Bali Airport (DPS) to Nusa Lembongan: Your Complete Door-to-Door Guide
Your local guide to Nusa Lembongan, from door to door.
The wheels touch down at Denpasar, the cabin breaks into applause (it always does), and somewhere out past the runway is a little island where the water turns three shades of turquoise and nobody’s in a hurry. That’s Nusa Lembongan, and getting there from Bali’s airport is a lot simpler than it looks on paper. As your guide to Nusa Lembongan, we have put this page together to cover every step of the journey, from touchdown at the airport to your first sunset on the island.
In short: the boat company will drive from the airport to Sanur, hop on a fast boat across the Badung Strait (just 15 kilometres of water), and step onto the island roughly an hour and a half to two hours after you’ve collected your bags. Just one short drive and one short, scenic boat ride. Below, we will walk you through exactly what that journey looks like, what it costs, and the small things we wish someone had told us before our first crossing.
The Quick Answer
If you’re short on time, here’s the gist:
- Total journey: around 1.5–2 hours, airport door to island shore
- Step 1: Drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to Sanur, about 35 to 60 minutes depending on traffic
- Step 2: Fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan, about 30 to 40 minutes
- Best route: Sanur Port — by far the most popular departure point for crossings to the island.
- Alternative ports: Kusamba if you’re travelling from East Bali, Serangan or Mertasari Harbour if you’re taking a private charter, and Benoa Harbour if you’re travelling on a larger vessel such as the Bali Hai Cruise.
- Easiest option: book a transfer that includes harbour pick-up and drop-off service, so you only deal with one ticket and one schedule, which is exactly what our transfer service is built around
Everything else in this guide is the detail behind that summary. Read on if you want to plan it properly, or skip straight to our boat transfers if you’d rather we sort it for you.
Touching Down at Denpasar Airport (DPS)
Before you even think about boats, there’s immigration to get through. Travellers from more than 90 eligible countries enter Indonesia on a Visa on Arrival (VOA), which costs around IDR 500,000 (about AUD 40) and is valid for 30 days. These days it’s worth applying for the e-VOA online before you fly: you’ll skip the queue and use the autogates instead of the manual counter.
You’ll also need to complete the All Indonesia Declaration (the combined customs and health form) within three days of arrival. It doesn’t take long, but it’s one less thing to think about if you sort it before you land.
Once you’re through customs and out into the arrival hall, you’ve got options. If you’ve booked your transfer with us, a driver from the boat company will be waiting with a sign showing your name. Easy. One of the advantages of booking the land transfer through the boat company is that the driver will ensure you arrive at the harbour on time. Should your flight be delayed, the boat company can coordinate directly with the driver and, where possible, hold the boat for a short time so you don’t miss your departure.
If not, the airport taxi counter is just to your left as you exit, and it’s a straightforward, fixed-price way to get moving without any haggling. Grab also has a Departure Lounge at the airport where you can book and wait for your Grab rides.
From the Airport to Sanur: Your Bridge to the Island
Here’s the part that surprises a lot of first-time visitors: you can’t drive straight to Nusa Lembongan. There’s no bridge, no causeway: the island sits across the Badung Strait, and the only way over is by boat. So your job first is simply to get to the right departure point on the mainland.
Sanur is that point for almost everyone. It’s the closest beach town to the islands and home to the vast majority of fast boat operators: a proper terminal, 15+ departures across eight or more operators, and the shortest crossing time of any port on the east coast. Serangan and Kusamba also run occasional boats to the Nusa islands, but unless you have a specific reason to use them, Sanur is the obvious choice, particularly coming straight from the airport.
The drive itself takes anywhere from 35 minutes to an hour, mostly depending on Bali’s traffic rather than the actual distance. Mid-morning and late afternoon tend to be the slowest stretches, so if your flight lands during peak traffic, build in a little extra time before your boat.
Two Ways to Make the Journey
Once you know the route, you’ve really got two ways to do it.
| All-in-one transfer | DIY (taxi + boat ticket) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | One booking covers airport pickup, the drive to Sanur, and your fast boat ticket. | You arrange a taxi or ride yourself, then buy a boat ticket separately at the port. |
| Best for | First-timers, families, anyone landing after a long flight. | Confident independent travellers, last-minute arrivals, frequent visitors. |
| Hassle level | Low: someone is holding a sign with your name on it. | Medium: you're managing two bookings, two contacts, and two schedules. |
| Flexibility | Tied to your chosen boat operator's schedule. | Choose any operator and departure time that suits your plans. |
Neither option is “wrong”: plenty of travellers happily DIY this trip every day. But if it’s your first visit, you’ve got young kids in tow, or you just landed on a 20-hour flight and your brain isn’t working, having the car and the boat already sorted as one seamless booking removes a lot of the guesswork.
It’s exactly why we set up our own transfer this way: you can see how the full journey looks in our guide to getting to Nusa Lembongan with Rocky Fast Cruise, and book your accommodation with us for a 20% discount on the transfer.
The Fast Boat: Schedules, Operators & Prices
Sanur’s port runs between 13 and 16 fast boat departures to Nusa Lembongan every day, spread across operators including Rocky Fast Cruise, D’Stars Fast Ferry, Setia Fast Ferry, D’Camel Fast Ferry, Tanis Fast Cruise, Scoot Fast Cruise, Arthamas Express, and Dream Beach Express, among others. The first boats generally leave Sanur around 7 to 9 am, with the last departures in the late afternoon at 5 pm.
A few things worth knowing:
- Crossing time is consistently around 30 to 45 minutes across operators, weather permitting.
