How to get to Nusa Penida from Bali: ports, boats and crossing times

The standard route from Bali to Nusa Penida is a fast boat, most commonly from Sanur. The crossing usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, while other Bali departure points include Kusamba and Padang Bai; schedules, arrival ports and crossing times vary with the operator and sea conditions.

Where do boats to Nusa Penida leave from?

Sanur is the main departure point for visitors staying in southern Bali, with frequent fast-boat services to Nusa Penida. Traveloka identifies Kusamba, Padang Bai, Serangan and Buyuk as other ports used by some services, according to Traveloka, 2026.

Kusamba is an alternative for travellers near Ubud, Sidemen or eastern Bali, while Padang Bai is a port option for travellers near Candidasa and Karangasem, according to Inivie, 2026. The departure port changes the crossing time and the island arrival point.

How long is the boat ride?

A Sanur crossing generally takes 30 to 45 minutes, according to SoloNomads, 2026. Traveloka gives a broader estimate of 20 to 45 minutes for Bali–Nusa Penida boat journeys, depending on the departure port and sea conditions, according to Traveloka, 2026.

Boats from Sanur commonly arrive at Toyapakeh or Banjar Nyuh, while services from Kusamba can arrive at Sampalan, according to Inivie, 2026. The landing may involve boarding or disembarking at the beach rather than through a conventional pier, according to Traveloka, 2026.

How often do boats run?

Service times depend on the operator and date. SoloNomads reports roughly 17 to 22 boats a day from Sanur, generally operating from about 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to SoloNomads, 2026.

Traveloka says Sanur departures are concentrated in the morning, with the first services around 7 a.m., according to Traveloka, 2026. A return journey therefore requires checking both the outbound and return schedules rather than assuming boats run continuously.

How much does the crossing cost?

Published fares vary by operator and season. SoloNomads lists about IDR 150,000 to IDR 250,000 one way for Sanur–Nusa Penida, according to SoloNomads, 2026, while NusaPenida.org gives a broader typical range of IDR 150,000 to IDR 350,000 one way, according to NusaPenida.org, 2026.

These are transport fares, not a universal island charge. The Nusa Penida Travel Guide reports an island entry fee of IDR 25,000 per adult and IDR 15,000 for children aged 4 to 13 from September 2026, according to SoloNomads, 2026.

What should passengers expect at the port?

Traveloka says many boats board directly from the beach, so passengers may walk through shallow water and should protect valuables from spray, according to Traveloka, 2026. Sea conditions can affect both the timetable and the duration of the crossing.

The practical choice is therefore to select the Bali port closest to the place of departure, confirm the Nusa Penida arrival port, and check the operator’s schedule for the intended date. No road or air link replaces the sea crossing: the journey to the island is by boat.

Sources

• SoloNomads
• Inivie
• NusaPenida.org