The easiest way to get to Ubud from Bali Airport is by car. I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), usually called Bali Airport or Denpasar Airport, is around 35–40 km from Ubud by road, but the journey can take considerably longer than the distance suggests because of traffic.
For most travelers, the best options are an airport taxi, Grab, Gojek or a pre-booked private transfer. Public transport is possible, but it is considerably less convenient because there is no simple direct airport-to-Ubud bus connection.
This guide explains every practical option, how much it can cost, how long the journey takes and which transfer makes the most sense for different types of travelers.
If you are arriving in Bali for the first time, our Bali Airport Guide explains what to expect after landing.
Bali Airport to Ubud: Quick Answer
| Transport | Typical Journey | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Grab | About 1–2 hours depending on traffic | Budget travelers using apps |
| Gojek | About 1–2 hours depending on traffic | Budget travelers using apps |
| Airport Taxi | About 1–2 hours depending on traffic | Convenience after landing |
| Private Transfer | About 1–2 hours depending on traffic | Families, couples and late arrivals |
| Public Transport | Longer and less convenient | Travelers prioritizing price |
How Far Is Ubud from Bali Airport?
Ubud is roughly 35–40 km from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport by road.
The distance itself is not particularly large, but Bali traffic can make the journey much longer than you might expect.
Do not plan your arrival around the shortest theoretical driving time. A journey that is relatively quick in light traffic can take significantly longer during busy periods.
For this reason, it is better to think of the Bali Airport to Ubud journey in terms of a time range rather than a fixed travel time.
How Long Does It Take from Bali Airport to Ubud?
In light traffic, the drive can be considerably shorter, but a more realistic planning window is around 1 to 2 hours.
Traffic is the main variable.
The route leaves the airport area and crosses the busy southern part of Bali before continuing inland toward Ubud. Congestion can therefore have a much greater effect on your journey than the distance alone suggests.
If you land during a busy period, do not schedule an important activity immediately after your estimated arrival in Ubud.
1. Grab from Bali Airport to Ubud
Grab is one of the most useful options for travelers who are comfortable using ride-hailing apps.
The main advantage is transparency. You can see the quoted fare before accepting the ride instead of negotiating a price with a driver.
Grab also provides driver and trip information through the app, making the process relatively straightforward for international travelers.
How to Use Grab at Bali Airport
- Collect your luggage and leave the arrivals area.
- Open the Grab app.
- Enter your Ubud hotel as the destination.
- Select the appropriate airport ride.
- Follow the app instructions to the designated pickup point.
- Confirm the vehicle and driver before getting in.
Bali Airport has designated facilities for ride-hailing services, so follow the current airport signs and app instructions rather than simply meeting a driver anywhere outside the terminal.
2. Gojek from Bali Airport to Ubud
Gojek is another major Indonesian ride-hailing service and can be useful for travelers who already have the app.
Like Grab, it allows you to request a car through the application rather than negotiating directly with a driver.
The main reason to compare Gojek with Grab is price and availability. The cheaper option can change depending on demand, vehicle availability and your exact destination.
3. Airport Taxi from Bali Airport to Ubud
An airport taxi is one of the simplest choices if you want to leave the airport without dealing with an app.
You can arrange the taxi after arriving and travel directly to your hotel.
Indicative route estimates put the taxi journey from Ngurah Rai Airport to Ubud at around 35 km. The actual fare and journey time can vary according to your destination, traffic and the taxi service you use.
The biggest advantage is convenience. You do not need a local SIM, mobile data or an existing ride-hailing account.
When Is an Airport Taxi a Good Choice?
- You have just arrived after a long flight.
- You have several pieces of luggage.
- You do not want to use a ride-hailing app.
- You are traveling with children.
- You prefer to arrange transportation immediately after customs.
4. Private Transfer from Bali Airport to Ubud
A pre-booked private transfer is one of the most comfortable options, particularly if you are arriving late at night or traveling with several people.
Your driver can meet you at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation.
The main advantage is predictability. You have arranged the journey before boarding your flight and do not need to decide how to get to Ubud after landing.
Private transfers can also be particularly useful when your hotel is outside central Ubud or located down a smaller road where finding the property can be more complicated.
Who Should Book a Private Transfer?
