Nusa Penida is becoming one of the most visited islands in Bali by tourists. Epic cliffs, stunning beaches, and the chance to swim with manta rays make it a popular tourist destination than Bali. Even though the fast Ferry from Bali to Nusa Penida only takes up to 45 minutes, the journey there and back can take much longer due to the need to change boats and wait for taxis.
This article will explain how to reach Nusa Penida from Bali. As the price of each option increases, the travel time decreases, and the journey becomes simpler. It is possible to get Nusa Penida from Bali regardless of your budget. To quickly answer your question which is the best way, the cheapest option is to schedule the Ferry through 12go, while the most convenient option is to book the fast boat with hotel pickup in Bali through Klook. Here's our complete guide on to travel from Bali to Nusa Penida.
Photo by vherliann
🛥️Which port to go from Bali to Nusa Penida?
Here are the three port locations you can choose from for your Nusa Penida Tour:
Sanur Port to Nusa Penida
This is the most common and convenient option for the Nusa Penida tour. Depending on your budget or itinerary, you can take a speed boat or a ferry from Sanur to Nusa Penida. The difference between taking a ferry or speed boat to Nusa Penida will be journey time.
Sanu Harbor Port Entrance
If you take a ferry, it will be much slower than a speed boat (or fast boat, it's another term they use, but it's the same). Some ferries stop at Nusa Lembongan first to unload deliveries, so the best is to double-check if the Ferry is directly docking at Nusa Penida. The island of Nusa Penida is reachable within 30 to 45 min on a speed boat from Bali, depending on port traffic dispatch, and up to a few hours on a ferry.
The travel time will vary depending on where you plan to stay in Bali and whether you take a scooter or car. Having some buffer time for the traffic is always advisable, especially during the morning rush hour, especially at the port area. Here's an estimated travel time from different Bali locations to Nusa Penida.
From Denpasar to Nusa Penida – 15 min drive to Sanur + 45 min speed boat
From Nusa Dua to Nusa Penida – 25 min drive to Sanur + 45 min speed boat
From Seminyak to Nusa Penida – 30 min drive to Sanur + 45 min speed boat
From Ubud to Nusa Penida – 50 min drive to Sanur + 45 min speed boat
From Uluwatu to Nusa Penida – 60 min drive to Sanur + 45 min speed boat
Sanur port, found on the map below, is where you can buy tickets for the public Ferry from Bali to Nusa Penida.
Padang Bai Port to Nusa Penida
Padang Bai Port is located in the East of Bali and is the best option to take your vehicle. This route of crossing to Nusa Penida takes about 60-90 minutes and is cheaper than the speedboats (the one-way price is IDR 30,000 or $3 USD). Ferries in Padang Bai allow you to bring your car or scooter to Nusa Penida from mainland Bali, although there are extra charges.
Photo Credit : lucaschaillou
It's best to get to the port around 8 a.m. in case the boat leaves early that morning, but you should also be ready to wait if it goes later. There might be limited money at the ATMs, or it is best to prepare some cash since ATMs are also limited in Nusa Penida. The ferries operate from Padang Bai port daily, leaving between 9.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. Here's an estimated travel time from different locations in Bali to your Nusa Penida Tour.
Denpasar to Nusa Penida – 1 hr 15 min drive to Padang Bai Port + 60 min ferry
Nusa Dua to Nusa Penida – 1hr 25 min drive to Padang Bai Port + 60 min ferry
Seminyak to Nusa Penida – 1hr 30 min drive to Padang Bai Port + 60 min ferry
Ubud to Nusa Penida – 1hr 30 min drive to Padang Bai Port + 60 min ferry
Uluwatu to Nusa Penida – 2hr 20 min drive to Padang Bai Port + 60 min ferry
Scooter rentals in Nusa Penida are more expensive compared to Bali, and the bikes need to be in better condition due to not appropriate treacherous roads on the island. If you wish to bring your rented scooter from Bali to Nusa Penida, you must pay an additional IDR 50,000 – which still worked out cheaper than the speed boat!
SAFETY TIP - Foreigners can bring a vehicle on the Ferry if they have an international driving license and proof of the original owner's vehicle documentation. Most places that rent scooters keep this paper in the bike seat. But the best is to notify the owner and check if they will allow you to bring it to Nusa Islands for your safety.
Padang Bai port, found on the map below, is where you can buy tickets for the public Ferry from Bali to Nusa Penida.
Kusamba Port to Nusa Penida
Locals commonly use this route, and the ferry ride Between Kusamba and Nusa Penida is just 30 minutes. We have found 15 daily departures. The earliest ferry departure time is at 06:30, arriving at Nusa Penida ferry port at 06:45. The latest departure time is at 17:00, arriving at the port in Nusa Penida at 17:20. Prices of a one-way adult ticket range from up to $4 USD.
