How to get from Bali to Nusa Penida

Getting from Bali to Nusa Penida is straightforward once you know which ports to use, how the fast boats work, and how to time your crossing around the weather and crowds.

At A Glance (Bali to Nusa Penida)

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest and most convenient: For most travelers staying in South Bali (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, Nusa Dua), Option #1 – Fast Boat from Sanur is the sweet spot: short crossing, many departures, easy to bundle with hotel pickup.
• Best if you are based in East Bali: If you are staying around Padangbai, Candidasa or Amed, it can be simpler to use Option #2 – Fast Boats from Kusamba/Padangbai/Serangan so you spend less time in traffic and more time on the island.
• Cheapest / bring your own vehicle: Travelers on a tight budget or those needing to take a car or scooter across can use Option #3 – Public Car Ferry from Padangbai, accepting slower and less predictable schedules.
• Most hassle-free / guided sightseeing: If you prefer everything arranged (hotel pickup, tickets, island tour, lunch), choose Option #4 – Hotel Pickup + Fast Boat (Bundled Day Trip) and let a local guide handle logistics while you focus on photos and views.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Book popular departure times in advance: Morning boats (around 07:00–09:00) and late afternoon returns sell out quickly, especially in high season. You can compare operators and times on platforms like 12Go Asia or reserve a specific Sanur–Nusa Penida service through Klook.
• Plan your Bali-side transfers: If you are landing at Bali’s Ngurah Rai (DPS) and going straight to the port, you can pre-book a private airport transfer with Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer; on the ground, ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are widely used alternatives.
• Stay near your departure port: To catch an early boat, consider a hotel in Sanur or near Padangbai – you can browse options around Nusa Penida and the main Bali ports on Booking.com.
• Travel light and store extra bags: Boats have limited space and you’ll often board via the beach, so leave big suitcases behind if possible. If you need a place to store luggage on Bali for a day or two, check luggage storage points around the island via Radical Storage.
• Check weather & sea conditions: Crossings are usually smooth, but seas can be rough during the wet and shoulder seasons. If you’re prone to seasickness, choose a larger boat, sit near the back, and bring motion-sickness tablets.
• Renting a scooter on Nusa Penida: Roads on the island are steep and can be narrow. Confident riders can pre-book scooters through services like Nusa Penida scooter rentals on Klook or look at options around Bali on BikesBooking, but less-experienced riders may prefer hiring a car with driver or a guided tour.

🚤 Option #1 — Fast Boat from Sanur (Most Popular, Best Balance)

Good value Frequent departures Weather-dependent seas

• Overview: Fast boats run all day between Sanur Beach Harbour (south-east Bali) and several piers on Nusa Penida (Banjar Nyuh, Toya Pakeh, Sampalan). Crossing time is around 30–45 minutes, making it the standard route for both day trips and multi-night stays.
• How to book (with price): One-way tickets generally cost around IDR 150k–350k per person depending on season, operator and whether hotel transfers are included. You can compare different companies and departure times on 12Go Asia, or buy specific Sanur–Nusa Penida tickets via Klook’s fast boat listings.
• Pros: Shortest and most frequent crossing; easy to reach from Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Nusa Dua and Ubud; many operators to choose from; easy to connect with guided tours.
• Cons: Boats can be busy at peak times; departures may be delayed or cancelled in very rough seas; boarding is often via the beach, so feet can get wet.
• Good to know: Check-in is usually 30–60 minutes before departure; you’ll tag your bags and they’ll be stacked on the roof or front of the boat. Keep valuables and medications in a small daypack you can take into the cabin.