- Families with children.
- Couples arriving late.
- Groups with lots of luggage.
- First-time visitors to Bali.
- Travelers staying at remote villas or resorts.
- Anyone who prefers a pre-arranged pickup.
5. Public Transport from Bali Airport to Ubud
Public transportation is possible, but it is not the simplest way to reach Ubud from Bali Airport.
Bus travel generally involves at least one transfer rather than a simple direct airport-to-Ubud journey.
For travelers carrying luggage, this can be inconvenient and considerably slower than taking a direct car.
Public transport makes more sense if keeping the cost as low as possible is your main priority and you are comfortable with transfers.
Is There a Direct Bus from Bali Airport to Ubud?
There is no straightforward direct bus connection comparable to taking a taxi or private car directly from the airport terminal to your Ubud hotel.
Bus routes can involve transfers and substantially longer journey times.
For most visitors arriving with luggage, a direct car is therefore the more practical choice.
Can You Take a Train from Bali Airport to Ubud?
No.
Bali does not have a railway connecting Ngurah Rai Airport with Ubud.
If Ubud is your first destination after landing, you should plan on traveling by road.
Which Is the Cheapest Way to Get from Bali Airport to Ubud?
Public transportation can have the lowest direct fare, but it is also the least convenient option and involves transfers.
For travelers who want a direct trip without paying for a private chauffeur, comparing Grab and Gojek is usually more practical.
Because app-based fares can change according to demand and availability, check both services when you arrive if you are trying to minimize the cost.
Which Is the Fastest Way to Get from Bali Airport to Ubud?
A direct car is the fastest practical option.
That means an airport taxi, Grab, Gojek or private transfer can all be considerably faster than a bus journey involving a transfer.
However, there is no guaranteed fixed travel time because traffic can change the journey dramatically.
Allow roughly 1–2 hours when planning your arrival rather than relying on the shortest possible driving time.
Which Is the Best Way to Get from Bali Airport to Ubud?
| Traveler | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Budget traveler | Grab or Gojek |
| First-time visitor | Airport taxi or private transfer |
| Couple | Grab, taxi or private transfer |
| Family | Private transfer or suitable airport car |
| Large group | Private transfer |
| Late-night arrival | Pre-booked private transfer |
| Traveler prioritizing lowest cost | Public transport |
Bali Airport to Ubud by Grab vs Taxi
For many travelers, the real decision is between a ride-hailing app and a traditional airport taxi.
| Feature | Grab | Airport Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Price shown before booking | Yes | Depends on service |
| App required | Yes | No |
| Easy after a long flight | Yes | Yes |
| Payment options | App-based options available | Depends on operator |
| Pickup process | Follow airport pickup instructions | Arrange at airport |
Grab is particularly useful if you want to see the fare before booking. An airport taxi is simpler if you do not want to use an app.
Should You Pre-Book a Transfer to Ubud?
Pre-booking is not essential for everyone.
If you arrive during the day and are comfortable using Grab or Gojek, you can arrange transportation after landing.
Pre-booking becomes more attractive when you arrive late, travel with children, have a large amount of luggage or are staying at a remote villa.
It also removes one decision from the arrival process.
What Time Is Worst for Traffic from Bali Airport to Ubud?
Traffic is one of the biggest variables on this route.
The exact situation changes every day, so you should not assume that a journey will always take the same amount of time.
Busy periods can significantly increase the journey time, particularly when traffic is heavy on the roads through southern Bali.
If you are arriving during a busy period, do not book a non-refundable tour in Ubud shortly after your scheduled landing time.
What Should You Do After Landing at Bali Airport?
- Complete immigration if required.
- Collect your luggage.
- Get a local SIM or activate your eSIM if necessary.
- Check your transport booking or open your ride-hailing app.
- Follow the airport signs to the correct pickup area.
- Confirm the driver and vehicle.
- Travel directly to your Ubud accommodation.
If you are using Grab or Gojek, follow the current airport pickup instructions rather than assuming that the driver can meet you directly outside any terminal exit.
Can Grab Pick You Up at Bali Airport?
Yes. Grab operates airport rides at Bali Airport, with designated facilities for passengers using the service.
Pickup procedures can change, so follow the instructions shown in the app and the airport signage when you arrive.
