How to Get to Lombok from Bali (& Around the Island): Complete Transport Guide 2026
Honest guide to getting from Bali to Lombok in 2026: flight vs fast boat comparison, real prices, airport transport, scooter rental tips, and what actually works around the island.
Getting to Lombok shouldn't be complicated, but outdated information online makes it confusing. Some guides still mention fast boats that no longer exist, while others gloss over the realities you'll actually face on the ground.
We are cutting through the confusion with honest, up-to-date information based on the current transport situation in 2026. You'll get real prices, actual travel times (not just flight duration), and the truth about what works and what doesn't—including why the popular apps like Gojek and Grab everyone recommends are rarely available in Lombok.
The Three Ways to Get from Bali to Lombok
You have three main options: flying (fastest but factor in airport time), fast boat (most popular with tourists), or public ferry (cheapest but longest). Each option suits different priorities and budgets.
Flying: The Fastest Option (With Caveats)
Flight Duration: 20-50 minutes airtime
Door-to-Door Reality: 3-4 hours total
Price Range: $35-$105 USD one-way
Currently only two airlines operate the Ngurah Rai DPS (Bali) to Lombok International Airport (LOP) route: Lion Air and TransNusa.
Here's what actually matters: while the flight itself takes under an hour, you're looking at 3-4 hours door-to-door once you factor in getting to the airport, check-in, security, and transport on arrival.
Real Pricing (2026): Book at least one month to two weeks ahead to score tickets in the $18-$45 range. Last-minute bookings typically cost $60-$105. The cheapest days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, with October and January offering the lowest fares overall.
When Flying Makes Sense:
You're prone to seasickness
You have tight connecting flights
Weather looks rough for boats
You value reliability over experience
The Downsides:
Surfboards and sports equipment incur extra baggage fees
You miss the scenic journey experience
Airport procedures eat into your time savings
More expensive than boats
Fast Boats: The Popular Choice Among Travelers
Journey Time: 1.5-3.5 hours depending on route
Price Range: $15-$42 USD per person
Service: Multiple daily departures
Fast boats strike the sweet spot between speed and experience for most travelers. You'll get to enjoy the journey while arriving the same day you depart.
Main Routes & What to Expect:
Padang Bai to Bangsal (Most Direct)
Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours
Price: Starting from $15 USD
Best for: North Lombok destinations
Serangan to Bangsal (Convenient for South Bali)
Duration: 4-5 hours including stops
Price: $24-$42 USD
Departure: Single daily service at 9 AM
Best for: Staying in Kuta, Seminyak, or Sanur
Sanur to Bangsal (Multiple Operators)
Duration: 2.5-3+ hours
Price: $22-$35 USD
Often stops at Nusa Penida and Gili Islands
Critical 2026 Update: All fast boats now arrive at Bangsal Harbor in North Lombok. Lembar Port no longer has fast boat service—only the public ferry stops there. Eka Jaya offers limited direct service to Senggigi (twice daily at 8 AM and 12:30 PM).
Recommended Operators:
Gili Getaway – Premium service, highest rated
Blue Water Express – Reliable, multiple routes
Eka Jaya Fast Ferry – Direct Padang Bai-Senggigi service
The Tanis Express – Excellent reviews from travelers
The Honest Reality:
These boats are hot, cramped, and bumpy. Don't expect luxury cruise conditions. Seasickness is common—many operators provide medication and bags. Window seats help with nausea but you might get splashed. The journey can be rough, especially during the rainy season (November-March).
Morning departures offer calmer seas and more reliable service. Don't book connecting flights tight to your arrival time—boats often depart late and weather delays happen.
What's Included:
Life jackets (2 helmets)
Hotel pickup/drop-off (designated areas in South Bali)
Harbor taxes sometimes separate: around $0.60-$1.30
Book through 12GoAsia, Ferryhopper, Gilibookings.com, or directly via WhatsApp with operators. Many travelers save by booking return tickets together.
Public Ferry: The Budget Warrior Option
Route: Padang Bai to Lembar Harbor
Schedule: Hourly departures, 24/7
Duration: 4-6 hours (longer in rough seas)
Passenger Price: ~$3-$5 USD
The public ferry is barebones local transport. It's crowded, hot, has limited amenities, and the journey feels long. But at under $5, it's unbeatable for budget travelers.
