How to get from Bali Denpasar Airport to Canggu
Getting from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to Canggu is pretty straightforward: it’s roughly 20–35 km away depending on your route, and you can reach your villa or surf hostel in about 45–90 minutes by private transfer, airport taxi or ride-hailing app, with extra options like shared shuttles, self-drive rentals and motorbike taxis if you want to save money or travel more independently.
At A Glance (Bali Denpasar Airport to Canggu)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚐 Private Airport Transfer (Prebooked) | ~45–75 minutes door-to-door | Most travelers, smoothest arrival |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 200k–400k per car depending on group size & area » check Klook transfers | Welcome Pickups prices | ||
| 🚕 Airport Taxi / Grab / Gojek | ~45–90 minutes (traffic-dependent) | Late arrivals, spontaneous plans |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 250k–400k per car from the airport taxi rank; Grab/Gojek usually slightly less | ||
| 🚐 Shared Shuttle Van | ~1–2 hours (hotel drop-off order) | Solo travelers, budget with comfort |
| 🏷️ Cost: from ~IDR 150k–300k per person » compare vans & taxis | ||
| 🏍️🚗 Self-Drive (Car or Scooter) | ~45–90 minutes depending on route | Experienced drivers & surfers staying longer |
| 🏷️ Cost: Fuel ~IDR 30k–60k each way + rentals from ~IDR 80k/day (scooter) or ~IDR 250k–400k/day (car) » scooter rentals | airport car rentals | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most Convenient: Prebooked private transfers or airport taxi / Grab give you a direct ride from arrivals to your Canggu door, ideal after a long flight.
- Cheapest (Still Comfortable): Shared shuttle vans booked on platforms like 12Go or Klook work well for solo travelers and digital nomads with flexible timing.
- Most Flexible / For Longer Stays: Self-drive by scooter or car if you’re confident in Bali traffic and plan to explore other beach towns and inland sights.
- Best for Families or Surfboards: A pre-arranged transfer or large taxi/van ensures enough space for kids, car seats and bulky boards.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Pay the Bali tourist levy before or on arrival: International visitors must pay a small tourism tax; you can settle it in advance via the official Love Bali portal or on arrival at Ngurah Rai Airport.
- Prebook transfers for late flights: If you land late at night or with kids, reserve a car on Klook airport transfers or Welcome Pickups so a driver waits in arrivals.
- Use ride-hailing apps outside the terminal if needed: Grab and Gojek operate widely around Bali; sometimes pickups are smoother just outside the official taxi zone. Check your app’s instructions for the latest pickup points.
- Check traffic times: Sunset (16:00–19:00) and weekend rush hours can double travel time to Canggu; if possible, land earlier in the day or budget extra time.
- Don’t ride a scooter unless you’re experienced: Bali traffic and road rules can be chaotic. If you do rent through BikesBooking, wear a helmet, have the correct licence and ensure your travel insurance covers motorbikes.
- Sort out data and SIMs: Some Klook transfers include SIM cards and adapters via packages like the Bali Basics Bag, or you can buy a local eSIM in advance on Trip.com or at airport kiosks.
- Store big luggage if you’re moving around: If Bali is just one stop on your trip, consider using Radical Storage locations in Bali to stash non-essential bags.
- Book accommodation with clear directions: Many Canggu villas are down small lanes (gangs); choose properties with clear driving directions and contact details on Booking.com Canggu.
🚐 Option #1 — Prebooked Private Airport Transfer (Most Hassle-Free)
Door-to-door Flight monitoring Great with luggage
- Overview: Your driver tracks your flight, meets you in the arrivals hall and takes you straight to your accommodation in Canggu in an air-conditioned car or van. Ideal when you’re tired, arrive late, or are nervous about Bali’s taxi scrum.
- How to book (with price): Private cars from Ngurah Rai to Canggu generally start around IDR 200k–400k per vehicle, depending on arrival time and vehicle size. Compare operators on Klook Bali airport transfers or book a named driver with extras (water, child seats, meet-and-greet) via Welcome Pickups. You can also check options and prices on 12Go airport→Canggu and request bespoke quotes via GetTransfer.
- Pros: Fixed price; no haggling; someone waits even if your flight is delayed; easy with surfboards, strollers or lots of luggage.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than hailing a Grab at off-peak times; you need to book ahead and may pay a fee for last-minute changes.
Step-by-step: Private Airport Transfer
- Before you travel, choose a transfer service on Klook, Welcome Pickups or 12Go and enter your flight number, arrival time and Canggu address accurately.
- Receive your confirmation voucher with meeting point details (often just outside customs in the international arrivals hall at Ngurah Rai).