What If Your Ubud Hotel Is Outside the Center?
This is an important consideration.
Ubud is not a single compact area. Accommodation can be spread across the central town, rice-field areas, jungle zones and surrounding villages.
A hotel described as being in Ubud may therefore be considerably farther from the central streets than you expect.
Enter your exact hotel name or address into the transport app rather than simply selecting “Ubud.”
This gives you a more accurate destination and a more useful fare estimate.
Airport Transfer to a Ubud Villa
Private villas can sometimes be harder to locate than conventional hotels.
Some are reached through smaller roads or lanes, and the property may not be directly visible from the main road.
For this reason, a pre-arranged driver can be particularly useful for your first arrival.
Make sure you provide the exact villa name, address and any arrival instructions supplied by the property.
Airport Transfer to a Ubud Resort
Luxury resorts outside central Ubud often provide their own transfer services.
If your hotel offers an airport transfer, compare its price with the alternatives before booking.
The hotel option may cost more than a ride-hailing service, but it can offer a simpler arrival experience, particularly if the resort is difficult to find.
Can You Get to Ubud at Night from Bali Airport?
Yes, but your choice of transportation becomes more important.
For a late arrival, a pre-booked private transfer can be the least stressful option because your driver is expecting you.
An airport taxi can also be practical after landing.
If you plan to use a ride-hailing service, check current availability and airport pickup instructions after you land.
Do not assume that the same pickup procedure or availability will apply at every hour.
Bali Airport to Ubud with Children
Families should prioritize a direct journey and enough space for luggage.
A private transfer is often the simplest choice because you can arrange the vehicle around the size of your group and luggage.
If you use a ride-hailing service, make sure the selected vehicle is large enough for everyone and everything you are carrying.
Bali Airport to Ubud with Lots of Luggage
Luggage is another reason to choose the right vehicle rather than simply the cheapest fare.
A standard car may be comfortable for two passengers with modest luggage but less suitable for a larger group with several large suitcases.
Check the vehicle’s luggage capacity before confirming the ride.
Can You Rent a Scooter at Bali Airport and Ride to Ubud?
Scooters are widely used in Bali, but riding directly from the airport to Ubud is not a sensible option for inexperienced riders.
The route involves busy roads and traffic conditions that can be challenging immediately after a long flight.
If you plan to rent a scooter during your Bali trip, it is generally better to arrange your transport to Ubud first and deal with scooter rental after you have settled into your accommodation.
Should You Use a Private Driver for the Journey?
A private driver is useful if your airport transfer is part of a larger Bali itinerary.
For example, you may want to stop at an attraction or restaurant on the way to Ubud.
If you simply want to travel directly from the airport to your hotel, a standard taxi or ride-hailing service may be sufficient.
How Much Does Bali Airport to Ubud Cost?
Prices vary according to the transport type, vehicle, destination, time and booking method.
Airport taxi fares, ride-hailing prices and private-transfer rates can all change. Grab and Gojek show current app-based prices when you enter your exact destination, while private transfers depend on the provider, vehicle and service level.
Use any published fare as a planning guide rather than treating it as a guaranteed price for your journey.
Is the Bali Airport to Ubud Transfer Expensive?
For a road journey of roughly 35–40 km, the transfer is a significant part of the arrival cost but does not have to be expensive.
Solo travelers can compare app-based rides with other options, while couples and families can divide the cost of a private car between several passengers.
The important thing is to compare the total journey cost rather than only the advertised price of the vehicle.
Common Mistakes When Traveling from Bali Airport to Ubud
Assuming the Journey Takes 30 Minutes
Light traffic can produce a relatively short journey, but this should not be your planning assumption.
Allow considerably more time when traffic is busy.
Choosing a Hotel Without Checking the Location
Ubud accommodation can be spread across a large area.
Check the exact location before deciding which transport option to use.
Ignoring Luggage Capacity
Choose a vehicle that can comfortably accommodate your passengers and luggage.
Booking a Tour Too Soon After Arrival
Traffic and immigration can both take longer than expected.
Leave a generous buffer between your flight arrival and any non-refundable activity.
Accepting Random Offers Before Checking Your Options
After leaving the terminal, you may encounter drivers offering transportation.
