How to get from Sanur to Nusa Penida

Heading from Bali’s laid-back Sanur beachfront to the cliffs, coves, and snorkel spots of Nusa Penida? Here’s exactly how to get from Sanur to Nusa Penida by fast boat, hotel pickup, local ferry, or private charter, plus booking tips and FAQs.

At A Glance (Sanur to Nusa Penida)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚤 Fast Boat (Sanur → Nusa Penida)	~30–45 minutes on the water (+check-in)	Most travelers, direct & simple
🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 150k–350k one-way per person depending on boat company, time, and season. Compare multiple operators on » 12Go Sanur→Nusa Penida or check bundled tickets on Klook and GetYourGuide.
🚐 Hotel Pickup + Fast Boat (Bundled)	~1.5–3h door-to-door (area-dependent)	Hassle-free, first-timers, families
🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 250k–550k per person including hotel transfer and boat, depending on pickup area (Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, etc.). Check options like bus+ferry combos or packages on Klook and GetYourGuide.
⛴️ Public Ferry via Padang Bai (Roro)	~1.5–2h Sanur→Padang Bai by road + ~1h ferry	Bringing scooters/vehicles, budget & locals
🏷️ Cost: Passenger tickets typically cheaper than fast boats; scooter + rider combos cost more but are still budget-friendly. The Roro ferry Padang Bai→Nusa Penida usually runs twice daily and takes about an hour; see updated info on routes such as Bali→Nusa Penida ferry overview.
🛥️ Private Charter / Boat Share	~30–45 minutes (flexible departure)	Groups, sunrise/sunset trips, custom timing
🏷️ Cost: From ~IDR 3–6 million+ per boat depending on size, schedule, and inclusions (snorkel gear, guide, hotel transfers). Check bespoke charters and premium day trips on GetYourGuide or curated boat options on platforms like Klook.

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & easiest for most people: Take the direct fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida. It’s quick, frequent, and designed for tourists, with plenty of early-morning departures for day trips.
• Most convenient from elsewhere in Bali: If you’re staying in Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, or Uluwatu and don’t want to think about taxis, go for a hotel pickup + fast-boat bundle that includes transfers to Sanur Harbour.
• Best if you’re bringing a scooter or heavy gear: Consider the Roro public ferry via Padang Bai. It’s slower and more local, but it’s one of the practical ways to bring a motorbike over to Nusa Penida.
• Most flexible & premium: Groups, photographers, and sunrise/sunset chasers may prefer a private charter or semi-private boat with custom departure times, often bundled with snorkelling and island tours.
• Staying overnight on Nusa Penida? Fast boats remain the core option; just pick departure times that match your hotel check-in and consider booking your Nusa Penida stay in advance on Booking.com or Trip.com.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Book fast boats a day or two ahead in high season: In July–September and on weekends, popular morning boats can sell out. Platforms like 12Go, Klook, and GetYourGuide let you compare different operators, departure times, and whether hotel transfers are included.
• Arrive early at Sanur Harbour: Boat companies commonly ask you to be there 30–45 minutes before departure for check-in and luggage tagging, and boarding can be a little chaotic in peak hours. Sanur Harbor info and maps on SanurHarbour.com are handy if it’s your first time.
• Expect to get your feet wet: Although the new pier has improved things, some departures still involve walking through shallow water. Dress in shorts or loose trousers you can roll up, and wear sandals, not long jeans and heavy shoes.
• Use ride-hailing to reach Sanur: Around Bali, Grab and Gojek are the go-to ride-hailing apps for cars and bike taxis. For a pre-booked, meet-and-greet airport or hotel transfer to Sanur, you can also look at Welcome Pickups Bali or quotes on GetTransfer.
• Secure luggage if you’re island-hopping light: If you want to travel to Nusa Penida with just a daypack, you can store bigger bags at staffed locations scattered around Bali using Radical Storage, then pick them up when you return.
• Plan scooters and tours in advance: Nusa Penida’s roads can be steep and rough. If you’re confident on two wheels, you can reserve a scooter on arrival or use services like BikesBooking (Bali-wide) or scooter/tour options on Klook. Otherwise, book a driver or day tour that includes hotel pickup, boat tickets, and Penida island transport via GetYourGuide.
• Check weather and sea conditions: Crossings are generally short but can be bumpy in windy season. If you’re prone to seasickness, sit near the back of the boat and consider motion-sickness pills (discuss with a doctor or pharmacist beforehand).