Denpasar to Nusa Penida – 1 hr 15 min drive to Kusamba Port + 20 min ferry
Nusa Dua to Nusa Penida – 1hr 30 min drive to Padang Bai Port + 20 min ferry
Seminyak to Nusa Penida – 1hr 30 min drive to Padang Bai Port + 20 min ferry
Ubud to Nusa Penida – 1hr drive to Padang Bai Port + 20 min ferry
Photo by Pasan Gamaetige
🛥️ What is the cheapest way from Bali to Nusa Penida?
The cheapest way from Bali to Nusa Penida is to book a ticket for the Ferry to Nusa Penida via Ferry with 12go. This guarantees you the correct price and online proof of ticket without lining up and waiting to book in person at the dock. Take note that pickup from your accommodation is not included in this ticket; you will still need to arrange a land transfer to Sanur Port and vice versa.
🛥️ What is the fastest way from Bali to Nusa Penida?
The fastest and easiest way to go from Bali to Nusa Penida is to book a ticket for the speed boat with a hotel pickup via Klook. This option may be expensive, but this package includes a car to pick you up at Nusa Penida.
🛥️ How to get to the Nusa Penida via Sanur Port
When planning your trip to Nusa Penida, it's essential to consider your budget and the level of logistics you're comfortable managing. Three options are available, each with advantages and considerations. Let's explore these options, starting with the most convenient if you plan a day trip for your Nusa Penida Tour.
Option 1 - Book a fast boat with hotel pickup + private car in Nusa Penida: Sanur, Bali to Nusa Penida
This is the best option if you plan a quick day trip for your Nusa Penida tour. It includes a fast boat from Sanur (Bali) to Nusa Penida and pickup from your hotel in Bali in a van via Klook. I did this on my first visit to Nusa Penida, and it was convenient. I got picked up from my accommodation in Seminyak at 7:00 a.m. Once I arrived at the Sanur port, my assigned driver was already there and took me straight to the ticket office, tagged my bag, and gave me a sticker so the porter or boatmen knew I was on the right boat. At the port, my driver welcomed me with signage with my name. It might be a bit more expensive, but it takes all the hassle out of the transit from Bali to Nusa Penida; when you consider, you get the following:
Pickup from hotel in Bali and dropped to Sanur Port.
Ferry to Nusa Penida
Tour around Nusa Penida
Ferry back to Bali
Pickup from Sanur Port and drop at your hotel in Bali.
Option 2 - Book a fast boat ticket: Sanur, Bali to Nusa Penida
This option is excellent as you go directly from Bali to Penida without stopping in Lembongan. This option is best if you plan to stay longer in Nusa Penida, and you can book a fast boat ticket on Klook. You can also book a roundtrip ticket and ask the ticket office if they can give you an "open ticket" if you wish to extend longer to Nusa Penida Island. Take note that this option doesn't include any land transfers when you arrive in Nusa Penida.
Option 3- Book your ferry ticket: Sanur, Bali to Nusa Penida
Book a regular ferry from Sanur to Nusa Penida on the reliable website 12go. You can get your ticket for $9 USD. This option doesn't include your land transfer once you arrive in Nusa Penida. If you plan to stay in Nusa Penida for a few days, you can coordinate with your hotel for pickup or transport rental when you arrive at the port.
🛥️ How to get to the Nusa Penida via Padang Bai
Padang Bai port is the best option if you bring your scooter or car to Nusa Penida; here are the choices you can choose from on how to book your ticket.
Book a fast boat ticket: Padang Bai Port Bali to Nusa Penida – Book a regular ferry from Sanur to Nusa Penida on the website of 12go.
Book your ferry ticket: Padang Bai Port Bali to Nusa Penida – Book a regular ferry from Sanur to Nusa Penida on the website of 12go.
BGB TRAVEL TIP- Both options don't include land transfers from your accommodation to Padang Bai port. If you plan to stay in Nusa Penida for a few days, you can coordinate with your hotel for pickup or transport rental when you arrive at the port.
Photo by Tom Bixler
🛥️Nusa Penida Tour Travel Tips
Now that you know how to get your tickets for your Nusa Penida Tour, we have a few more tips to help you prepare for the trip.
There is no seating assignment for your boat tickets; however, we suggest you choose the window seat, as it can be hot inside the boat. It depends on which boat you get; there are boats you can get onto the roof and enjoy the wind.
Always keep your small bag with personal belongings, and try to put your important documents and gadgets in a dry bag for extra safety. Waves in Bali are very unpredictable. Although boats have tarps, protecting these items from water is safe.
If you have oversized luggage and wish to avoid bringing it, check with your accommodation or hotel if they can safely keep it. The roads of Nusa Penida are not the most friendly with 4-wheeled luggage.