Vehicle Transport Costs (2026):
Motorbike: ~$10 USD
Small car: ~$70 USD
This ferry makes sense if you're bringing a vehicle, have time to spare, or want an authentic local experience. Just bring your own food, water, and entertainment—and realistic expectations about comfort.
Getting from Lombok Airport to Your Destination
Lombok International Airport (officially Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport, code LOP) sits in central Lombok near Praya. From here, you're 25 minutes to Kuta, 1.5 hours to Senggigi, or nearly 3 hours to Senaru in the north.
Your Airport Transport Options
1. Official Airport Taxi (Most Common)
Blue Bird (Lombok Taxi) operates metered services from the terminal. You'll find fixed-price counters inside arrivals—this removes the haggling hassle.
Sample Fares (2026):
Airport → Kuta: $9-$13 USD (25 minutes)
Airport → Senggigi: $13-$16 USD (70 minutes)
Airport → Mataram: $8-$10 USD (45 minutes)
Airport → Bangsal: $22-$25 USD (2 hours)
2. DAMRI Public Bus (Cheapest)
DAMRI buses run from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM with departures every 1-3 hours. Board at domestic or international arrivals and buy tickets at the DAMRI counter or via their app.
Fares:
To Mataram: $1.50
To Senggigi: $2-$2.50 (1.5 hours)
To Ampenan: $2
To Selong: $2
The catch: long waiting times (up to an hour), limited luggage space, and buses only stop near major areas—you might need onward transport. Not ideal if you're arriving late.
3. Hotel Pickup (Most Convenient)
Many hotels offer free airport pickup. Check when booking—it's usually the easiest option with no hassle.
4. Private Transfer (Premium Comfort)
Pre-book through Welcome Pickups, Viator, or local operators for meet-and-greet service. Prices are similar to taxis but include the convenience of advance booking and direct door-to-door service.
5. Scooter Rental at Airport
Some companies deliver scooters to the airport for around $5-$10 per day. However, I don't recommend riding at night due to poor road lighting, stray animals, and unfamiliar terrain.
Getting Around Lombok: Your Options Explained
Scooter Rental: Maximum Freedom (Most Popular)
Renting a scooter gives you complete freedom to explore Lombok's hidden beaches and remote areas. Traffic is significantly lighter than Bali, making it easier for beginners.
Daily Rates (2026): $3.50-$10 USD depending on the model
Basic scooter: $3.50-$5
Newer models: $5-$6
Weekly/monthly rentals: Better rates
What's Typically Included:
2 SNI-standard helmets
Raincoats (2)
Free delivery/pickup within the rental area
Basic insurance
Reputable Companies:
Rent Scooter Lombok (Senggigi)
From $5/day
24/7 emergency service
WhatsApp booking
Excellent reviews
Tara Scooter Rental (Kuta)
Family-run, highly personalized service
From $4.50/day
Surf rack: +$0.30/day
Free delivery in Kuta
Lombok Scooters (Kuta)
No mileage restrictions
Well-maintained fleet
Free drop-off/pickup
Bikago
Wide range (Yamaha Nmax, Honda ADV 160)
3+ days includes free delivery
24/7 English support
Online booking
Zal Scooter Rental (Bangsal)
Near harbor (convenient for boat arrivals)
Fair prices
WhatsApp communication
Requirements:
International Driving Permit (IDP) – REQUIRED for legal riding
Valid motorcycle license from home country
Passport/ID for deposit
Minimum age: 18
Critical Rental Tip:
VIDEO the bike before leaving, with the rental person visible in the frame. Document every scratch, dent, and existing damage. This protects you from false damage claims when returning the bike. This step is absolutely essential.
Riding in Lombok:
Drive on the left. Helmets are mandatory for both riders (police check and fine without them). Main roads are well-paved, but beach roads often have gravel, dirt, and potholes. Watch for animals and expect rougher conditions in rural areas.
Pertamina gas stations operate in cities. However in most areas you'll find roadside petrol sold in bottles with green or blue petrol. You can expect to pay 15k IDR per bottle (most scooters require 3 bottles for a full tank).
New "Pertashops" are opening across the island offering reliable fuel.
Never drink and ride—the roads can be dangerous even when sober. Insurance won't cover accidents if you're riding without a proper license or IDP.
