Nusa Penida is the biggest of the Nusa islands, just off Bali's east coast. It's known for Kelingking Beach and the manta rays that gather offshore. The direct ferry is the quickest way to get from Bali to Nusa Penida, crossing in 30m - 4h 30m. The slow ferry is the cheapest way over at $1.70 (30,000 IDR). There are organised day tours too, if you'd rather not plan the crossing yourself.
Distance from Bali to Nusa Penida
Bali and Nusa Penida are about 41 km (25 miles) apart. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 30m and 8h.
4 ways to travel from Bali to Nusa Penida
There are four ways to travel from Bali to Nusa Penida. You can choose between the direct, slow ferry, day tour, and minivan. The journey takes 30m–8h and the quickest way is by direct. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by slow ferry with tickets starting at $1.70 (30,000 IDR).
Reach out to our Community
8Hello,
Really lovely to read your reports, thank you for the insights and the detailed information. It makes travelling in a foreign country much easier.
We are currently planning to go from Padang Bai to Nusa Penida, but we each have a suitcase with us (beginner's mistake, I know)
Is that possible with the ekajaya ferry? Or should we rather go to Sanur?
The departure time of 16:00 is still current, right.
Best regards
Laurenz
Hi Laurenz,
Glad to hear Gecko Routes has been helpful for your travels!
Eka Jaya's website (baliekajaya.com) states you can bring up to 25kg of check-in luggage and a carry-on, so your suitcase should be fine.
In my experience, ferry companies, including Eka Jaya, don't usually weigh your luggage. Whether you're leaving from Sanur or Padang Bai, it shouldn't be an issue.
The departure time is still 4 pm. You can double-check it here (bookaway.com).
Have a great time in Indonesia!
PS: Diese Antwort ist auf Englisch verfasst, um sie für Reisende aus allen Ländern hilfreich zu machen. Wir empfehlen die Verwendung von Google Translate, um diese Antwort ins Deutsche zu übersetzen.
Hello.
Could you tell me which of the various fast ferry companies operating from the port of Sanur to Nusa Penida has easy access to the boat?
I have read in reviews that some make you board the boat uncomfortably from the beach and that you have to walk a long way, and we are carrying a huge amount of luggage.
What I would really like to know is, of the fast ferries departing from Sanur to Nusa, which is the most comfortable one to board at the port.
Thank you so much, this blog has been an enormous help.
Hello Noemi, the reviews you read were likely referring to the old Sanur Port. The good news is that Sanur Port (maps.app.goo.gl) underwent a renovation in November 2022. Now, all boats conveniently depart and arrive from a dedicated pier instead of the beach. There is now a dedicated building with waiting area and gates from where passengers will be guided to their boats. Bear in mind that if you take a ferry to Nusa Lembongan, you'll still need to go through the water. For Nusa Penida, this is usually not the case as most boats board on a pier. We hope this answers your question. Safe travels!
Hi guys
Hope you Can help med on this: our children are not very fond of rocky boats/speedballs therefore we consider taking the slow boat. Have you tried it and is it your impression this boat is bigger and therefore more steady on the water??
Hi Helene, the large cargo ferries go a lot slower and are indeed more steady that you'll barely feel the shocks of the waves. From Padang Bai in Bali, it takes around 2 hours by slow ferry to Nusa Penida. The arrival point for the slow ferry is also in the same area as the ports for fast boats, with a number of accommodations nearby. If you don't mind spending a little more time on a boat (compared to the fast boat of 30-45 minutes), then the slow ferry isn't a bad option at all.
Alternatively, you might want to consider the Eka Jaya Fast Boat with departures from Serangan Port (bookaway.com) and Padang Bai (bookaway.com). Eka Jaya is one of the largest fast boat operators in Bali with a capacity of over 200 seats. A large fast boat like this offers a calmer ride than smaller fast boats with only 100 seating capacity. Travel time with Eka Jaya is also only 30 minutes, compared to 2 hours by slow ferry.
If you'd like to know more about the Eka Jaya Fast Boat, you can read more on our Bali to Gili Islands (geckoroutes.com) page.
Hello,
Is there a slow ferry departure from Sanur? If so, where?
