How to get from Bali Denpasar Airport to Ubud
Getting from Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to Ubud is simple once you choose between a meet-and-greet private transfer, official airport taxi or rideshare, shared shuttle/minivan, a budget combo via Kuta/Sanur, or self-drive. Travel time is typically 60–90 minutes depending on traffic and where in Ubud you’re staying.
At A Glance (Bali Denpasar Airport to Ubud)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚐 Private Transfer (Meet & Greet) | ~1–1.5h door-to-door | Zero hassle, families, late arrivals |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 350k–800k per vehicle (size/time) » Welcome Pickups | GetTransfer quotes | Klook transfers | ||
| 🚖 Airport Taxi / Ride-Hailing | ~1–1.5h | Straightforward arrival, cash/card |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 300k–450k to central Ubud (meter/fixed) | ride-hailing similar off-peak | ||
| 🚌 Shared Shuttle / Minivan | ~1.5–2h (multiple hotel drops) | Solo travelers, value |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 120k–250k per person » compare shuttles | Trip.com listings | ||
| 🔁 Budget Combo: Airport → Kuta/Sanur → Ubud | ~2–3h+ (connection-dependent) | Lowest cost + time-rich travelers |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 120k–220k total (local taxi + shared shuttle) » see options | ||
| 🚘 Self-Drive (Car Rental) | ~1–1.5h drive | Exploring multiple areas |
| 🏷️ Cost: Car ~IDR 350k–800k/day + fuel » compare rentals | Scooters in Ubud ~IDR 80k–150k/day see scooters | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest & Hassle-free: Private transfer with meet-and-greet—ideal after a long flight or with kids/luggage.
- Good value & simple: Airport taxi / rideshare straight to your hotel.
- Solo budget: Shared shuttle/minivan—cheaper but allow extra time for drop-offs.
- Cheapest (if you don’t mind a change): Airport → Kuta/Sanur → Ubud using local taxi + shuttle.
- Explorers: Self-drive if you plan day trips beyond Ubud; park at your accommodation.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Connectivity: Grab an airport SIM or eSIM for ride-hailing (Grab/Gojek) and maps.
- Cash: Keep small bills (IDR 10k–100k) for tolls/tips/parking; many transfers accept card.
- Peak traffic: Late afternoon/evening can add 20–40 minutes; plan buffers for check-in or tours booked on GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Luggage storage: If you have hours before check-in, stash bags via Radical Storage Bali and explore en route.
- Safety: Buckle up; on scooters always wear a helmet and ride defensively.
🚐 Option #1 — Private Transfer (Meet & Greet at DPS)
Door-to-door Best with luggage/children Prebook
- Overview: A driver meets you in the arrivals hall with your name board and takes you directly to your hotel in Ubud. Vehicles range from sedans to vans for groups.
- How to book (with price): ~IDR 350k–800k per vehicle depending on time/size. Compare services on Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, Klook, or Trip.com.
- Pros: No haggling; fixed fare; large vehicles available. Cons: Slightly pricier than taxi at off-peak hours.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Prebook your pickup (enter flight number, party size, hotel address) on Welcome Pickups or get quotes on GetTransfer.
- On arrival at DPS, clear immigration and meet your driver in the arrivals hall; message via app if delayed.
- Ride 60–90 minutes to Ubud; confirm drop-off point if your hotel has multiple entrances.
Getting to the main embarking points (Bali Airport Arrivals)
- Airport meeting point: Follow Arrivals/Meeting Point signs after customs; drivers wait with name boards.
- Ubud drop-off: Many streets are narrow/one-way—drivers may stop at the nearest point to your hotel’s reception.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚖 Option #2 — Airport Taxi / Ride-Hailing (Grab/Gojek)
Widely available Pay as you go Traffic-dependent
- Overview: Official airport taxis line up outside arrivals with posted/fixed fares; ride-hailing (Grab/Gojek) pickups are at designated zones just outside the terminal area.
- How to book (with price): Expect ~IDR 300k–450k to central Ubud depending on traffic/time; ride-hailing prices can surge at peak times.
- Pros: No prebooking needed; metered or fixed fares. Cons: Potential queue; price variability at peaks.
Step-by-step: Airport Taxi / Rideshare
- After customs, follow signs to the official taxi counter or exit to the rideshare pickup area.
- For rideshare, connect to airport Wi-Fi/data, set destination to your hotel in Ubud, and confirm the vehicle plate in-app.
