Is it better to fly or take the ferry?

Flying is much faster and more comfortable; the ferry is for budget travelers.

How long is the ferry?

The crossing takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Are there fast boats?

Yes, fast boats go to Gili Islands, but not directly to Mataram city.

Yes, it is a safe city for tourists.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality; check current Indonesian regulations.

South Kuta

Flight Ship

South Kuta to Mataram

Updated: 28 May 2026

To reach Mataram from South Kuta, you have two primary options: a short 40-minute flight or a combination of land and sea travel. The flight departs from Ngurah Rai (DPS) to Lombok International Airport (LOP). Alternatively, take a taxi to Padang Bai port, then a ferry to Lembar, followed by a local transfer to Mataram. The ferry route is significantly cheaper but takes about 4 to 6 hours total. Mataram serves as the capital of Lombok and a gateway to the Gili Islands.

Total Distance: 150 km air distance; 180 km land/sea distance.

Fastest Way

Direct flight from Ngurah Rai, taking only 40 minutes.

Cheapest Way

Public ferry from Padang Bai, costing approximately 150,000 IDR including land transfers.

Compare South Kuta to Mataram Routes

	Flight Direct	Ship Direct
Duration	40 mins	5 hours
Avg Price	500,000 - 900,000 IDR	150,000 - 250,000 IDR
Operator	Wings Air / Lion Air	ASDP Ferry
Route	Ngurah Rai (DPS) to Lombok International (LOP).	Padang Bai Port to Lembar Port.
Tip	Flights are very frequent and save significant time compared to the ferry.	The ferry is a great budget option but can be affected by rough seas.

Travel Tips

Ferry Schedule
Ferries run 24 hours, but check the schedule at Padang Bai for the most reliable departures.
Airport Transfer
Lombok Airport is about 45 minutes from Mataram; use official airport taxis.
Sea Sickness
If taking the ferry, bring motion sickness medication as the Lombok Strait can be choppy.
Respect Culture
Lombok is more conservative than Bali; dress modestly in public areas.
Connectivity
Mobile signal is strong in Mataram but can be weak in remote areas of Lombok.

Safety Tips

Ferry Safety
Ensure you know the location of life jackets upon boarding the ferry.
Night Travel
Avoid traveling on rural roads in Lombok at night due to limited lighting.
Valuables
Keep your passport and money in a secure money belt.
Emergency
Keep the contact details of your embassy handy.