How to Get from Bali Airport to Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak & Beyond

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), popularly known as Bali Airport, is the main entrance for Bali. Just to the south of Denpasar, the airport is 20-60 minutes from popular areas such as Seminyak, Kuta, and Canggu (depending on the traffic).

From Europe: Usually one or two stopovers through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or on their way to Doha.

From Australia: Just about 3-6 hours-one of the reasons why Bali becomes like a second home to Australians.

From the US: 20 hours minimum, with stops in East Asia or the Middle East.

Tip: Whenever you see a big plane in haul, you will know the ended haggling with taxi drivers. You book a private airport transfer (through providers such as Kiwitaxi), and a driver will be waiting for you at arrivals, holding a sign with your name. Prices are fixed. Cars are licensed, and you can even request child seats-a lifesaver if you travel with family.

Bali Time: The island observes GMT+8 time zone, same as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Perth.

Seasons

Dry season (April-October): bright skies, warm days, great for beaching and sightseeing.

Rainy season (November-March): green surroundings on the budget due to lower prices; afternoon showers (sometimes torrential, leading to flooding in the lowlands of Bali).

Average temperature all year is 26-32°C. Mornings are usually bright and perfect for exploration even in the rainy season.

Many variables will affect how to go from Bali Airport to your destination: the distance, and the traffic situation. Here are the major routes:

Bali Airport to Ubud

Distance: ~38 km Travel time: 1.5–2 hrs. Options: official taxis (USD $25–35), Grab/Gojek (not always available), hotel shuttle van, pre-booking an airport transfer (Kiwitaxi), or hiring a full-day private driver with sightseeing stops (like Tegenungan Waterfall).

Bali Airport to Canggu

Distance: 20 km Travel time: 1–1.5 hrs. Ride-hailing apps are notoriously difficult given the restrictions. The smoothest way to work it out is with pre-booked transfers.

Bali Airport to Seminyak

Distance: 10 km Travel time: 30-45 minutes. Taxis and apps are fine for this route; pre-booking could save you a hassle with the luggage.

Bali Airport to Uluwatu

Distance: 23 km Travel time: 45-70 minutes. The narrow roads and restricted ride-hailing zones make private transfers or chauffeur hire the best reliable option.

Bali Airport to Nusa Dua

Distance: 13 km Travel time: 20-40 minutes. Most resorts will have shuttles, though these are often more expensive than pre-booked transfers.

Bali Airport to Sanur

Distance: 15 km Travel time: 30-45 minutes. This option is best if you are catching a ferry to the Nusa Islands. Book a transfer in advance so that you don’t miss your boat!

Bali Airport to Lovina-North Bali

Distance: 90 km. Travel time: 3-3.5 hours. Too far for regular taxis. The best option would be either a long-distance transfer like Kiwitaxi or to hire a private driver for the trip and make it a sightseeing day.

One of the best things about Bali is the way it transforms the various parts of the island so that none feels the same as the other. The spaces where you choose to base will, therefore, differ entirely and worth thinking out what sort of vibe you want.

Ubud, surrounded by the rice terraces, jungle, and temples, is the cultural and spiritual heart of the island. It is the place for yoga retreats, wellness escapes, and quiet mornings with views over the valleys. If you’re looking to slow down, connect with Balinese traditions, this is where you find it.

Canggu. It’a beach bars, hipster cafés, co-working spaces all crowded with digital nomads, and surfers mingled up with one another. Canggu puts on a completely different kind of energy. Young and creative, it thrives with lively activity, making it perfect if you are the sort of person who likes to have a cocktail of beach life and a buzzing social scene.

Seminyak This place is pure the stylish side of Bali. Boutique hotels, designer stores, cocktail lounges, and beach clubs make up a place for where sunset onwards is nightlife. That is upscale yet relaxed enough for guests who want substance and fun.

Uluwatu Wild and romantic, perched on dramatic cliffs over the Indian Ocean, is a surfer’s paradise by day and one of the most striking places to watch sunset by night. Typically, couples love it precisely because of the views, although it also happens to be magnificent if you wish to remain close to Bali's famed waves.

Nusa Dua The classic place to vacation is Nusa Dua. It is for a family or couple who want everything in one place under private beaches, calm waters, and spacious hotels built for pure relaxation and comfort in Bali.

Everything about Bali feels like an adventure waiting to happen. Go inland to Ubud and walk amongst ancient temples while mischievous long-tailed monkeys beg for bananas in the famous Monkey Forest. The town itself is all about charm: traditional art markets, serene yoga shalas hidden away in the jungle.

The life along the coast revolves around the beach. Seminyak is all about watching the sun melt into the horizon whilst sipping cocktails at stylish beach clubs. Canggu has a more relaxed vibe — surfers paddling out at dawn, an açai bowl for breakfast, barefoot evenings at beach bars, and if seafood is your love language, a sunset dinner in Jimbaran right on the sand would spoil you forever.

The true gems of Bali, however, are not on the beaches. Hidden in the lush interior of the island are waterfalls that look like something out of a movie set. Tegenungan has gotten its well-deserved fame for being so easily accessible, Gitgit is still slightly wild and untamed, and Sekumpul could simply blow your mind with cascading beauty. For an experience that will be in the heart of everything you tell for the rest of your life, set the alarm for 2:00 a.m. and make your way up Mount Batur. You will see the whole sky bathed in hues of orange and pink from the summit as the sun rises over the volcanic landscape.

