Airport Guide

Bali Airport Guide — Arrivals, Departures, Tips & Transfers

Updated March 2026 5 min read

In This Guide

Arrival Process — Step by Step SIM Cards, WiFi & Money Exchange Airport Transfers — Costs & Times Departure Process & Tips Expert Tips for a Smooth Airport Experience FAQ

Ngurah Rai International Airport (airport code DPS) is your gateway to Bali, and navigating it efficiently can save you an hour or more at the start and end of your trip. Located in southern Bali near Kuta, the airport is the only international airport on the island and handles over 20 million passengers annually. Whether this is your first time or your tenth visit, the airport experience has changed significantly in recent years with new terminals, e-visa lanes, and updated transfer options.

Bali Malayali has met hundreds of travellers at this airport and guided them through every step from landing to their hotel doorstep. We know which immigration lanes move fastest, where to get the best SIM card deals, which money changers to trust, and exactly how long transfers take to every major destination at every time of day. This insider knowledge is what makes the difference between a smooth arrival and a stressful first hour in Bali.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Ngurah Rai Airport in 2026 — the complete arrival process from wheels-down to exit, the departure process including check-in tips and terminal facilities, real transfer times and costs to every major Bali destination, and the Bali Malayali team's expert tips for making your airport experience as painless as possible.

Arrival Process — Step by Step

After landing, follow signs to immigration. If you have an e-visa, head to the e-visa/e-VOA lanes which are usually faster. If not, proceed to the Visa on Arrival payment counters first, pay 500,000 IDR ($32), then join the immigration queue. Have your passport, visa receipt, and completed customs declaration (available on the plane or at the terminal) ready. Immigration processing takes 2–5 minutes per person. After passport control, collect your luggage from the carousel. Proceed through customs — green lane for nothing to declare, red lane if you have goods to declare. After customs, you enter the arrivals hall where drivers, tour operators, and money changers await. The entire process from landing to exit takes 30–90 minutes depending on queue length and time of arrival.

SIM Cards, WiFi & Money Exchange

SIM card vendors are located immediately after customs in the arrivals hall. Telkomsel is the most reliable network with the best coverage across Bali. A tourist SIM with 15–25GB of data costs 100,000–200,000 IDR ($6.50–13). The vendor will set up the SIM and test it before you leave. For money exchange, the airport rates are acceptable but not the best — exchange enough for your first day (500,000–1,000,000 IDR) and get better rates in town later. BMC and Central Kuta Money Exchange offer competitive rates without commission. Never use unofficial money changers who approach you in the arrivals hall. Free airport WiFi is available but slow and time-limited — your new SIM card will serve you much better.

Airport Transfers — Costs & Times

Getting from the airport to your accommodation requires planning ahead. Official airport taxi counters are inside the arrivals hall — rates are fixed by zone and non-negotiable, which is actually an advantage as there is no haggling. Approximate costs: Kuta/Legian $8–10 (15–20 min), Seminyak $12–15 (25–40 min), Canggu $18–22 (40–60 min), Ubud $25–35 (1–1.5 hours), Uluwatu $15–20 (30–45 min), Sanur $12–15 (25–35 min). Pre-booked private transfers through Bali Malayali offer fixed rates, meet-and-greet at arrivals, and a welcome sign with your name — especially valuable after a long flight when you just want to get to your hotel without any hassle. Grab ride-hailing is technically available but you must walk to the designated pickup area outside the airport complex.

Kuta/Legian: $8–10 (15–20 min)

Seminyak: $12–15 (25–40 min)

Canggu: $18–22 (40–60 min)

Ubud: $25–35 (1–1.5 hours)

Uluwatu: $15–20 (30–45 min)

Sanur: $12–15 (25–35 min)

Departure Process & Tips

The international departure terminal is modern and well-equipped. Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights. Check-in counters are on the ground floor, departure gates on the upper level. After immigration, the departure lounge has numerous shops, restaurants, and duty-free stores. There are several airport lounges accessible by premium credit cards or purchasable day passes. Food prices inside the departure area are 2–3 times higher than outside, so eat before you enter or bring snacks. Do not carry fresh fruit, meat products, or cultural artefacts without proper documentation — Indonesian customs is strict about these items on departure.

Expert Tips for a Smooth Airport Experience

Apply for the e-visa online before your trip to skip the on-arrival payment queue — this alone can save 30–60 minutes. Arrive on late-night flights when possible, as immigration queues are shortest between 10pm and 6am. Keep a pen handy for the customs declaration form. Have your hotel address written down or saved on your phone for the transfer driver. Download offline Google Maps for Bali before landing so you can navigate even without data. Charge your phone fully before landing — you will need it for e-visa QR codes, navigation, and communication. If your accommodation provides airport transfer, always confirm the booking 24 hours before arrival with the exact flight number and arrival time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Bali airport to my hotel?

The easiest options are the official airport taxi (fixed rates, no haggling, buy a ticket at the counter in arrivals), a pre-booked private transfer (arranged by your hotel or Bali Malayali), or a Grab/Gojek ride (walk to the pickup area outside the airport complex). Pre-booked transfers are most convenient for first-time visitors, especially after a long flight.

How long does it take to get through Bali airport immigration?

Immigration takes 30–90 minutes depending on your arrival time and queue length. Late-night arrivals (10pm–6am) are fastest, while peak daytime arrivals during high season can take up to 90 minutes. Having an e-visa speeds things up significantly by letting you skip the Visa on Arrival payment counter queue.

Where can I buy a SIM card at Bali airport?

SIM card vendors are located immediately after customs in the arrivals hall. Telkomsel is the best network for coverage across Bali, including remote areas like Nusa Penida and East Bali. A tourist SIM costs 100,000–200,000 IDR ($6.50–13) for 15–25GB of data. The vendor will install and test the SIM in your phone before you leave their counter.

How much does an airport transfer to Ubud cost?

An airport taxi to Ubud costs approximately $25–35 and takes 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. Pre-booked private transfers through Bali Malayali are similarly priced but include meet-and-greet service, a name sign at arrivals, and a comfortable air-conditioned car. Avoid the traffic peak hours of 4–7pm when the journey can take over 2 hours.

Related Destinations

Ubud

The cultural heart of Bali

Seminyak

Bali's luxury beachfront playground

Uluwatu

Dramatic cliffs, world-class surf, and sacred temples

Canggu

Where surf culture meets creative energy

Sanur

Bali's serene sunrise coast

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Arrival Process — Step by Step

SIM Cards, WiFi & Money Exchange

Airport Transfers — Costs & Times

Departure Process & Tips

Expert Tips for a Smooth Airport Experience