Which port do fast boats leave from in Bali?

It depends on the destination. Sanur is the main port for Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. Padang Bai (east Bali) is the main port for Lombok and the Gili Islands, though several operators also run from Sanur. Serangan harbour near Sanur is used by some Gili operators.

How much does the fast boat from Bali to the Gili Islands cost?

Fast boat tickets from Bali to the Gili Islands cost approximately IDR 300,000–600,000 one-way as of 2026, depending on the operator and departure point. Journey time is 1.5–2.5 hours depending on the route. Book in advance during peak season (July–August).

Is the fast boat crossing safe?

Fast boats on the Bali–Gili and Bali–Nusa Penida routes are generally safe in normal conditions. The crossings become rough November–March when swells are higher. Stick to established operators, ensure life jackets are visible on board, and check conditions before travelling November–March.

Can I book fast boat tickets online?

Yes — operators like Scoot Fast Cruises (Gili Islands) and Eka Jaya (Nusa Penida) have direct online booking, and aggregator platforms like Bookaway list multiple operators in one place. Advance booking is strongly recommended for peak season.

What is the difference between the fast boat and the ASDP public ferry?

The ASDP public car ferries (Padang Bai to Lembar/Lombok, and to Bangsal/Gili) are slower — 4–5 hours — but very cheap (IDR 50,000–70,000 per person) and run frequently. Fast boats take 30–90 minutes depending on the route but cost 5–10x more. The ASDP ferry can carry cars and motorbikes; fast boats cannot.

Fast Boats from Bali | The Indonesia Guide

Getting between Bali and its surrounding islands is a regular journey for most visitors. Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, the Gili Islands, and Lombok are all within a few hours by fast boat, and the routes are well-served by multiple operators running daily. What is less clear is which port to leave from, which operators are reliable, and how the pricing and booking works.

This guide covers the main routes from Bali, departure ports, current price ranges, and what to expect on each crossing.

Key Departure Ports

Sanur Harbour (Pelabuhan Sanur) — The main port for Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. Multiple operators depart roughly hourly from 7am–5pm. The beach jetty area has a cluster of ticket booths along the promenade. Sanur is also one of the departure points for Gili Island routes with some operators.

Padang Bai — East Bali, approximately 1.5 hours from Kuta or Seminyak by taxi (longer with traffic). The main departure point for Lombok (both fast boat and the ASDP car ferry) and for several Gili Island fast boat operators. Padang Bai is also the departure point for Nusa Penida with the cheaper ASDP public ferry.

Serangan Harbour — South of Sanur, used by some Gili Island operators including Scoot Fast Cruises. Less central than Sanur.

Route by Route

Sanur → Nusa Penida

The busiest route. Multiple operators run from Sanur beach jetty approximately every hour from 7am–5pm. Journey time approximately 35–45 minutes.

Price: Approximately IDR 150,000–250,000 one-way as of 2026. Round-trip tickets are sold as two separate singles by most operators.

Key operators: Eka Jaya, Maruti Express, Rocky Fast Cruise. All depart from the same stretch of Sanur beach. Prices at the jetty are similar across operators; the main variable is departure time.

Tips: Boats fill quickly during July–August. Buy tickets the evening before for early morning departures — or book a Nusa Penida boat in advance to guarantee your seat. The crossing can be choppy November–March — sit in the middle of the boat and take seasickness medication if you are susceptible. Luggage goes on top of the boat in net cargo areas; keep a small dry bag with valuables.

Sanur → Nusa Lembongan

Shorter and calmer than the Nusa Penida crossing. Journey time approximately 30–35 minutes.

Price: Approximately IDR 150,000–200,000 one-way as of 2026.

Key operators: Scoot Fast Cruises (also departs from Serangan), Rocky Express, and several smaller operators from Sanur beach. The Scoot service is the most widely used and includes a luggage transfer to your accommodation in some packages.

Tips: Nusa Lembongan fast boats land at Jungut Batu village on the northwest coast. Accommodation in Mushroom Bay (southeast) requires a short scooter transfer from the jetty. Confirm with your accommodation which jetty they service before booking.

Padang Bai → Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, Air)

The main Gili route. Journey time from Padang Bai varies by final destination: approximately 1.5–2.5 hours to Gili Trawangan.

