Bali to Lombok Ferry 2026: The Complete Guide to a Stress-free Trip

Bali, Indonesia, Itineraries & Route Planning, Lombok, Transportation & Getting Around

Taking the Bali to Lombok ferry? Read my first-hand guide for exact ticket prices, the Lembar route, and proven tips to guarantee a smooth crossing. (CLICK HERE)

The Bali to Lombok ferry is one of the most common crossings in Indonesia, and it’s a rite of passage for backpackers working their way east. Most tourists take a fast boat, but there’s also a public ferry that runs between Padang Bai in Bali and Lembar in Lombok. It’s slower, cheaper and a completely different experience from the tourist boats.

I started my journey at Padang Bai Port, and I got it slightly wrong. I turned up a little late for boarding, and by the time I got on the ferry every indoor seat was taken. So I ended up on the open deck, where I sat in the afternoon sun for the whole crossing. It was hot. It was also a lot of fun, and I’d do it again.

Here’s what this guide covers:

Where the public ferry departs from and arrives
How long the crossing takes
Ferry schedules
Passenger and vehicle ticket prices
How to buy tickets
What the journey is actually like
How to continue your trip once you land in Lombok

One thing to know before you go further. This crossing makes the most sense if you’re traveling with your own vehicle. The ferry drops you at Lembar in southwestern Lombok, and if you’re on foot you’ll need more transport to reach the nearest city or anywhere else worth staying.

Lush green hills of the Indonesian coastline under thick white clouds seen from the water during a boat crossing. — Catching the first clear glimpse of the rugged coastline as we approached the island.

Bali to Lombok Ferry: Understanding the Route

The Bali to Lombok ferry crosses the Lombok Strait between the two islands. It’s run by ASDP Indonesia Ferry and it’s a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel, which means it carries foot passengers, motorbikes, scooters and cars. Local travelers and people moving vehicles between the islands use it every day, so it’s a working ferry, not a tourist attraction.

Journey stage	Details
Starting point	Padang Bai, Bali
Departure port	Padang Bai Harbour
Ferry route	Padang Bai to Lembar
Ferry operator	ASDP Indonesia Ferry
Arrival port	Lembar, Lombok
Crossing duration	Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes
Ferry type	Public Ro-Ro ferry
Vehicle transport	Motorbikes, cars and other eligible vehicles

A few things people mix up:

Lembar isn’t Bangsal. Lembar is in southwestern Lombok. Bangsal is the port for boats to the Gili Islands, and it’s somewhere else entirely.
The ferry doesn’t go to the Gilis. You’d need a road journey and a separate boat crossing.
The 4.5 hours is an estimate. Docking, loading and weather all affect the real time.

Where Does the Bali to Lombok Ferry Depart From and Arrive?

View of the docking area and coastal hills at Lembar Port as the passenger vessel approaches the shore. — Pulling into Lembar Port after a four and a half hour crossing across the strait.

Padang Bai Port in Bali

Padang Bai is a harbor town on Bali’s east coast. Several kinds of boats leave from here, including passenger fast boats and the public ferry, and they don’t all use the same terminal. Make sure you’re heading to the ASDP public ferry terminal, not the fast-boat area.

Before you enter the terminal, check that your ticket is sorted (more on that below) and ask port staff which gate and boarding area is for your vehicle type or for foot passengers. I started here, and it’s an easy port to get slightly lost in.

Lembar Port in Lombok

Lembar is on the southwestern coast of Lombok. It’s the main connection point for the Bali to Lombok ferry, and it’s a working port, not a tourist hub. From here you continue toward Mataram, Senggigi, Kuta Lombok and other destinations.

Reaching Lembar doesn’t mean you’ve arrived. It isn’t close to every popular area in Lombok, so the onward leg is a real part of the journey. This is the main reason I’d only recommend this crossing if you have your own vehicle or a clear plan for getting from the port to where you’re staying.

Ferry Schedule and Travel Time from Bali to Lombok

A concrete navigation marker tower standing in the blue ocean waters near the entrance to Lembar Port. — Passing the navigation tower as the vessel finally slows down to dock in southwestern Lombok.

The Padang Bai to Lembar ferry runs several times a day, and services run through the day and night. The published crossing is about 4 hours 30 minutes, and that’s the Bali to Lombok ferry time to plan around, but your total port-to-port time will be longer.

Here’s why the actual time can differ from the schedule:

Boarding and vehicle loading take time, especially when there are lots of cars.
Waiting before departure can add to the day.
Delays at the other port, since the ferry sometimes has to wait for a berth.
Weather conditions in the strait.

The schedule is published by BPTD and can change depending on operating conditions, so check the latest departures before you plan the rest of your day. I won’t give you a timetable here, because it would go out of date, and I haven’t named the ferries because vessel assignments change.

Keep the difference between crossing time and total journey time in mind, and leave extra buffer before you book onward transport in Lombok.

How to Get Ferry Tickets from Bali to Lombok

Unlike the public ferry to Nusa Penida, don’t assume you can walk up to an ASDP counter inside Padang Bai Port and buy a ticket. There are no physical ASDP ticket counters inside the port, so don’t leave it until you arrive.

