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Bali Airport Guide 2026: How to Transfer, Arrivals & Attractions
Bali remains one of Indonesia's most iconic travel destinations, drawing crowds to its sun-drenched beaches and rich cultural tapestry. Whether you are looking to catch waves in Kuta, enjoy a sunset seafood dinner in Jimbaran, or find your Zen among the rice terraces of Ubud, figuring out how to get from the airport to your destination is the first step of your journey.
This guide breaks down the best transport options from Bali Airport, including transparently priced private transfers, Grab app services, reputable Bluebird taxis.
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Introduction to Bali Airport (DPS)
white airliner on runway Via Unsplash (by Ivan Shimko)
The full name of Bali’s primary gateway is I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), often referred to as Denpasar International Airport or Bali International Airport. As Indonesia’s second busiest international hub, it is located approximately 13 km from the centre of Denpasar, with a travel time of around 30 minutes. The airport's architecture beautifully blends traditional Balinese aesthetics with modern design, allowing travellers to feel the tropical holiday atmosphere the moment they step off the plane.
The airport is divided into International and Domestic terminals. Facilities available for travellers include:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Currency Exchange & ATMs
- Luggage Storage
- Showers and Massage Services
There are also numerous restaurants and duty-free shops to explore, ensuring that your time spent waiting for a flight is never dull.
How to Get from Bali Airport to the City Center?
island under white sky Via Unsplash (by Alfiano Sutianto)
Transport Method | Cost (Estimated) | Pros | Cons |
From $35 AUD per 6 hours | - Predictable fixed pricing - Guaranteed during peak season - Direct door-to-door service - English/Chinese speaking drivers | - Higher cost - Requires advance booking | |
Grab / Gojek App | ~$13 AUD per 1-hour trip | - Affordable - User-friendly app interface - Ideal for short one-way trips | - Requires credit card binding - Hard to book during peak hours |
Taxi | ~$25 AUD per 1-hour trip | - High mobility; hail on the spot - Good for short one-way trips | - Risk of "haggling" or overcharging - Less safety security - Hard to find during peak hours |
From $85 AUD per day | - Maximum flexibility - High comfort - Cost-effective for large groups | - Requires International Driving Permit - Challenging local road conditions | |
Hotel/Restaurant Shuttle | Varies (Some are free) | - Direct point-to-point transfer - Hassle-free | - Requires prior coordination - No flexibility for extra stops |
Private Car Charter (Customized)
The most convenient way to avoid overcharging is by booking a Private Charter. It ensures a vehicle is ready even during peak travel seasons. Pricing is transparent and typically includes the driver, fuel, and tolls.
- Pro-Tip: Use Trip.com to book in advance. For 1–3 passengers, a standard sedan is fine; for 4 or more, we recommend a van to ensure enough luggage space.
Gojek & Grab Apps
These are the most popular ride-hailing apps in Bali. Grab is particularly user-friendly for international travelers.
- Important: Complete your registration and link your card before arriving in Indonesia to avoid SMS verification issues. Note that airport pickup rates are slightly higher than standard city rates.
Bluebird Taxis
If you choose a taxi, look for the Bluebird brand. They are reputable and use a regulated meter (starting at ~IDR 7,000).
- Pro-Tip: Keep Google Maps open during the ride to monitor the route and ensure tolls are added correctly to the final meter price.
Trip.com Car Hire
Renting a car offers the ultimate freedom but comes with challenges. Bali has busy traffic, narrow rural roads, and a high volume of motorbikes.
- Reminder: Bali follows right-hand drive rules. Ensure you have your International Driving Permit (IDP) ready.
New to Trip.com? Grab 8% off your first car rental and hit the road for less - it's a way of saying welcome to Trip.com family!
Bali Airport | Transport for Red-Eye or Late-Night Flights
a body of water with a small island in the middle of it Via Unsplash (by Katarzyna Zygnerska)
If you are arriving at Bali Airport in the middle of the night, we strongly recommend arranging your transport in advance for maximum security and peace of mind. There are three primary options:
- Private Car Charter (Pre-booked): This is the most reliable choice. The price is fixed, and your driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a name sign, so you won't have to worry about searching for a vehicle late at night.
- Hotel Shuttle Service: Most mid-to-high-end hotels offer airport pickup services. While the price might be slightly higher than other options, it offers the ultimate convenience and safety, especially for solo travelers or families.
- Grab App: You can use the Grab app to book a ride; however, keep in mind that the designated pickup points are located outside the main terminal area. Walking there with heavy luggage can be tiring, so it is best to confirm the pickup location and your timing as soon as you clear customs.
