Guide
Bali ferry routes, ports and the sane way to plan them
The simplest Bali ferry plan is also the one people skip when they are in a hurry. Pick the right port, then pick the operator. If you reverse that order, you spend more time in traffic and less time on the island you actually wanted.
Routes
70
Operators
30
Harbors
26
Best first checks
Sanur · Padang Bai · Serangan
Quick guide
The fast version
1
Sanur is the cleanest port for Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
2
Padang Bai is the shortest Bali-side sea crossing for the Gilis and Lombok.
3
Serangan is valid for the Gilis when south Bali road time matters more than sea time.
Routes
Popular Bali ferry pages
Nusa Penida → Nusa Lembongan
about 15 to 30 min, depending on the piers Details
Nusa Lembongan → Nusa Penida
about 15 to 30 min, depending on the piers Details
Bangsal → Gili Trawangan
public boat approx 20 to 45 min, fast boat 10 to 20 min Details
Gili Trawangan → Bangsal
public boat approx 20 to 45 min, fast boat 10 to 20 min Details
Bangsal → Gili Air
public boat approx 20 to 45 min, fast boat 10 to 20 min Details
Gili Air → Bangsal
public boat approx 20 to 45 min, fast boat 10 to 20 min Details
Harbors
Harbors worth memorising
FAQs
Bali ferry guide questions
Sanur is the default answer for most south Bali travellers. Serangan only wins when it clearly shortens your road transfer.
Padang Bai is usually the shortest sea crossing. Serangan can still win from south Bali if the road transfer to Padang Bai is the bigger pain.
Yes, especially in the dry season and around weekends. The easy departures go first and people who wing it tend to end up paying more or leaving later than planned.