How long is the bus from Bali to Bima?

It typically takes between 20 to 26 hours depending on ferry wait times.

Are there direct flights to Bima?

No, you must connect through Lombok or Makassar.

Is Bima safe for tourists?

Yes, it is generally safe, but maintain standard travel precautions.

What is the best way to see Mount Tambora?

Hire a local guide from the village of Pancasila for the trek.

Do I need a visa for Bima?

Bima is in Indonesia; standard visa rules for the country apply.

Kuta Selatan

Bima

Bus Flight

Kuta Selatan to Bima

Updated: 28 May 2026

Reaching Bima from Kuta Selatan is a long overland journey that traverses the islands of Bali, Lombok, and Sumbawa. You start by taking a bus from Denpasar to Padang Bai, then a ferry to Lembar (Lombok). After crossing Lombok, you take another ferry from Kayangan to Poto Tano (Sumbawa). From there, you travel by bus across the Trans-Sumbawa Highway to Bima. This journey is for the adventurous, as it takes over 20 hours of travel time. The landscape changes from lush Bali to the arid, savanna-like hills of Sumbawa.

Total Distance: Driving distance 650 km (including ferries); straight-line air distance 380 km.

Fastest Way

Flight from Ngurah Rai Airport to Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport (BMU).

Cheapest Way

Inter-island bus service from Ubung Terminal in Denpasar.

Compare Kuta Selatan to Bima Routes

	Bus Connecting	Flight Connecting via Lombok
Duration	24 hours	4 hours
Avg Price	IDR 450,000 - 600,000	IDR 1,500,000 - 2,200,000
Operator	Gunung Harta	Wings Air
Route	Denpasar to Bima via Lombok	DPS to BMU
Tip	Choose an executive class bus for better seat reclining.	Flights usually transit in Lombok or Makassar.

Travel Tips

Bus Terminals
Most long-distance buses depart from Ubung or Mengwi Terminal in Bali.
Ferry Schedules
Ferries between Lombok and Sumbawa run 24 hours, but expect waiting times during peak holidays.
Food Stops
Buses make regular stops at local 'warungs'; carry snacks and water for the long stretches in Sumbawa.
Clothing
Bima is a conservative region; dress modestly when visiting public places.
Navigation
Download offline maps as mobile signal can be spotty in the mountains of Sumbawa.

Safety Tips

Road Conditions
The Trans-Sumbawa Highway is prone to landslides during the rainy season.
Night Travel
Avoid night travel on buses if possible, as drivers often speed on winding roads.
Personal Belongings
Keep your valuables with you on the bus, especially during ferry crossings.
Health
Carry basic first-aid supplies, including rehydration salts.