What is the fastest way to Sumbawa?

The flight to Bima, at about 75 minutes, versus a full overland day by ferry and bus.

How much does it cost?

As a working estimate, around $60 to $110 to fly, or roughly $15 to $35 total via the slow public ferries and a bus. The cheap figure is the public ferry, not the marketed fast boat.

Is the ferry route reliable?

The crossings are reliable but slow, and the flight schedule is thin, so book the flight ahead.

Which should I choose?

Fly if you are heading deep into Sumbawa. The overland chain of two ferries and a bus is really only worth it for budget or slow travellers.

Bali to Sumbawa: Ferry or Flight?

Our pick

Fly to Bima if you are going deep into eastern Sumbawa, since the overland route is three separate legs over a full day. For western Sumbawa, flying to Sumbawa Besar is an option. Take the ferry chain only if you are island-hopping slowly. Use the standard slow public ferries, not the pricier fast boats, to keep it cheap.

Your options

Domestic flight (DPS to Bima)

Around $60 to $110 one way (working estimate)

Duration:: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Frequency:: Roughly daily

Bima serves eastern Sumbawa; for the west, Sumbawa Besar is the closer airport.

Slow public ferries and bus via Lombok

Around $15 to $35 total: about $3 to $5 Padangbai to Lembar, road across Lombok, then $4 to $7 Kayangan to Poto Tano (working estimate)

Duration:: The better part of a day or more
Frequency:: Frequent crossings on both ferry legs

Use the standard slow public ferries, not the marketed fast boats, which are a pricier product.

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Common questions

What is the fastest way to Sumbawa?: The flight to Bima, at about 75 minutes, versus a full overland day by ferry and bus.
How much does it cost?: As a working estimate, around $60 to $110 to fly, or roughly $15 to $35 total via the slow public ferries and a bus. The cheap figure is the public ferry, not the marketed fast boat.
Is the ferry route reliable?: The crossings are reliable but slow, and the flight schedule is thin, so book the flight ahead.
Which should I choose?: Fly if you are heading deep into Sumbawa. The overland chain of two ferries and a bus is really only worth it for budget or slow travellers.

Itineraries that use this route

See it in a full day-by-day trip you can book.

14 Days in Bali, Komodo and Sumba →

Prices and schedules are working estimates and change with season and operator. Confirm current fares and departure times before you book. Some links are affiliate links; booking through them helps fund the site at no extra cost to you.