- One-way fares typically sit somewhere between IDR 175,000 and 450,000 (roughly AUD 14 to 36) depending on the operator, season, and whether hotel pickup is included.
- Return tickets are usually cheaper than buying two one-way fares, and many operators can include land transport at both ends.
While all fast boats depart from Sanur, they don’t all arrive at the same place in Nusa Lembongan. Each boat company uses its own arrival point, so it’s worth checking where your accommodation is located before booking your boat. Choosing a boat that arrives closer to your accommodation can make your transfer quicker and more convenient.
Trying to match your flight landing time with a realistic boat departure (accounting for immigration, baggage, and the drive to Sanur) is honestly the trickiest part of planning this trip yourself. If you’d rather not do that math, our team can match your flight details to the right transfer for you. Just reach out and we’ll handle the timing.
For the full step-by-step on what actually happens once you arrive at Sanur Port (boarding passes, security checks, where to wait), we have covered that in detail in how to get to Nusa Lembongan from Sanur.
Choosing Your Arrival Point on Nusa Lembongan
Not every boat drops you in the same place, and which one you choose can genuinely make your first few minutes on the island smoother.
- Jungutbatu Bay: the island’s main hub, with the widest spread of accommodation, restaurants, and dive shops. If you’re staying here, D’stars Fast Ferry, Setia Fast Ferry and D’Camel Fast Ferry are dropping at Jungutbatu directly.
- Mushroom Bay: calmer waters and a more sheltered landing, convenient if you’re staying near Dream Beach or this side of the island. You can hop on to Bali Hai Cruise if you are staying around the Mushroom Bay area.
- Telatak Harbour: the only proper jetty-to-jetty option on the island, meaning you walk straight off the boat onto dry land rather than wading in through the shallows. Rocky Fast Cruise uses this harbour, and it’s worth knowing about if you’d rather keep your shoes dry.
Not sure which part of the island suits you best? Our guides to where to stay on Nusa Lembongan break down the vibe of each area so you can pick your arrival point to match.
What It Costs, Door to Door
As a rough guide, here’s what the full trip looks like cost-wise (per person, in AUD, will vary with season and group size):
| Leg of the journey | DIY cost | All-in-one transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Airport → Sanur | AUD 29–43 (taxi) | Included |
| Sanur → Nusa Lembongan (fast boat) | AUD 22–50 one-way | Included |
| Boat terminal → your accommodation | AUD 13 one way by pick-up truck | Included |
| Total estimate | AUD 63–107 | From AUD 79–104, fewer moving parts |
Good to Know Before You Go
A handful of small things make a big difference on this trip:
- Pack a small day bag. Your main luggage goes into the boat’s storage area, so keep your phone, sunscreen, and a change of clothes within reach.
- Luggage storage facilities are available. If you’d prefer not to bring your larger suitcases across to the island. You can leave them at one of the storage lockers near the port and travel with just an overnight bag (additional charges apply).
- Wear shorts and sandals, not your nicest outfit. Unless you’re on a jetty-to-jetty service, you’ll likely step off the boat into shallow water.
- Sit toward the back of the boat if you’re prone to motion sickness. It’s noticeably less bouncy than the front.
- Morning crossings tend to be smoother, with calmer seas before the afternoon wind picks up.
- Travel insurance is genuinely worth having for any inter-island boat trip in Indonesia: so it’s worth reading our note on travel insurance before you go
- For more general planning advice, our island travel tips page covers everything from cash and connectivity to what to pack.
First Time Visiting Nusa Lembongan?
If this is your first crossing, take a breath: it’s a far easier trip than it sounds, and most of what could feel unfamiliar (immigration, the drive, the boat) is over within two hours of landing. We have put together a few extra pointers specifically for newcomers on their first trip to Nusa Lembongan, and if you’re still deciding between islands, our comparison of Nusa Lembongan vs Nusa Penida might help you choose. Even doing it as a day trip from Bali is entirely possible if your schedule’s tight.
FAQs
How long does it take to get from Bali Airport to Nusa Lembongan?
Around 1.5–2 hours in total: roughly 35–60 minutes by road to Sanur, then a 30–40 minute fast boat crossing.
Can I drive directly from the airport to Nusa Lembongan?
No, there’s no bridge or road connection. You’ll drive to Sanur and complete the journey by fast boat.
Which port should I use from the airport?
Sanur. It has the most frequent departures (15+ a day), the shortest crossing time, the most cost-effective, and is the easiest port to reach from Denpasar Airport.
Do I need to book my transfer in advance?
It’s not always essential outside peak season, but booking ahead means your boat time is matched to your flight, and you avoid the risk of a sold-out sailing during busy periods like New Year or school holidays.
What’s the difference between Jungutbatu, Mushroom Bay, and Telatak Harbour?
They’re simply different drop-off points on the island, used by different boat operators. Choose based on where you’re staying. Telatak is the only dry, jetty-to-jetty landing.
For more, our full FAQ page covers everything else you might be wondering about your trip.
Ready to Book?
If you’d rather skip the spreadsheet of taxi fares and boat schedules, we are happy to do the planning for you. Book your boat transfer with us and we’ll match it to your flight, hold your hand through the Sanur boarding process, and have a driver waiting at the other end. Book your accommodation with us too, and you’ll get 20% off your transfer.
Ready to plan your Lembongan escape? Browse our villas and let us help you build the perfect retreat.
Email: holiday@thelembongantraveller.com
WhatsApp: +61 478 928 925