Step-by-step: Fast Boat from Sanur

1. Choose your departure time and operator: Decide whether you want the earliest boat (for maximum time on Nusa Penida) or a more relaxed mid-morning departure. Use platforms like 12Go Asia or Klook’s Sanur–Nusa Penida fast boat to compare timetables and reviews.
2. Arrange your transfer to Sanur Harbour: From the airport or your hotel, book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer, or order a Grab/Gojek car through the app. Allow extra time for Bali’s traffic, especially in the morning.
3. Check in at the boat company’s office: At Sanur Beach Harbour, find your operator’s small office or booth, show your voucher or confirmation, and get paper tickets and bag tags.
4. Boarding and luggage: When boarding is announced, staff will carry large bags to the front or roof of the boat. You’ll wade a short distance through shallow water to climb aboard—wear sandals or flip-flops and keep electronics in a dry bag if you have one.
5. During the crossing: Choose a seat towards the back for a smoother ride. Life jackets are normally stored overhead or under seats—locate them before departure. If you get seasick, look at the horizon and avoid reading or screens.
6. Arrival on Nusa Penida: On arrival at Banjar Nyuh, Toya Pakeh or Sampalan, wait for staff to unload luggage. You can walk to nearby scooter rentals, pre-booked drivers or pickup points for day tours and snorkeling trips, such as those booked via GetYourGuide or Trip.com.

Getting to the main embarking points (Sanur Harbour)

• From Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS): Sanur Harbour is around 30–40 minutes away in light traffic. Book a fixed-price transfer through Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer, or use ride-hailing apps (Grab, Gojek) once you exit the official pickup zones.
• From Kuta/Legian/Seminyak: Expect 30–60 minutes by car depending on traffic. Many fast boat companies offer hotel pickups in these areas for an extra fee—look for options when booking via platforms like Klook or 12Go Asia.
• From Ubud: Allow 60–90 minutes by car. Private drivers are easy to arrange; if you want flexibility for more inland exploring, you can also consider a day or two of car rental via Booking.com car rentals at DPS or Trip.com’s Bali car hire.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🛥️ Option #2 — Fast Boats from Kusamba, Padangbai or Serangan (Great if You’re in East Bali)

Time-saving from East Bali Multiple small ports Less frequent than Sanur

• Overview: Smaller fast boats connect Nusa Penida with Kusamba and Padangbai (east coast of Bali) and sometimes Serangan (near Benoa). These are handy if you’re already staying in East Bali, or if you’re combining Nusa Penida with the Gilis or Lombok.
• How to book (with price): Fares are typically in the IDR 120k–300k one-way range. You can look up schedules and combined routes (e.g. Padangbai–Nusa Penida–Gili/Lombok) on 12Go Asia’s Nusa Penida pier routes and selected multi-island fast boat services via Klook.
• Pros: Good option if you’re already in Padangbai/Candidasa/Amed; easier connections with ferries to the Gilis and Lombok; sometimes less crowded than Sanur.
• Cons: Fewer departures per day; weather and sea conditions can affect smaller boats more; port infrastructure can be more basic than at Sanur.

Step-by-step: Fast Boat from East Bali

1. Choose your port: If you’re staying near Padangbai or Candidasa, Padangbai fast boats or the car ferry make sense. If you’re closer to Klungkung, Kusamba/Tribuana can be convenient. Some multi-stop services from Serangan also route via Nusa Penida.
2. Check and book your route: Use 12Go Asia to search Bali → Nusa Penida Pier and filter by port, or look for multi-destination tickets that include Nusa Penida on Klook.
3. Travel to the departure port: Arrange a private car or ride-hailing trip (Grab/Gojek) from your accommodation. If you prefer a pre-arranged vehicle from the airport or another town, pre-book with GetTransfer or Welcome Pickups.
4. Check-in & boarding: Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early, check in at the company office, and follow staff to the boarding point. Smaller harbours may have simple jetties or beach boarding similar to Sanur.
5. Arrival on Nusa Penida: You will typically arrive at Sampalan or Banjar Nyuh. From there you can walk to rental stands, meet your pre-booked driver, or join island tours and snorkeling trips (for example those booked on GetYourGuide day trips).