Price: Approximately IDR 300,000–600,000 one-way as of 2026, depending on operator and service tier.

Key operators: Scoot Fast Cruises (well regarded, larger boats), Eka Jaya, Wahana, and Mahi Mahi all operate this route. Scoot departs from Serangan (south Sanur) rather than Padang Bai and combines a hotel pick-up shuttle with the boat.

Bali to Gili direct (via Sanur/Serangan): Several operators, notably Scoot, offer a direct Bali-to-Gili service combining hotel pick-up in Bali, shuttle to the port, and boat transfer — totalling approximately 3.5–4.5 hours door-to-door from south Bali. These packages cost approximately IDR 500,000–750,000 per person as of 2026.

Tips: Seat quality varies significantly between operators. Scoot’s larger catamarans offer more stability; smaller operators can be rough in swell. Book in advance for July–August. Note: some routes stop at Bangsal port on Lombok, where passengers transfer to a local cidomo (horse cart) and small boat to reach their Gili island — this is normal, not a scam. Klook’s Bali–Gili fast boat covers the Sanur–Gili Trawangan route with online booking and assigned seats.

Padang Bai → Lombok (Lembar Port)

ASDP Public Car Ferry: The practical option for those travelling with a vehicle or wanting the cheapest crossing. Operates 24 hours, departures every 1–2 hours. Journey time 4–5 hours. Passenger fare approximately IDR 50,000–70,000 as of 2026.

Fast Boat: Several operators offer a fast crossing Padang Bai to Teluk Nare or Bangsal on Lombok’s northwest coast — journey time approximately 1.5–2 hours. Prices approximately IDR 250,000–450,000 as of 2026. Most passengers going to Lombok’s main tourist areas (Senggigi, Kuta Lombok) find the ferry plus local transport competitive with fast boat packages once you factor in the transfer costs.

Bali → Nusa Lembongan → Nusa Penida (Island Hop)

It is possible to combine islands in one trip. Scoot and other operators have routes that connect Sanur → Nusa Lembongan → Nusa Penida without returning to Bali. Journey Sanur to Nusa Penida via Lembongan takes approximately 1.5–2 hours. Check current routes and schedules with the operator directly as this combination operates seasonally.

Booking Tips

Book online for peak season: July–August and the Christmas/New Year period see boats at capacity. Book your Gili Islands fast boat at least 2–3 days ahead to avoid being stranded.

Turn up early for last-minute tickets: Outside peak season, turning up at the Sanur jetty 45 minutes before departure usually secures a ticket.

Avoid the cheapest unlicensed boats: Sanur beach has informal operators offering tickets significantly below market rate. These are often older, poorly maintained vessels without adequate life jackets. The difference between the cheapest and the established operators is not large enough to be worth the risk.

Luggage limits: Most fast boats have informal baggage limits of 15–20kg. Oversized luggage travels on the roof of the boat and gets wet in choppy conditions. Pack anything valuable or electronic in your carry-on.

Motion sickness: The Padang Bai–Gili crossing in particular can be rough. Take medication an hour before boarding. The front of the boat is the roughest; the middle is most stable.

Getting to the Ports

Sanur from Seminyak/Canggu: Approximately 30–45 minutes without traffic, 60–90 minutes in peak hours. Budget IDR 80,000–150,000 for a Grab; metered Blue Bird taxis are reliable.

Padang Bai from Seminyak/Canggu: Approximately 1.5–2 hours without traffic. Budget IDR 250,000–400,000 for a Grab or private taxi; a charter with a driver costs approximately IDR 350,000–500,000.

Both routes should factor in a minimum 30–45 minute buffer before departure time for luggage and ticket confirmation.

Plan Your Trip

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See our itineraries for inspiration:

3 Days in Bali — the perfect short trip covering the essentials
1 Week in Bali — day-by-day first-timer’s guide with costs
2 Weeks in Bali & Lombok — Ubud, Nusa Penida, Amed, and the Gili Islands
Bali to Komodo — 10-day eastern Indonesia adventure by boat and flight

Fast Boats from Bali: Nusa Penida, Gili Islands, Lombok & Nusa Lembongan