31/10/2022
Leaving the cultural heart of Ubud for your flight out of Bali? The journey to Ngurah Rai International Airport, commonly known as Denpasar Airport or simply Bali Airport, is a common travel concern for many visitors. Situated approximately 40 km away, this trip typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes by car, though public transport can extend this to 2 hours and 30 minutes. We've recently navigated this route ourselves, and in this guide, we'll break down the pros and cons of each transport method, offer insights into taxi fares, the best times to travel, and what pitfalls to avoid. Let's ensure your departure from Bali is as smooth as your arrival.
It's crucial to allocate ample time for check-in procedures at Ngurah Rai International Airport to avoid any last-minute stress.
Ubud to Bali Airport by Bus: The Budget-Conscious Option
For travellers prioritising cost-effectiveness, the bus presents an appealing choice for the journey from Ubud to Bali Airport. However, it's important to note that there isn't a direct bus route. This means you'll need to undertake at least two transfers, regardless of the specific route you choose. While undeniably the cheapest way to travel, with a fare of just 13,200 IDR for the entire journey, the bus service comes with significant caveats, making it a less recommended option, particularly for those with international flights.
The bus operates on an hourly schedule, and a key drawback is that you might be unable to board if the bus is already at capacity. The average journey time is stated as 2 hours and 30 minutes, but this can easily stretch to 3 to 4 hours, heavily influenced by Bali's notorious traffic, especially during peak hours or evenings. Therefore, if you opt for the bus, it's wise to factor in at least 4 hours of travel time from Ubud to the airport. Due to these unreliability factors, taking the bus is more advisable when travelling towards Ubud from the airport or when you have an abundance of spare time before your flight.
Understanding the Bus Routes
The public transport network, operated by Teman Bus, offers a budget-friendly way to navigate Bali. To get from Ubud Central to Terminal Ubung, you'll typically use the Corridor 4 bus route, costing 4,400 IDR. From Terminal Ubung, you'll then need to catch another bus, commonly Corridor 1 and subsequently Corridor 2, which heads towards Denpasar Airport. The total cost for this multi-leg journey remains 13,200 IDR, with an approximate travel time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Remember that all bus fares require payment in cash, and it's best to have the exact change ready, as card payments are not accepted, and drivers may not have change.
Given the hourly frequency of buses, it's beneficial to be aware of alternative routes should you miss your intended bus. This can help minimise delays.
Specific Bus Routes from Ubud to DPS Airport:
- Route 1 (via K4B to K1B to K2B): From Puri Ubud, take the K4B (Corridor 4) towards Terminal Ubung. Alight at Terminal Ubung. Then, board the K1B (Corridor 1) bus heading towards Central Parkir Kuta and disembark at Trans Studio Timur. Finally, take the K2B (Corridor 2) bus towards Bandara Ngurah Rai and walk the remaining 6 minutes to Ngurah Rai International Airport.
- Route 2 (via K4B to K3B to K2B): Start at Puri Ubud on the K4B bus towards Terminal Ubung. Alight at Terminal Ubung. Next, take the K3B (Corridor 3) bus towards Matahari Terbit and get off at RS Udayana. From there, board the K2B (Corridor 2) bus towards Bandara Ngurah Rai and proceed with a 6-minute walk to the airport.
- Route 3 (via K4B to K5B to K2B): Begin at Puri Ubud by taking the K4B bus towards Terminal Ubung. Alight at Pizza Hut Gatsu and walk a minute to the Happy Puppy Gatsu bus stop. Board the K5B (Corridor 5) bus towards Matahari Terbit and alight at Gor Ngurah Rai. From Gor Ngurah Rai, take the K2B (Corridor 2) bus towards Bandara Ngurah Rai and complete the journey with a 6-minute walk to the airport.
For real-time route planning, checking Google Maps can be helpful, where K4B signifies Corridor 4 Bus. These routes are also reversible for travel from the airport to Ubud. However, Google Maps may not display live bus locations or always have the most up-to-date information. We recommend downloading the Teman Bus app for schedules, though it's only available for download within Indonesia. Before boarding any bus, always confirm with the driver that it's heading in the correct direction, as bus signs can be abbreviated (e.g., 'Bandara' for Ngurah Rai International Airport).
