Padang Bai is a really busy pier location near Candidasa, where it seems like all of the boats are arriving and leaving at the same time. But be assured, there is a method to the commotion, and we have handpicked the best ferry/fast boat companies that are going to genuinely take great care of you in a friendly, helpful, Balinese style!
The great news is that 90% of our selected trips are going to involve a hotel pick-up or drop off in Bali unless you are in a more obscure location. Even if there is a fee involved, it is going to be small, and you will travel to/from Padang Bai in the air-conditioned comfort of a relatively new minivan courtesy of our ferry operator partners. Padang Bai is approximately 90 minutes drive from the airport and maybe 60 minutes from Kuta.
The boarding process in Padang Bai is relatively hassle free, with the boat staff taking good care of your luggage and yourself. Just go with the flow and all will be well. The Padang Bai - Lombok fast boat run is the shortest distance of any of the Bali to Lombok routes, although the road transfer will take you longer than journeys to either Sanur or Serangan departure points.