All Ports
Every harbour covering Bali, the Gili Islands, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Bangsal on Lombok — which port you leave from changes your options a lot more than most people realise.
All ports at a glance
Central and easy to reach — around 25 minutes from Kuta, 40–50 minutes from Canggu, and 45 minutes to an hour from Ubud. Usually the most convenient port if you're staying anywhere in South or Central Bali.
The trade-off port: the drive is real — about 45 minutes from Kuta or Denpasar, closer to 1.5–2 hours from Canggu or Uluwatu — but the boat crossing itself is short, and this port has the most operators and departures of anywhere on this list.
Similar drive time to Sanur from Kuta or Denpasar (25–35 minutes), but usually a smoother run with less South Bali traffic to fight through on the way in.
East Bali, near Padang Bai — around 40–45 minutes from Denpasar or Ubud, more like an hour to 90 minutes from Kuta, Canggu, or Uluwatu. The trade-off for the fastest, cheapest hop to Nusa Penida.
The closest port if you're based in Uluwatu, Jimbaran, or Nusa Dua — as little as 20–30 minutes away. Kuta and Seminyak aren't far either (25–30 minutes), but it's a longer haul from Canggu or Ubud (45 minutes to over an hour).
The most-searched Gili — biggest island, most nightlife, most boat options.
Quieter than Trawangan, still well connected.
The smallest, quietest Gili — fewer direct services.
Multiple harbours (Toyapakeh, Buyuk, Sampalan) depending on which Bali port you leave from.
The other Nusa island — short hop from Sanur, short hop to Penida.
The main Lombok gateway to the Gilis — most fast boats land here.