Padangbai to Lembar by public ferry

The public ferry from Padangbai to Lembar is the lowest-cost way to cross from Bali to Lombok. It is also the slowest, at about 5.5 hours for the crossing alone ^[1]. Treat it as a full travel day, not a quick hop.

This guide belongs to our domestic access routes hub. For the island itself, see our Lombok planning page.

What does the ferry day look like?

Add the road legs on both sides to the crossing. That is what makes the day long.

Leg	What to know
South Bali to Padangbai	The road takes about 1 hour 30 minutes [4]
Port and loading	Queues and loading add time that timetables leave out
Crossing to Lembar	About 5.5 hours [1]
Lembar to your hotel	A further road transfer; distance depends on your base

If your hotel is in Senggigi or Kuta Lombok, ask your driver how long the road from Lembar takes on the day you travel.

How much does it cost and how frequent is it?

One guide lists an adult fare of Rp 46,000 and a child fare of Rp 29,000 ^[2]. Another guide lists a higher adult fare of Rp 60,000 and a crossing of 5 to 6 hours ^[3]. The gap tells you the number moves, so confirm the fare at the port.

Both guides describe an hourly service that runs around the clock ^[1]. A frequent service helps because you can choose a sailing that fits your arrival, but weather or holidays can pause it. Ask your hotel to check on the day.

Who is the ferry good for?

It suits budget-led groups, backpackers and families who accept a long day. It also suits people who want to see the sea and have a spare day in the plan.

Better options exist when time is tight. A fast boat from Padangbai goes straight to the Gilis, as in our fast boat guide from Padangbai. A short flight skips the crossing entirely; compare door-to-door timing in ferry vs flight, Bali to Lombok.

What about a night crossing?

A night sailing saves a hotel night and delivers you at Lembar early. The cost is a tired start on Lombok, a drive with little sleep and fewer shops open on arrival. It works for solo travellers and fit groups, and works less well for toddlers or grandparents.

Pre-arrange your pickup at Lembar if you land in the dark. Ask the driver to confirm the meeting point in writing.

What if you need to get to the Gilis?

The ferry lands in the south-west, so the Gilis are still a long drive and a boat away. Work out which harbour you will use with our guide to Lembar vs Bangsal vs Kayangan. Then read the Bangsal boat schedule and cut-offs so you do not arrive after the last public boat.

For a wider view of both islands, compare the ferry with a flight before you commit.

What should you check before you go?

Check the sailing time, the fare and whether services pause for the Hindu holiday of Nyepi before you plan around the ferry. Keep small bills in rupiah, a snack, a charged phone and a layer for the deck. Confirm your onward transfer at Lembar the day before.