🚤 Option #1 — Direct Fast Boat from Sanur (Most Popular & Easiest)

Fast & frequent Tourist-friendly Great for day trips

• Overview: Dozens of fast boats run daily from Sanur Harbour directly to Nusa Penida (usually Banjar Nyuh, Toya Pakeh, or Buyuk Harbour). Crossing time is typically around 30–45 minutes depending on sea conditions. For most travelers, this is the simplest, quickest, and most flexible way to reach the island.
• How to book (with price): You’ll usually pay between IDR 150k–350k one-way per adult, with discounts sometimes available for returns. Compare companies and departure times on 12Go, or buy fast-boat tickets (with optional hotel transfers) via Klook or GetYourGuide. Sanur Harbour and Nusa Penida harbour info on SanurHarbour Boat Nusa Penida and PenidaHarbour Buyuk is useful for planning.
• Pros: Short travel time; lots of departures; straightforward check-in; ideal for both day trips and longer stays. Cons: Sea can be choppy; boarding can involve wading in shallow water; luggage space is finite on very busy sailings.

Step-by-step: Fast Boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida

1. Pick your departure time and harbour on Nusa Penida: Banjar Nyuh/Toya Pakeh are handy for West Penida tours (Kelingking, Broken Beach), while Buyuk Harbour is convenient for the northeast. Check your tour or hotel location and choose accordingly.
2. Book your ticket: Reserve online through 12Go, Klook, or GetYourGuide. Note whether the ticket is one-way or return, and double-check the harbour name.
3. Get to Sanur Harbour: From most Bali areas you can use Grab or Gojek, hire a local driver, or pre-book a private transfer from the airport or your hotel using Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
4. Check in 30–45 minutes early: Each boat company has its own ticket counter. Show your voucher or QR code, receive boarding passes and luggage tags, and follow staff directions to the waiting area or pier.
5. Board the boat: Staff will typically pass large luggage directly to the crew, then you walk down the beach or jetty. Choose a seat inside (less windy) or outside (more views) depending on your comfort.
6. Arrive at Nusa Penida: On arrival, follow the crowd off the boat and reclaim your luggage on the beach or jetty. Your pre-booked driver, tour guide, or scooter rental rep will often be waiting with a sign near the harbour entrance.

Getting to the main embarking points (Sanur Harbour)

• From Denpasar / Kuta / Seminyak: Expect 30–60 minutes by car or taxi to Sanur depending on traffic. Grab and Gojek cars are widely used; always allow extra time in rush hour.
• From Canggu / Ubud: Journey times can stretch to 60–90 minutes in heavy traffic. Many travelers arrange a private driver or hotel transfer to avoid early-morning stress.
• Finding the right check-in area: Sanur Harbour now has a centralised entry, but each fast-boat company has its own counter. Look for your operator’s name on signboards or follow the instructions in your booking confirmation.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #2 — Hotel Pickup + Fast Boat (Door-to-Door Bundle)

Low hassle Great for first-time visitors One ticket for everything

• Overview: Many operators sell combined tickets that include pickup from popular Bali areas (Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Jimbaran, Ubud) plus your fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida. A minivan collects you at your accommodation and drops you at the correct harbour counter before departure.
• How to book (with price): Expect bundled prices in the range of IDR 250k–550k per person, varying with pickup area and whether you book one-way or return. Compare hotel-transfer-inclusive products under “Sanur→Nusa Penida” on 12Go, or look for packages mentioning “hotel transfer included” on Klook and GetYourGuide.
• Pros: No need to worry about taxis or traffic; the driver knows which harbour entrance and counter to use; ideal if you have kids or big suitcases. Cons: You travel on the company’s schedule, sometimes with a window for pickup; slightly pricier than organising your own rides + separate boat ticket.