Car Rental with Driver: Stress-Free Exploration
Daily Rates with Driver (2026):
Small car (3 passengers): $25-$40
Standard car like Avanza (5-6 passengers): $40-$50
Comfort car like Innova (5 passengers): $50-$65
Van/Hi-Ace (up to 14 passengers): $100
Rates typically include driver, fuel, 10-12 hours daily use, and basic insurance.
Reputable Companies:
Vibes Lombok Car Rental – Highest rated, full insurance options, new vehicles
Car Rental Lombok – Self-drive and with driver, WhatsApp booking
Lombok Network – 20+ years experience, English-speaking drivers
Lombok Travel Online (LTO Tours) – Established, no hidden costs
Hiring a car with driver makes sense for families, groups, or anyone wanting to relax and enjoy scenery without navigation stress. Drivers know the routes and often speak English.
The Ride-Hailing Reality Check: Don't Count on Apps
Here's the disappointing truth about Gojek and Grab in Lombok: they're essentially useless.
Limited Coverage Areas:
Mataram (capital) – Best coverage
Senggigi area – Moderate coverage
Lombok Airport – Grab desk for fixed prices (no motorbike taxis)
Where They DON'T Work:
Kuta Lombok – 99% unavailable for pickup
Bangsal Harbor – Blocked by taxi mafia
Lembar Port – Blocked by taxi mafia
Most rural and tourist areas
The "taxi mafia" controls key tourist spots. Gojek and Grab drivers get threatened or harassed, making pickups nearly impossible in prime locations. Drop-offs sometimes work, pickups don't.
What to Use Instead:
Blue Bird Taxi (Lombok Taxi) – Call 0370 627 000 or use MyBlueBird app. Metered service, light blue cars, most reliable option.
WhatsApp Direct Drivers – Hotels have driver contacts. Negotiate prices, get personal service.
Hotel-Arranged Transport – Easiest option with vetted, reliable drivers.
Private Driver for the Day – $40-$60 for 10-12 hours. More economical for multiple stops.
Unlike Bali, don't rely on ride-hailing apps in Lombok. They're backup options at best, not primary transport.
Moving Between Lombok's Regions
Key Regions:
Senggigi (Northwest) – Tourist hub near Bangsal
Kuta/Mandalika (South) – Beaches and surfing
Mataram/Ampenan (West) – Capital city
Bangsal (North) – Gateway to Gili Islands
Senaru/Sembalun (North/East) – Rinjani trekking base
Tetebatu (East) – Rice terraces and waterfalls
Estimated Travel Times:
From Senggigi:
To Bangsal: 30-35 minutes
To Kuta: 1.5 hours
To Airport: 1 hour 10 minutes
To Mataram: 20-30 minutes
From Kuta:
To Senggigi: 1.5 hours
To Bangsal: 2-2.5 hours
To Airport: 25-35 minutes
To Selong Belanak: 25 minutes
Shared Shuttles Between Destinations:
Shared shuttles connect major tourist areas with door-to-door or near service. Book through hotels, tour operators, or online platforms like Klook.
Typical Fares:
Gili Islands → Kuta: $11-$13 (including boat)
Senggigi → Kuta: $10-$13
Bangsal → Kuta: $11-$13
Shuttles are cheaper than private transport but take longer due to multiple stops. They're less flexible on timing and may wait for the van to fill.
Public Transport Warning:
Bemos (minivans) operate mainly until 3:00 PM and are infrequent. They're not reliable for sunset plans or late returns. DAMRI buses connect the airport to main towns but have limited routes. Public transport in Lombok is significantly more limited than in Bali—plan accordingly.
Harbor Transport: Bangsal & Lembar
Bangsal Harbor (Gateway to Gili Islands)
Getting There:
From Senggigi: $10-$13, 30 minutes
From Mataram: $16-$20, 1 hour
From Kuta: $40-$50, 2.5 hours
From Airport: $22-$28, 1.5-2 hours
Bangsal is busy and chaotic, especially during peak season. Aggressive touts approach constantly. Say "Tidak, makasih" (No thanks) firmly or use the Sasak phrase "Dende wah, makasi." Keep belongings close and buy tickets only at official counters.
The harbor offers public boats to the Gili Islands, fast boats to Bali, basic food stalls, and limited amenities. Travel in the mornings for calmer seas and a better atmosphere overall.
