Bali is one of Indonesia’s main international gateways. Every day, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport serves both international and domestic flights, with thousands of travelers arriving and departing daily.
If this is your first time in Bali, one big question usually comes up: how do you get from the airport to your accommodation without spending way too much? What transport options are available, and which ones are actually reliable?
In this article, I’ll walk you through the best ways to get from Bali Airport to different destinations around the island, along with practical tips to help make your journey smoother and more comfortable.
Where Is Bali Airport?
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is located in Kuta, in the southern part of Bali — one of the island’s main tourist areas. Its location is very convenient, sitting between North Kuta and South Kuta (Badung), and close to popular destinations like Seminyak, Sanur, Kuta, Tanjung Benoa, and Denpasar, the capital of Bali.
Getting From the Airport
You’ll find everything from regular taxis and airport buses to ride-hailing services available right at the terminal. So, which option is the best for you? Let’s break it down below.
Taxi
Taxis are the easiest transport option to find at Bali Airport. Once you exit the terminal, you’ll see many drivers offering their services. There are plenty of choices, but we strongly recommend using Blue Bird Taxi — the light-blue taxis with a bird logo.
There are official taxi counters at the airport, but many travelers find them unnecessary since you can easily get a taxi directly outside the terminal.
For reference, a metered taxi ride to Seminyak usually costs around IDR 200,000–300,000, depending on traffic.
Backindo Tip: To avoid scams, always choose a taxi that uses a meter (argo). If the driver refuses to turn it on, it’s better to cancel the ride and move on. Fixed prices offered on the spot often end up costing twice as much as the normal fare. And yes—Blue Bird also has its own app, which makes things even easier.
Online Ride-Hailing (Gojek or Grab)
Another convenient option is using ride-hailing apps like Gojek or Grab. Both services are now officially allowed to pick up passengers at Bali Airport. It’s a good idea to download the app before you arrive in Indonesia, as Gojek and Grab will be very useful throughout your trip.
Read also 6 Apps to Install Before Travel to Indonesia.
One of the biggest advantages of using ride-hailing apps is transparency. You can see the estimated price and travel time before confirming your ride. Beyond transportation, Gojek and Grab also offer food delivery and other daily services, which makes getting around Indonesia much easier.
Backindo Tip: After you exit the terminal, you’ll find official Grab and Gojek stands at the airport. Just walk toward the exit and look for their desks. The staff will help you book a ride, explain the difference between VIP and cheaper economy options, and point you to what makes the most sense for your budget. And a nice bonus is that they often have discount codes.
Hotel Airport Pickup Service
Another easy option is using the airport pickup service provided by your accommodation. Many hotels in Bali offer free airport transfers, so it’s always worth checking in advance. It’s a convenient and stress-free way to arrive, especially after a long flight.
That said, if the transfer isn’t free, booking transport through your hotel is often more expensive than using Grab or Gojek.
Backindo Tip: If you want to arrange your airport shuttle in advance, you can also check offers on platforms like Klook or Booking.com—sometimes the prices are more reasonable than hotel-arranged transport.
Trans Metro Dewata (Public Bus)
Bali also has a public bus service called Trans Metro Dewata, which connects the airport with several areas around the island, including Denpasar, Sanur, and parts of southern Bali. It’s the cheapest transport option from the airport, with a fare of around IDR 4,400 per trip (0.3 USD).
The bus stop is located outside the airport area, a short walk from the terminal—follow the signs for public transport or ask airport staff to point you in the right direction.
Payment is cashless only. You’ll need an Indonesian e-money card (such as e-Money, Flazz, Brizzi, or TapCash) to tap in when boarding. If you don’t have one yet, a common workaround is to politely ask a local passenger to tap their card for you and give them cash in return as a thank-you.
Buses operate from around 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM and usually run every 10 minutes. However, this option may not be comfortable if you’re carrying a lot of luggage, as the bus only stops at designated bus stops, which can be far from your accommodation. Trans Metro Dewata is best for short trips and light travel.
Renting a Car with a Driver
You can also rent a car with a driver from the airport. However, if you’re heading to nearby areas like Kuta or just want to rest after your flight, this option usually isn’t worth it. Renting a car with a driver makes more sense for longer distances or full-day trips, rather than short airport transfers.
Backindo Tip: If you arrive in Bali in the morning or afternoon, you’ll still have plenty of transport options at reasonable prices.
Best Way to Get from Bali Airport?
Getting from Bali Airport is easier than it might seem. If you want the most straightforward option, go for a metered taxi (Blue Bird) or Grab/Gojek for clear pricing and flexibility. If your accommodation offers a free airport pickup, it’s usually the most comfortable way to arrive.
On a tight budget and traveling light? Trans Metro Dewata is the cheapest option, but it works best if your accommodation is close to a bus stop. For longer distances or day trips, renting a car with a driver makes more sense than using it just for airport transfers.