Step-by-step: Hotel Pickup + Fast Boat

1. Choose a bundle that serves your area: Confirm that the pickup zone list includes your hotel’s district (for example, Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran, Ubud). Some packages charge extra for out-of-area pickups.
2. Provide accurate hotel and contact details: When booking, enter your hotel name, address, and WhatsApp number so the operator can coordinate pickup time and inform you of any changes.
3. Be ready in the pickup window: Drivers usually give a 15–30 minute pickup window. Wait at your lobby or designated pick-up point a little before the earliest time.
4. Ride to Sanur Harbour: The minivan may collect several passengers from nearby hotels, so the ride might include a few stops along the way.
5. Check in and board: At Sanur, your driver or a staff member points you to the correct counter. From there, follow the usual check-in and boarding process for your fast boat.

Getting to the main embarking points (From Your Hotel to Sanur)

• Hotel pickup areas: Most bundled tickets cover central tourist zones; remote villas or far-flung stays might require meeting points or extra fees.
• Alternative if pickup isn’t included: Use Grab/Gojek or a local driver to reach Sanur, then present your fast-boat voucher at the harbour counter listed in your confirmation.
• Official harbour info: For maps, harbour layout, and general boat timings, check resources like Sanur Harbour Ferry Terminal before you go.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛴️ Option #3 — Public Roro Ferry via Padang Bai (Good if Bringing a Scooter)

Low cost Vehicle-friendly More local experience

• Overview: If you need to bring your own scooter or heavy gear to Nusa Penida, the public Roro ferry between Padang Bai (on Bali) and Nusa Penida is a practical option. It takes roughly 1 hour for the sea crossing and usually runs twice daily, though schedules can change and Sundays often have fewer departures.
• How to book (with price): Tickets are generally bought at the port on the day of travel and are cheaper than fast boats for foot passengers. Vehicle tickets (scooter + rider, or car + passengers) cost more but remain good value. For a detailed overview of the Roro route and typical timings, check Nusa Penida transport guides like how to get to Nusa Penida from Bali. The Roro is operated under Indonesia’s ferry network (ASDP); corporate info is available on the ASDP Indonesia Ferry website.
• Pros: One of the few ways to legally bring your bike across; authentic, local vibe; can be cheaper if you’re moving equipment or staying long term. Cons: You must travel to Padang Bai first; schedules can shift; boarding can be slow; it’s not as slick or tourist-oriented as Sanur fast boats.

Step-by-step: Sanur → Padang Bai → Nusa Penida by Roro Ferry

1. Travel from Sanur area to Padang Bai: It’s around 1.5–2 hours by road depending on traffic. Use Grab/Gojek, a private driver, or arrange a transfer via your accommodation.
2. Arrive early at Padang Bai port: Aim to arrive at least an hour before your intended ferry. Ask staff or other travelers to confirm which lane or ticket window is used for the Nusa Penida Roro.
3. Purchase your ticket: Buy passenger and vehicle tickets (if applicable) at the official counters. Keep the tickets and any receipts handy for boarding checks.
4. Board the Roro ferry: Follow staff instructions for driving or walking onto the ferry. Secure your scooter/vehicle, then head up to passenger seating.
5. Arrive at Nusa Penida: Ferries typically arrive at Buyuk Harbour. Once disembarked, follow signs to the main road, then ride or transfer onward to your hotel or scooter rental pickup point.

Getting to the main embarking points (Padang Bai & Buyuk Harbour)

• Padang Bai port: A small harbour village in east Bali serving both Lombok and Nusa Penida ferries. There are homestays, warungs, and shops if you need to wait between sailings.
• Buyuk Harbour (Nusa Penida): A quieter harbour on the northeast of Penida, with a modern jetty and multiple fast boats and ferries using it. For maps and harbour details see Buyuk Harbour Nusa Penida.
• Returning to Bali via Roro: Check the latest return timetable locally; services can run less frequently on Sundays or holidays.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🛥️ Option #4 — Private Charter or Premium Day Trip