There are limited ATM Machines around the island of Nusa Penida, so we suggest preparing cash with you before boarding the boat.
🛥️ FAQs for Bali to Nusa Penida Transfers
How long is the fast boat from Bali to Nusa Penida?
On average, a fast boat from Bali to Nusa Penida takes 30-45 minutes from Sanur Port.
Should I book a ferry or speed boat for Nusa Penida?
The travel time between the two options is minimal with a little price difference; choosing a speed boat for your Bali to Nusa Penida transfers is best. However, the Ferry is the only local transportation option, so you should expect pandemonium compared to a more expensive fast-boat service.
How to buy a ferry ticket for the Nusa Penida Tour online or at the port?
You can book your ticket at the port; there's only minimal difference, and it is always less expensive to do so in advance online. If not, you will arrive at the port and wait in line for a ticket. And then wait for the Ferry whenever possible. If you book online, you can come just before your ferry leaves. So it is best to secure the Ferry online with 12GO.
Should I book online tickets for Nusa Penida Transfers?
Yes, it is more convenient to book online whether you choose to go via Ferry or speed boat. You can either book via Klook or with 12GO as the price is fixed and there are guarantees. If you prefer to avoid haggling with the different ticket vendors on the street in Bali, or if you're in a hurry and want a quick day trip to do the Nusa Penida tour.
Can I leave my scooter at Sanur port?
Yes, there's a parking lot where you can leave your scooter for your Nusa Penida tour. However, you plan to stay longer in Nusa Penida. In that case, we suggest coordinating with the rental scooter company about the best way to leave your rented scooter for extra safety.
How to get from Bali Airport to Nusa Penida Island?
Getting to Nusa Penida from Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport is easiest via taxi or Grab (similar to Uber) from the airport to Sanur's 'Sanur Beach Harbor' (also spelled 'Sanur Harbour'). You can reach the Sanur Beach Harbor 30–40 minutes from Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport. If there is a chance of a flight delay, don't buy your ticket in advance. Visit the harbor and inquire at booths about purchasing a ticket to Nusa Penida.
Can I bring luggage to Nusa Penida?
Yes! Almost all boats have the same restriction for two bags weighing 25-30 kg combined. Due to the number of passengers, no inspection of bags performed a baggage check. The bags are protected from rain by a large tarp and kept on the deck. Keep your valuables in your carry-on bag for extra safety because they can be rough with checked luggage.
Is the Ferry to Nusa Penida safe?
The ferries appear to be relatively safe, although safety standards are lax. There must be life jackets, but is there a sufficient number? The ferries tend to be worn and older, which doesn't inspire confidence. It's not a far voyage, but I imagine the danger increases on stormier days. Unfortunately, I can't say that taking this Ferry is completely risk-free because of budget cuts and lax regulations. Fifty people perished when a ferry sank on the coast of Bali in 2018. There were six fatalities in that event. In 2023, a second boat en route from Bali to Nusa Penida was involved in a collision and sank. Although no lives were lost, passengers were forced to abandon the ship in their life vests as their goods went down with the ship.
How to get from Nusa Penida to Nusa Lembongan?
You don't need to make any advanced reservations to travel between Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Every hour, a small boat will set sail. However, that portion of the trip can also be reserved through 12GO.
Can you transfer from the Gili Islands to Nusa Penida?
There is no direct boat or Ferry from Nusa Penida to any Gili Islands; the best option is to transfer from Nusa Lembongan to the Gili Islands. That means you take the 10-minute boat trip to Nusa Lembongan from Nusa Penida and can travel to the Gili Islands without returning to Sanur, Bali.
How to get from Nusa Penida to Lombok?
There is no direct boat or Ferry from Nusa Penida to any Gili Ito Lombok but not directly from Nusa Penida. That means you take the 10-minute boat trip to Nusa Lembongan from Nusa Penida and skip to Lombok without returning to Sanur, Bali, which is pretty convenient.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, all the options you can take for your Nusa Penida day tour; let us know which route you decided to take. And we would be happy to update this guide if we missed any questions or information.
🥥🌴🍍🌸Beauty Guide Bali Tips🥥🌴🍍🌸
Check out the cheapest flight to Bali today! Visit Wayaway.com
Book your accommodations in advance to get the latest hotel deals, visit Booking.com & Agoda.com
Arrange your Airport transfers to your hotel via Klook.com and avoid the stress of negotiating.
Learn the best way to go around Bali. Book a Private Car via Klook or Rent a bike via Bikago.
Get Travel Insurance with Safetywing.com and worry less if any accidents happen.
Book your tours and activities before departure with Get Your Guide, Viator, Klook.
Get your ferry tickets to Nusa Penida or other islands in Indonesia via 12go.com
Learn how to register your phone in Bali. If you’re an iPhone user & don't want to register your phone, get your eSIM via Airalo.com.
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