Stepping off the plane at Ngurah Rai International Airport, you’re hit with the warm, tropical air and the buzz of arriving travelers. Welcome to Bali! Now, if Ubud is your next stop, you’re in for a treat.
Ubud sits about 35 to 40 kilometers (22 to 25 miles) north of Denpasar. It seems straightforward, but it’s not. There’s no direct airport connection, and your choice of transport can make or break your first few hours on the island. Take the wrong route, and you could be stuck in Bali’s infamous traffic or overpaying for a ride.
That’s where this guide comes in. Having explored Bali extensively, I’ve tested all the ways to get to Ubud—from budget-friendly public transport to private car services. I’ll break down the best options based on cost, speed, and convenience, so you can pick what works for you.
Let’s dive in and find the best way to get you to Ubud smoothly, stress-free, and at the right price.
Distance & Travel Time
The distance between Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) and Ubud is 35 to 40 km (22 to 25 miles). Travel time varies between 45 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on traffic. During peak hours, especially mid-morning and late afternoon, the journey can stretch towards the higher end.
Pro Tip: Want to avoid the worst of Bali’s traffic?
Plan your journey early in the morning (before 8 AM) or later in the evening (after 7 PM). Midday and late afternoon are the busiest times, especially on the main routes leading to Ubud.
Airport to Ubud Transport Options (With Insider Tips!)
Here’s a comparison table summarizing the different travel options from Bali Airport to Ubud:
| Transport Option | Duration | Cost (IDR) | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Shuttle Service | 1.5 – 2 hrs | Varies (sometimes free) | Travelers who prefer convenience over cost | Hassle-free, arranged by hotel, sometimes free | May involve waiting, limited availability |
| Pre-Booked Private Transfer | ~1.5 hrs | From 325,000 | Comfort & convenience | Fixed price, no waiting, personalized service | Slightly more expensive |
| Grab/Gojek (Online Taxi) | ~1.5 hrs | 350,000 – 400,000 | Budget-conscious, app-savvy travelers | Fixed price, safe, trackable, available 24/7 | May require walking to Grab/Gojek Lounge |
| Local Taxi | ~1.5 hrs | 400,000 – 500,000 | Travelers who prefer instant rides | Readily available, direct ride | Expensive, requires negotiation |
| Shuttle Bus (Kura Kura) | ~1.45 – 2 hrs | 100,000 | Budget travelers with light luggage | Cheap, comfortable ride | Limited schedule, requires 15-min walk |
| Scooter Rental | ~1.5 hrs | From 105,000/day | Adventurous travelers with light luggage | Budget-friendly, flexible, fast | Risky for inexperienced riders, traffic issues |
| Public Bus (Teman Bus) | ~2.5 – 3 hrs | 4,400 | Ultra-budget travelers | Extremely cheap | Very slow, multiple transfers needed |
Hotel Shuttle Service – Hassle-Free Option
Duration: Varies (typically 1.5 – 2 hours)
Cost: Depends on the hotel (sometimes free)
Best for: Travelers who prefer convenience over cost
Many hotels and villas in Ubud offer airport shuttle services. Some provide private transfers, while others have shared shuttles to reduce expenses. If comfort is a priority, check whether your hotel offers a private ride.
A shared shuttle can be more budget-friendly, but after a long flight, squeezing into a van with other exhausted travelers might not be ideal.
Some hotels offer free transfers—if yours does, take it! It’s best to confirm with your hotel in advance to ensure a smooth arrival.
Book an Airport Transfer in Advance (Best for Comfort & Convenience)
Highly Recommended Option
Duration: 1hr 30min (varies with traffic)
Cost: From 325,000 IDR (for up to 4 passengers with luggage)
If you want a hassle-free start to your Bali trip, booking an airport transfer in advance is the best way to go. Many hotels offer airport pickups, and some luxury resorts even include them for free. But if your hotel doesn’t provide one, don’t worry—you can easily arrange a private transfer yourself.