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154425 booked
Bali Airport Arrivals and Departures
empty gray airport seats during daytime Via Unsplash (by Dennis Gecaj)
Whether you are landing at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) or heading home, navigating the terminal efficiently is key.
Here is the essential breakdown for arrivals and departures at Bali’s primary gateway.
Bali Airport Arrivals
1. Customs & Entry (International)
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): For most travelers (including Australians), you can purchase a VoA at the counter for IDR 500,000 (~$50 AUD). To save time, it is highly recommended to apply for an e-VoA online before you fly.
- Customs Declaration: Bali has moved to an Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD). You should fill this out online within 3 days of your flight to receive a QR code, which you will scan before exiting.
- Bali Tourist Tax: As of 2024/2025, all international tourists must pay a one-time fee of IDR 150,000 (~$15 AUD). It is best to pay this via the "Love Bali" app/website before arrival.
2. Luggage & Exit
- Once you clear customs and exit the glass doors, you will enter a hall filled with drivers. Look for the official Trip.com or private car signs here.
- Connectivity: There are several kiosks for local SIM cards (Telkomsel is usually the most reliable) and currency exchange booths right after the baggage claim.
Bali Airport Departures
1. Check-in & Timing
- Arrival Time: For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. For domestic flights (e.g., to Lombok or Jakarta), 2 hours is usually sufficient.
- Traffic Warning: The road leading to the airport can get extremely congested in the late afternoon. If you are coming from Canggu or Ubud, allow at least 90–120 minutes for the commute.
2. Facilities & Lounges
- Duty-Free: The international terminal has a large selection of high-end brands, local spirits (like Arak), and souvenirs.
- Lounges: If you have a long wait, the Premier Lounge or Concordia Lounge offer showers, buffet food, and comfortable seating. These can often be booked via travel apps or accessed via premium credit cards.
- Final Food: There are several western and local options (including a Starbucks and various Warung-style eateries) upstairs after security.
Bali Airport | Must-Visit Attractions in Bali
Bali Airport | Uluwatu Temple
Perched on a dramatic limestone cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean, this is one of Bali’s six key spiritual pillars.
- The Highlight: The nightly Kecak Fire Dance performed at sunset in an open-air amphitheater. The combination of the rhythmic chanting and the sun dipping below the horizon is an essential Bali experience.
- Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on your belongings; the local monkeys are notorious for "borrowing" sunglasses and hats!
Reviews of Uluwatu Temple
4.5/5
130 reviews
5/5
It was absolutely amazing and impressive! I highly recommend everyone see it for themselves! We had the closest seats, just half a meter from the dance itself, and my husband even got to join in. We absolutely loved it! We were thrilled!
5/5
This place was breathe taking! The view was great and kecak dance was impressive!
4/5
Overall, an iconic Bali cultural performance! The Kecak dance was super energetic and the cliffside sunset view was gorgeous. The only downside is that it is extremely crowded and packed tight with tourists. Still a great experience, also heavy traffic leaving the venue, took us almost 2hr back to seminyak.
5/5
It was very interesting to see the Kecak dance and learn more about local traditions, culture, and customs. A colorful show!
5/5
It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Denpasar, costing around 2500 yen by Grab. The entrance fee is 600 yen, paid at the entrance to Uluwatu Temple. It feels like a beautiful botanical garden and monkey park. You'll need about an hour to explore. I saw several instances of mischievous monkeys stealing water, glasses, and cell phones, so you need to be very careful with your belongings. The 7:00 PM Kecak dance is after sunset, but it doesn't hinder the viewing. If you want to take Instagrammable photos, I recommend the 6:00 PM performance. It was a fun Kecak dance that covered the classic story while also being highly entertaining.
Bali Airport | Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Monkey Forest Ubud
Located in the heart of Ubud, this natural habitat is home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaques and three ancient temples dating back to the 14th century.
- The Highlight: Walking through the moss-covered bridges and towering banyan trees gives off a distinct "Indiana Jones" vibe. It is a perfect blend of wildlife conservation and spiritual heritage.
- Pro Tip: For the best 2026 photos, visit at 8:30 AM before the midday heat and the largest crowds arrive.
Reviews of Monkey Forest Ubud
4.5/5
413 reviews
5/5
Everything was great. A ton of impressions. The monkeys aren't aggressive unless you bother them. There's just one thing that was disappointing. The famous monkey selfie is open until 3:30 PM. Even for an extra fee, they weren't willing to budge. There are no yellow bracelets. Period. And those bracelets are available until 3:30 AM. So I guess the monkey has its own schedule. And it refuses to take any more photos.