Thanks in advance
Hi Gely, the slow ferry from Bali to Nusa Penida operates only from Padang Bai. At Sanur Port (bookaway.com), you'll only find fast boats to Nusa Penida.
Hello :-)
Is it possible to travel to Nusa Penida with a suitcase? A speedboat isn't exactly big, after all 🥲
Best regards,
Sarah
Hi Sarah, it's possible to bring a suitcase when travelling from Bali to Nusa Penida. The ferry staff will carry your luggage for you on board. They'll stow it inside or on the roof of the fast ferry.
PS: Diese Antwort ist auf Englisch verfasst, um sie für Reisende aus allen Ländern hilfreich zu machen. Wir empfehlen die Verwendung von Google Translate, um diese Antwort ins Deutsche zu übersetzen.
Incredible content in this post, thank you so much.
One more thing — to go from Bali to Nusa Penida are 3 vaccines needed? Or to go to Lombok?
Thank you very much Paco. Happy to hear you found our guide useful. Nusa Penida is part of Bali which means there are no additional requirements. If you travel to Lombok, however, you do officially need 3 vaccine doses (except when you received J&J). These requirements are subject to change and I recommend checking out this Facebook page about Covid updates in Bali (facebook.com) for the latest news updates.
&bsp;
PD: Esta respuesta está escrita en inglés para que sea útil para los viajeros de todo el mundo. Recomiendo usar Google Translate para traducir esta respuesta al español.
Hello there,
Thank you for your insights on how to get to Nusa Penida.
Since it's really hard to get information about the schedule of the slow ferry (RoRo) from Padang Bai to Nusa Penida (even on the official website from ASDP there is nothing to find), I would like to ask you for help:
Is is definetly the case that the slow ferry from Padang Bai to Nusa Penida just leaves once a day at 10 as you mentioned? Could you tell me the point of time at which you got the information and, if possible, the source?
Thanks a lot! :)
Hi Ben,
Thank you for your appreciation. This keeps us motivated to keep on updating the routes and provide you with the best tips.
Slow ferries leaving from Padang Bai are often delayed, but sometimes they leave at the exact departure time. I always recommend to be at the port 20-30 minutes before as you also need to buy your tickets and potentially wait in line. If you arrive earlier, you an enjoy a nice coffee and very well priced breakfast in DSteel Cafe (goo.gl). Very nice place to wait before the ferrry leaves.
UPDATE: The owner of DSteel just texted me that there is also a ferry leaving at 3pm.
Loving your very helpful guides to getting between places in Bali. I have a little mobility scooter. How do I find out best places to stay and best ways to get to the islands and other locals I want to visit?
Hello Sharon, many thanks for your comment. I'm happy to hear you are enjoying our guides. I'm honestly not sure what the best addresses are if you travel with a mobility scooter in Nusa Penida. I would recommend contacting a travel agency in Bali which can tour you around the island with a private van. They can board the slow ferry from Bali to Nusa Penida in order to bring your mobility scooter to the island. Likely they will also know some addresses that are suited for your needs. Enjoy your trip and save travels!
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Bali to Nusa Penida, roughly 41 kilometres (25 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $1.70 (30,000 IDR). The quickest trip takes 30m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Bali to Nusa Penida?
The distance from Bali to Nusa Penida is 41 kilometres (25 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bali to Nusa Penida?
Journey times from Bali to Nusa Penida overlap: direct ferry 30m - 4h 30m, slow ferry 2h, guided day trip 8h, minivan 1h 15m - 2h 10m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bali to Nusa Penida?
The cheapest way to get from Bali to Nusa Penida is by slow ferry with ticket costs starting from 30,000 IDR.
How to get from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida?
Should I visit Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan or Gili Islands?
How to get around in Nusa Penida?
How to rent a car in Nusa Penida?
How to rent a bike in Nusa Penida?
How are the road conditions in Nusa Penida?
Route Update History
- Updated direct prices.
- Updated minivan prices.
- Direct operators no longer listed: Asia Book Now, Ekajaya Fast Ferry, Bali Paradiso, Bali Triptop.
- Updated direct departure times.
Updated direct prices.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Travel Writer
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She's loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand's beaches also have a special place in her heart.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
