Planning to cross from Lombok to Bali by fastboat? You've probably been Googling around and still feel confused โ which operator is best, what time do they depart, how much does it cost, and what do you need to prepare?
This article covers everything you need to know: route options, pricing, and tips to make your first fastboat trip smooth and drama-free.
Why pick fastboat over flying or ferry?
There are 3 common ways to cross LombokโBali:
| Mode | Duration | Price (PP) | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastboat | 1.5โ2.5 hours | Rp 300Kโ900K | ๐ Comfortable |
| Standard Ferry (LembarโPadang Bai) | 4โ5 hours | Rp 50Kโ80K | ๐ Slow |
| Flight (LOPโDPS) | 30 min + transit | Rp 800Kโ2M | ๐ Fast but expensive |
Fastboat wins on the price-time balance. Perfect for backpackers, honeymooners, and family groups alike.
Most popular routes
From Lombok, there are 5 main departure ports:
- Gili Trawangan โ Padang Bai / Sanur / Serangan
- Gili Air โ Padang Bai / Nusa Penida
- Gili Meno โ Padang Bai (rare)
- Bangsal (Bangsal Harbour) โ Padang Bai / Serangan
- Senggigi โ Padang Bai
Most frequented route: Gili Trawangan โ Padang Bai (ยฑ1h 15m duration, from Rp 300K).
Check full schedules on tapToGo for all Lombok-to-Bali routes.
How much is a fastboat ticket?
Typical price range:
- Rp 300Kโ450K โ standard operators (economical, basic facilities)
- Rp 500Kโ700K โ mid-tier (AC, snacks, life jacket)
- Rp 750Kโ900K โ premium (WiFi, meals, more comfortable seating)
Saving tip: booking online is usually Rp 50Kโ100K cheaper than buying directly at the port counter.
Trusted fastboat operators
Some long-running operators with government licenses:
- Eka Jaya Fast 26 โ new fleet, daily departures
- Wahana Virendra โ comfortable catamaran
- Karunia Jaya โ senior operator, 15+ years experience
- Semaya Darmajaya Jet โ strong track record
- Gili Getaway โ popular with foreign tourists
There are 21 official operators servicing the LombokโBali route in total. See full profiles on the Fleet page.
Departure schedules
Most operators depart in the morning to early afternoon (07:00โ14:00). After 3 PM, departures stop because of higher waves.
Most common departure windows:
- 08:00โ10:00 โ peak time, boats often full
- 11:00โ12:00 โ relatively empty, good if you're checking out late
- 13:00โ14:00 โ last call, fewer operators available
Pro tip: book a morning slot (08:00โ09:00) so you have more daylight to explore Bali on arrival.
How to book online
On tapToGo, the process takes just 3 steps:
- Pick route & date on the search form
- Choose schedule & operator from results
- Fill in passenger details and confirm
Our team will contact you via WhatsApp within 15 minutes with payment instructions. After transfer, the e-ticket is sent immediately.
For full refund and cancellation terms, see the Refund Policy page.
What is Harbour Tax?
Harbour Tax is a port retribution fee of Rp 20,000 per passenger paid at the departure port.
Important:
- โ Not included in the ticket price
- โ Paid in cash at the port before boarding
- โ Applies at Padang Bai, Serangan, Gili Trawangan, Bangsal, Senggigi
- โ On tapToGo, you can choose to pay via the app or at the port (default off)
Make sure to have Rp 20K ร number of passengers in cash before departure.
Check-in tips for smooth boarding
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure โ for boarding pass + luggage line
- Bring original ID (KTP/Passport) matching the booking
- Max luggage 20kg per person โ excess weight has extra fees
- Wear comfortable clothes & sandals, not high heels (boarding via wobbly gangways)
- Take anti-nausea pills (Dramamine, Antimo) โ fastboats rock heavily if windy
- Charge your phone fully โ some boats have outlets, but not all
- Bring a jacket โ boat AC can be aggressively cold
What happens if weather is bad?
Operators reserve the right to cancel or delay if:
- Wave height > 2.5m
- Strong winds
- Port authority closes operations for safety
If the operator cancels:
- 100% refund or free reschedule
- WhatsApp notification 2โ4 hours before
If YOU cancel, see the Refund Policy for the tier breakdown (80% / 50% / 25% / 0% based on timing).
For Children & Babies
- Babies < 2 years: usually free (on parent's lap), baby life jacket required (provided by operator)
- Children 2โ12 years: full ticket (most operators don't offer child discount)
- Small strollers OK in cargo, large strollers need pre-confirmation
Frequently asked questions
Is fastboat travel safe? All official operators are required to have full life jackets, navigation licenses, and passenger insurance. As long as you book with a legitimate operator (not an informal scalper), it's safe.
Can I book at the last minute (H-1)? Yes, but no guarantee your preferred time slot will still be available. Recommendation: book 2โ3 days ahead for the best time selection.
Are there night fastboats? No. All operators run daytime only (morning to afternoon) for safety reasons.
How long until booking confirmation? Maximum 15 minutes during operating hours (07:00โ22:00 WITA). Outside those hours, confirmation by next morning.
Ready to depart?
Now you know everything you need. Check the latest LombokโBali fastboat schedules or pick directly from popular routes:
Safe crossing, and enjoy Bali! ๐โด๏ธ