How to Book in Advance
You can book a transfer online before your arrival. Once confirmed, you’ll need to send your driver your flight details so they can track your arrival time. This ensures they’ll be there, even if your flight is delayed.
For a smoother experience, consider sending them a photo of your luggage. This helps them bring a car with enough space for you and your bags. Your driver will meet you just outside the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name.
Pre-Book Airport Transfer to Ubud
Online Taxi (Grab or GoJek) – Easy & Reliable
Recommended Option
Duration: 1hr 30min (varies with traffic)
Cost: 350,000 – 400,000 IDR
If you prefer booking your ride on the spot rather than planning ahead, using Grab (Android/Apple) or Gojek (Android/ Apple) is a great option. These ridesharing apps work just like Uber, letting you book a taxi from your phone for immediate pickup.
There are dedicated Grab and Gojek lounges at the airport where you can wait for your driver. The Gojek Lounge is at International Arrivals, while the Grab Lounge is at Domestic Arrivals.
We love using these apps because they offer fixed pricing (no need to haggle with drivers) and a safe, trackable journey that you can share with friends or family. Plus, they’re available 24/7, so you’ll always find a ride no matter what time you land.
Tips for Using Grab & Gojek
Before You Arrive
- Download the app & set up an account in advance to avoid delays. (Both apps are available for Apple | Android.)
- If you prefer cash payments, withdraw money at the fee-free ATMs inside the airport. You can also add a debit/credit card for hassle-free payments.
At the Airport
- Head to the Grab or Gojek Lounge (if open) and show your app order to staff. They’ll let you know when your car arrives.
- Use the free airport Wi-Fi to book your ride if needed.
Late-Night Arrivals
- Arriving after 1:30 AM? The waiting areas may be closed, but you can still book a ride through the app. Just note that you won’t have access to staff assistance or free Wi-Fi.
Taking a Local Taxi
Duration: Around 1hr30
Cost: 400,000 – 500,000 IDR
If you prefer to grab a ride on the spot, you can take a local taxi from the airport. However, be prepared for some serious haggling—this is the most expensive option, and without good negotiation skills, you might end up overpaying.
Once you step out of the arrivals hall, you’ll be met with a wave of eager taxi drivers calling out for your business. These drivers work independently, hoping to pick up a quick fare—and they can be relentless.
A simple “no, thank you” won’t always cut it. Some may follow you around, insisting they have the best price, even if you already have other plans. If you do choose this option, be ready to stand your ground and negotiate hard.
Pro Tip for Cheaper Rides
If you have no other option but to take a taxi, walk past the first wave of drivers. The ones standing further back, often quieter and less aggressive, tend to offer better prices.
Shuttle Buses ( A Low-Cost Option to Ubud)
Duration: About 1hr 45min to 2hrs (longer in traffic)
Cost: 100,000 IDR (fixed one-way price)
Pick-Up Location: Lippo Mall, Kuta (15-minute walk from the airport)
Schedule: Two departures per day—8:00 AM & 2:00 PM
If you’re looking for an affordable way to get from Bali Airport to Ubud, the Kura Kura shuttle bus might seem like a good option. However, it’s not the most convenient choice, especially if you’re carrying a lot of luggage.
Unlike taxis or private transfers, the Kura Kura bus doesn’t stop at Bali Airport. Instead, you’ll need to walk about 15–20 minutes to the nearest bus stop at Lippo Mall in Kuta. This can be tiring, especially after a long flight or if you have heavy bags.
One of the biggest downsides is that the bus only runs twice a day from Lippo Mall—once at 8:00 AM and again at 2:00 PM. If your flight doesn’t align with these times, you’ll either need to wait for hours or find another way to reach Ubud.
If your schedule matches the bus timing and you’re traveling light, this can be a cost-effective way to reach Ubud. Otherwise, you might want to consider a more flexible transport option.
How to Book
You can book your ticket directly on their website, but platforms like Klook often have better deals.
