How to Get to Ubud from Bali Denpasar Airport – read of for the best methods and also the scams to be aware of!
Ubud is Bali’s spiritual and cultural heart, and incredibly popular with travellers seeking out the chill side of the island. From water temples and monkey forest to yoga retreat and cute cafes, you’re bound to have a relaxing time there.
Read: How to Spend 3 Days in Ubud, Bali: Epic Itinerary
But did you know it’s actually quite far from Denpasar International Airport (also known as Ngurah Rai International Airport)? At just shy of 40km, the journey takes about 1.5 – 2 hours by car (mostly due to the traffic around the airport area.
So I definitely recommend planning your route from the airport to your accommodation in advance, especially if your flight lands late at night! Bleary-eyed travellers fresh off a red-eye are prime targets for scammers and the like.
Don’t fret – I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re landing after a long-haul flight or hopping over from a nearby island, this guide will walk you through all the best ways to get from Bali Airport to Ubud.
I’ll cover trusted transport options, prices, scams to avoid, and which method is best for your travel style and budget.
How far is Ubud from Bali Airport?
Ubud is located around 38 kilometres north of Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), also known as Denpasar Airport. The drive typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Quick tip: Traffic can be particularly heavy in the afternoons and early evenings, especially during high season (June–September and December). Morning transfers tend to be faster.
Best ways to get from Bali Airport to Ubud
1. Pre-booked private transfer with Welcome Pickups (Best for comfort and peace of mind)
If you’re arriving after a long flight, the last thing you want is to negotiate with taxi drivers or get stuck in a queue. That’s why I recommend booking a private airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.
- Fixed price (no haggling)
- English-speaking driver
- Flight tracking so they wait even if you’re delayed
- Meet and greet at arrivals
- Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
You can book online in advance, pay by card (I recommend using WISE to avoid bank fees), and receive all driver info via email. This means that you’re not vulnerable to surge pricing – it’s just a fixed cost that you pay in advance.
Bonus: You’ll also avoid the airport taxi scams (more on that below).
Journey time: 1.5–2 hours
2. Airport taxi (Okay for last-minute travel)
Bali Airport has an official taxi counter near the arrivals hall, where you can request a ride to Ubud. The prices are usually fixed, but they can be higher than normal, especially late at night.
You’ll be assigned a driver, but don’t expect a modern car or much in the way of English.
Journey time: 1.5–2 hours
Scam warning: Some unofficial taxi drivers inside the airport may pose as “helpers” and try to steer you away from the counter. Stick to the official desk or pre-book to avoid hassle.
3. Grab or Gojek (Ride-hailing apps)
Grab and Gojek are Indonesia’s equivalent of Uber, offering both car and motorbike rides. However, Bali Airport has restrictions on ride-hailing pickups, and you may be required to walk outside the airport grounds to meet your driver.
If you’re travelling light and know your way around, this can be a budget-friendly choice. However, note that prices can vary depending on the time of day and how busy it is, which makes it hard to budget.
Journey time: 1.5–2 hours
Tip: Install an Airalo eSIM at home before your trip so that you have data to order the ride before heading to the pickup point. (There is airport wifi but if you need to leave the building to find your ride this will stop working). And make sure you select the correct Ubud address — many hotels have similar names. I also recommend downloading the Grab/Gojek apps in advance before your trip and linking them to a WISE card so that you can pay in local currency.
4. Private driver arranged through your hotel
Many Ubud hotels and guesthouses offer private airport transfers. Prices vary, but this option is convenient if you’re staying in a hard-to-find location or arriving late at night.
Ask your hotel about rates and availability before you fly.
Journey time: 1.5–2 hours
5. Shared shuttle bus (Budget option)
A few companies run shared minivan transfers between the airport and Ubud. While these are the cheapest option, they can be slow and cramped.
Also – the catch is that you need to walk from the airport to Lippo Mall in Kuta to get the bus. This takes about 15-20 minutes.
Bali Airport doesn’t have an official shuttle to Ubud, so you’ll need to book with companies like Perama Tour or look for options online in advance.
Journey time: Up to 3 hours depending on stops
How to Get to Ubud from Bali Denpasar Airport: What’s the Best Option Overall?
For most travellers, especially first-timers or solo travellers, the best balance of comfort, safety and ease is a pre-booked private transfer with Welcome Pickups. You skip the stress, avoid scams and start your trip in comfort.
Travelling with kids or lots of luggage? Welcome Pickups is the most reliable and family-friendly option.
