Travel Guide

Sanur to Nusa Penida Fast Boat : Timetable, Piers & Prices

30 Oct 20260 min read

“Plan your Sanur to Nusa Penida trip with 2026 fast boat schedules, Sanur Harbour directions, arrival pier comparisons, ticket prices and booking tips.”

Bali Travel Guide · Updated 30 October 2026 · Approx. 12-minute read

How to Get from Sanur to Nusa Penida: Fast Boat Schedules, Pier Locations & Ticket Bookings

Fast passenger boat crossing the sea from Sanur in Bali towards Nusa Penida
Fast boats connect Sanur Harbour with several arrival points on Nusa Penida.

Nusa Penida is one of the most rewarding island trips from Bali. Its dramatic cliffs, turquoise bays and viewpoints feel a world away from the busy streets of mainland Bali. The journey across the Badung Strait is relatively short, but the details matter: you need the right departure time, the correct arrival harbour and a ticket that matches your onward transport.

For most independent travellers, the simplest route is to take a fast boat from Sanur Harbour in southeast Bali. Boats commonly arrive around Banjar Nyuh, close to the Toyapakeh area, while some services use Sampalan or another designated landing point. The crossing is usually advertised at around 30–45 minutes, although the actual journey can vary with the boat, sea conditions and port arrangements.

This guide explains where to board, how to compare operators, what published 2026 fares look like, how early to arrive and how to avoid booking the wrong pier.

Sanur to Nusa Penida Fast Boat Prices: Operator Comparison

Ticket prices depend on the operator, booking channel, travel date, passenger category and whether you buy a one-way or return journey. Some online listings show promotional or starting fares, while the operator's own website may display a different rate. The figures below are useful for budgeting, not a promise of the final amount.

Published fare examples and indicative comparison for 2026. Confirm the live fare before booking.
Operator / option Published one-way adult fare What to check
Maruti Express IDR 185,000 (all-passport fare shown on operator website) Confirm departure time, exact Penida landing point and return sailing.
Angel Billabong From around IDR 150,000 in a 2026 operator comparison listing Check the selected sailing and whether the ticket specifies Banjar Nyuh.
Idola Express Around IDR 155,000 in a 2026 comparison listing Idola listings include services to different Penida landing points; verify the port.
Semabu Hills From around IDR 212,500 in a 2026 comparison listing Check the exact sailing, luggage conditions and arrival harbour.
Axe Stone Fast Cruise Up to around IDR 270,000 in a 2026 comparison listing Compare the actual departure time and inclusions, not just the headline fare.

Price methodology: Maruti's IDR 185,000 fare is taken from its published operator tariff. The other examples are indicative rates reported in a 2026 operator comparison and can vary by booking channel, passenger type and date. Do not assume that the lowest advertised fare is available for every departure.

How much should you budget for a return ticket?

If your selected operator charges IDR 150,000–200,000 per direction, a simple return-ticket budget would be approximately IDR 300,000–400,000 per adult before any separately charged transfer or service fees. Maruti's published all-passport return fare is IDR 370,000. Check whether a return ticket is cheaper than buying two single journeys, and make sure both sailing times are suitable for your itinerary.

Booking tip: Do not choose a boat solely because it is IDR 20,000–30,000 cheaper. A service arriving at the wrong side of the island can cost you more in car time and transfers than you saved on the ticket.

Where Is Sanur Harbour? Departure Pier Location in Bali

Fast boats to Nusa Penida generally depart from Sanur Beach Harbour, in the Matahari Terbit area of Sanur. You may see the departure point described as Sanur Harbour, Sanur Beach Port, Sanur Ferry Terminal or Pantai Matahari Terbit. These names are commonly used for the same general passenger-boat departure area.

Sanur is on Bali's southeast coast, making it convenient for travellers staying in Sanur, Denpasar and parts of southern Bali. If you are travelling from Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Uluwatu or Nusa Dua, allow extra road time. Traffic can be unpredictable, especially during morning departures and holiday periods.

How early should you reach Sanur Harbour?

A sensible plan is to reach the harbour about 30–45 minutes before the scheduled departure. Some operators may ask passengers to check in earlier, so the confirmation email or ticket should take priority over a general guideline.

  1. Find your operator's check-in counter. Do not assume every company uses the same desk or boarding queue.
  2. Show your booking confirmation. Keep the ticket on your phone and carry an offline screenshot in case mobile data is unreliable.
  3. Confirm the boat and destination. Check that the departure board and staff confirm your intended Nusa Penida harbour.
  4. Follow the boarding instructions. Boarding arrangements can involve walking across the beach or a designated passenger access area.

