east
- Entry requirements
The options at a glance
Most visitors come from Bali. The flight is the quickest door-to-door option for the south (Kuta); the fast boats are the most convenient for the Gilis and the north-west; the public ferry is the cheapest and slowest. Prices change with season and operator, so treat the figures below as a guide.
| Option | Route | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | Denpasar (DPS) – Lombok (LOP) | About 40 minutes | Several daily; airport 30 min from Kuta |
| Fast boat | Padang Bai / Serangan / Sanur / Amed – Gilis, Bangsal, Teluk Nare or Senggigi | About 1.5–3 hours | Weather-dependent; most include Bali hotel pick-up |
| Public ferry | Padang Bai – Lembar | About 4–6 hours | Cheapest; runs day and night; takes vehicles |
| Flight | Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta and others – Lombok | About 1–2 hours | Domestic connections |
| Ferry | Pototano (Sumbawa) – Kayangan (east Lombok) | About 1.5–2 hours | For overland travel from the east |
Flying into Lombok
Lombok International Airport (LOP), officially Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport, lies in the south of the island near Praya. It has frequent domestic flights — from Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Makassar and elsewhere — and a small, changing number of international routes; most international travellers connect via Bali, Jakarta or a regional hub.
From the airport: Kuta about 30 minutes, Mataram 45–60 minutes, Senggigi 1–1.5 hours, Bangsal for the Gilis about 1.5–2 hours. Official taxis have a counter at arrivals; DAMRI shuttle buses run to Mataram, Senggigi and other towns on set routes; and pre-booked transfers wait outside.
Fast boats from Bali
Several companies run fast boats from Bali to the Gili Islands, with some continuing to Bangsal, Teluk Nare, Senggigi or Gili Gede. The main departure points are Padang Bai (the shortest crossing), Serangan and Sanur in the south, and Amed in the east. Crossings take roughly 1.5–3 hours depending on route and stops.
The Lombok Strait can be rough, especially in the afternoon and in strong winds. Choose a well-reviewed operator, check that life jackets are on board, and avoid relying on the last boat of the day if you have a flight to catch. Our tours page lists real fast-boat tickets with reviews.
The public ferry from Padang Bai to Lembar
Large car ferries cross between Padang Bai in east Bali and Lembar in south-west Lombok around the clock, roughly every hour or two. The crossing usually takes 4–6 hours, sometimes more. It is the cheapest option and the only one for vehicles. Facilities on board are basic; bring water and snacks.
From Lembar it is about 30–40 minutes to Mataram, an hour to Senggigi and 30–45 minutes to the Sekotong harbours.
Arriving from the east
Travelling overland through Nusa Tenggara, ferries link Pototano on Sumbawa with Kayangan near Labuhan Lombok in about 1.5–2 hours. From Kayangan, it is around two hours by road to Mataram. Some multi-day boat tours also sail between Lombok and Labuan Bajo (Komodo).
Entry requirements
Lombok is part of Indonesia, so national rules apply. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or an electronic visa on arrival for tourism, but eligibility, fees and conditions change — check the official Indonesian immigration website before you travel. Your passport generally needs at least six months’ validity. Arrival requirements such as customs declarations are usually completed online in advance.
