Want to take your scooter on the Bali to Nusa Penida ferry? Discover the cheapest and most effortless way to cross with my updated 2026 ticket and boarding guide. (CLICK HERE)
Table of Contents
The Bali to Nusa Penida ferry most people take is the passenger fast boat, but there’s a cheaper option that almost nobody talks about: the public vehicle ferry from Padang Bai. It’s the one to use if you want to take your own scooter or motorbike across to Nusa Penida instead of leaving it behind in Bali.
That’s exactly what I did. I started in Ubud, rented a scooter and rode all the way to Padang Bai. I bought my ferry ticket at the port, loaded my scooter onto the ferry and crossed to Nusa Penida. That was in 2022, and the ticketing system has changed since then, so this guide covers both what I did and how booking works now. If you’re planning Bali to Nusa Penida with scooter in tow, you can follow the same route with the current booking method.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- How to get from Ubud to Padang Bai
- Where to find the public ferry
- How to take a rented scooter across
- How I bought my ticket at the port in 2022
- How to buy your ticket now through Ferizy
- Passenger and vehicle ticket prices
- What happens during boarding
- Where the ferry arrives in Nusa Penida
It’s a very different trip from the usual Sanur fast boat. The public ferry is slower and more basic, but it’s budget-friendly, and it’s the way to bring your own wheels.
Bali to Nusa Penida Ferry: Understanding the Route
The Bali to Nusa Penida ferry I took in 2022 is a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel called KMP Nusa Jaya Abadi. It leaves from Padang Bai in East Bali and carries foot passengers, scooters and motorbikes, and cars to Nusa Penida. That’s what makes the Padang Bai to Nusa Penida ferry different from the fast boats: you can bring an eligible vehicle across instead of renting another scooter after you arrive. Tickets are now booked online through Ferizy.
| Journey stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting point | Ubud |
| Getting to the port | Ride a scooter to Padang Bai |
| Departure port | Padang Bai |
| Ferry | KMP Nusa Jaya Abadi |
| Arrival port | Mentigi, Nusa Penida |
| Ferry crossing | Approximately 1–1.5 hours at sea, plus loading and waiting |
| Ticket purchase | In 2022: at the port. Now: online through Ferizy |
Two things to keep in mind:
- Mentigi isn’t Banjar Nyuh or Buyuk. Those ports are used by the passenger boats, so don’t mix them up when you plan where to stay or how to get around.
- Sailing times can change. Check the latest status before you set out, since this ferry has been out of service before.
Getting from Ubud to Padang Bai by Scooter
This was the first part of my 2022 journey. Padang Bai is on the east coast of Bali, and you can reach it from Ubud by road. It’s about 35 km, and a car usually does it in around half an hour. On a scooter, with traffic through the Gianyar and Klungkung area, it takes longer, so don’t plan around the car time. I started in Ubud and rode the whole way to the port on a rented scooter.
A few practical things for the ride:
- Leave early. You need time to reach the port, check in your scooter and queue before the ferry leaves.
- Don’t count on a fixed riding time. Traffic and road conditions change from day to day.
- Fill up before you get to the port. You don’t want to be looking for fuel right before boarding.
- Travel light. You’re riding with everything you’re taking, so keep your ID, money and scooter documents easy to reach.
Things to Check Before Taking a Rented Scooter to Nusa Penida
This is the part people skip, and it matters most, because you’re taking a rental vehicle off mainland Bali. Not every scooter rental company allows its vehicles to be taken to another island, so don’t assume yours does.
Before you go, check:
- Permission from the rental company. Ask directly whether the scooter can go to Nusa Penida, and get it in writing if you can.
- The rental agreement. Look for any clause about taking the vehicle to another island.
- The registration documents (STNK). Make sure they’re with the scooter.
- Your license. You need a valid motorcycle license, plus an International Driving Permit if your home license requires one.
- Insurance. Find out whether coverage applies outside mainland Bali.
- The scooter’s condition. Check the tires, brakes, lights and fuel, because the roads on the island can be steep and uneven.
- The rental contact details. Keep them on you in case something goes wrong.
Get confirmation from your rental provider before you leave. Don’t assume the scooter can automatically go onto the ferry.
Reaching Padang Bai Port and Finding the Public Ferry
Padang Bai is a busy port with different kinds of boats, and the public ferry doesn’t board in the same place as the passenger fast boats. So don’t just follow the crowds toward the beach.
Once you arrive:
- Look for the public ferry terminal and the KMP Nusa Jaya Abadi service. Ask port staff if you’re unsure.