- On arrival, clear immigration and baggage claim, then walk to the designated meeting area. Look for your name on a sign or follow the app’s instructions.
- Confirm your destination and any special requests with the driver (surfboard handling, child seat, quick ATM stop).
- Ride directly to your hotel or villa in Canggu. Journey time is typically 45–75 minutes depending on traffic around Kuta, Seminyak and Berawa.
- Pay any remaining balance if it’s not fully prepaid, and double-check pick-up details for your return transfer if you’ve booked it.
Getting to the main embarking points (Ngurah Rai Arrivals)
- International arrivals hall: Most drivers wait just outside customs past the “Meeting Point” area; follow signs after baggage claim.
- Domestic arrivals: If you’re arriving from elsewhere in Indonesia, specify the domestic terminal—many transfer services cover both.
- Airport information: For maps and terminal layouts, see the official Ngurah Rai Airport guide.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚕 Option #2 — Airport Taxi / Grab / Gojek (Flexible & Widely Used)
24/7 Pay-as-you-go Traffic-dependent
- Overview: After customs you can head to the official airport taxi counter or, depending on current rules, walk a short distance outside and request a Grab or Gojek car via the app. This is the classic Bali arrival experience and works well if you haven’t prebooked.
- How to book (with price): Official fixed-fare taxis from Ngurah Rai to areas like Canggu typically cost around IDR 250k–400k per car, depending on surfboard/luggage and late-night surcharges. Airport taxi desks and online guides such as the Bali Airport transport pages outline general fare levels. When using Grab or Gojek, you’ll usually see a slightly cheaper in-app estimate and can pay cash or card.
- Pros: No advance planning; available 24/7; fares shown up front in ride-hailing apps; easy to split between friends.
- Cons: Possible queues at peak times; some drivers may negotiate outside of official pricing; occasional tension between app drivers and local taxi cooperatives, so always follow local signs and advice.
Step-by-step: Airport Taxi / Ride-Hailing
- After collecting your baggage, follow the signs to the official taxi counter if you prefer fixed fares, or head outside to an approved ride-hailing pickup area.
- For taxis, tell the staff your destination (Canggu/Berawa/Echo Beach area) and pay the quoted fare voucher, then proceed to the taxi rank with your slip.
- For Grab or Gojek, open the app, drop the pin on your exact villa or hotel, and check the price estimate before confirming the booking.
- Meet your driver at the labelled pickup point, confirm your name and destination, then load luggage and boards carefully.
- Drive via the Sunset Road / Seminyak / Batu Belig corridor or via the toll road depending on traffic and driver preference; you can ask to take the toll road for a small extra fee to save time.
- On arrival, pay in cash or via app and double-check you have all of your belongings before the driver departs.
Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi Rank / App Pickup Zones)
- Official taxi counter: Located near the terminal exit; look for “Taxi” signs and ignore unofficial touts offering rides at inflated prices.
- Ride-hailing zones: These may change over time; your Grab or Gojek app will usually show the current pickup points (some are at the parking area outside the terminal).
- Cash & ATMs: Have small denominations of rupiah ready for tolls and tips; ATMs are available inside the arrivals area.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #3 — Shared Shuttle Van (Budget-Friendly, Prebooked)
Shared cost Hotel drop-off Longer route
- Overview: Shared vans and shuttles connect Ngurah Rai with major Bali areas including Canggu. You ride with other travelers whose hotels are on a similar route, so it’s cheaper than a private car but more comfortable than city buses.
- How to book (with price): Prices usually start around IDR 150k–300k per person. Search for “Ngurah Rai Airport → Canggu” shuttles on 12Go or use Bali transport filters on Klook Bali transport. Check whether they include direct hotel drop-off or a central meeting point like Seminyak with onward transfer.
- Pros: Lower cost if travelling solo; many departures throughout the day; still door-to-door on many routes.
- Cons: You may wait for other passengers to arrive; drop-off order can add time; limited or no late-night departures.
Step-by-step: Shared Shuttle Van
- Before arrival, book a shuttle slot on 12Go or Klook for your landing date and approximate arrival time, entering your accommodation details.
- Check your confirmation for where to meet the driver (inside arrivals or at a specific counter/parking bay).
- After landing, show your voucher to the staff, and wait at the designated point until all passengers for that van are assembled.
- Load luggage into the back and choose a seat; if you’re prone to motion sickness, sit near the front.
- The van will usually stop at several hotels or central spots en route; be ready when your stop is announced.