5/5
Wonderful place! You can easily spend 3 hours here.
5/5
A must-see place, especially if you live in Ubud. The only thing I would recommend is coming in the morning, as there are more monkeys and they are more active. We went straight after checking into the hotel, but we weren't able to take a selfie with a monkey (I'll attach a photo from last year), as the ticket office on the premises was no longer open.
5/5
I visited with my 7-year-old son. At first, we were thrilled to see just one or two monkeys, but as we walked further, we were able to see many more! They were very close, and the mother and baby monkeys were adorable, but my son was scared because they were so close. I recommend bringing a bag with a zipper to prevent the monkeys from stealing your belongings! For a small additional fee, the staff will take photos and videos of you with the monkeys. It was a lot of fun spending time with the monkeys while enjoying nature.
4/5
Beautiful nature. The monkeys are not aggressive unless disturbed. It's worth spending a little time in the forest.
Bali Airport | Tegalalang Rice Terraces
A stunning display of the UNESCO-listed Subak irrigation system, these emerald-green terraces offer some of the most famous landscapes in Southeast Asia.
- The Highlight: The "Bali Swing" experiences located around the edge of the valley offer breathtaking photo opportunities over the layered rice paddies.
- Pro Tip: After exploring, grab a coffee at one of the cliffside cafes to enjoy the view without the hike.
Reviews of Tegallalang Rice Terrace
4.4/5
176 reviews
5/5
A very impressive place. Walking along the terraces will be unforgettable.
5/5
The cafe is wonderful! The pool, views of the terraces, the cafe grounds are green, there are several floors, a drink was included in the ticket, 🥤, and you could skip the line on the swing in a dress (it was rented).
5/5
A Truly Unforgettable Experience Visiting the Tegalalang Rice Terrace was one of the highlights of our trip to Bali. We arrived in the late afternoon, and the golden light spilling over the terraces was simply breathtaking — peaceful, serene, and impossibly beautiful. What makes this place so special is that it's entirely natural. There's nothing artificial or over-commercialized about the scenery itself; it's just lush, green, sculpted hillsides that you can wander through at your own pace. Walking along the narrow paths between the paddies, with the sounds of nature all around, was pure magic. If you're in Bali, this is an absolute must-see. Don't miss it — you'll regret it if you do.
5/5
Beautiful rice terraces, along the territory there are many establishments where you can have a snack or drink a refreshing drink.
5/5
Beautiful! We rode the swings and didn't have to wait in line to change into a dress. Swings are scary! Ask them not to swing too hard over the edge.
Hotel Recommendations in Bali
Bali Hotels
5 star
Very Good200 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|12.86km from downtown
We really love this Japanese hotel. Room has been recently renovated, bright and clean and the toilet is installed with a huge and new bathtub.
Property has a big and nicely kept garden and nice swimming pool a few steps away from the beach. Watching sunrise from there was pure delight.
Breakfast was good and service from all the staff was excellent. Food from the Italian restaurant was very good too.FromBRL 387
Great464 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|16.74km from downtown
This resort in Uluwatu was an amazing experience! I was pleasantly surprised with a free room upgrade upon check-in, and the room had a fantastic view. The resort's environment is beautiful and peaceful, with lush greenery everywhere. The staff were warm and polite, creating a wonderful vacation atmosphere. The pool is huge and I absolutely loved it; I could spend all day lounging by the pool. It's also quite close to the beach, perfect for surfing. Anyway, it's definitely worth choosing when you come to Bali.FromBRL 463
Great855 Reviews
Kuta Bali|9.2km from downtown
Excellent hotel, super location. Malls are nearby, plenty of places to walk around and eat. The ocean is just a 5-minute walk for a dip in the waves. It's also the best location for excursions. The pools are fantastic, and there are slides for the kids. The hotel food is very tasty and not expensive. The staff is simply amazing!FromBRL 822
Great826 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|18.83km from downtown
The cliffside rooms offer great views. They're very spacious, clean, and feature a wet/dry bathroom separation, with each room having its own balcony. The hotel's toiletries are excellent, and they provide unlimited filtered drinking water daily. The hotel also organizes daily activities that guests can choose to join.
Facilities: There are many swimming pools with clean water. There's also a beach pool, a favorite for kids, and a small private beach – not ideal for swimming, but perfect for a quick dip.
Breakfast: It's decent, enough to fill you up.