- Share your hotel entrance details; pay cash/card per the app or driver.
Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi Stand & App Pickup)
- Taxi stand: Immediately outside arrivals; staff can quote fixed fares to Ubud.
- App pickup: Use the app’s pinned pickup point; walk if instructed to the designated curb.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Shared Shuttle / Minivan (Budget & Easy)
Cheaper per person Hotel drops Longer with stops
- Overview: Join a shared minivan directly from the airport to Ubud hotels or a central drop point. Departures are coordinated around arrivals.
- How to book (with price): ~IDR 120k–250k per person. Compare schedules and pick-up windows on GetYourGuide, Klook, or Trip.com.
- Pros: Low cost with luggage space. Cons: Wait time for other passengers; multiple en-route stops.
Step-by-step: Shared Shuttle
- Reserve a seat online and provide your flight number and Ubud hotel address.
- On arrival, meet the representative at the specified counter/meeting point; confirm your vehicle and approximate departure time.
- Ride to Ubud with scheduled drop-offs; keep essentials handy in a small bag.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Meeting Points)
- Meeting points: Operators specify a counter or café in arrivals—check your voucher.
- Central Ubud drop: Some services use Ubud Palace/Monkey Forest area for final stops.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🔁 Option #4 — Budget Combo: Airport → Kuta/Sanur → Ubud
Lowest cost Frequent shuttles Extra transfer
- Overview: Take a short local taxi/ride-hail from DPS to Kuta or Sanur, then board a shuttle/van to Ubud. Useful if airport-to-Ubud shuttles aren’t running when you land.
- How to book (with price): ~IDR 40k–80k airport→Kuta/Sanur (off-peak) + ~IDR 80k–150k shuttle to Ubud. Compare routes/times on 12Go or browse Ubud transfers on GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Cheap; many daily departures from tourist hubs. Cons: Two legs; luggage juggling.
Step-by-step: Budget Combo
- From the airport, take a short ride-hail/taxi to Kuta or Sanur shuttle stops.
- Buy a seat on the next shuttle/minivan to Ubud (central drop or hotel area) or prebook on 12Go.
- On arrival in Ubud, walk or take a short local ride to your accommodation.
Getting to the main embarking points (Kuta/Sanur)
- Kuta area: Shuttle operators cluster near Jl. Kartika/Jl. Legian—ask for Ubud departures.
- Sanur area: Operators near the beachfront/Bypass; frequent departures toward Ubud.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #5 — Self-Drive (Car Rental) + Scooters in Ubud
Flexibility Day trips Driving confidence needed
- Overview: Pick up a rental car at DPS and drive directly to Ubud via the By-Pass and Jalan Raya Ubud. Once in town, many switch to scooters for short hops.
- How to book (with price): Cars from ~IDR 350k–800k/day on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire. Scooters in Ubud ~IDR 80k–150k/day via BikesBooking.
- Pros: Stop for ATMs/food/temples en route; easy for day trips later. Cons: Traffic and narrow lanes in Ubud; parking can be tight.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Collect your car at the airport; inspect for scratches and confirm fuel policy and insurance.
- Set maps to Ubud Palace or your hotel; follow the By-Pass Ngurah Rai → Jl. Raya Batubulan → Jl. Raya Ubud.
- Park at your accommodation; if exploring town, consider renting a scooter locally for short distances.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Rental Bays & Ubud)
- Airport rental bays: On-airport desks at DPS; bring your license and (ideally) an IDP.
- Ubud parking: Many hotels provide limited on-site parking—confirm ahead.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Bali Denpasar Airport to Ubud)
How long does it take from DPS to Ubud?
Typically 60–90 minutes; add 20–40 minutes during rush hours or heavy rain.
Is there a public bus directly from the airport to Ubud?
Direct public buses are limited; most travelers use private transfer, taxi/ride-hailing, or shared shuttles. A budget combo via Kuta/Sanur works if you don’t mind a change.
What’s the typical taxi price?
Around IDR 300k–450k to central Ubud. Confirm the fare at the taxi counter or in the app before boarding.
Can I pay by card?
Many transfers accept cards; cash is still handy for tolls/parking/tips and small shops.
Where should I stay in Ubud?
Near Ubud Palace/Monkey Forest for walkability; rice-field villas for quiet. Compare options on Booking.com Ubud.
Is scooter rental recommended right from the airport?
Not usually. Roads near DPS are busy; most travelers transfer to Ubud first, then rent a scooter locally via BikesBooking.