If you are arriving directly from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), avoid booking a departure that leaves too soon after your flight lands. Immigration, baggage collection, traffic and check-in can all take longer than expected. Read our guide to Bali airport VIP fast-track and meet-and-greet services before planning a same-day connection.

Where Do Fast Boats Arrive on Nusa Penida?

This is one of the most important details to check before you buy a ticket. Nusa Penida has more than one passenger landing point, and the harbour printed on your ticket affects how long it takes to reach your hotel or sightseeing route.

Arrival harbour comparison for planning your onward journey.
Arrival point General location Useful for Before booking
Banjar Nyuh Northwest coast, around the Toyapakeh area Travellers staying around Toyapakeh and those arranging transport from the northwest side Confirm the exact pier and pickup point with your driver.
Sampalan Northeast coast Travellers whose accommodation or onward plans are closer to the northeast side Check that your return ticket departs from the same harbour or allows enough transfer time.
Other designated landing points Depends on operator and service Passengers using a specific operator's private or designated port arrangement Ask for the exact map pin and written confirmation before paying.

Banjar Nyuh and Sampalan are not interchangeable names. They are on different sides of the island. If your hotel driver is waiting at Banjar Nyuh while your boat arrives at Sampalan, you may face an avoidable transfer and delay.

Before leaving Bali, save the arrival harbour's name, your accommodation address and your driver's phone number. Share the boat's confirmed arrival time with your driver, but allow for delays at sea.

Sanur to Nusa Penida Fast Boat Schedules

There are multiple operators on the route, and published departure times change. Some companies run several morning services and fewer afternoon services. The schedule also depends on the day, season, boat availability and sea conditions.

Example: Maruti Express published timetable

Times published on the Maruti Fast Boat operator website. Confirm the date-specific service at checkout.
Route Published departure times
Sanur Port to Nusa Penida 07:30, 08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 14:00, 15:00
Nusa Penida to Sanur Port 09:15, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00

These are published timetable examples, not a guarantee that every sailing operates on every date. Other operators may offer different departure windows. For example, the Sanur Harbour schedule page lists services from operators including Angel Billabong, Axe Stone, Sanjaya and Idola Express. Always verify the latest timetable with the operator you intend to use.

Which departure time should you choose?

  • Early morning: Useful if you want to reach the island with more of the day available. It also gives you more flexibility if your boat is delayed.
  • Mid-morning: Convenient if you are travelling from a hotel farther from Sanur or prefer not to start before sunrise.
  • Afternoon: Can work for a relaxed arrival, but check your hotel check-in arrangements and the availability of onward transport.
  • Late afternoon: Do not assume a late departure is suitable for a day trip. A delayed sailing can leave little time for island sightseeing or transfers.

If you are visiting Nusa Penida for only one day, an early outbound boat and a confirmed return ticket are usually easier to plan around. For an overnight stay, choose the crossing that best matches your accommodation check-in and driver arrangements.

How to Book Sanur to Nusa Penida Fast Boat Tickets

You can book directly with a boat operator or use a ticket comparison platform. Direct booking can make it easier to confirm operator-specific rules, while comparison platforms can help you view several departure times together. In either case, read the final ticket details carefully.

  1. Choose your travel date. Decide whether you need a one-way journey or a return ticket. During busy periods, book ahead rather than relying on walk-up availability.
  2. Compare the departure times. Look at the complete schedule rather than selecting the cheapest result immediately.
  3. Confirm the arrival harbour. Check whether the service arrives at Banjar Nyuh, Sampalan or another named landing point.
  4. Read the baggage conditions. Check the permitted number of bags, weight limits and any additional charges for oversized luggage.
  5. Check what the ticket includes. Confirm whether port charges, local fees, hotel transfers or other services are included or payable separately.
  6. Enter passenger details correctly. Use the name and contact details requested by the operator. Review the booking confirmation before leaving the payment page.
  7. Save your confirmation. Keep an offline copy of the ticket, departure time, operator contact and arrival harbour.

Direct booking or comparison platform?

Comparison of common booking methods.
Booking method Advantages Things to check
Operator website Direct access to the operator's published schedule, fare rules and contact details. Compare the final price and confirm the selected arrival port.
Ticket comparison platform Can display multiple operators and departure times in one search. Check the service provider, cancellation terms, port name and any platform fees.
Harbour ticket counter Can be useful for last-minute enquiries when seats are available. Availability may be limited, and walk-up prices may differ from online fares.

For a direct operator reference, see the Maruti Fast Boat website. For general harbour information and published operator schedules, consult Sanur Harbour's boat schedule page. These pages are useful references, but your dated ticket and operator confirmation should be treated as the final source for your sailing.