Instead of accepting the first price you hear, compare the official taxi service, ride-hailing apps and any transfer already arranged by your hotel.
What Is the Best Option for First-Time Visitors?
For first-time visitors who want the simplest arrival, an airport taxi or pre-booked private transfer is usually the least complicated option.
If you are comfortable with smartphone apps, Grab or Gojek can provide more price transparency and flexibility.
The key is to have a plan before you leave the airport.
What Is the Best Option for Budget Travelers?
Budget travelers should compare Grab, Gojek and public transportation.
Ride-hailing is usually much more convenient than taking multiple buses, particularly if you have luggage.
Public transport can make sense if saving money is more important than travel time and convenience.
What Is the Best Option for Couples?
Couples have several good choices.
Grab or Gojek can be economical, while a private transfer provides a more comfortable and predictable arrival.
If you are staying at a luxury villa or resort, check whether the property offers its own airport transfer.
What Is the Best Option for Families?
Families should prioritize direct transportation, luggage space and simplicity.
A private transfer is often the easiest choice, especially after a long international flight.
If you use a ride-hailing service, select a vehicle large enough for the whole family and your luggage.
What Is the Best Option for a Late Arrival?
A pre-booked private transfer is particularly useful for late arrivals.
You know who is collecting you and where to meet them before you board your flight.
An airport taxi is another practical option.
Bali Airport to Ubud vs Other Airport Routes
Ubud is farther inland than Bali’s southern beach destinations, so the airport journey generally requires more road travel.
If you are continuing to another destination after Ubud, plan your itinerary around realistic transfer times rather than simply looking at distances on a map.
Our Bali Airport to City Guide covers the wider range of airport transfer options around Bali.
What Should You Book Before Your Flight?
You do not necessarily need to pre-book every part of the journey.
At minimum, have the following ready:
- your exact hotel name;
- your hotel address;
- your arrival time;
- a working phone or eSIM;
- a ride-hailing account if you plan to use one;
- a backup transport option.
If you prefer a completely organized arrival, book your private transfer before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Bali Airport to Ubud?
The main options are Grab, Gojek, airport taxi, private transfer and public transportation. For most travelers, a direct car is the easiest choice.
How far is Ubud from Bali Airport?
Ubud is roughly 35–40 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport by road, depending on the exact destination.
How long does Bali Airport to Ubud take?
Allow roughly 1–2 hours as a practical planning range. The actual journey can be shorter in light traffic or substantially longer during congestion.
Can I take Grab from Bali Airport to Ubud?
Yes. Grab operates airport rides at Bali Airport. Follow the current instructions in the Grab app and airport signage when you arrive.
Can I take Gojek from Bali Airport to Ubud?
Yes. Gojek is available for airport transportation, although pickup procedures and availability can vary.
Is there a direct bus from Bali Airport to Ubud?
There is no simple direct bus comparable to a direct taxi or private car. Bus travel can involve transfers and takes considerably longer.
Is there a train from Bali Airport to Ubud?
No. There is no railway connection between Bali Airport and Ubud.
Should I book a private transfer to Ubud?
A private transfer is particularly useful for families, late arrivals, large groups and travelers staying at remote villas or resorts.
Can I rent a scooter at Bali Airport and ride to Ubud?
It is possible to ride a scooter in Bali, but the airport-to-Ubud route is not recommended for inexperienced riders, particularly immediately after a long flight.
What is the cheapest way to get to Ubud?
Public transportation can have the lowest direct fare, while Grab or Gojek can provide a more convenient low-cost alternative for travelers who want a direct journey.
Final Advice
For most visitors, getting from Bali Airport to Ubud is straightforward once you understand the main options.
Grab and Gojek are useful if you want to compare app-based prices. An airport taxi is convenient if you want to arrange transportation immediately after landing. A private transfer is the easiest option when you want everything organized in advance.
The biggest thing to remember is traffic. Ubud may be only around 35–40 km from the airport, but the drive can take much longer than the distance suggests.
Give yourself plenty of time, use the exact address of your hotel and choose your transport according to your budget, luggage and arrival time.
For more information about getting around the island, see our Bali Airport Transfers guide and our Ubud Travel Guide.
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