- Check the departure information for the next sailing.
- Ask where to go with a scooter. Vehicles are handled separately from foot passengers, so ask staff about vehicle check-in and loading.
Don’t assume every boat leaving Padang Bai uses the same boarding area. Follow the public ferry’s own terminal and the staff’s instructions.
How I Bought My Ferry Ticket at Padang Bai Port in 2022
When I did this trip in 2022, I bought my ticket at the port. I rode to Padang Bai, found the public ferry, paid for my ticket and my scooter, and then loaded up. That’s the system I’m describing here, and it’s not how tickets are sold today, so please don’t treat it as the current process.
If you’re curious how it worked back then, the steps were simple:
- Find the ferry’s ticket counter at Padang Bai.
- Say how you’re traveling, on foot or with a scooter.
- Pay the passenger fare and the vehicle fare. They’re charged separately, so you pay for yourself and for the scooter.
- Check the ticket details before heading to the boarding area.
A normal rental scooter falls in the under-500cc class. Cars and larger motorbikes are in other categories.
How to Buy Your Ferry Ticket Now: Booking Through Ferizy
The system has changed since 2022. Klungkung’s Department of Transportation announced that tickets for the public ferry are now available through the official Ferizy platform, the national ferry ticketing app and website. Ferizy’s own page says tickets are bought only in the app or on the website, so I wouldn’t assume you can still walk up to a counter and buy one.
How the Online Booking Works
- Create an account and log in on Ferizy, either in the app or on the website.
- Choose your departure and arrival ports. For this trip that’s Padang Bai and Nusa Penida.
- Pick the passenger category: adult, elderly, child or infant.
- Pick your vehicle class and enter the vehicle length if you’re bringing a scooter or a car. A normal rental scooter is usually in the under-500cc class.
- Pay online, then keep the e-ticket handy.
Checking In at the Port
Once your Bali to Nusa Penida ferry ticket is booked, you still have to check in at Padang Bai. Bring your ID and the vehicle’s plate number. Ferizy says a ticket expires if you don’t complete check-in within the time shown on the e-ticket, so don’t cut it close.
Passengers, Scooters and Cars
- Scooter: you book a passenger ticket for yourself and a vehicle ticket for the scooter. They’re separate.
- Car: the same applies. Choose the right class and length, and expect to pay for each passenger as well.
- Fare amounts: Ferizy shows the exact fare for your class and passenger type when you book, and that amount is the one to trust.
Since the procedure has changed, check the latest process on Ferizy before you ride to the port.
Public Ferry to Nusa Penida: Ticket Prices for Passengers, Scooters and Cars
This is the main reason to take the public ferry. The Bali to Nusa Penida ferry costs far less than a fast boat, and the Nusa Penida ferry price covers your scooter too. Fares can change, so treat these as a guide for budgeting and rely on the amount Ferizy shows when you book.
Foot Passenger Ticket Prices
- Adult, one way: about IDR 31,700 (about USD 1.75)
- Child, one way: about IDR 22,700 (about USD 1.25)
- Infants: I don’t have a fare for this category, so check on Ferizy.
- Traveling with a vehicle: the rider still pays a passenger fare on top of the vehicle fare.
These prices are for the ferry only. They’re separate from any visitor levy that applies to visiting Nusa Penida.
Scooter and Motorbike Ferry Prices
Fares depend on the vehicle class.
- Motorcycles below 500cc: roughly IDR 56,200 (about USD 3.10). This is the class a normal rental scooter falls in, but confirm the exact fare for your vehicle class on Ferizy.
- Motorcycles of 500cc and above: priced higher, so check Ferizy.
- Passenger charged separately: yes.
One adult + one scooter = passenger fare + motorbike fare = roughly IDR 87,900 (about USD 4.84) one way.
That’s the number to budget if you’re following the same journey as me.
Car Ferry Prices
- Passenger cars up to 5 metres: roughly IDR 328,000 (about USD 18.07)
- Passengers: charged separately.
- One car with two adults: roughly IDR 391,400 (about USD 21.56) one way.
I’ve left out trucks and freight vehicles, since this guide is for travelers.
Public Ferry Price Comparison
Indicative one-way prices, converted at 1 USD = 18,150 IDR. The fare Ferizy shows at booking is final.
| Ticket type | One-way price (IDR) |
|---|---|
| Adult foot passenger | 31,700 ($1.75 USD) |
| Child passenger | 22,700 ($1.25 USD) |
| Scooter or motorbike below 500cc | 56,200 ($3.10 USD) |
| One adult + one scooter | 87,900 ($4.84 USD) |
| Passenger car up to 5 metres | 328,000 ($18.07 USD) |
| Car + two adults | 391,400 ($21.56 USD) |
Passenger prices are per person, and vehicle prices are per vehicle, so a vehicle line doesn’t include the people riding in it.