Surroundings: There's a construction site nearby, but it's not noisy, just a slight obstruction to the view.
Transportation: It's quite far from the city center, so you'll need a taxi to get around. There are no convenience stores nearby.FromBRL 713
Great130 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|14.42km from downtown
On the very first day of our stay, my husband got severe food poisoning after breakfast. We couldn't pinpoint the exact food, but it might have been the eggs (omelet). The sea doesn't match the photos on the hotel's page; in reality, you can't really swim in it. In the bay, the water only reaches an adult's waist at most, even up to the buoys, and there's a lot of seaweed in the water. Anyone who dislikes algae at the bottom and in the water will be very uncomfortable. If you want to swim, you'll need to go to other beaches towards the southern part of the island. Otherwise, the hotel's infrastructure and staff are excellent, 5/5.FromBRL 414
Business travel
Good406 Reviews
Seminyak Bali|6.6km from downtown
Pleasant experience with this hotel but never stay long enough to give valuable feedback. However, from check-in to check-out, it was a seamless experience. Staffs are very nice. Upon entering the room, the taps, shower head, and toilet flush are very rusty & mouldy.. We requested for a change but water output was not better.. It was splashing in all directions, making washing up not a very pleasant experience. But you pay for what you get which was reasonable as long as water is clean.FromBRL 60
Great424 Reviews
Sanur Bali|7.01km from downtown
We made a last-minute decision to visit during the summer holidays and chose this hotel because of its proximity to the beach. I was prepared for an older hotel in an older area, and that's exactly what it was; there were quite a few middle-aged and elderly guests. However, the hotel's pool and garden views were quite nice, and the rooms had been renovated. The showerhead wasn't discolored, and the water quality was fine. Breakfast was acceptable, I'd give it an 80%. Besides the locally grown papaya, nothing else really stood out. We received drink vouchers for the restaurant bar, which was a pleasant place to relax. Bicycles were available for rent, and cycling along the beach was very enjoyable. There's a good restaurant by the hotel beach, with a 4.9-star rating on Google Maps. We ordered three set meals for over RMB 600 (including a significant service charge).
However, there were some downsides:
1. The hairdryer was broken. I specifically went to the front desk to ask for a replacement, but nothing was done. Luckily, it was summer.
2. Service discrimination favoring Caucasians. When queuing for eggs🍳, a Caucasian lady behind me asked for soft-boiled eggs. The chef, with an ingratiating smile, went out of his way to cater to her request, spending considerable time and completely ignoring my🍳, which was ahead of hers. Only after he finished serving the Caucasian lady with a bow did he turn to my eggs, which were already overcooked. He just made an awkward sound and offered no apology.
3. For an Indonesian hotel costing over RMB 1000 a night, I discovered upon leaving that there were green crayon marks on the quilt (near the foot end) (see picture). Are they so stingy with linen that they won't discard it?FromBRL 293
Very Good350 Reviews
Kuta Bali|10.42km from downtown
Really nice hotel, excellent value. I was only there for 1 night, but wish it was longer. Great location nearby the airport and plenty around the local area.
Room was very spacious and well equipped.
The stand out was the food from the room service, which was very inexpensive, and was exceptional (pictured), would highly recommend.
Staff all polite and friendly.FromBRL 77
Very Good772 Reviews
Kuta Bali|9.39km from downtown
I initially thought this would be the most negative review of our entire trip to Bali, but let me explain why it's actually the highest rating, and that's all thanks to the amazing staff. We stayed in many places across Bali and, of course, spent nights in various accommodations. Upon check-in, everything seemed perfect, but then I noticed the floors were dirty and the breakfasts weren't quite what we'd imagined. BUT, the staff called a cleaning crew who cleaned the room perfectly with a huge floor-washing machine! Later, we discovered that we really liked the omelets, chicken, and other varieties at breakfast. It would be a sin to complain given the incredibly low price of the breakfasts. The staff were always friendly and smiling, and I want to give a special thank you to all of them for making our stay so pleasant. The location is fantastic as it's easy to get anywhere; we chose this place primarily for quick access to all points of interest, and it truly is convenient. It's great that there's underground parking, so the scooter doesn't bake in the sun. Later, we decided to order food from the restaurant and asked for it to be delivered to our room; the portions were super large, and the cost was very reasonable. Also, there's a good mix of young and old people here, a great contrast! For those who prefer no insects, we also highly recommend it!FromBRL 231
Very Good450 Reviews
Seminyak Bali|6.77km from downtown
The staff were very friendly, helpful, and genuinely service-minded. They were also happy to recommend places and things to do around the area, which we really appreciated.
