How to Get from Bali Pier to Downtown: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

After conquering the majestic Mount Ijen 🌋, your guides will typically whisk you off to Banyuwangi port, where a boat awaits to ferry you to Bali. But what’s the best way to get from the Bali port to the city? After sifting through numerous travel guides and personal accounts, here are some of the top methods:

1️⃣ Taxi 🚀 (The ultra-convenient but pricey and somewhat risky option)
As soon as you step off the boat in Bali, you’ll be greeted by a flurry of activity. Drivers will eagerly approach, offering their services. Hand over your luggage, hop in, and off you go. It’s incredibly convenient, but the cost can be steep, and safety isn’t always guaranteed.
Time: 4h-5h

2️⃣ Private Car 🚗 (A bit more expensive but reliable and comfortable)
Before you arrive, book a private car service on Xiaohongshu. A dedicated driver will meet you at the port and take you straight to your hotel. The average cost is around 350 RMB per day (make sure to confirm if this includes fuel and tolls). When choosing a private car, it’s wise to compare several options to ensure reliability.
Time: 4h-5h

3️⃣ Minibus 🚌 (Budget-friendly but less comfortable)
Once you reach the Bali port, pull up Google Maps and head to the Gilimanuk bus terminal, just a 6-minute walk away. From there, catch a minibus to Denpasar for a fare of 100k IDR (approximately 40+ RMB) per person. Upon arrival in Denpasar, use Grab to call a taxi.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that a one-hour ride only cost me 35 RMB, meaning two people could reach their hotel for a little over 100 RMB. However, the minibus journey takes a bit longer, around 4 hours.
Time: 5h-6h

4️⃣ Directly use Grab 🚖 (Not recommended)
The taxi business at the port is largely monopolized, making it extremely difficult to hail a Grab. This option is not recommended!