Custom schedule Comfort & privacy Best for groups

• Overview: Private or semi-private boat charters, and premium day trips, usually include hotel pickup, return fast-boat transfers, island transport, and sometimes snorkelling, lunch, and a guide. They’re ideal for small groups who want a more relaxed timetable and extra comfort.
• How to book (with price): Prices generally start from a few million rupiah per group for simple boat charters, rising for fully-inclusive itineraries. Browse curated day trips and yacht/snorkel packages that start from Sanur on GetYourGuide and fast-boat plus tour combinations on Klook. Some operators also advertise directly on harbour-focused sites like Sanur Harbour.
• Pros: Door-to-door ease; fewer people on board; flexible timing; usually includes hotel transfers and a driver on Nusa Penida. Cons: Significantly more expensive than a simple fast boat; often needs to be booked days in advance, especially in high season.

Step-by-step: Private Charter / Premium Tour

1. Decide what’s included: Choose between “boat-only” charters (you organise your own island transport) and all-inclusive packages that cover hotel pickup, boat, driver, guide, lunch, and entrance fees.
2. Confirm the departure point: Most tours depart from Sanur, but some premium trips may use Serangan or other nearby harbours. Check your voucher for the exact pier and meeting time.
3. Share your hotel details: Provide your Bali address and WhatsApp so the operator can coordinate pickup and send updates if conditions change.
4. Enjoy a curated itinerary: On Nusa Penida, your driver or guide usually follows a set route (West Penida, East Penida, or snorkelling-focused). Ask in advance if you want to customise stops.
5. Return to Bali: After your tour, you’ll head back to Sanur (or Serangan) and be driven back to your hotel, usually arriving by late afternoon or early evening.

Getting to the main embarking points (Sanur & Other Harbours)

• Hotel transfers: Most premium packages include pickup and drop-off from main tourist areas; double-check if there are surcharges for Uluwatu, Ubud, or north Bali.
• Meeting your boat: Operators will send specific meeting-point details (e.g. a café near the pier, or a particular harbour gate). Save a screenshot in case mobile data is patchy.
• Post-tour drop-off: You can often request drop-off at a different hotel or at the airport for a fee – useful if you’re changing bases after your Nusa Penida trip.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Sanur to Nusa Penida)

How long is the boat ride from Sanur to Nusa Penida?
Most fast boats take around 30–45 minutes dock-to-dock in normal conditions. In rougher seas it can be a bit longer, but the crossing is still relatively short compared with other Bali island hops.

Do I need to book my Sanur–Nusa Penida boat in advance?
Outside of peak season, you can sometimes book the same day at Sanur Harbour, but it’s safer to book at least a day ahead – especially for early-morning departures, weekends, and July–September. Online platforms such as 12Go, Klook, and GetYourGuide let you compare schedules and lock in tickets before you travel.

Which harbour on Nusa Penida should I choose?
Banjar Nyuh and Toya Pakeh are convenient for most West Penida tours (Kelingking, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong), while Buyuk Harbour suits travellers staying on the northeast side. Check your accommodation or tour pickup point and match your boat arrival harbour accordingly.

What’s the best way to get around once I arrive on Nusa Penida?
Confident riders often rent scooters, but roads can be steep and bumpy. Many visitors instead hire a private driver for the day or join a small-group tour that includes island transport. You can pre-book scooters and tours via sites like Klook or compare Bali-wide scooter rentals on BikesBooking, then use local operators once on the island.

Is the crossing safe? What about seasickness?
Fast-boat operators provide life jackets and basic safety gear, and thousands of people make the trip daily. However, seas can be choppy in certain months. If you’re prone to motion sickness, sit toward the back of the boat, look at the horizon, and consider taking motion-sickness medication before boarding (ask a doctor or pharmacist what’s suitable for you).

Do I have to pay any extra tourist levies for visiting Nusa Penida?
Bali now charges an island-wide tourism levy for international visitors, which should be paid once per trip via the official Love Bali system or on arrival. Additionally, Nusa Penida may have local retribution or parking fees at viewpoints and beaches, usually collected in cash at small roadside booths.