Temples form an integral part of life here, and your trip to Bali will be incomplete without visiting some of these sacred sites. Tanah Lot stands elegantly on the water, floating upon a lake is Ulun Danu Bratan, and Besakih — the "Mother Temple" — feels like a spiritual city in itself. Once you have had your fill of temple excursions, make your way to Nusa Penida by boat. The island, made famous by Instagram for the dinosaur-shaped cliffs at Kelingking Beach, is also known for manta ray swimming and accessing rugged, untouched beaches.

Money & Practical Tips

Traveling in Bali is easy, but a few essentials will smoothen your trip. The Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is the currency here, and although ATMs are present everywhere, they charge high transaction fees, thus it would be better to withdraw larger amounts less frequently. The dollars you checked on conversion from Singapore, Australia, or Europe would be given very freely by the locals, as travelers often ask about conversions such as IDR to SGD.

To stay connected, grab a Telkomsel or XL SIM card either at the airport or in town. An e-SIM is also a fantastic option to consider if you don't fancy the cash-and-carry option. Health-wise, stick to water in bottles and give street-stall ice the brush-off. Mosquitoes are part of the tropical package, so repellant is a must-have — especially if rice fields or jungle areas are figuring in your itinerary.

So get out there: swim, surf, hike, explore, eat, and let the island's rhythm take over now that you have these simple basics in mind.

What’s the most reliable transfer option from Bali Airport?

In terms of reliability, nothing beats a pre-booked transfer option. There are plenty of online services like Kiwitaxi rendered online service to help you book in advance, choose your car type, and get the full cost. The driver will meet you holding a sign with your name in the arrivals hall, help you with luggage, and take you directly to your accommodation.

Hotel shuttles do work, especially when a resort is in Nusa Dua or Ubud, but they may charge more than an independent platform.

If your arrival is after a long-haul flight or travelling with kids, pre-booking is useful because you save all the hassle of trying to negotiate with local drivers.

Will it be worth it to hire a private driver for a full day?

Absolutely. One of the best things you can do while in Bali is to hire a car with a driver. For the price of a couple of taxi rides, you gain flexibility the whole day in terms of creating your own route, randomly stopping at temples or waterfalls, and parking or finding directions just aren't in your worries.

This would be especially helpful if you're far away from the airport like in Ubud Bali or Lovina. Instead of merely groaning through traffic for a long time without any fun, you could transform it into a mini-tour. For instance, on the airport-Ubud drive, you may stop at Tegenungan Waterfall, have lunch with a view over rice paddies, and arrive at your villa right in time for sunset!

Platforms like Kiwitaxi Chauffeur Hire or even making an appointment through GetYourGuide makes task easy, and it's often a better option financially too for families or groups compared to multiple taxis.

Do Bali taxis take credit cards?

Most taxis in Bali are cash-only. The airport has cash withdrawal ATMs, but beware of high fees and withdrawal limits. If you don't want to carry much cash, go with a pre-booked transfer-Kiwitaxi, Klook, or even hotel shuttle options-where you'd make the online payment beforehand by a credit card.

Tip: Always make sure to carry less amount in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) notes. Drivers usually don't have change for big notes.

How long would it take to reach different areas from the Airport Bali?

Travel time would vary greatly depending on the traffic:

Seminyak: 30 to 45 mins Canggu Bali: 1 to 1.5 hours Ubud: 1.5 to 2 hours Uluwatu: 45 to 70 mins Nusa Dua: 20 mins to 40 mins Sanur: 30 mins to 45 mins Lovina (North Bali): 3 hours to 3.5 hours

Since the traffic is always unpredictable, always give an extra time if you're catching any flight or ferry (for example, from Sanur to Nusa Penida).

What if my flight is delayed? Will my driver be waiting?

If you book via Kiwitaxi then your driver will be following your flight number and will wait for your delay (an hour and then onwards). The airport taxi and app-based taxi services don't provide this assurance. In such a case, if your flight is delayed, you will have to grab a ride immediately after you arrive.

Can I book child seats for my transfer?

Yes, child seat bookings can be made, but these arrangements will have to be done in advance. When using services to pre-book online via sites like Kiwitaxi, you should be able to request baby or child seats at the same time. Standard taxi services at the airport will almost never provide these. Highly recommended to book in advance if traveling with children.

Is it safe to take taxis straight from Bali Airport?

Yes, mostly safe, albeit on the steeper side and with some aggressive selling tactics from drivers. It's a bit of an open secret that some airport areas are controlled by the so-called "taxi mafia," while ride-hailing apps aren't permitted inside the protected zone. Pre-booked transfers, hence, tend to offer a peace of mind for many travelers.

How much will it cost for a transfer from Bali Airport?

Prices vary:

Airport taxi to Seminyak: ~$20-25

Airport taxi to Ubud: ~$25-35

Pre-booked transfers (Kiwitaxi): from ~$20, depending on distance and type of vehicle

If you're in a group of 3-4 people, private transfers usually turn out to be cheaper per person when compared to taxis.

Should I just rent a scooter straight at the airport?

Technically, you can, but one is begging to differ. Riding a scooter in Bali traffic is really difficult for even seasoned riders to undertake after being jet lagged and having to lug about luggage. For your first ride from the airport, take a car transfer. After you are well settled, a scooter could be rented the local way in Ubud, Canggu or Seminyak, if you are feeling comfortable.

Is it safe to arrive in Bali at night?

Yes, with accidents now and then in Bali. Arriving late can make transportation even harder. The taxi fares at night are higher, and probably the ride-hailing app is hard to utilize. So, if your flight lands after 10 p.m., it is advisable to book a transfer beforehand. This way, your driver would be waiting for you, and you will not have to argue in the dark.