Lembar Port (Southwest Coast)
Lembar serves the public ferry to Bali (24/7, hourly departures). It's more relaxed than Bangsal but has limited fast boat services.
Getting There:
From Senggigi: $13-$16, 1 hour 18 minutes
From Kuta: $16-$22, ~1 hour
From Airport: $20-$22, 1 hour 48 minutes
Teluk Nare Harbor (Alternative)
Located between Senggigi and Bangsal, Teluk Nare is smaller and quieter with private speedboat services. It's more expensive but offers a stress-free alternative to Bangsal's chaos—worth it if you value convenience.
Essential Apps & Practical Tips
Must-Download Apps:
WhatsApp – Primary communication in Indonesia
Google Maps – Download offline maps for Lombok
MyBlueBird – For Blue Bird taxi service
12Go/Klook – Booking transport and tours
DAMRI – Airport bus tickets
Money Matters:
ATMs widely available in towns, limited in rural areas
Carry cash—many places don't accept cards
Keep small bills (10,000, 20,000, 50,000 IDR notes)
Exchange rates better in towns than airports/harbors
Helpful Indonesian Phrases:
"Kiri" = left | "Kanan" = right | "Lurus" = straight
"Stop di sini" = stop here
"Berapa?" = How much?
"Tidak, makasih" = No, thank you
Safety & Scams to Avoid:
Overcharging at harbors (use fixed-price counters)
"Broken" meters (use Blue Bird)
Fake scooter damage claims (video everything!)
Aggressive touts at Bangsal (stay firm, keep moving)
Keep valuables secure in crowds
Best Travel Times:
Dry season (April-October) – Calmer seas, easier travel
Rainy season (November-March) – More boat cancellations
Travel mornings when possible – calmer seas, less heat, better service
Peak season means higher prices and advance booking required
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Bali to Lombok?
Flying takes 20-50 minutes airtime (3-4 hours door-to-door). Fast boats take 1.5-3.5 hours depending on the route. The public ferry takes 4-6 hours. When you factor in airport procedures and transport on both ends, fast boats and flights take roughly the same total time.
What's the cheapest way to get from Bali to Lombok?
The public ferry from Padang Bai to Lembar costs around $3-$5 USD per passenger. It's significantly cheaper than fast boats ($15-$42) or flights ($18-$105), but expect basic conditions and a longer journey.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a scooter in Lombok?
Yes, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required by law to ride a scooter in Lombok. Police do check, and riding without one means fines and no insurance coverage if you have an accident. You also need a valid motorcycle license from your home country.
Can I use Grab or Gojek in Lombok?
Grab and Gojek have very limited coverage in Lombok—essentially only Mataram has decent service. Tourist areas like Kuta, Bangsal, and Lembar are controlled by local taxi syndicates that block ride-hailing apps. Use Blue Bird Taxi, WhatsApp drivers, or hotel-arranged transport instead.
Where do fast boats arrive in Lombok?
As of 2026, all fast boats arrive at Bangsal Harbor in North Lombok. Lembar Port no longer has fast boat service—only the public ferry stops there. Eka Jaya offers limited direct service to Senggigi twice daily.
Is it safe to ride a scooter in Lombok?
Lombok has significantly less traffic than Bali, making it easier for beginners. However, beach roads often have gravel and potholes, and rural areas can be rough. Always wear a helmet, never drink and ride, watch for animals, and avoid night riding on unfamiliar roads. An IDP and proper license are essential—insurance won't cover accidents without them.
How much does it cost to hire a car with driver in Lombok?
Daily rates range from $25-$40 for a small car with driver to $100 for a larger van. Standard cars (Avanza/Xenia) typically cost $40-$50 per day, including driver, fuel, and 10-12 hours of daily use. This is often more economical than multiple taxi trips if you're exploring extensively.
Final Thoughts
Getting to and around Lombok isn't as seamless as Bali, but that's part of the charm. The island rewards travelers who plan ahead and approach transport with realistic expectations.
Fly if time matters most or boats make you queasy. Take the fast boat if you want to balance speed with experience. Choose the ferry if budget is your priority. Once you're on the island, a scooter gives you freedom while a car with driver offers comfort and local knowledge.
The key is knowing what actually works in 2026—not relying on outdated information or apps that don't function here. With the right information (which you now have), getting around Lombok is totally manageable.
Safe travels, and enjoy the adventure of discovering Indonesia's next favorite island.
