If you’re trying to figure out the best way to get to your holiday resort in Ubud from Bali International Airport, then you’ve come to the right place. For those arriving at Bali (Ngurah Rai) International Airport for the first time, the number of transport options available to reach Ubud could be a little overwhelming. To get your vacation started on the right foot, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you find the best way for you to get from Bali Airport to Ubud.
There are four primary modes of transportation from Bali Airport to Ubud: taxis, shuttles, hotel-provided cars, and car services. In this post, we compare these transportation options based on the following criteria:
Time: How many hours do I have to spend to get from Bali Airport to my Ubud destination?
Convenience: How many transit switches and different modes of transport will I have to make?
Comfort: How comfortable am I sharing a full vehicle and walking with all my luggage for varying distances at different points in the journey?
Cost: What is my budget for this journey? Am I willing to spend more for a reduced time, increased convenience, and comfort?
Option 1: Travel via Taxi
Travel Time: 1.5 – 2h
Convenience: Moderate
Comfort: Medium
Cost: $$$
Summary & Recommendation:
Taxis offer a fast and direct way to travel from Bali Airport to Ubud. Bali Airport taxis charge a fixed rate, and your total fare depends on your exact destination. You can check the prices on a large board beside the taxi counter. The queue changes daily, sometimes short, sometimes long, so plan a little extra time if you’re arriving during busy hours.
Once you reach the taxi counter, you can inform the clerk of your desired destination, and they’ll quote a price accordingly. When the destination and the price are established, the clerk will hand you a piece of paper with the number of your taxi ride. You’ll pay the driver in cash once you’ve arrived at your destination.
There is an added level of comfort with a taxi that you likely won’t have when traveling in public transport. Despite the additional comfort, taxis aren’t entirely free of inconveniences. Your taxi might be cramped or small, especially if you’re traveling with more luggage or passengers.
The most common issue you’ll face when hiring a local taxi is the language barrier, as most taxi drivers in Bali don’t speak English. If you need a quicker transportation option or are traveling when public transport isn’t available, then a taxi could be a good choice.
Travel Steps:
● International Arrival Terminal
1: Exit Arrival Terminal via the glass sliding doors
2: Walk past the “Dufry Shopping” arcade
3: Arrive at the counter, next to the information desk.
4: Book your ride
5: Line up and wait for the next vacant taxi
● Domestic Arrival Terminal
1: Exit the glass sliding doors
2: Turn to your left
3: Locate the taxi stand information desk
4: Book your ride
5: Stand in line and board the next available vehicle
Option 2: Bali to Ubud by Shuttle
Travel Time: 3-4 hours
Convenience: Low
Comfort: Low
Cost: $
Summary & Recommendation:
Kura Kura Bus is a public shuttle bus service available from the airport. You’ll be glad to know that as of 2018, it’s possible to travel to Ubud via shuttle bus. In fact, Kura Kura is known as the most budget-friendly transport to move across towns. In most cases, the shuttle bus is clean, modern, and air-conditioned. When compared to the taxi transport option, however, traveling via a shuttle bus service is less convenient and less comfortable.
Shuttle buses make several stops along their route. Even after arriving at your designated stop, you’ll likely need to walk or take a taxi to reach your hotel or final destination in Ubud.
Shuttles depart every hour from 9:00 AM to 08:25 PM, following a fixed schedule. Because of this, you’ll need to plan your itinerary around their timetable.
This option is best suited for travelers who are budget-conscious and not in a rush to reach their destination.
Travel Steps:
1: Arrive at the Bali Airport Arrival Hall and make your way to the DFS Bus Ray (Line 5)
2: Purchase a ticket from the counter to Ubud
3: Wait for the next available shuttle and board
4: Travel to your station
5: Exit the shuttle and make your way to your final destination.
Option 3: Bali to Ubud by Car Service
Travel Time: 1-2 hours
Convenience: High
Comfort: High
Cost: Get A Quote
Summary & Recommendation:
Car service is by far the most convenient, comfortable, and reliable transport solution. This single-step door-to-door transport service will provide you with the most benefits. You’ll get responsible and experienced drivers who know the best routes and can speak English. They’ll be able to accommodate your schedule and will know your itinerary before you’ve even arrived. All booking and planning is done ahead of time in a quick and efficient manner. The best part of the car service is that it is available 24 hours a day. So, there are no waiting times, no ticket purchases, and no last-minute mishaps.
You should consider a Bali Airport Car Service if you want a premium level of comfort during your travel to Ubud. The car service offers additional peace of mind, complete convenience and comfort, zero planning, and no line-up for a taxi.
Travel Steps: Exit Airport Arrival Terminal > Meet your professional driver with your personalized name-sign > Get into your car > Travel to your destination.
Option 4: Using the Hotel-Provided Car
Travel Time: 1-2 hours
Convenience: Medium
Comfort: Medium
Cost: $$
Summary & Recommendation:
In comparison to the taxi and shuttle transport from Denpasar Airport to Ubud, the hotel-provided car is a more convenient and comfortable option. You don’t have to purchase any tickets at the terminal or pre-plan to access your hotel-provided car. However, you’ll need to pre-arrange a car with your hotel.
The main issues you may face are time, reliability, and quality. When it comes to considering hotel-provided car service, there are several things you should consider to avoid any unexpected inconveniences.
Does the hotel manage its own cars, or will it be outsourcing your transport? Some hotels prefer to outsource their car services to reduce their costs. In these situations, they’ll either hire a local driver or a taxi to meet you at the airport.
Will the vehicle transport you privately or wait for several other travelers? What is the quality of the vehicle? Is the driver responsible or reckless when they are behind the wheel? All of these really matter for your comfort and convenience during the travel to your destination.
The most significant benefit of hiring a hotel-arranged car transport is that it will take you directly to your destination. There should be no other stops along the way, making it one of the quickest options.
Travel Steps:
1: Exit the Arrival Terminal
2: Look for your hotel car
3: Get in the car
4: Travel to your Ubud hotel
Final Thoughts
Every transport option has its own pros and cons for an Airport transfer to your Ubud hotel. However, transport options like the taxi and shuttle are probably better suited when traveling outside your home country, as there are fewer chances of a miscommunication mishap.
If you’re traveling to Asia for the first time, you’ll probably experience several new challenges along the way. Inconvenient language barriers, carrying luggage for longer distances, and changes in transport are all things inexperienced travelers have to deal with on their first visit. In such cases, taking a car service is recommended to save time, and adds an additional comfort and convenience to your experience. A car service offers professional drivers who will greet you on your arrival and will wait for you even if your flight is delayed or arrives early. All car services are door-to-door, so you’re guaranteed a smooth ride to your final destination.
Hopefully, with this guide, you’re better prepared for what to expect on your visit to Bali. At least in terms of transport, you’ll know exactly what’s available and which choice is best for you.
Asia Car Service provides private limousine transfers. If you are interested in private car service for your Bali Airport to Ubud journey, please don’t hesitate to contact us: bookings@asiacarservice.com.
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