The easiest way to get to Bali is to fly into I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, also called Denpasar International Airport, with the airport code DPS. Most international visitors arrive there. Many long-haul routes require at least one connection, while travelers from Java can take a ferry and travelers from Lombok can choose a ferry, fast boat or domestic flight.

At a Glance

Starting point Best way to reach Bali What to expect
United States Fly to DPS with one connection Common connection hubs include Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Doha and Dubai
Europe Fly to DPS, usually with one connection Routes commonly connect through Asia or the Middle East
Australia Fly directly to DPS from many major cities Direct flights are widely available
Other parts of Asia Take a direct flight to DPS Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and other regional hubs have frequent Bali connections
Java Travel to Banyuwangi, then take the Ketapang to Gilimanuk ferry Best for overland trips and travelers carrying vehicles
Lombok Take the Padang Bai to Lembar ferry, a fast boat or a flight Useful for combining Bali and Lombok
Cruise passengers Arrive at Benoa Harbour Cruise schedules and immigration arrangements vary

How to Fly to Bali from the United States

Most travelers from the United States need at least one connection before reaching Bali. Singapore Changi Airport is one practical option because it has onward non-stop flights to Bali. Singapore Airlines lists one-stop itineraries from cities such as Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York through Singapore.

Other common connection points include:

  • Tokyo
  • Seoul
  • Taipei
  • Hong Kong
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Doha
  • Dubai

Search for DPS rather than only "Denpasar." Booking websites often use "Denpasar" for Bali flights, even though Ngurah Rai International Airport is in Tuban, near Kuta and Jimbaran.

For a simpler journey:

  1. Search for one booking from your home airport to DPS.
  2. Choose one connection instead of separate tickets when possible.
  3. Allow enough time for immigration or a terminal change at the connecting airport.
  4. Check whether your baggage will be sent through to Bali.
  5. Avoid tight self-transfers, especially when changing airlines.

A single booking is usually safer because the airline is responsible for rebooking you if a delayed first flight causes you to miss the connection.

How to Fly to Bali from Europe, Asia or Australia

Travelers from Europe usually connect through an airport in Asia or the Middle East. Travelers from Australia can often fly directly to DPS from major cities. Bali also has direct connections with many cities across Asia and the Middle East.

Singapore is one of the most useful connection airports because Singapore Changi Airport has non-stop flights to Denpasar. Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong, Seoul and Tokyo may also work, depending on your departure city and airline.

If you are already in Indonesia, domestic flights to DPS operate from major cities including:

  • Jakarta
  • Surabaya
  • Yogyakarta
  • Bandung
  • Medan
  • Makassar
  • Lombok

Flying is usually the fastest way to reach Bali from another Indonesian island.

How to Get to Bali from Java

Travelers coming from Java can take the Ketapang to Gilimanuk ferry.

Route from Java to Bali

  1. Travel by train, bus or private car to Banyuwangi.
  2. Continue to Ketapang Harbour.
  3. Take the ferry across the Bali Strait to Gilimanuk.
  4. Continue by bus, car or private transfer to your destination in Bali.

The ferry arrives in western Bali, so you still have a road journey after leaving Gilimanuk. Reaching Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur or Ubud can take several more hours, depending on traffic.

This route works well if you are already visiting East Java, Banyuwangi or Mount Ijen. It is usually a poor choice for travelers flying into Indonesia specifically to visit Bali, since the land and ferry journey takes much longer than flying directly to DPS. ASDP Indonesia Ferry operates the Ketapang to Gilimanuk crossing.

How to Get to Bali from Lombok

Travelers coming from Lombok have three main choices: the public ferry, a fast boat or a domestic flight.

Public Ferry

The public ferry runs between Lembar Harbour in Lombok and Padang Bai in Bali. The crossing takes approximately four to five hours and carries passengers, cars and motorbikes. Sea conditions can make the journey uncomfortable if you are prone to seasickness.

Fast Boat

Fast boats operate from ports such as Padang Bai and Serangan. They can be useful for reaching southern and eastern Bali, but journey times, prices and sailing conditions depend on the operator.

Flight

Domestic flights connect Lombok International Airport with DPS. Flying is the easiest choice if you have heavy luggage, limited time or poor sea conditions.

How to Get from Bali Airport to Your Hotel

Use an official taxi, Grab, Gojek or a pre-booked private driver to leave Ngurah Rai International Airport. Public buses may cost less, but they are usually less convenient for visitors carrying luggage.

Ngurah Rai International Airport is close to Kuta, Jimbaran and the southern Bali resort area. It is roughly 15 kilometres from Denpasar, although traffic can make the journey much longer than the distance suggests.

Official Airport Taxi

Use the official taxi counter inside the terminal. You pay according to your destination or zone and receive a driver or booking instructions. This is the simplest option if you do not have mobile data or prefer not to use an app.

Grab or Gojek

Grab and Gojek use designated airport pickup areas. Follow the signs to the correct lounge or pickup point instead of accepting an unsolicited ride inside the arrivals area.

Pre-booked Private Driver

A private transfer is useful for Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu, Amed and other destinations that require a longer drive. Your driver can meet you in the arrivals area and take you directly to your accommodation.

Public Bus

Public buses may be cheaper, but their routes and operating patterns are less convenient for visitors with luggage. A taxi, ride-hailing car or private transfer is usually easier for a first arrival.

Bali Entry Requirements to Prepare Before You Travel

Entry requirements depend on your passport nationality and travel purpose. Before you fly, check the Indonesian immigration rules for:

  • Visa exemption eligibility
  • Visa on Arrival eligibility
  • Electronic Visa on Arrival requirements
  • Passport validity
  • Proof of onward or return travel

Eligible foreign visitors can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport or apply for an Electronic Visa on Arrival before traveling. Indonesian immigration states that travelers using Visa on Arrival usually need a passport valid for at least six months and an onward or return ticket.

International arrivals should also complete the All Indonesia arrival declaration, which combines immigration, customs, health and quarantine information in one digital system. Complete it through the official Indonesian immigration platform and save the QR code before reaching the airport.

Foreign tourists visiting Bali must pay the separate Bali tourist levy of IDR 150,000 through the official Love Bali system. This levy is separate from any Indonesian visa or Visa on Arrival fee.

Which Route Should You Choose?

  • Fly to DPS if you are coming from outside Indonesia or want the shortest journey.
  • Connect through Singapore if you are flying from the United States or another city with limited Bali connections.
  • Take the Java ferry if you are already traveling through Banyuwangi or East Java.
  • Take a ferry or fast boat from Lombok if Bali is part of an island-hopping trip.
  • Book a private airport transfer if you are heading to Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu, Amed or another destination outside the southern resort area.

For most travelers, the practical plan is to book a single itinerary to DPS, complete the required Indonesian arrival forms before departure and decide on your airport transfer before landing.