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Leaving the bustling beach clubs of southern Bali or the cultural heart of Ubud for the gateway to the Gili Islands requires a shift in pace. Padang Bai is more than a ferry terminal; it is a charming fishing village where the salt air meets the scent of incense from seaside temples. Whether you are catching a fast boat to Lombok or seeking the quiet turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon Beach, the drive is your transition from Bali's high-energy hubs to its more rugged eastern coast.
The drive to Padang Bai takes you through a changing landscape of urban sprawl, traditional villages, and glimpses of the majestic Mount Agung. Bali's unpredictable traffic means that choosing the right transport is essential for making your boat connection on time. You can book your preferred transport for this route on GoAsia.cc.
Bali to Padang Bai by Van
Shared vans give you an affordable seat on a fixed morning departure. They pick up other travelers on the way, so the trip takes 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, and a seat costs about $23 on booking platforms (November 2026).[1]
Bali to Padang Bai by Private Transfer
Private transfers are the best choice if you travel with heavy luggage, as a family, or straight from the airport. You set your own schedule and arrive at Padang Bai with time to spare before your boat departs.
From I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, a standard 4-seat taxi takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and costs about $25 on booking platforms (November 2026).[1] From Ubud, the drive takes about 1 hour 50 minutes and costs about $19.[2] From elsewhere in Bali, a standard taxi also takes about 1 hour 50 minutes and starts at about $16.[1]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Shared van | About $23[1] | 3h 30m - 4h |
| Private taxi from the airport | About $25[1] | About 1h 15m |
| Private taxi from Ubud | About $19[2] | About 1h 50m |
Tips for Traveling from Bali to Padang Bai
- Account for Traffic: Bali's roads are congested, especially around Denpasar and the bypass road. Add an extra hour to your planned travel time if you have a boat to catch.
- Airport Arrivals: If you head straight to Padang Bai from the airport, book a private transfer in advance to avoid negotiating with taxi drivers on arrival.
- Luggage Space: Shared vans have limited space. If you carry surfboards or several large suitcases, a private SUV or van is the better choice.
- Check-in: Fast boats from Padang Bai to the Gili Islands leave from the morning to the early afternoon, and check-in closes one hour before departure.[3]
- Stay Hydrated: The journey can be humid. Keep a bottle of water handy.
Timetable
| Bus Bali - Bali $ 20.95–27.21 1h 30m – 2h 10m | |
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| Taxi Bali - Bali $ 19.05–81.64 50m – 3h 35m | |
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| Van Bali - Bali $ 5.99–35.38 1h 30m – 5h 30m | |
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| Bus Ubud - Bali $ 18.23 1h 55m | |
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| Taxi Ubud - Bali $ 19.05–81.64 25m – 2h 10m | |
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| Van Ubud - Bali $ 20.41–26.53 1h 30m – 2h 30m | |
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| Taxi Sanur - Bali $ 22.86–26.67 1h 10m – 1h 40m | |
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| Taxi Seminyak - Bali $ 19.05–29.39 1h 30m – 1h 50m | |
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| Van Seminyak - Bali $ 5.44–28.57 1h 30m – 2h 15m | |
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| Taxi I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport - Bali $ 25.85–87.08 1h 10m – 3h | |
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| Taxi Jimbaran - Padang Bai $ 26.94 1h 30m | |
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| Taxi Bali - Padang Bai $ 26.94 1h 30m | |
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| Van Jimbaran - Bali $ 5.99 1h 30m | |
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| Van Canggu - Bali $ 7.08 2h 50m – 3h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Bali to Padang Bai, including current prices and schedules.
A shared van, at about $23 on booking platforms (November 2026), or a standard taxi from about $16. Prices depend on your starting point.
A private taxi goes directly from your accommodation to the port without extra stops. From the airport it takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, from Ubud about 1 hour 50 minutes.
A private taxi takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. A shared van with several pick-ups takes 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Yes. A standard private taxi from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and costs about $25 (November 2026). Book in advance so your driver waits at arrivals.
Yes. A standard 4-seat taxi from Ubud takes about 1 hour 50 minutes and costs about $19 on booking platforms (November 2026).
Ekajaya Fast Ferry runs departures to Gili Trawangan from morning to early afternoon. Check-in is one hour before departure.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Bali - Padang Bai timetable. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: Ubud - Padang Bai timetable. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
- [3] Ekajaya Fast Ferry: Daily Schedules | Ekajaya Fast Ferry Departures & Routes. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.