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Leaving the harbor bustle of Padang Bai for the urban energy of Denpasar takes you from Bali's gateway to the Gili Islands back into the island's administrative and commercial heart. Whether you are heading to Denpasar to catch a flight, see the Bajra Sandhi Monument or use it as a hub for the southern beaches, there are several ways to make the trip.
Padang Bai is a ferry and fast boat port, so transport leaves from the harbor area. You can compare options and book on GoAsia.cc to arrange the ride before you arrive.
Padang Bai to Denpasar by Van
For solo travelers and those on a budget, shared vans are the usual choice. Booking platforms list vans from Padang Bai to Denpasar at about $8 to $20, with listed trip times of 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes (October 2026).[1] One minivan service to central Denpasar is listed at about $8 and 1 hour.[1] The cheaper vans make several drop-offs, and traffic near Sanur and the entrance to Denpasar can slow the trip.
Padang Bai to Denpasar by Shuttle and Minibus
Perama Tour runs shared shuttle buses from Padangbai, with the pick-up point in front of Bank Mandiri, to towns including Kuta, Sanur and Ubud, and to Denpasar airport.[2] Denpasar city centre is not among its listed stops, so check where the shuttle drops you. Booking platforms also list a minibus on this route at about $22 with a trip time of 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes.[1]
Padang Bai to Denpasar by Private Transfer
If you travel with a group or surfboards, or want door-to-door convenience, a private transfer lets you leave on your own schedule. Booking platforms list private cars from Padang Bai to the Denpasar area from about $22 with a trip time of about 1 hour 30 minutes, and to the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport at about $24 with about 2 hours (October 2026).[1] A private car is a good choice for a flight, because you control when you leave.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Van | About $8 to $20[1] | 1h 50m to 2h 15m[1] |
| Minibus | About $22[1] | 1h 55m to 2h 10m[1] |
| Private transfer | From about $22[1] | 1h 30m to 2h[1] |
Tips for Traveling from Padang Bai to Denpasar
- Mind the ferry arrivals: Transport at Padang Bai is busiest right after a large boat arrives. To avoid the crowds, book a transfer in advance so a driver is waiting for you.
- Traffic awareness: The road can become congested near Sanur and the entrance to Denpasar. If you have a flight to catch, allow an extra hour beyond the stated trip time.
- Luggage space: With surfboards or large suitcases, a private SUV is more practical than a shared van, where luggage space is often limited. Perama allows each passenger one large suitcase, one cabin bag and one handbag.[2]
- Small cash: Have small rupiah notes for snacks at the harbor or for porters.
Timetable
| Bus Bali - Bali $ 22.33 1h 55m – 2h 10m | |
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| Taxi Bali - Bali $ 29.31 1h 11m | |
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| Van Bali - Bali $ 7.65–20.36 1h 50m – 2h 15m | |
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| Taxi Bali - I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport $ 33.12–42.95 1h 20m – 3h | |
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| Van Bali - I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport $ 9.14 1h 30m | |
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| Taxi Bali - Sanur $ 24.31–28.26 1h 20m – 1h 30m | |
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| Taxi Padang Bai - Sanur $ 20.92 2h | |
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| Ferry Padang Bai - Sanur $ 7.12 1h 48m | |
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| Taxi Padang Bai - Bali $ 22.19 1h 30m | |
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| Taxi Padang Bai - I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport $ 23.60 2h | |
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| Van Bali - Denpasar $ 8.06 1h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Padang Bai to Denpasar, including current prices and schedules.
Booking platforms list shared vans from about $8 (October 2026). They are the budget choice for reaching the city or the airport area.
Booking platforms list one minivan service to central Denpasar at about 1 hour. Private transfers are listed at about 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Booking platforms list 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes for vans, 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes for the minibus and about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for private transfers.
Yes, there are many operators at the harbor, but many drivers approach you at once after a boat arrives. Booking in advance on GoAsia.cc avoids haggling and gives you a fixed price.
Yes. Perama Tour lists Denpasar airport among its shuttle stops, and booking platforms list a private car to the airport at about $24 with a trip time of about 2 hours.
Yes. Perama Tour runs shared shuttle buses from Padangbai, with the pick-up point in front of Bank Mandiri, to towns including Kuta, Sanur and Ubud, and to the airport.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Padang Bai to Denpasar. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Perama Tour: Bali Lombok Daily Shuttle Bus. Retrieved October 15, 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.