Many travellers search for flights to the Gili Islands, but there’s one important fact to know: there is no airport on Gili Trawangan, Gili Air or Gili Meno. The islands can only be reached by sea, so air travel always involves flying to a nearby island – Bali or Lombok – and then continuing by boat.
Closest Airports to the Gili Islands
The two main gateways for reaching the Gilis by air are:
- Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) – Bali: Bali’s main international airport is the most common entry point for travellers from overseas. From Bali, you’ll continue to the Gilis by fast boat.
- Lombok International Airport (LOP) – Lombok: Located on the neighbouring island east of Bali, Lombok’s airport is closer to the Gilis. From here, travellers reach the harbour and take a short boat ride to the islands.
Flying to Bali
Most international visitors arrive first in Bali. The airport in Denpasar (DPS) has frequent connections with major cities across Asia, the Middle East, Australia and Europe.
From Bali, travellers typically transfer by road to one of the fast boat harbours such as Padang Bai, Serangan or Sanur, then take a boat to the Gilis. Fast boats from Bali to the Gili Islands usually take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours depending on the route and operator.
Flying to Lombok
If you want a shorter sea crossing, consider flying directly to Lombok International Airport. Domestic flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali and several other Indonesian cities serve this airport daily.
From Lombok airport, it’s about a 90-minute drive to Bangsal Harbour in North Lombok. From there, travellers can take a local speedboat or public boat to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air or Gili Meno. The boat crossing often takes less than 30 minutes.
Booking Flights and Boat Tickets
When planning your journey, it’s best to:
- Book your international or domestic flight to Bali or Lombok in advance, especially during high season.
- Allow enough time between your flight’s arrival and your boat departure, as boats don’t always run late in the evening.
- Check whether your hotel or fast boat company can arrange combined transfers that include airport pick-up and boat tickets.
Practical Tips
- No night boats: Most fast boats and local boats operate only during daylight hours. If your flight arrives late, consider staying overnight in Bali or Lombok.
- Travel insurance: Recommended for covering flight delays or cancellations that might affect your boat connection.
- Peak season: June to September and holiday periods are busy, so flights and boats sell out early.
- Visa and baggage: Make sure you meet Indonesia’s visa requirements and check baggage limits with your airline and boat operator.
Although the Gili Islands do not have an airport, reaching them is straightforward with a combination of flight and boat travel. Fly into Bali for more flight choices and a scenic boat trip, or fly into Lombok for the fastest connection. With a little planning, your journey to these tropical islands can be smooth and stress-free.
