How to Get to Nusa Penida from Bali: Ports, Boats, Ferry
Fast boat or ferry to Nusa Penida? Compare Bali ports, crossing times, cost ranges, booking tips and arrival logistics before you go.
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Last updated November 2026: how to get to Nusa Penida from Bali comes down to a fast boat from Sanur, which takes roughly 30–45 minutes, or a slower public ferry from Padangbai. Expect an island entry fee of about Rp 25,000 per adult on arrival. Fares and timetables shift by operator, so check current prices before you book.
Featured image: (c) Ditch Townsend, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Quick answer: how to get to Nusa Penida from Bali
Most visitors take a fast boat from Sanur. Crossings run roughly 30–45 minutes, and Kusamba sailings are shorter at about 25–30 minutes. Budget roughly Rp 150,000–300,000 one way, depending on operator, port and booking channel. One local booking guide reports online Sanur fares of Rp 170,000–215,000. Treat every figure here as a planning range and confirm current fares before paying.
| Mode | Bali port | Crossing time | Cost range (one way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast boat | Sanur | About 45 min | Rp 170,000–215,000 online |
| Fast boat | Kusamba | About 25–30 min | From Rp 150,000 |
| Public ferry | Padangbai | 60–90 min | Rp 31,700 per adult |
Fast boat vs public ferry: which should you choose?
Fast boats are quicker and run far more often. Public ferry sailings from Padangbai leave at 10:00 and 14:00 daily, with only the 10:00 sailing on Sundays. Cargo loading often delays departures. Only the ferry takes scooters, so it suits travelers bringing their own wheels. Our deeper Nusa Penida ferry guide covers operators and schedules. Bad weather can cancel ferry sailings at short notice.
| Factor | Fast boat | Public ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 30–45 min | 60–90 min plus loading delays |
| Cost | Roughly Rp 150,000–300,000 | Rp 31,700 per adult; scooter extra |
| Baggage | Usually 25–30 kg | Vehicles loaded first |
| Scooters | Not allowed | Allowed, separate fee |
| Comfort | Air-conditioned, seasickness common | Cramped at peak times |
| Best for | Day trips and most stays | Scooter or car transfers |
Pick your port pair
Departure and arrival ports are listed separately in most guides, so match both to your bases. Sanur serves Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud travelers. Kusamba suits Amed or Sidemen. On the island, Banjar Nyuh (Toya Pakeh) is the main arrival port, with Sampalan and Buyuk close together on the north coast. Check each pin on a map before booking. Crystal Bay and other Nusa Penida Beaches: Which to Visit, Swim or Skip sit at different ends of the island.
| Your Bali base | Depart from | Arrive at | Closest to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanur, Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud | Sanur | Banjar Nyuh (Toya Pakeh) | Crystal Bay, Ped |
| Amed, Sidemen | Kusamba | Sampalan or Toyapakeh | Sampalan, Toyapakeh |
| Bringing a scooter | Padangbai | Sampalan | Sampalan, Atuh side |
Fast boat from Sanur step by step
Sanur has the most departures, and boats leave from the beach port on Jalan Matahari Terbit. Operators publish different first and last sailings, so hours vary by season. Follow this sequence.
- Reach Sanur port at least 45 minutes before departure in busy periods.
- Show your e-ticket or collect it at the counter.
- Board from the terminal. Keep valuables in a day bag.
- Pack within the usual 25–30 kg limit.
- Take motion sickness tablets before departure and watch the horizon.
- Land at Banjar Nyuh, then pay the island fee.
Fast boat from Kusamba and ferry from Padangbai
Kusamba has a shorter crossing of about 25–30 minutes and boards from a floating pontoon. It makes sense from Amed or Sidemen. Padangbai is the ferry port for vehicles. Arrive early, because trucks and motorbikes load first and the boat can leave once they are aboard. A second source puts the scooter fare at Rp 60,000–80,000, while another quotes about Rp 120,000 for a scooter plus two passengers. These units differ, so confirm at the booth. Read our Nusa Penida Scooter Rental: Licence, Safety & Costs notes before hauling one across.