- Confirm the pick-up arrangement for your return trip if you’ve booked it as a round-trip shuttle.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Shuttle Counters)
- Shuttle counters: Look for transport or shuttle desks in arrivals or just outside near the car park; your voucher usually names the company and counter.
- Waiting areas: The van may depart from a nearby parking bay—follow staff instructions and keep your luggage with you until boarding.
- Connections from town hubs: Some shuttles start from Kuta or Seminyak; in that case you can book a separate airport transfer or Grab from the airport to their office first.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🏍️🚗 Option #4 — Self-Drive by Scooter or Car (For Confident Drivers)
Flexible Great for exploring Traffic & safety risks
- Overview: If you’re comfortable with chaotic traffic, scooters and rental cars give maximum freedom. From DPS you can drive through Kuta and Seminyak or use the toll road towards Canggu, enjoying coastal and rice-field views on the way.
- How to book (with price): Scooters typically start from about IDR 80k–120k per day; compare options and helmets/insurance via BikesBooking Bali. Cars from the airport are usually IDR 250k–400k per day plus fuel; shop around on Booking.com DPS car rentals. Fuel for the airport–Canggu run is modest, about IDR 30k–60k one way depending on traffic.
- Pros: Go straight to Canggu and later roam to Uluwatu, Ubud or Amed on your own schedule; ideal if you’re staying weeks or travelling as a group.
- Cons: Bali’s roads are busy and sometimes chaotic, with scooters filtering everywhere; accidents are common. You’ll also have to handle parking, tolls and navigation through narrow Canggu shortcuts (gangs).
Step-by-step: Self-Drive to Canggu
- Ensure you have the correct licence (often an International Driving Permit plus your home licence) and that your travel insurance covers motorbikes if renting a scooter.
- Reserve your bike or car online for airport pickup via BikesBooking or Booking.com’s car rental partners, or arrange delivery to the airport with a local company.
- Inspect the vehicle carefully, take photos of any existing damage, check brakes, lights and helmets, and clarify fuel and return policies.
- Set your navigation app to your Canggu address. Many drivers prefer the Mandara toll road to bypass some traffic, then head north-west via Kuta/Sunset Road towards Canggu.
- Ride or drive cautiously, especially at dusk and in rain; keep speeds low on small streets and watch for dogs, potholes and loose gravel.
- On arrival, park in your villa’s designated space or public parking areas around Canggu’s beaches and cafes (often with a small parking fee).
Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Counters / Toll Road)
- Airport rental counters: Some international and local companies have desks near arrivals; confirm exact pickup points on your voucher.
- Toll road access: Ask the rental company whether your vehicle has an active e-toll card or how to pay the tolls when using the Mandara toll road.
- Helmet & gear: Always wear a helmet and avoid riding at night on unfamiliar roads, especially right after arrival when you’re tired.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Bali Denpasar Airport to Canggu)
How long does it take to get from Ngurah Rai Airport to Canggu?
In light to moderate traffic, expect around 45–60 minutes by car. At sunset or weekend rush hours, the same trip can stretch to 90 minutes or a bit more, especially when passing through Kuta, Legian and Seminyak.
What’s the easiest option if I arrive late at night?
A prebooked private transfer or an official airport taxi is your best bet. With a prebooked driver, they will monitor your flight and wait in arrivals even if you’re delayed, so you don’t have to worry about taxi queues or ride-hailing rules changing after midnight.
Is there a public bus from the airport to Canggu?
Bali’s Trans Sarbagita buses connect the airport with some areas of the island, but they do not run directly to Canggu. You would need to bus to a hub like Kuta or Denpasar, then change to another vehicle or ride-hailing service, which can be slow and confusing—most visitors choose taxis, transfers or scooters instead.
Can I use Grab or Gojek at Bali Airport?
Yes, but pickup rules change occasionally. In practice, many travellers either walk slightly away from the main taxi zone to meet their Grab/Gojek car or use designated app pickup points shown in the app. If the apps are restricted right at the terminal, use the official taxi counter or a prebooked transfer for the airport segment, then rely on ride-hailing within Canggu during your stay.
Is it safe to ride a scooter from the airport to Canggu?
It’s only recommended for experienced riders who are used to busy Asian traffic. Roads can be congested, signage inconsistent, and night visibility poor. If you’re new to scooters, it’s safer to take a car to your accommodation and only rent a bike once you’re rested and have had time to observe local traffic patterns.
Do I need to book my transfer in advance?
Not strictly—there are always taxis at the airport—but booking ahead is wise during high season or if you have a lot of luggage or kids. It gives you a fixed price and clear meeting instructions, and saves you dealing with cash and bargaining immediately after a long flight.