Getting from Your Bali Hotel to Sanur Harbour

The road journey to Sanur depends on where you are staying. Sanur-based visitors may have a short transfer, while travellers from Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu or Nusa Dua need to allow considerably more time.

A private driver is useful if you are travelling with family, several suitcases or a group. Agree on the pickup time, waiting arrangements and whether the driver will return for you after your trip. Read our practical guide to Bali private driver rates, tipping and fuel rules before arranging a full-day transfer.

Travellers comparing southern Bali accommodation can also read our guide to Seminyak vs Canggu luxury stays and beach clubs. If you plan to stay in the hills before the crossing, our guide to luxury jungle retreats in Ubud can help with choosing a base.

Should you stay in Sanur the night before?

If your boat leaves early, staying in Sanur the previous night can make the morning simpler. It reduces the risk of a long road transfer delaying your arrival at the harbour. This is particularly useful for families, travellers with heavy luggage and anyone who prefers a less rushed start.

Can You Visit Nusa Penida as a Day Trip?

Yes, a day trip is possible, but it is important to be realistic about travel time. The boat crossing is only one part of the journey. You also need time to disembark, meet your driver, travel between viewpoints and return to the correct harbour before your booked sailing.

Nusa Penida's roads can be narrow, uneven and slow in places. Popular sights are spread across the island, so attempting to cover every major attraction in a single day can turn the visit into a long sequence of car journeys.

A practical one-day outline

  1. Early morning: Travel from Sanur to your confirmed arrival harbour.
  2. Morning: Meet your pre-arranged driver and visit one or two nearby viewpoints.
  3. Midday: Take a meal break and allow time for traffic and road conditions.
  4. Afternoon: Visit another suitable attraction, keeping the return departure time in mind.
  5. Before departure: Return to the correct harbour early and follow the operator's check-in instructions.
Important: Do not plan to arrive at the harbour at the exact departure time. Leave a buffer for road delays, queues and check-in. If you miss the return boat, you may need to arrange another sailing and accommodation.

When is an overnight stay better?

An overnight stay is worth considering if you want to explore both the western and eastern sides of the island, photograph the cliffs in softer light or travel at a slower pace. It also reduces the pressure of watching the clock throughout the day.

If you are combining Nusa Penida with a longer Bali holiday, explore our guides to oceanfront private-pool villas in Uluwatu, exclusive honeymoon resorts in Bali and Nusa Dua luxury beach resorts.

Sea Conditions, Delays and Safety Considerations

The Badung Strait can be choppy. A short crossing does not mean the sea will always be calm, and published departure times can change when weather or operational conditions require it. If you are prone to seasickness, consider sitting in a position recommended by the crew, avoid travelling on an empty stomach and carry any medication you normally use.

Check the official BMKG marine forecast for the Badung Strait before travelling. Forecasts are useful planning information, not a guarantee that a particular boat will sail. The operator and relevant harbour authorities make operational decisions.

What to do if your boat is delayed or cancelled

  • Contact the operator using the phone number or support channel on your booking confirmation.
  • Ask whether the sailing is delayed, rescheduled or cancelled.
  • Request written confirmation of any replacement departure time.
  • Check whether your return ticket is affected by the change.
  • Keep enough time and money available for an alternative transfer or overnight stay if necessary.
  • Do not board a different boat or use a different ticket without confirming that the operator accepts it.

Travellers with mobility needs, young children or medical concerns should contact the operator before booking. Ask about boarding steps, luggage handling, seating arrangements and access to the boat. Beach boarding and passenger access arrangements may differ between services.

What to Carry for the Sanur–Nusa Penida Crossing

  • Boat ticket and booking confirmation, preferably saved offline.
  • Passport or accepted identification, as requested by the operator.
  • Small amount of Indonesian rupiah for local transport and incidental expenses.
  • Phone, power bank and charging cable.
  • Waterproof pouch for electronics and important documents.
  • Light jacket or change of clothes if you expect spray or rain.
  • Any personal seasickness medication you normally use.
  • Accommodation address and the contact details of your island driver.

Mobile data is useful for contacting drivers and checking maps after arrival. If you need connectivity during your Bali stay, compare Bali eSIM options, including Telkomsel, XL and Airalo. Travellers using a local SIM in a foreign phone should also review our guide to foreign phone IMEI registration in Bali.

Bali Entry Formalities Before Your Nusa Penida Trip

Nusa Penida is part of Bali Province, so travelling from mainland Bali to the island is a domestic journey within Indonesia. International visitors should still make sure their Indonesian entry permission and travel documents are in order before arriving in Bali.