Unfortunately, there were several issues that significantly affected our stay. During the daytime, there was some burning happening around the nearby rice field, and the smell came directly into our room. It became uncomfortable enough that we had to leave the hotel for a few hours and only came back in the evening.
The biggest problem, however, was the air conditioning. In the middle of the night, the room became extremely cold even though we had not intended to make it that cold. We were surprised to find the air conditioner running at 17°C with the fan at maximum speed. We had to wake up several times to adjust the temperature, and because of this we could not sleep properly until early morning.
The Wi-Fi was also very poor. Once our phones connected to the hotel Wi-Fi, the internet was practically unusable, so we eventually had to disconnect and use our own roaming mobile data instead.
Overall, the staff and service were good, but the air conditioning and internet problems seriously affected the comfort of our stay. If these two issues were fixed, the experience would be much better.FromBRL 98
Breakfast
Great583 Reviews
Uluwatu Bali|19.37km from downtown
I initially thought it was up in the mountains, but it's actually quite convenient to call a Grab.
The club affiliated with the hotel has nice views, but you can only look at the sea, not go into it, which is a bit of a shame. The bus runs every 2 hours, so that's a bit inconvenient.
They automatically upgraded my room, but perhaps because the upgraded room was too big? The shower was a bit cold... I reported the shower issue to the front desk, and they said they'd look into it, but there was no improvement... I just made do with a quick wash.
The hotel's breakfast was quite substantial, but the taste was just so-so.
It happened to be Tuesday, so I had a freshly made buffet at the hotel's restaurant. It had a bit less than the regular menu, but you could pretty much get everything, and there was a show too, which made for a great memory!FromBRL 677
Very Good409 Reviews
Ubud Bali|21.48km from downtown
My stay at Kenran Resort Ubud was mixed. I had specifically booked a room with a terrace on the 2nd or 3rd floor, but when I arrived, I was given a room on the 1st floor instead. Unfortunately, the room had a very strong mold smell, which made the first night quite unpleasant.
I raised the issue with the staff, and only after a fairly long discussion did they agree to move me to another room the following day. Once I was moved to the 3rd floor, the experience changed completely. The room was much better, and the views from the resort were genuinely beautiful.
My main advice to future guests would be to check the room carefully when you arrive, especially if you are placed on the 1st floor. Based on my experience, I would personally avoid the first-floor rooms.
The breakfast was another weak point for me. The menu felt limited and could definitely be improved.
Overall, the resort has amazing views and a lot of potential, and my stay became very enjoyable after moving to the 3rd floor. However, the first-day room issue and the breakfast quality stopped it from being a great experience from the beginning.FromBRL 427
Very Good606 Reviews
Jimbaran Bali|14.1km from downtown
I liked the hotel and its location near the sea. The breakfast food was delicious and varied every day. The only thing I didn't like, which isn't related to the hotel itself, is that there are warungs (food stalls) before the turn to the hotel, and they produce a lot of smoke, especially in the evening. Oh, and the sunsets here are magical, and if it's important to anyone, you can rent sunbeds with towels on the beach.FromBRL 159
Amazing1207 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km from downtown
The hotel lobby is very well-designed and showcases a lot of artworks. I especially loved the lobby and the gym floor. The gym floor also has a departure lounge, which is very comfortable and offers unbeatable sea views. The lobby bar and afternoon tea also boast amazing sea views overlooking a cliff.
Looking up at the hotel from below at night gives a sense of pilgrimage. I was upgraded to a cliff-edge private pool suite and enjoyed complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails at the lounge. This perk was excellent because not only does the lounge have superb views, but the à la carte breakfast was quite impressive.
The pool is large, and the children's slide was my kids' favorite. The loungers by the pool are all big and provide excellent shade, which is better than other hotels. I took a look at the Ritz nearby, and I feel this hotel's rooms and facilities are far superior. We also encountered wealthy locals having a grand wedding at the hotel and got to watch a free fireworks display over the sea.FromBRL 1,917
Very Good175 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|14km from downtown
Service was excellent from the front office to the restaurant staff to the photographer on site. Only thing is I paid more for an ocean view room hoping for a very peaceful rest but was unfortunately disturbed by kids playing in the pool downstairs early in the wee hours of morning (6am). Also the toilet was generally fuss free with only complimentary dental kit for use, no cotton pads etc. Room was generally basic but functional. Huge swimming pool that extends from indoor to outdoor towards the beach. Overall a nice place to still relax in Nusa Dua area!FromBRL 514
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