Transfer · To the islands
From Padangbai to Lombok by public ferry
The public ferry links Padangbai, on Bali’s east coast, with Lembar harbor in southwest Lombok. It is the slow option, but it takes vehicles and bulky luggage, and depends less on the swell than fast boats. We have not timed it: the 4 to 5 h are an estimate, with waiting at the harbor on top.
- Updated on
- 4 to 5 h by ferry (estimate)
- 4 min read
- By Kylian Dev
In short
Facts as of · sourced figures
From Padangbai to Lembar, on Lombok, allow roughly 4 to 5 h by public ferry, plus waiting at the harbor. That is an estimate, not a timed trip. Schedules and fares vary by operator. The ferry suits patient travelers, with a vehicle or bulky luggage; for the Gilis, the fast boat is more direct.
Contents
In brief
- Time: roughly 4 to 5 h by ferry to Lembar, plus waiting; an estimate, not a timed trip.
- Price: no fare quoted here; schedules and fares vary by operator.
- Best time: a daytime departure, so you reach Lombok before dark.
- Good to know: Lembar is far from the Gilis; the ferry suits southern and central Lombok.
Padangbai is east Bali’s harbor, between Sanur and Amed. Lembar is the main harbor of southwest Lombok, from where roads lead to the south of the island, Mataram or Rinjani. Lombok has no region page on this site: the Bali or Lombok comparison introduces the island.
None of our itineraries includes Lombok: an extension fits best at the end of the 3-week itinerary. The choice between ferry, fast boat and plane is explained on Bali → Lombok.
Ferry, fast boat or plane: the options
The public ferry is slow, but it takes vehicles and luggage, and the swell bothers it less. The fast boat is shorter and serves the Gilis and northwest Lombok. Flying avoids the sea for the south or center of the island. Schedules and fares vary by operator.
| Mode | Time | Indicative price | Who it suits | Luggage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public ferry Padangbai–Lembar | Roughly 4 to 5 h, plus waiting | Depends on the operator | Patient travelers, vehicles, bulky luggage | No constraint |
| Fast boat | Shorter; depends on operator and harbor | Depends on the operator | Travelers heading to the Gilis or the northwest | Travel bag |
| Domestic flight | Short flight, plus formalities | Depends on the airline | Travelers heading south or to the center | Depends on the allowance |
The ferry has an advantage people rarely mention: it is the least affected by the sea. When fast boats are cancelled for swell, it often still runs, if late.
The crossing, step by step
You drive to Padangbai, buy or collect your ticket, then wait for boarding, sometimes for a long time. The crossing is slow but steady. At Lembar, you need transport to carry on: book it in advance, especially if you will arrive close to nightfall.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Drive to Padangbai | From Amed, roughly 1 h to 1 h 30, estimate |
| At the harbor | Ticket, waiting, boarding |
| Crossing | Roughly 4 to 5 h, estimate |
| At Lembar | Booked driver or a ride to negotiate |
Pitfalls on the Padangbai–Lombok ferry
The pitfalls: taking the ferry to reach the Gilis, when Lembar is far from them; arriving in Lembar after dark with no transport; underestimating the wait at the harbor; and coming back to Bali on this ferry on the day of an international flight.
- Heading for the Gilis by ferry: Lembar is in the southwest, so take a fast boat instead.
- Arriving after dark with no transport: book a driver at Lembar.
- Underestimating the wait: bring water, food and a wide margin.
- Coming back on the day of your flight: keep at least one night in Bali before you leave.
What next: Lombok, and the way back
On Lombok, read the comparison with Bali to see what the island offers. The Gilis are reached from the northwest coast. For the way back, flying from Lombok saves you the ferry. Always keep a night in Bali before an international flight.
Read next: Bali or Lombok, Gili → Lombok for the neighboring islands, and where to stay in Amed for the night before you leave.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Padangbai to Lombok?
Roughly 4 to 5 h to Lembar, plus waiting at the harbor. That is an estimate, not a timed trip.
Does the Padangbai ferry go to the Gilis?
No: it arrives at Lembar, in southwest Lombok. For the Gilis, take a fast boat.
Ferry or fast boat to Lombok?
The ferry is slower, but takes vehicles and luggage, and depends less on the swell. The fast boat is shorter and serves the Gilis.
How much is the ferry to Lombok?
No fare is quoted here: schedules and fares vary by operator and by type of passenger or vehicle.
Sources
Figures and rules checked on October 27, 2026 against the sources below. Entry rules and fees change: always check them on the official websites before you leave.