Getting to the main embarking points (Kusamba / Padangbai / Serangan)

• From South Bali (Kuta/Seminyak/Canggu): Expect 1.5–2.5 hours by car to Padangbai or Kusamba depending on traffic. A private driver or pre-booked transfer is usually most comfortable.
• From Ubud: Padangbai and Kusamba are roughly 60–90 minutes away by car. This can work well if you want to stop at viewpoints or temples on the drive.
• From Nusa Dua/Jimbaran: Allow 2–2.5 hours in traffic. If that feels too long, you may prefer Sanur instead (see Option #1).
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛴️ Option #3 — Public Car Ferry Padangbai → Nusa Penida (Cheapest & Vehicle-Friendly)

Lowest cost Bring vehicles Slower & basic

• Overview: The public Ro-Ro ferry between Padangbai and Nusa Penida is mainly used by locals, trucks and cars but foot passengers are also allowed. Crossing time is usually around 60 minutes but loading/unloading can add extra time.
• How to book (with price): Tickets are usually bought at the Padangbai ferry terminal on the day of travel. Foot passenger fares are commonly in the IDR 35k–60k range, with separate charges for vehicles depending on size and type.
• Pros: Very budget-friendly; you can take cars or scooters across legally; more sheltered if you prefer a large vessel.
• Cons: Less frequent and less predictable than fast boats; limited information online; more basic facilities; potential for crowds during holidays or supply runs.
• Who it suits best: Long-stay visitors, overlanders, and travelers who don’t mind slower, more local-style travel in exchange for savings and the ability to bring their own vehicle.

Step-by-step: Public Ferry from Padangbai

1. Plan your travel window: Ask your accommodation or local driver about the current ferry schedule, which can change seasonally. Aim to arrive at the port well before your intended departure, especially if you have a vehicle.
2. Arrive at Padangbai ferry terminal: Follow signs to the Ro-Ro ferry area (different from the fast boat jetty for the Gilis/Lombok). If driving, queue in the designated lane for vehicles; foot passengers can walk to the ticket counter.
3. Buy your ticket: Purchase tickets in cash at the official counter and keep them handy; staff may inspect them more than once.
4. Boarding: Vehicles drive onto the ferry ramp; foot passengers board via ramps or side gangways. Find a seat inside or on deck, keep valuables close and be mindful of vehicle movement during loading/unloading.
5. Arrival on Nusa Penida: On the Penida side (often at Nusa Penida’s main car ferry pier), disembark with your vehicle or on foot and continue onwards by local transport, scooter or pre-arranged driver.

Getting to the main embarking point (Padangbai Ferry Terminal)

• From South Bali: Expect 1.5–2.5 hours by car. Pre-arranged private transfers are ideal if you’re bringing a lot of luggage; you can also book longer car hires via Trip.com’s Bali car rental or Booking.com car rentals in Bali.
• From Ubud: Plan for around 60–90 minutes by road. Ask drivers specifically to drop you at the Ro-Ro ferry ticket area rather than the fast boat pier.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Hotel Pickup + Fast Boat & Day Tour (Most Hassle-Free)

All-in-one Guided sightseeing Higher total cost

• Overview: Many operators offer full-day packages from Bali that include hotel pickup, fast boat tickets, transfers on Nusa Penida, sightseeing at highlights like Kelingking Beach and Broken Beach, and often lunch and snorkeling.
• How to book (with price): Day tours typically cost around IDR 600k–1.5m per person depending on inclusions (private vs. shared, snorkeling, lunch, premium boat). You can browse and book highly rated tours on platforms like GetYourGuide’s all-inclusive Nusa Penida tours, Trip.com’s Nusa Penida day trips, or mixed transfer products via Klook.
• Pros: Zero logistics to worry about; door-to-door pickup; local guide with island knowledge; great if you’re nervous about driving or unfamiliar with boats.
• Cons: More expensive than DIY; fixed schedule with less flexibility; some tours can feel rushed at popular viewpoints.
• Who it suits best: First-time visitors, families with children, groups of friends, or anyone short on time who wants an easy Nusa Penida taster in one day.