Tickets, prices and how to book
Booking online usually gives the lowest fare and holds your seat. Port booths can charge up to Rp 250,000 for some operators, according to one source. Agents near the port often add a markup. Sanur also has electronic kiosks, which offer the next departure but a narrower choice of companies. Book ahead in July–August and December–January, and around local ceremonies. For the full operator list, see our ferry and fast boat reference. Some tickets bundle a hotel pickup, so compare what is included.
Port booths can charge up to Rp 250,000 for some operators, which sits high in the Rp 150,000–300,000 one-way range.
Island entry fee and other costs on arrival
Visitors pay an island entry fee, listed at about Rp 25,000 per adult and Rp 15,000 per child. Tour tickets sometimes include it, so ask before paying twice. It applies to Nusa Penida only, not Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Ceningan. Carry cash for it. Attractions add their own parking and entry charges, such as Rp 35,000 per person for Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach. For official tourism information, start at Indonesia Travel.
Day trip or overnight? Time and risk trade-offs
A day trip is possible, but a driver day runs 8–10 hours and leaves little slack. One source photographed every operator's last Sanur boat full at 4:50 pm on 5 June 2026, even off-peak. Services can also stop on holidays such as Nyepi. Never book a same-day flight home. Reach the return harbor at least 45 minutes before the last sailing. Staying one night removes most of that pressure. A Nusa Penida Boat Tour: Types, Routes & How to Choose bundles transport if you prefer fewer decisions. Check sea conditions with BMKG weather forecasts. Our best time to visit page covers seasons.
Rp 600,000–800,000 buys a full-day driver, yet a driver day runs 8–10 hours, so an overnight stay adds slack.
Arriving: harbor to hotel
Grab and Gojek do not operate on the island, and there are no regular taxis. Arrange a hotel transfer or driver before you land. Most drivers use WhatsApp, and mobile signal can be patchy, so download offline maps. A private car with driver costs roughly Rp 600,000–800,000 for a full day. A scooter rents for roughly Rp 70,000–100,000 per day, though roads are steep and rough. Skip night riding, since many roads are poorly lit. Our guide to Getting Around Nusa Penida: Scooter, Driver & Transfers compares each option.
Leaving and onward travel
Return boats mirror the outbound routes, so book both legs together. Public or private boats to Nusa Lembongan cost about Rp 60,000 per person, per one source. For the Gili Islands, one operator is reported to leave Nusa Penida at 10:30, while a direct service leaves at 10:00 and arrives about 11:45. Timetables change, so confirm before planning. Our island hopping page covers Lembongan and Ceningan. Once you land, start planning with our Nusa Penida things to do guide.
Common mistakes to avoid
These errors cost travelers money and time.
- Buying from agents at the port and paying a markup.
- Skipping a buffer for the last boat.
- Forgetting cash for the island fee.
- Ignoring holiday closures such as Nyepi.
- Choosing the wrong arrival port for your hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a ferry ticket from Bali to Nusa Penida cost?
Fast boats run roughly Rp 150,000–300,000 one way, depending on operator, port and booking channel. The public ferry from Padangbai is listed at Rp 31,700 per adult. Add the island fee of about Rp 25,000.
What is the best way to get to Nusa Penida?
For most travelers, a fast boat from Sanur is the simplest option, with a crossing of roughly 30–45 minutes. Choose Kusamba from Amed or Sidemen. Use the Padangbai ferry only when you need to bring a scooter.
Is Nusa Penida really worth it?
Yes for most travelers, especially if you stay at least one night. Our Is Nusa Penida Worth Visiting? Honest Verdict + Tips guide weighs the trade-offs in detail.
Notes for your Indonesia trip
Optional updates when we add or change a town or island guide.
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