Getting to, from & around Bali: shuttles, fast boats, ferries & buses
- From Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS): Canggu is ±18 km, Ubud ±37 km and Kintamani ±70 km — shared shuttles are cheapest, a private car with driver is the most flexible.
- To the islands: the Sanur–Nusa Penida fast boat takes about 45 minutes, Padang Bai–Gili Trawangan about 2 hours, and the Padang Bai–Lembar (Lombok) ferry about 4.5 hours.
- Overland from Java: buses include the 24-hour Ketapang–Gilimanuk ferry (about 1 hour across); Surabaya–Denpasar is ±420 km (around 10–12 hours).
- Getting around Bali: most visitors rent a scooter for short trips, or a car with driver for families and day tours.
Landing at Bali airport, hopping over to Nusa Penida or the Gilis, or coming overland from Java? This page sums up your transport options with distances and estimated travel times. Live schedules, fares and seats from official operators are available through our official ticketing partner.
Shuttles from Bali Airport
Distance from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) and estimated travel time outside rush hour.
Ferries & fast boats from Bali
Fast boats carry passengers only; ferries also take scooters and cars. Schedules can change with the weather.
Buses from Java to Bali
Inter-island buses cross on the Ketapang–Gilimanuk ferry, usually with the ferry ticket included. Travel times are estimates and can be longer with port queues or in holiday season.
| Route | Distance | Estimated time | Route guide | Schedule & fares |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jakarta → Denpasarreturn direction also available | ±1,190 km | 24–30 hours | Jakarta – DenpasarDenpasar – Jakarta | Schedule |
| Yogyakarta → Denpasarreturn direction also available | ±750 km | 16–20 hours | Yogyakarta – DenpasarDenpasar – Yogyakarta | Schedule |
| Surabaya → Denpasarreturn direction also available | ±420 km | 10–12 hours | Surabaya – DenpasarDenpasar – Surabaya | Schedule |
| Malang → Denpasarreturn direction also available | ±440 km | 11–13 hours | Malang – DenpasarDenpasar – Malang | Schedule |
| Banyuwangi → Denpasarreturn direction also available | ±135 km | 4–5 hours | Banyuwangi – DenpasarDenpasar – Banyuwangi | Schedule |
Tips for the bus to Bali
- Carry your passport — ferry passengers are recorded on the port manifest.
- Around Eid al-Fitr, Christmas–New Year and Indonesian school holidays, queues at Ketapang can last hours; book early and bring snacks.
- Ask where the bus stops in Bali: many end at Mengwi Terminal, not central Denpasar.
Crossing on your own?
Take the train or bus to Banyuwangi, then the ferry from Ketapang to Gilimanuk (about 1 hour, 24/7). From Gilimanuk, buses to Denpasar take about 3–4 hours. Opposite direction: Gilimanuk to Ketapang.
Arrived in Bali? Get around by scooter or car
For Kuta, Canggu, Ubud or Uluwatu, an automatic scooter is the most practical way to get around. See scooter rental in Bali for estimated prices by area and model, or car rental in Bali if you travel with family.
Continuing to other countries after Bali?
Many travellers continue around Southeast Asia — Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur or Hanoi. See bus, train & ferry tickets worldwide for popular routes by country, with live schedules from our official ticketing partner.
Starting fares from our ticketing partner in USD per person; you can pay in IDR on the booking page. Fares may change.
FAQ: Bali transport
How do I get from Bali airport to Ubud or Canggu?
Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) is about 37 km from Ubud and 18 km from Canggu. Shared shuttles and pre-booked private cars are the easiest options; travel time depends heavily on traffic, from under an hour to two hours at peak times.
How do I get from Bali to Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands?
Fast boats to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan leave from Sanur Beach (about 45 minutes). Fast boats to Gili Trawangan and Gili Air leave mainly from Padang Bai (about 2 hours). Schedules can change with the weather.
Can I travel overland from Java to Bali?
Yes. Buses from Surabaya, Malang, Yogyakarta and Jakarta cross on the Ketapang–Gilimanuk ferry, which runs 24 hours. Gilimanuk is still about 3–4 hours by road from Denpasar.
How do I book tickets?
Pick a route on this page and tap "Schedule". Schedules, fares and seats come from official operators; payment and e-tickets are handled by SiapPergi's official ticketing partner.
What is the best way to get around Bali?
For short, flexible trips many visitors rent an automatic scooter (from around IDR 60,000/day for a small one, an estimated market price) — you need a valid licence with a motorcycle category and an International Driving Permit. Families and groups usually prefer a car with driver.