Compared with a fast boat: some Sanur operators start at around IDR 110,000 (about USD 6) per person one way. That’s an indicative starting price, not a standard fare, and fast boats don’t carry your scooter. So even before you count the cost of renting another scooter on the island, the public ferry is usually the cheaper way across.
Boarding the Ferry with Your Scooter
In 2022 I loaded my scooter onto the ferry at Padang Bai. Here’s how boarding generally works when you’re bringing a motorbike, though the process can differ between departures and may have changed since my trip, so follow the port staff’s instructions on the day.
- Go to the vehicle queue. Vehicles are handled separately from foot passengers.
- Show your e-ticket and ID, and give the plate number.
- Vehicle check-in and inspection. Staff will direct you.
- Wait for the go-ahead, then ride on. Staff tell you when and where to bring the scooter onto the ferry.
- Park in the vehicle area and secure the scooter. Follow staff directions on where to park.
- Move to the passenger area. After loading, staff direct passengers off the vehicle deck.
Allow extra time. Loading, especially when cars are in the queue, can take a while.
What to Expect During the Ferry Crossing
Once the ferry leaves Padang Bai, you’re at sea for roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, and loading and waiting add to that. Don’t plan anything tight around the crossing.
- Where to be: passengers are directed away from the vehicle deck after loading, so don’t count on getting back to your scooter mid-crossing.
- What to keep with you: your documents, valuables, phone charger, water and a layer, since open areas can be windy.
- Facilities: I wouldn’t count on food or comfortable seating, so bring what you need.
This is a slower, more basic crossing than a fast boat. That’s the trade-off for a much lower fare and for bringing your scooter.
Arriving at Mentigi Port in Nusa Penida
The public ferry arrives at Mentigi, on the Sampalan side of Nusa Penida. That’s a different port from the Banjar Nyuh fast-boat terminal, so don’t assume it’s the same place.
When you arrive:
- Wait for port staff to direct vehicles off the ferry, then ride your scooter off when it’s your turn.
- Follow the signs to the exit.
- Head toward your accommodation, or on to other parts of the island.
Plan your accommodation and navigation around the port you actually arrive at. Roads around Nusa Penida can be steep and uneven, so wear a helmet, ride carefully and take your first ride slowly.
Public Ferry vs Fast Boat: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Public Ferry | Fast Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Departure | Padang Bai | Sanur, Kusamba and other designated ports |
| Arrival | Mentigi | Depends on the operator |
| Journey type | Public Ro-Ro ferry | Passenger boat |
| Scooter transportation | Yes, subject to vehicle category and availability | Generally not available |
| Car transportation | Yes, subject to vehicle category and availability | No |
| Crossing duration | Around 1–1.5 hours at sea | Generally shorter, depending on route |
| Ticket purchase | Online through Ferizy | Operator or ticket counter |
| Best suited for | Travelers bringing their own eligible vehicle | Foot passengers wanting a quicker crossing |
The public ferry is the one to pick if you want to take an eligible vehicle across. Fast boats are generally more convenient if you’re crossing on foot. The departure and arrival points are different, and the cheapest option depends on whether you’d otherwise rent another scooter on arrival.
Ferry Schedule and Important Things to Know Before Travelling
The Bali to Nusa Penida ferry runs on a limited schedule compared with the fast boats, so you have far fewer departures to choose from.
Klungkung’s Department of Transportation announced that KMP Nusa Jaya Abadi resumed service on 5 October 2026 with two daily trips. That means it’s running twice a day for now, but it doesn’t set a permanent timetable, so I won’t give you departure times to rely on. Check the current schedule on Ferizy or with the local transport department.
Things that can change your day:
- Weather, which can shift or cancel sailings.
- Maintenance, which can suspend the service for a while.
- Loading and port congestion, which can delay departures.
- Return availability, so check the return sailing before you commit if you’re planning to come back the same way.
Arrive early, and build flexibility into the day, especially if the ferry is part of a longer plan.
Practical Tips for Taking the Public Ferry to Nusa Penida
These tips apply to the Bali to Nusa Penida ferry in general.
Confirm Your Scooter Rental Permission
Check with your rental company before you take the scooter outside mainland Bali. Not every company allows it.