There are two ways to get a Bali to Lombok ferry ticket:

Ferizy, the official ferry ticketing platform. You book online.
Authorized ticket-selling services outside the port entrance.

Whichever you use, here’s what to do:

Select the Padang Bai to Lembar route.
Choose the right passenger or vehicle category.
Enter the passenger identification details.
Check the departure date and the port-entry time.
Save your ticket confirmation.
Arrive within the check-in window on your ticket.

Ticketing arrangements can change, so check the current process before you travel.

Bali to Lombok Ferry Price: Passenger, Motorbike and Car Tickets

The ferry price depends on whether you’re crossing on foot or with a vehicle. Passenger and vehicle fares are separate things, so don’t add them up without checking which one you’re looking at.

The prices below are one-way, in Indonesian rupiah (IDR) with approximate USD at 1 USD = 18,150 IDR. They’re the published tariff figures as of November 2026, and tariffs can be revised, so treat them as a budgeting guide.

Foot Passenger Ferry Prices

Adult, one way: IDR 65,300 (about USD 3.60)
Infant (0–2 years): IDR 6,100 (about USD 0.34)

The adult fare is per person. These are ferry fares only, so they don’t include anything you spend after you reach Lombok.

Motorbike and Scooter Ferry Prices

The tariff splits motorcycles by engine size, so there isn’t one general scooter fare.

Bicycle (Class I): IDR 81,600 (about USD 4.50)
Motorcycle below 250cc (Class II): IDR 169,400 (about USD 9.33)
Motorcycle 250cc and above / R3 (Class III): IDR 329,600 (about USD 18.16)

The vehicle fare covers the vehicle and its occupants, so the rider doesn’t pay a separate adult foot-passenger fare on top. If you’re taking a rented motorbike, check with the rental company first that it’s allowed to leave Bali, and that you have the registration papers and the right license with you.

Car Ferry Prices

Passenger car up to 5 metres (Class IVa): IDR 1,184,100 (about USD 65.24)
Passenger minibus 5–7 metres (Class Va): IDR 2,251,300 (about USD 124.04)

Vehicle length decides the class, so measure properly. The integrated vehicle fare includes the occupants, so you don’t add a fare for each person in the car. I’ve left out freight and commercial trucks, since this guide is for travelers.

Public Ferry Price Comparison

Passenger/vehicle category	One-way fare
Adult foot passenger	65,300 ($3.60 USD)
Infant (0–2 years)	6,100 ($0.34 USD)
Bicycle (Class I)	81,600 ($4.50 USD)
Motorcycle below 500cc (Class II)	169,400 ($9.33 USD)
Motorcycle 500cc and above / R3 (Class III)	329,600 ($18.16 USD)
Passenger car up to 5 metres (Class IVa)	1,184,100 ($65.24 USD)
Passenger minibus 5–7 metres (Class Va)	2,251,300 ($124.04 USD)

Passenger fares are per person and vehicle fares are per vehicle, with the occupants included. Taking a motorbike on the Bali to Lombok ferry is the cheapest way to bring your own wheels, but it’s still a lot more than a foot passenger ticket, so work out whether you actually need the vehicle in Lombok.

What to Expect When Boarding the Public Ferry at Padang Bai

Reaching the Boarding Area

Head to the public ferry terminal, not the fast-boat area. Have your ticket and ID ready, complete passenger check-in, and then wait for boarding instructions. Follow the port staff, because the process for vehicles and foot passengers is different and the staff will point you where to go.

Boarding as a Foot Passenger

Foot passengers board separately from vehicles. Once you’re on, you’ll find the passenger seating area, indoor and open-air spaces, and you carry your luggage with you.

Seating isn’t reserved, and that’s where I got caught out. I arrived a little late and all the indoor seats were already occupied. Nobody is guaranteed an indoor seat or a particular spot, so arriving early gives you more choice.

What Is the Ferry Journey from Bali to Lombok Actually Like?

A solo traveler standing on the open outdoor deck of the public passenger boat leaving Padang Bai. — When the indoor seats fill up, the open deck is the best place to feel the ocean breeze.

Empty seats and metal walkways on the outdoor deck of an Indonesian public RoRo vessel. — The outdoor seating area gives you a completely different atmosphere compared to the fast boats.

I got to Padang Bai a little later than I should have, and by the time I boarded, the indoor seating was completely full. So I went up to the open deck and found a spot to sit. That was my seat for the entire journey.

It was the afternoon, the sun was strong, and the crossing is a good four hours or so. I sat there in the heat the whole way. It wasn’t comfortable, and I won’t pretend it was. But it turned out to be a really fun journey. Being out on the open deck means you see the Lombok Strait around you, you feel the wind when the ferry is moving, and it’s a more open, lively atmosphere than being shut inside.

My experience came from arriving late. It doesn’t mean the ferry is unpleasant, and I can’t tell you every sailing will be like mine. Seating and onboard facilities can vary from one sailing to another, so don’t count on anything specific. I wouldn’t count on much food or comfort either, so bring what you need.

