Getting Around Bali
Bali is Indonesia's main tourist destination, with tourism making up a significant portion of the island's economy. The provincial capital, Denpasar, serves as the main urban center, while the upland town of Ubud is considered Bali's cultural heart. Understanding your transportation options will help you navigate the island efficiently.
Arriving at the Airport
Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar International Airport) is located in Tuban, between Kuta and Jimbaran, roughly 45 minutes away from Denpasar. As Indonesia's second-busiest international airport, it is well-connected to Australia, Asia, the Middle East, and the rest of Indonesia, and serves as a hub for island-hopping tours to nearby islands.
All international tourists entering Bali are required to pay a Rp 150,000 Tourist Levy as of February 2024. Local authorities recommend paying this fee online before arrival, though cashless payment counters are available at the airport.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Several transportation options are available from the airport:
- Official Airport Taxis: A ticketing booth on the right side just after the exit sells fixed-fare tickets and assigns you a driver. Note that this booth closes after the last flight arrival and reopens at 08:00, so late arrivals should plan accordingly.
- Blue Bird Taxis: You can flag down these metered taxis from outside the airport area (requiring an 8-10 minute walk from the international terminal). Their metered fares are typically cheaper than prepaid airport taxi fares, especially for shorter rides.
- Bemo (Local Minivans): If you walk outside the airport to the street, you can flag down a bemo, though most heading from this area go to Kuta. Fares are very inexpensive—just a few thousand rupiah per person—but expect a hot, crowded journey.
- Ojek (Motorcycle Taxis): Available at the first intersection outside the airport (about 3-5 minutes walk), ojeks are unmetered and cost less than half a taxi meter fare. They are particularly useful if you're unsure about your hotel's location or if it's on narrow streets, as drivers frequently navigate tight spaces as shortcuts.
- Ride-Share Apps: GoCar (from Gojek) and GrabCar offer rides to Kuta for around Rp 30,000, with motorcycle options available at roughly half that price. Note that these services are not officially allowed to pick up from the airport terminal, so drivers may ask you to meet them at or just off the airport grounds.
- Public Buses: Trans Sarbagita is one of two public buses allowed to enter the airport, serving both domestic and international arrivals. The fare is Rp 3,500, though the bus only stops at major roads and intersections, requiring additional transport to reach hotel areas. Trans Metro Dewata's corridor 02 also serves the airport-to-Denpasar route and is free with an electronic money card (Brizzi, E-money, Flazz, or TapCash), available at convenience stores.
- Hotel Transfers: Some hotels arrange free airport transfers, so check with your accommodation in advance.
Getting Around the Island
Transportation options within Bali vary in cost, comfort, and convenience, allowing you to choose based on your budget and travel style.
Public Buses
Public bus services operate in Bali, including Trans Sarbagita and Trans Metro Dewata. Buses stop at major roads and intersections but may not reach all hotel areas directly, so you may need to walk or take another form of transport to your final destination. Electronic money cards are required for some services and can be purchased at convenience stores.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Blue Bird Taxis are a safe and reliable option with metered fares. Ojeks (motorcycle taxis) are widely available, inexpensive, and particularly useful for navigating narrow streets and reaching locations inaccessible to cars. Ride-share apps like GoCar and GrabCar also operate across the island, offering both car and motorcycle options.
Walkability
While some areas may be walkable, Bali's geography and sprawling development mean that walking alone is often impractical for covering significant distances between attractions and accommodations.
Traveling to Nearby Islands
Bali serves as a hub for island-hopping tours. Ferries connect Bali to neighboring islands:
- To Java: Ferries cross from Gilimanuk in western Bali to Ketapang on Java every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day. The crossing takes 30 minutes plus loading and unloading time, and fares are very inexpensive.
- To Lombok: Slow ferries depart from Padang Bai approximately every hour, 24 hours a day, taking about 5.5 hours and costing Rp 46,000 for adults (Rp 29,000 for children). Tickets are readily available in person at shops in Padang Bai. It is recommended to bring food and water for the journey, and tickets purchased online are typically overpriced.
- Fast Boat Services: Speedboats and catamarans operate from Benoa Harbour near Kuta (approximately 2 hours to Lombok) and Padang Bai (approximately 80 minutes). Multiple operators serve routes to Lombok and the Gili Islands. When selecting a fast boat operator, exercise caution and choose carefully, as safety standards and equipment vary considerably among providers.
Arriving by Long-Distance Bus or Ferry
Direct bus services connect Bali to major cities on Java and Lombok, though these journeys are slow and require ferry crossings. Perama bus company is a budget-friendly option, offering service from Mataram on Lombok. Various air-conditioned executive buses also operate from cities including Bandung, Jakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta, with tickets easily booked through apps and websites like easybook, redbus, and traveloka.