Be aware that older information might suggest using privately operated shuttle buses within Ubud for around 50,000 IDR, followed by the old Trans Sarbagita (now Teman Bus) Corridor 2 bus. However, route numbers and prices have changed, with Corridor 2 no longer stopping at the Batubulan station and prices increasing to 4,400 IDR. Also, be cautious of private shuttle services like Kura Kura within Ubud, which can cost upwards of 100,000 IDR for a one-way trip to areas like Kuta or Seminyak.
Ubud to Bali Airport by Taxi (Private Transfer): The Pinnacle of Convenience
For the most direct, comfortable, and quickest way to reach Ngurah Rai International Airport from Ubud, a taxi or private transfer is unparalleled. The journey typically takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, though this can fluctuate based on the day and time of travel.
Our personal experience found taxis to be the superior option for several compelling reasons. Firstly, managing heavy luggage across multiple bus transfers would have been cumbersome. Secondly, after researching and hearing anecdotal evidence about the bus service's unreliability, we felt a taxi offered greater peace of mind. The speed, safety, and comfort provided by a taxi make it a worthwhile investment for most travellers.
Understanding Taxi Fares and Options
If you arrange a taxi through your hotel or accommodation in Ubud, expect to pay between 250,000 IDR and 300,000 IDR. Alternatively, ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are popular in Southeast Asia and often offer more competitive pricing. We used Grab for our journey to the departure gate and paid 218,000 IDR, which was lower than the average due to travelling during an off-peak weekday.
However, it's worth noting that the use of these ride-hailing apps can sometimes be met with resistance from local taxi cooperatives, who aim to keep local taxi fares competitive. Consequently, hotels in Ubud might encourage you to use their affiliated local taxis. For travel during unsociable hours, such as late at night or very early in the morning, it's advisable to book your taxi in advance through your accommodation. Grab, for instance, does not facilitate advance bookings, and finding a taxi at odd hours can be challenging, with potentially inflated prices.
A useful tip for frequent travellers in Bali: if you find a Grab or Gojek driver you like, ask for their contact number. This allows you to directly arrange future transport, potentially securing better rates and a familiar driver.
| Transport Method | Estimated Cost (IDR) | Estimated Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 13,200 | 2.5 - 4 hours | Cheapest | Multiple transfers, unreliable, hourly service, can be full |
| Taxi/Private Transfer | 250,000 - 300,000 (Hotel) / 218,000+ (Grab/Gojek) | 1.5 hours | Fastest, most convenient, comfortable, reliable | Most expensive |
When the weather turns, travelling by taxi or car ensures a much more comfortable journey compared to other options.
Driving Yourself: Car or Motorbike Considerations
For those who prefer self-reliance, driving a car or motorbike is an option, especially if you're travelling light. However, we generally advise against driving yourself for several reasons. The cost of renting a car is often comparable to taking a taxi. A rental car might be economical if you plan to visit multiple attractions in Ubud before heading to the airport, or if you already have a long-term rental agreement. Similarly, when considering a motorbike rental, be wary of illegitimate rental services in Bali. The hassle of returning a rented motorbike on your departure day can also add unnecessary stress.
If you do decide to rent a motorbike, we strongly recommend booking with a reputable company that has positive online reviews and allows you to drop off the vehicle conveniently near your departure terminal. This option is usually available when booking online, where you can specify pickup and drop-off locations.
Summary: Your Best Route to Bali Airport
The fastest way to get from Ubud to Denpasar Airport is undoubtedly by taxi, costing approximately 250,000 IDR and taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Conversely, the cheapest method is the bus, priced at just 13,200 IDR but requiring a commitment of 2 hours and 30 minutes or more, with the added complexity of transfers and potential unreliability.
If time is not a pressing concern, consider breaking up the journey. You could take a bus from Ubud to Kuta or Seminyak the day before your flight. These areas are significantly closer to the airport (about 20 minutes away), offering a wider array of transport options and more competitive pricing for ride-hailing services. For instance, a bus from Ubud to Kuta costs 4,400 IDR, and then a taxi from Kuta to the airport would be around 30,000 IDR, bringing the total to roughly 34,400 IDR for this indirect route. This strategy can save money and provide a more relaxed journey, especially if you're not in a rush.
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