Step-by-step: Bundled Day Trip or Transfer

1. Select your tour style: Decide if you prefer a private tour, a small-group option, or a larger bus-style excursion. Check inclusions carefully (snorkeling, lunch, photo stops) when browsing listings on GetYourGuide, Trip.com or Klook.
2. Enter your hotel details: Provide your exact hotel name and address in Bali so the operator can confirm your pickup time and whether any surcharges apply for certain areas.
3. Meet your driver and transfer to the port: On the day, your driver collects you at the agreed time and drives to Sanur or another departure port, where staff will help with your tickets and boarding.
4. Enjoy the island program: Once on Nusa Penida, you transfer to a van or car with a local driver-guide who will take you to key viewpoints and beaches, usually following a West, East or combination itinerary.
5. Return to Bali: In the late afternoon, you board the return boat and your driver drops you back at your hotel, usually by early evening depending on traffic.

Getting to the main embarking points (Varies by tour)

• Hotel areas covered: Most tours include pickups from common tourist hubs: Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Ubud (sometimes with a small surcharge for distant areas).
• If pickup is not included: Use Grab or Gojek to reach the designated meeting point, or arrange a private taxi through your hotel or via Welcome Pickups.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Bali to Nusa Penida)

How long does it take to get from Bali to Nusa Penida?

• From Sanur on a fast boat, the crossing itself is usually around 30–45 minutes, but you should add 30–60 minutes for check-in and boarding.
• From Padangbai or Kusamba, smaller fast boats can take 20–60 minutes depending on the route and sea conditions.
• The public car ferry typically takes about 60 minutes sailing time, but loading/unloading can extend total travel time.

Is the fast boat to Nusa Penida safe?

• Thousands of people cross safely every day, but seas can be rough and maritime incidents do occur in Indonesia, especially in bad weather or when boats are overloaded.
• Choose reputable operators with good safety records, always wear or keep a lifejacket within arm’s reach, and avoid standing on exposed decks in big swell.
• If a serious weather warning is issued or the operator cancels, treat it as a safety decision and reschedule rather than forcing the trip.

Can I visit Nusa Penida on a day trip from Bali?

• Yes. With an early morning boat from Sanur and a late afternoon return, you can comfortably visit several highlights on a day trip.
• Day tours that bundle hotel pickup, boat tickets and guided sightseeing make this easy, but independent travelers can also arrange their own boat and rent a scooter or hire a driver on arrival.

Should I stay overnight on Nusa Penida?

• Staying at least one or two nights lets you see sunset and sunrise viewpoints, explore quieter beaches and avoid the midday crowds from day tours.
• There is a growing range of guesthouses, homestays and boutique hotels on the island; you can compare and book many of them via Booking.com.

Can I bring a scooter or car from Bali to Nusa Penida?

• You can bring vehicles on the public car ferry from Padangbai, paying a separate vehicle fee.
• However, many visitors find it easier to store large luggage on Bali and rent a scooter or hire a local driver on Nusa Penida instead. Pre-book rentals or tours via services like Klook or check scooter options around Bali on BikesBooking.

• useful references:
• https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/
• https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/travel-ideas/adventure/nusa-penida/
• https://dishub.baliprov.go.id/
• https://indonesia.travel/uk/en/explore-indonesia/bali-nusa-tenggara/bali/kelingking-beach-a-marvelous-wonder-in-the-southwest-of-nusa-penida

This guide was researched and written by Jacob, and it was last updated on August 28, 2026. 0 people found this post useful.

Found this post useful? Give it a thumbs up or share it with someone below. Contact us if you want to help improve this post or if you found an error.




0 likes

Related posts:

How to get from Sanur to Nusa Penida How to get from Bali to Gili Islands How to get from Denpasar to Gili Air How to get from Lombok to Bali