Check the Correct Vehicle Category
Make sure the counter puts your scooter or car in the right category, since the fare depends on it.
Arrive at Padang Bai Early
Allow time for check-in, vehicle inspection and loading.
Book Through Ferizy and Keep Your Documents Accessible
Book your ticket on Ferizy before you leave, and have your e-ticket, ID, scooter plate number and documents where you can reach them.
Carry Water and Essentials
Waiting and loading can take longer than you expect.
Check the Ferry Status Before Leaving Ubud
Confirm the ferry is running before you make the road trip. The service has been suspended before, and you don’t want to ride to Padang Bai for nothing.
Prepare for Riding in Nusa Penida
Roads can be steep and uneven. Wear a helmet, check your fuel and ride carefully, especially on your first day.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bali to Nusa Penida Ferry
Is there a public ferry from Bali to Nusa Penida?
Yes. KMP Nusa Jaya Abadi is a public Ro-Ro ferry from Padang Bai to Nusa Penida that carries foot passengers, scooters and motorbikes, and cars.
Where does the public ferry to Nusa Penida depart from?
Padang Bai, in East Bali.
Where does the public ferry arrive in Nusa Penida?
At Mentigi, on the Sampalan side of the island, not at the Banjar Nyuh or Buyuk fast-boat ports.
Can I take a rented scooter from Bali to Nusa Penida?
Only if your rental company allows it, so get confirmation before you go.
How much does the public ferry from Bali to Nusa Penida cost?
An adult foot passenger pays roughly IDR 31,700 (about USD 1.75) one way. It’s an indicative figure, and Ferizy shows the exact fare when you book.
How much does it cost to take a scooter on the ferry?
The scooter fare is roughly IDR 56,200 (about USD 3.10), and the rider pays a passenger fare on top. One adult and one scooter comes to roughly IDR 87,900 (about USD 4.84) one way. Confirm the vehicle class and fare on Ferizy.
Can I take a car on the public ferry to Nusa Penida?
Yes, subject to vehicle category and availability. A car up to 5 metres is roughly IDR 328,000 (about USD 18.07), plus passenger fares.
How long does the ferry from Padang Bai to Nusa Penida take?
Roughly 1 to 1.5 hours at sea, plus loading and waiting.
How do I buy public ferry tickets for Padang Bai to Nusa Penida now?
Through Ferizy, the official ticketing app and website. I bought mine at the port in 2022, but the system has changed, so don’t count on walk-up counter sales. Check in at the port with your ID and vehicle plate number.
Do I need separate passenger and vehicle tickets?
Yes. Passengers and vehicles are charged separately, so you book for yourself and for your scooter or car.
Does the public ferry operate every day?
It’s running two trips daily since it resumed on 5 October 2026, but the schedule can change, so check before you go.
Is the public ferry cheaper than a fast boat?
Usually, yes. For one adult with a scooter, the public ferry costs far less than renting a scooter on the island after a fast boat, and it takes your own scooter along.
Conclusion
In 2022 I started in Ubud, rented a scooter, rode to Padang Bai, bought my ticket at the port and took the public ferry across to Nusa Penida with my scooter. The system has changed since then, and tickets are now booked through Ferizy. The journey comes down to a few things: reaching Padang Bai from Ubud, checking your rental allows the scooter on the ferry, booking passenger and vehicle tickets on Ferizy (they’re charged separately), checking in and loading the scooter, crossing to Mentigi and then riding on around the island.
Taking the Bali to Nusa Penida ferry means getting to Nusa Penida doesn’t have to involve leaving your scooter behind or paying for an expensive passenger fast boat. The public ferry is another way across with an eligible vehicle, as long as the service is running and your rental agreement allows it.
Planning Your Indonesia Trip?
If you’re putting together a bigger Indonesia itinerary, here’s what else I’ve written:
2 Days in Yogyakarta: A Slow Travel Itinerary for Central Yogyakarta
Where to Stay in Yogyakarta: Best Areas for Every Traveler
Yogyakarta Travel Budget: How Much Does Yogyakarta Cost?
How to Travel from Yogyakarta to Surabaya 2026: The Ultimate Guide
How to Travel from Yogyakarta to Jakarta: Transport Guide 2026
Best Time to Visit Bali: The Ultimate 12-Month Guide for a Perfect Trip
Surabaya to Bali 2026: How to Plan the Perfect Island Journey
Jakarta to Bali 2026: The Perfect Guide to Flights, Buses, & Ferries
How to Plan a Trip to Bali 2026: The Ultimate Regional Travel Guide
