TRAVEL GUIDE

Bali Airport to Ubud Transfer

Complete guide to getting from Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) to Ubud — distances, costs, transport options, and how to book.

Ubud is Bali's cultural heart, located 37 kilometers northeast of Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). The journey takes you from the flat coastal plains of South Bali up into the foothills of central Bali, through villages, rice paddies, and increasingly lush jungle. For first-time visitors, the airport-to-Ubud transfer is one of the most important legs of the entire trip. This guide covers every option, with honest costs and time estimates.

Quick Facts

Distance: 37 km
Average Drive Time: 60-90 minutes
Rush Hour: 90-120 minutes (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM)
Late Night: 45-60 minutes (10 PM - 5 AM)

Option 1: Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Recommended)

The most reliable and stress-free option. Your driver monitors your flight, waits at arrivals with a name sign, and takes you directly to your Ubud hotel.

  • Cost: IDR 300,000-450,000 for a private car (1-4 passengers). IDR 500,000-700,000 for a larger MPV (5-7 passengers).
  • What's included: Meet & greet, luggage assistance, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and flight delay monitoring (no extra charge for delays under 2 hours).
  • Booking: Reserve 24+ hours in advance via WhatsApp or our website. Provide your flight number and hotel name.
  • Drop-off: Direct to your hotel lobby in Ubud. No walking from taxi stands or negotiating with drivers after a long flight.
  • Return trip: Book a return transfer for a 10% discount. The driver picks you up at your Ubud hotel and drops you at the airport departures hall.

Option 2: Official Airport Taxi

The official taxi counter is inside the arrivals hall. Prices are fixed by zone, so there is no haggling.

  • Cost to Ubud: IDR 350,000-400,000 (fixed price).
  • How it works: Buy a coupon at the official counter inside the terminal. Hand the coupon to the driver outside. The driver cannot charge extra.
  • Vehicle: Standard Toyota Avanza or similar. Air-conditioned but basic. Fits 3-4 passengers with luggage.
  • Pros: Fixed price, no booking required, available 24/7.
  • Cons: No flight tracking, driver may not speak English well, no hotel name sign, queue at the counter during peak arrivals (10 AM - 2 PM).

Option 3: Grab / Gojek Ride-Hailing

Grab and Gojek operate in Bali but have restrictions at the airport. This option is cheaper but requires more effort.

  • Cost: IDR 250,000-350,000 for a car. Motorcycle taxi (GrabBike) is IDR 120,000-180,000 but not recommended with luggage.
  • Pickup location: You must walk approximately 300 meters to the designated "Online Transport" pickup zone (follow signs from arrivals). Drivers are not allowed to pick up directly at the terminal curb.
  • Availability: Limited after 11:00 PM. Some drivers refuse long-distance trips to Ubud (37 km) because they cannot get a return fare easily.
  • Pros: Cheapest option, cashless payment via app.
  • Cons: Walk with luggage, limited night availability, drivers may cancel, no English support if issues arise.

Option 4: Self-Drive Rental Car Pickup at Airport

If you are confident driving in Bali, picking up your rental car at the airport gives you immediate freedom.

  • Cost: Economy car from IDR 250,000/day. For a one-way airport-to-Ubud trip, this only makes sense if you are renting for multiple days.
  • Requirements: Original home-country driver's license + International Driving Permit (IDP). Both documents must be presented at pickup.
  • Navigation: Use Google Maps or Waze. The route is straightforward: head north on Jalan Sunset Road, then Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai, then Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, then Jalan Raya Ubud.
  • Parking at Ubud hotel: Confirm your hotel has parking. Many Ubud hotels (especially in the central Monkey Forest area) have limited or no parking.
  • Toll road: The airport-to-Ubud route does not use the Bali Mandara Toll Road, so no toll fees apply.

Option 5: Shared Shuttle / Perama Bus

The most budget-friendly option for solo travelers who don't mind waiting and sharing.

  • Cost: IDR 80,000-120,000 per person.
  • Operators: Perama Tour (most reliable), Kura-Kura Bus, and various hotel shuttles.
  • Schedule: Shuttles run every 1-2 hours from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. No late-night service.
  • Duration: 90-120 minutes including stops at other hotels.
  • Booking: Book online or at the Perama counter near Kuta. Some hotels offer free shuttles for guests.
  • Cons: Fixed schedule (no flexibility), multiple hotel stops, no door-to-door service, no luggage assistance.

Comparison Table

OptionCostTimeBest For
Private TransferIDR 300K-450K60-90 minFamilies, couples, first-timers
Airport TaxiIDR 350K-400K60-90 minWalk-up passengers, no booking
Grab/GojekIDR 250K-350K60-90 minBudget travelers, app users
Self-Drive RentalIDR 250K+/day60-90 minMulti-day renters, confident drivers
Shared ShuttleIDR 80K-120K/person90-120 minSolo budget travelers

What to Expect on the Drive

The DPS-to-Ubud route is one of Bali's most scenic drives. Here's what you'll see:

  • Kuta / Seminyak (0-15 km): Busy urban area with shops, restaurants, and traffic. This is the slowest section.
  • By Pass Ngurah Rai (15-25 km): A major arterial road with less traffic. You'll pass furniture shops, local warungs, and small villages.
  • Goa Gajah Area (25-32 km): The road starts climbing. Rice paddies appear on both sides. You may see women in traditional dress carrying temple offerings.
  • Ubud Foothills (32-37 km): The landscape becomes lush and tropical. Jungle replaces concrete. Temperature drops 2-3°C. Look out for the Campuhan River valley as you approach central Ubud.

Pro tip: If arriving in daylight (before 6 PM), ask your driver to take the scenic route via Tegallalang for a 15-minute detour with rice terrace views.

Late-Night Arrivals (After 10 PM)

If your flight lands after 10 PM, your options are limited:

  • Pre-booked private transfer: The best option. Baliqu drivers are available 24/7 and will track your flight even if delayed.
  • Airport taxi: Still available 24/7 at the official counter. Expect to pay the same fixed price.
  • Grab/Gojek: Very limited after 11 PM. Drivers may refuse the 37km trip to Ubud.
  • Shared shuttles: Not available after 8 PM.
  • Safety: The DPS-to-Ubud road is well-lit and safe at night. The drive is actually faster (45-60 minutes) due to no traffic.

Book Your Airport to Ubud Transfer

Skip the stress of negotiating with taxi drivers after a long flight. Our professional drivers monitor your flight, handle your luggage, and get you to your Ubud hotel safely and comfortably.

Last Updated: July 2026
BALIQU CAR RENTAL

Ready to Explore Bali?

Book your vehicle now and enjoy 24/7 WhatsApp support.