What I’d say is this: it’s a slow, basic crossing, very different from a fast boat. If you want a quick, comfortable hop, this isn’t it. If you want a cheap crossing with a bit of character, it’s a good one.

What Happens After Arriving at Lembar Port?

The ferry brings you to southwestern Lombok, and you need more transport to reach most of the places people actually want to go. The best route depends on where you’re staying.

Mataram: the nearest city and the usual first stop.
Senggigi: along the west coast.
Kuta Lombok: in the south, further on.
Bangsal: for onward boats to the Gili Islands.

Lembar isn’t close to the Gilis. Reaching them means another road journey toward Bangsal and then a separate boat crossing, so that leg adds both time and cost.

There’s public transportation from the port area, but departure points and schedules change, so check before you rely on it. This is the biggest reason the crossing suits travelers with their own vehicle: you can ride off the ferry and head straight to your destination.

Public Ferry vs Fast Boat: Which Should You Choose?

View from the open seating deck of the passenger boat under heavy white clouds while nearing the Lombok coastline. — Taking in the view from the open deck as the clouds gathered during the final stretch toward Lombok.

Feature	Public Ferry	Fast Boat
Departure	Padang Bai	Padang Bai and other designated ports
Arrival	Lembar, Lombok	Depends on the operator and route
Journey type	Public Ro-Ro ferry	Passenger boat
Crossing duration	Around 4–5 hours	Generally shorter, depending on destination
Vehicle transportation	Cars and motorbikes	Generally passenger-only
Ticket pricing	Regulated passenger and vehicle fares	Operator-dependent passenger fares
Main advantage	Budget-friendly and transports vehicles	Faster passenger journey

The Bali to Lombok ferry suits budget travelers and anyone bringing an eligible vehicle. Fast boats suit people who care about speed, and some may drop you closer to where you’re going. The best option depends on your budget, time and final destination.

Practical Tips for Taking the Public Ferry from Bali to Lombok

Arrive Early at Padang Bai

I found out the hard way. Arriving late cost me an indoor seat, so get there early if you want more choice.

Carry Water and Sun Protection

If you end up on the open deck like I did, you’ll want these:

Drinking water
Sunscreen
A hat or cap
Sunglasses
Light clothing

Bring Some Food and Snacks

Don’t count on onboard food, and the crossing is several hours. Pack snacks.

Prepare for a Long Crossing

It takes far longer than a fast boat. Bring something to read, watch or listen to.

Check the Ferry Schedule Before Travelling

Confirm the latest departures and leave some flexibility in your plans.

Check the Ticketing Requirements

Get your ticket through an approved channel before you go into the port. There are no ASDP counters inside.

Plan Your Onward Journey from Lembar

Decide where you’re heading in Lombok before you pick a sailing, so you know how you’ll get there when you land.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bali to Lombok Ferry

Where does the public ferry from Bali to Lombok depart from?

Padang Bai Harbour in East Bali.

Where does the ferry arrive in Lombok?

Lembar Port in southwestern Lombok.

How long does the ferry from Bali to Lombok take?

About 4 hours 30 minutes at sea. Loading, waiting and delays can make the total journey longer.

How much does the public ferry from Bali to Lombok cost?

An adult foot passenger pays IDR 65,300 (about USD 3.60) one way. Infants are IDR 6,100 (about USD 0.34). Prices can change, so check the current tariff.

Can I take a scooter or motorbike on the Bali to Lombok ferry?

Yes. A motorcycle below 250cc is IDR 169,400 (about USD 9.33), and 250cc and above is IDR 329,600 (about USD 18.16). If it’s rented, check that the rental company allows it.

Can I take a car on the public ferry to Lombok?

Yes. A passenger car up to 5 metres is IDR 1,184,100 (about USD 65.24).

Does the vehicle ticket include passengers?

Yes, the integrated vehicle fare includes the vehicle and its occupants.

How frequently does the Padang Bai to Lembar ferry operate?

Several times a day, through the day and night. The schedule can change, so check before you go.

How do I purchase ferry tickets from Bali to Lombok?

Through Ferizy or an authorized ticket-selling service outside the port entrance. There are no ASDP ticket counters inside the port.

Is the public ferry cheaper than a fast boat?

For foot passengers and for people bringing a vehicle, it’s a budget-friendly way across, but it’s much slower.

Is Lembar Port close to the Gili Islands?

No. You need to travel on toward Bangsal and take a separate boat.

Conclusion

Taking the public ferry from Bali to Lombok is a slower but budget-friendly way to cross between the islands. You leave from Padang Bai, you land at Lembar after about 4 hours 30 minutes, passenger and vehicle fares are separate, you sort out your ticket before entering the port, and then you have to carry on to wherever you’re actually going in Lombok.

For me, it was the afternoon that stuck. I turned up a little late, every indoor seat was taken, and I spent the whole crossing on the open deck under the hot sun. It was a fun part of the trip.

The Bali to Lombok ferry isn’t the quickest way to reach Lombok, and it makes the most sense if you have your own vehicle. But sometimes the journey itself becomes part of the trip.