Integration · 2026
Connect GitHub to GitLab
Automatically sync data from GitHub into GitLab. Ikaroa designs, builds and maintains a reliable GitHub → GitLab integration so your tools stay in perfect sync.
TL;DR
Connecting GitHub to GitLab lets you automatically move repositories, issues and pull requests from GitHub into GitLab, so your team stops copying data by hand. GitHub is code hosting, version control and collaboration; GitLab is DevOps platform for code, CI/CD and security. The integration can be built with a native connector, a tool like Zapier or Make, or a custom API integration for full control. Ikaroa builds and maintains the connection for you.
How do you connect GitHub to GitLab?
You can connect GitHub to GitLab in three ways: a native integration if one exists, a no-code automation platform such as Zapier or Make, or a custom API integration built directly against the GitHub and GitLab APIs. The right choice depends on data volume, how real-time the sync needs to be, and how much custom logic you require. For business-critical or high-volume syncs, a custom API integration is the most reliable. Ikaroa designs, builds and maintains GitHub → GitLab integrations end to end.
Teams that rely on both GitHub and GitLab usually hit the same wall: the two tools don't talk to each other. GitHub handles shipping software with version control and CI/CD, while GitLab is used for shipping software with version control and CI/CD. Without an integration, someone ends up exporting spreadsheets, re-keying records and reconciling mismatches by hand, which is slow, error-prone and doesn't scale. A proper GitHub to GitLab integration removes that friction by keeping data flowing automatically from one system to the other.
Why integrate GitHub with GitLab?
Stop manual data entry
Every time a commit is pushed in GitHub, the relevant data is pushed straight into GitLab. No exports, no copy-paste, no stale records.
One source of truth
Keep repositories, issues and pull requests consistent across GitHub and GitLab so every team is working from the same numbers.
Faster, automated workflows
Trigger actions in GitLab, like create an issue and comment on a pull request, the moment a commit is pushed in GitHub, with no human in the loop.
Fewer costly errors
Automated syncing eliminates the typos, missed records and duplicates that come with moving repositories and issues between systems by hand.
What data syncs from GitHub to GitLab?
| Data | What happens |
|---|---|
| Repositories | When repositories are created or updated in GitHub, they are synced into GitLab so your developer platform stays current. |
| Issues | When issues are created or updated in GitHub, they are synced into GitLab so your developer platform stays current. |
| Pull requests | When pull requests are created or updated in GitHub, they are synced into GitLab so your developer platform stays current. |
| Commits | When commits are created or updated in GitHub, they are synced into GitLab so your developer platform stays current. |
| Deployments | When deployments are created or updated in GitHub, they are synced into GitLab so your developer platform stays current. |
Popular GitHub to GitLab automations
- →When a commit is pushed in GitHub, automatically create an issue in GitLab.
- →Keep repositories and issues in GitHub and GitLab in sync in both directions.
- →When a pull request is opened in GitHub, comment on a pull request in GitLab and notify the team.
- →Enrich GitLab records with repositories and issues pulled from GitHub on a schedule.
Ways to connect GitHub and GitLab
Native integration
If GitHub and GitLab offer an official connector, this is the quickest path. It covers common fields out of the box, but native connectors are often limited in which repositories and issues they sync and how much you can customise the mapping.
Best for: simple, standard use cases with low data volume
No-code automation (Zapier / Make)
Tools like Zapier and Make connect GitHub and GitLab with visual workflows. Great for getting started fast and for moderate volumes, though per-task pricing and rate limits can add up, and complex logic gets hard to maintain.
Best for: moderate volume and quick wins without engineering
Custom API integration
A bespoke integration built directly against the GitHub and GitLab APIs gives you full control: exact field mapping, custom business logic, real-time webhooks, error handling and retries. This is what Ikaroa builds for business-critical syncs that need to be reliable at scale.
Best for: high volume, real-time, business-critical syncs and custom logic
How Ikaroa builds your GitHub → GitLab integration
- 1
Map the data and the goal
We start by defining exactly which repositories, issues and pull requests need to move from GitHub to GitLab, in which direction, how often, and what should happen on edge cases like duplicates or failures.
- 2
Choose the right method
Based on your volume, real-time needs and budget, we recommend native, no-code or a custom API integration between GitHub and GitLab, and explain the trade-offs in plain language.
- 3
Build and connect securely
We authenticate against GitHub and GitLab using OAuth or API keys, build the field mapping and transformation logic, and set up webhooks or scheduled syncs so data flows automatically.
- 4
Test, monitor and maintain
We test against real repositories and issues, add logging, alerting and automatic retries, then monitor the GitHub → GitLab integration so it keeps working as both platforms evolve.
Get your GitHub to GitLab integration built
Tell us what you need to sync between GitHub and GitLab. We scope it, then reply within one working day with a fixed quote. No obligation.
GitHub to GitLab integration FAQ
How do I connect GitHub to GitLab?
There are three main ways to connect GitHub to GitLab: a native integration (if available), a no-code automation tool like Zapier or Make, or a custom API integration built against the GitHub and GitLab APIs. For occasional, simple syncs a no-code tool is fine; for reliable, high-volume or real-time syncing of repositories and issues, a custom integration is best. Ikaroa can build and manage it for you.
Can I sync GitHub and GitLab in real time?
Yes. Using webhooks from GitHub, changes can be pushed to GitLab within seconds instead of waiting for a scheduled batch. Real-time syncing is best handled with a custom API integration, which Ikaroa builds with proper retries and error handling so nothing is lost.
What data can I sync between GitHub and GitLab?
Commonly synced data includes repositories, issues, pull requests and commits. The exact fields depend on your setup. Ikaroa maps your GitHub data to the right objects in GitLab and handles any transformations needed in between.
Do I need Zapier to integrate GitHub with GitLab?
No. Zapier or Make are convenient for simple automations, but they are not required. A direct, custom GitHub to GitLab API integration avoids per-task fees and rate limits, and gives you more control over reliability and logic. Ikaroa builds both no-code and custom integrations depending on what fits your needs.
How much does a GitHub to GitLab integration cost?
It depends on complexity: a simple one-way sync of repositories and issues is far cheaper than a real-time, two-way integration with custom logic. Ikaroa scopes the work up front and gives you a fixed quote. Get in touch for a tailored estimate for your GitHub → GitLab integration.
Is the GitHub GitLab integration secure?
Yes. We connect to GitHub and GitLab using their official APIs with OAuth or scoped API keys, never store credentials in plaintext, and follow least-privilege access. All data in transit is encrypted, and we can host the integration in your own cloud if required.
Related integrations
Reverse direction
GitLab to GitHub →More GitHub integrations