Book Your Kura Kura Shuttle Bus Tickets Now
Renting a Scooter – For the Adventurous Traveler
Duration: Around 1hr30
Cost: From 105,000 IDR/day
Best for: Experienced riders traveling light
If you’re planning to rent a scooter in Bali and traveling light, this can be a budget-friendly and flexible way to get to Ubud. Plus, you’ll have your ride sorted for exploring the area once you arrive!
One of the most popular options is Bikago, a reliable scooter rental service that allows you to pick up your bike right at the airport. Their rentals start at 105,000 IDR per day, and they offer well-maintained scooters with airport delivery for extra convenience.
Renting a scooter gives you full control over your journey, allowing you to navigate traffic and take breaks whenever you like. Scooters are also great for weaving through congested roads, saving time compared to a car ride.
However, Bali’s roads can be chaotic, especially in Ubud, where traffic is unpredictable. If you’re not an experienced rider, this might not be the best option. Also, Google Maps can be unreliable, sometimes leading you through rough, narrow paths instead of main roads.
If you’re carrying more than a backpack, balancing luggage on a scooter can also be tricky. First-time riders should consider alternative transport options for safety reasons.
How to Rent a Scooter
- Book online through Bikago or another trusted rental service.
- Provide your flight details for airport pickup.
- Drop off the scooter at the airport or one of their branches, including in Ubud.
Important: You’ll need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to legally ride a scooter in Bali. Make sure to wear a helmet and follow local traffic rules for a safe ride!
Local Public Transport– The Cheapest but Slowest Option
Not Recommended Option
Duration: Around 2hrs30 – 3hrs
Cost: 4,400 IDR
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get from Bali Airport to Ubud, public buses are also an option. The newly introduced Teman Bus system connects key areas in South Bali, making it possible to travel on a budget. However, while it’s incredibly affordable, it’s not the most convenient option.
Honestly, if you’re traveling light, have plenty of time, and don’t mind a bit of hassle, this is an incredibly cheap way to reach Ubud. But for most travelers—especially those with luggage or arriving late—it’s probably better to spend a little extra on a more direct option like Grab, Gojek, or a private taxi.
How to Take the Bus from Bali Airport to Ubud
- Catch the K2B Bus – The journey starts at the Bali Airport parking lot, where you’ll board the K2B bus heading towards Gor Ngurah Rai Station in East Denpasar.
- Transfer to the K4B Bus – Once you reach Gor Ngurah Rai, switch to the K4B bus, which will take you to central Ubud. Popular stops include Ubud Monkey Forest and Ubud Palace.
Buses run from 6:00 AM to 7:50 PM, with frequent daily departures.
How to Pay & Book Tickets
Bali’s Teman Bus operates cashless, so you’ll need an Indonesian e-money card or a QRIS-compatible app like GoPay or OVO to pay. No booking is required—just hop on and pay digitally.
FAQs
How much is a taxi from Bali Airport to Ubud?
A taxi from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to Ubud costs around 300,000 – 400,000 IDR ($20 – $30 USD), depending on traffic and whether you book through an official airport taxi, a private driver, or a ride-hailing app. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid overcharging.
How long does it take to get from the airport to Ubud?
The journey from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to Ubud takes around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic. The distance is approximately 35 to 40 km (22 to 25 miles), and travel time may vary based on your chosen mode of transport and road conditions.
Can you get a Grab from Bali Airport?
Yes, Grab is the official ride-hailing service at Bali Airport and has a designated lounge and pickup point just outside the arrival area. If you haven’t pre-arranged transportation, simply head to the Grab Lounge upon arrival to book a ride easily.
What is the best way to travel in Ubud?
It depends on your preference:
- Scooter Rental: Affordable and convenient but best for experienced riders.
- Private Driver: Comfortable and ideal for sightseeing.
- Taxis & Ride Apps: These are useful for short trips but may be pricier.
- Walking: Great for exploring central Ubud.