Avoiding scams at Bali Airport
As well as planning your route of how to get to Ubud from Bali Denpasar Airport, you need to be aware of potential scams. Unfortunately, scams are common around Bali Airport. Here’s what to look out for:
- Pushy drivers inside the terminal who aren’t licensed
- “Helpers” who grab your bags, walk with you, then demand a tip
- Unmarked vehicles offering “cheap rides” that later charge double
- Confusing pricing boards at unofficial taxi counters
Stick to licensed services or pre-book through a trusted provider.
Final tips for getting to Ubud smoothly
- Download WhatsApp — many drivers in Bali use it to communicate
- Have cash in rupiah for tips and small purchases (ATMs available at the airport)
- Check your hotel’s exact location — Ubud is a large area with winding roads
- Leave a review if you had a great experience — it helps small drivers and companies grow
- Install an Airalo eSIM before you leave home so that you have an immediate data connection
- Get a WISE card so that you can spend in local currency and avoid hefty foreign exchange and bank fees.
Ready to start your Ubud adventure?
Getting to Ubud from Bali Denpasar Airport doesn’t need to be stressful. Whether you want comfort, speed, or the cheapest ride possible, there’s an option to suit every kind of traveller.
If you want to arrive without stress, I recommend booking a private transfer with Welcome Pickups. This is what I did for my first visit and it’s the most reliable way to start your Bali trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Ubud from Bali Airport
Ubud is around 38 to 42 kilometres from Ngurah Rai International Airport, depending on the route. Travel time usually takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours depending on traffic.
Pre-booking a private transfer like Welcome Pickups is the most comfortable and stress-free option. Taxis and rideshare apps like Grab and Gojek are also available.
Yes, you’ll find an official taxi counter just outside the arrivals hall. However, prices can be higher than pre-booked options, so it’s worth comparing in advance.
Yes, but ride-hailing pickups from the airport are restricted. You may need to meet your driver outside the terminal or walk to a nearby point.
No direct public bus runs from Bali Airport to Ubud. You’d have to first reach Denpasar city and change buses, which is inconvenient if you’re carrying luggage.
Expect to pay between IDR 350,000 and 600,000 (£18–£30), depending on the time of day and your negotiation. Private transfers offer fixed prices and are often more reliable.
On average, it takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours to reach Ubud by car, depending on traffic and the route taken. Weekends and evenings tend to be slower due to congestion.
Yes, car hire is available at the airport. However, Bali’s roads can be hectic for first-timers, so most travellers prefer hiring a driver instead of self-driving.
Some companies offer shared shuttle services, but they’re limited, slower, and less convenient than private transfers. They may involve long waits and multiple drop-offs.
Yes, it is generally safe to travel at night. Just be sure to use a reliable taxi or pre-booked transfer for added peace of mind, especially if you’re arriving late.
Plan Your Trip to Indonesia: Useful Travel Resources
Planning your next trip? These are my ride-or-die travel tools — handpicked, tested, and essential. The smart stuff I actually use to book fast, travel safer, and stress less. I don’t gatekeep when it comes to travel!
Travel Insurance
- SafetyWingNomad-friendly, low-cost, and claim-friendly. Built for long-term travellers.
- Heymondo (5% off)Great app. Fast claims. Reader discount included.
Flights
- SkyscannerThe only tool I trust to find the cheapest flights in seconds.
Money & Banking
- WiseNo hidden fees, epic exchange rates — perfect for multi-country trips.
Accommodation
- Booking.comFree cancellation, last-minute deals — ideal for the flexible traveller.
Transport
- 12GoBuses, trains, ferries across Asia — easy, fast, and reliable.
- Welcome PickupsPrivate airport pickups with friendly local drivers. Book in advance and relax.
Tours & Tickets
- ViatorSkip the queue, book activities last-minute, cancel for free.
- G AdventuresSmall-group tours, ethical operators, great for solo travel.
eSIMs & Data
- AiraloDigital SIM cards you can activate instantly. No roaming bills, ever.
- Holafly (5% off with code “CALLOFTHEWORLD”)Unlimited data. 100+ countries. Set it up in 5 minutes.
- Saily (5% off with code “SPECIAL5”)Affordable eSIMs that just work, especially in Southeast Asia.
Stay Secure
- NordVPNBrowse safely on public Wi-Fi, access content globally, and stay private.
- ExpressVPNFast, reliable, and works in countries with heavy censorship.
✈️ Pro tip: Set these up before your trip so you can hit the ground running. Travel smarter, not harder.
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