Ngurah Rai International Airport transfer
This page covers private transfers from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali to your hotel or villa, with a local driver who meets you in arrivals and takes you straight to your accommodation. The price is agreed before you book and does not change for traffic or a delayed flight.
- Airport code
- DPS
- City
- Bali
- Route guides
- 2
Bali distances look short on a map, but drive times are long: south Bali traffic is dense, and the roads to Ubud, Sidemen and Amed run through towns and villages rather than motorways. Below you will find realistic drive times, vehicle advice and tips for the return to the airport.
Transfers from this airport
Arriving at Ngurah Rai Airport
Ngurah Rai Airport sits in Tuban, on the narrow neck of land between Kuta and Jimbaran, with its runway reaching out into the sea. It has separate international and domestic terminals, and most long-haul and regional flights arrive at the international one.
At busy times, immigration, baggage collection and customs can take a while. Share your flight number when booking so the local provider can follow your arrival.
Your driver waits in the arrivals area with a name sign. The exact meeting spot is confirmed by the provider by phone or WhatsApp before or on arrival, so keep your phone switched on after landing.
Where transfers from DPS usually go
- Ubud
- 41 km inland, typically 94–118 minutes. Bali's cultural centre with rice terraces, yoga retreats and villas in river valleys.
- Canggu
- 19 km up the west coast, typically 61–77 minutes. Surf beaches, cafés and villas, reached through some of the island's heaviest traffic.
- Uluwatu
- 18 km south onto the Bukit Peninsula, typically 51–64 minutes. Cliff-top resorts, surf breaks and the sea temple.
- Sidemen
- 55 km east in Karangasem, typically 111–139 minutes. A quiet valley of rice terraces below Mount Agung.
- Amed
- 97 km to the north-east coast, typically 174–218 minutes. Fishing villages, snorkelling and diving.
Why short distances take a long time in Bali
The airport lies in the most built-up part of the island. Every transfer starts by working through south Bali, where cars, trucks and a very large number of scooters share roads that were not designed for this volume. Late afternoon and evening are usually the slowest times, and congestion gets heavier in the July–August and December–January peaks.
Outside the south, roads are mostly two-lane and pass through villages, markets and temple entrances. This is why a 19 km trip to Canggu can take over an hour and the 97 km run to Amed takes around three to three and a half hours.
Choosing the right vehicle
- Private car
- For one to three passengers with normal luggage. Prices range from roughly €18–26 for Canggu or Uluwatu to around €45–60 for Amed.
- Minivan
- For families and groups of up to about seven, or when you carry a lot of luggage. Typically around €30–42 for Canggu or Uluwatu and €65–85 for Amed.
- Surfboards and dive gear
- Declare board bags, dive equipment or bicycles when booking so a vehicle with enough space is sent. Larger vehicles are available on request.
- Child seats
- Request them when booking and give the children's ages.
Seasons and timing
Bali is a year-round destination. The dry season runs roughly from April to October, and the wet season from November to March brings heavy but often short tropical downpours, which can slow traffic further. The busiest periods are July–August and the Christmas and New Year weeks.
Once a year, on Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, the island shuts down for 24 hours and the airport closes. It usually falls in March, but the date changes every year, so check it if you travel in spring.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Ubud from Bali Airport?
Ubud is 41 km from Ngurah Rai Airport. The private transfer typically takes 94–118 minutes, and longer in evening traffic. A car usually costs around €25–35.
Will my driver wait if immigration takes a long time?
Yes. Your flight number lets the provider follow your arrival, and the price does not change if your flight is delayed. The driver meets you in the arrivals area once you are through.
Can I bring a surfboard in the transfer?
Yes, as long as you declare it when booking. Board bags do not fit in every car, so the provider needs to know the number and length of the boards to send a suitable vehicle.
Is the transfer shared with other passengers?
No. The vehicle is booked only for you and your group, and it goes directly to your hotel or villa without stops at other hotels.
Do transfers run on Nyepi?
No. On Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, roads are closed to traffic and the airport does not operate for 24 hours.