Start with our guide to the official Indonesia e-VOA portal, fees and photo requirements. If you are an eligible foreign visitor, check the current requirements for your nationality rather than relying on an old visa article or social media post.

Bali also has a foreign tourist levy. Read our practical explanation of the Bali tourist tax and Love Bali payment process to understand who needs to pay and how to keep proof of payment.

These entry formalities are separate from your fast boat ticket. Paying the Bali tourist levy does not replace a visa, and a boat booking does not establish permission to enter Indonesia.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Nusa Penida Boat

  1. Booking without checking the arrival pier. Banjar Nyuh and Sampalan are different locations. Match your ticket to your hotel transfer.
  2. Choosing only by price. A cheap fare may have a less convenient departure time or different baggage conditions.
  3. Arriving at Sanur too late. Traffic, queues and check-in can take longer than expected.
  4. Assuming every published schedule is guaranteed. Operators may revise sailings because of weather or operational changes.
  5. Leaving the return booking until the last minute. Secure your preferred return time, particularly during busy travel dates.
  6. Planning too many attractions in one day. Island roads and transfer times can make ambitious itineraries unrealistic.
  7. Ignoring ticket conditions. Read the rules for cancellations, changes, luggage and missed departures before payment.
  8. Assuming a boat ticket includes hotel transfers. Confirm each inclusion in writing rather than relying on a booking-page headline.

Frequently Asked Questions: Sanur to Nusa Penida

How long does the fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida take?

Many operators advertise a crossing of approximately 30–45 minutes. The actual journey can vary with the vessel, sea conditions and harbour arrangements. Allow extra time for check-in and disembarking.

Where do boats to Nusa Penida leave from in Bali?

Most fast boats on this route leave from Sanur Beach Harbour, also called Sanur Harbour or Matahari Terbit Harbour, in southeast Bali. Check the operator's confirmation for the exact check-in location.

Do all fast boats arrive at Banjar Nyuh?

No. Banjar Nyuh is a common arrival point, but some services use Sampalan or another designated landing point. Check the arrival harbour printed on your ticket before booking your island transfer.

How much is a Sanur to Nusa Penida fast boat ticket?

Published 2026 listings show a broad range of roughly IDR 125,000–270,000 for one-way adult tickets, depending on the operator and booking channel. Maruti's published all-passport fare is IDR 185,000 one way. Confirm the final dated fare at checkout.

What time is the first boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida?

Some published schedules show early departures from around 06:30–07:30, but the first sailing depends on the operator and travel date. Check the current timetable rather than assuming every company operates at the same time.

Can I buy a ticket at Sanur Harbour?

Some operators and ticket counters may sell walk-up tickets when seats are available. However, availability and prices can change, so advance booking is sensible during weekends, public holidays and busy travel periods.

How early should I arrive at Sanur Harbour?

Aim to arrive around 30–45 minutes before departure, unless your operator asks you to check in earlier. Follow the time on your booking confirmation.

Can I visit Nusa Penida and return to Bali on the same day?

Yes. A day trip is possible if you choose an early outbound sailing and a suitable return boat. Keep your sightseeing plan realistic and return to the correct harbour well before departure.

Are fast boats from Sanur to Nusa Penida cancelled because of weather?

Weather and sea conditions can cause delays, schedule changes or cancellations. Check the BMKG marine forecast and follow the operator's instructions. A forecast alone cannot guarantee whether a specific boat will sail.

Is a return ticket better than two one-way tickets?

It depends on the operator's fare and your plans. Compare the total price, return departure time and change conditions. A return ticket can make planning easier, but it should still match the harbour you intend to use.

Final Verdict: Plan the Pier Before You Pay

Getting from Sanur to Nusa Penida is straightforward once you have the right boat and arrival harbour. The crossing itself is short, but the best booking for your trip depends on more than the advertised fare. Compare the departure time, landing point, luggage conditions, return options and the operator's change policy.

For a relaxed journey, book a sailing that gives you enough time to reach Sanur, arrive at the correct check-in point and meet your driver on Nusa Penida. Save your ticket offline, keep a buffer before the return boat and check the sea forecast close to departure.

Planning the rest of your Bali stay?

Explore accommodation options across Bali and choose a base that suits your island-hopping itinerary.

Explore Bali Hotels

Editorial note: Fares and schedules are subject to operator changes, seasonal demand, weather and availability. Always verify the dated ticket conditions and arrival pier before travel. Prices in this guide are indicative research figures, not live booking quotations.

Published by Anantaayatra | Discover the World.