How to Get from Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) to Ubud

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Ngurah Rai Airport to Ubud for most travelers is a pre-booked private transfer (60-120 minutes, $25-40/375,000-600,000 IDR). This is the most reliable option for Ubud's remote locations. Budget alternative: Perama Tour shuttle (90-150 minutes, $6.50/100,000 IDR) but only 2-3 departures daily. Taxi option: Blue Bird meter taxi (60-120 minutes, $30-50/450,000-750,000 IDR) - expensive but available. Critical warning: Grab/Gojek drivers often cancel Ubud trips. Last shuttles depart 4-5 PM. Ubud is 35-40km from DPS with mountain roads - travel time varies wildly with traffic. Always pre-book if arriving after 3 PM.

How to Get from DPS to Ubud by Shuttle Bus

Getting from Ngurah Rai Airport to Ubud by shuttle bus requires patience and planning. Unlike Kuta/Seminyak, there's no direct tourist shuttle from DPS to Ubud. You need either: Perama Tour shuttle (limited schedule), or combination of Kura-Kura bus + Perama shuttle with transfer in Kuta. The internet says shuttle is the budget option, but that's only true if you value saving $20 over 2-3 hours of your time. Many tourists attempt the shuttle but regret it with luggage or tight schedules.

Route	Bus Type	Travel Time	Cost	Frequency
DPS Airport → Ubud Center	Perama Tour Shuttle (direct)	90-150 minutes	100,000 IDR ($6.50)	2-3 times daily
DPS → Kuta → Ubud	Kura-Kura + Perama combo	120-180 minutes	120,000-150,000 IDR ($7.80-9.75)	Kura-Kura every 30-60min
DPS → Denpasar → Ubud	Trans Sarbagita + local bus	150-240 minutes	10,000 IDR ($0.65)	Public bus every 20-60min
Shared Tourist Shuttle	Pre-booked shared van	90-150 minutes	150,000-200,000 IDR ($9.75-13)	When full (1-2 hour wait)

Perama Tour Shuttle to Ubud (Only Direct Option)

Perama Tour operates the only direct shuttle from DPS Airport to Ubud. Departures: Approximately 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM (verify current schedule). Travel time: 90-150 minutes depending on traffic. Cost: 100,000 IDR ($6.50). Drop-off: Perama Ubud office on Jalan Hanoman (central Ubud). From there, you need local taxi to your hotel (20,000-100,000 IDR/$1.30-6.50). Critical limitation: Only 2-3 departures daily, must book in advance online or at Perama counter in arrival hall. Often sells out.

Kura-Kura Bus + Perama Shuttle Combo

If you miss the direct Perama shuttle, take Kura-Kura bus from DPS to Kuta Square (40,000-80,000 IDR/$2.60-5.25, 30-60 minutes), then Perama shuttle from Kuta to Ubud (100,000 IDR/$6.50, 60-90 minutes). Perama Kuta office is near Kuta Square. Total cost: 140,000-180,000 IDR ($9.10-11.70). Total time: 120-180 minutes plus wait time. Only recommended for: Backpackers with time, staying near Ubud center. Not suitable with luggage or if your accommodation is outside central Ubud.

A common example of a real-life mistake

You arrive at 2 PM, read online about the "cheap shuttle to Ubud." You find the Perama counter, but the 1 PM shuttle has left, next is 4 PM. You wait 2 hours. The shuttle leaves at 4:20 PM, gets stuck in Friday afternoon traffic. You reach Ubud at 6:45 PM, it's dark. The Perama office calls a local driver to your hotel - he charges 150,000 IDR ($9.75) for a 5-minute ride (tourist price). You reach your hotel at 7:15 PM, tired and hungry. Had you pre-booked a direct transfer for 400,000 IDR ($26), you'd have been at your hotel by 4 PM with luggage delivered to room. The "savings" of 300,000 IDR ($19.50) cost you 3+ hours and stress. Happens daily.

Trans Sarbagita Public Bus to Denpasar + Ubud Bus

The ultra-budget local option: Trans Sarbagita bus from DPS to Denpasar Tegal terminal (3,500 IDR/$0.25, 30-60 minutes), then local bus to Ubud (6,500 IDR/$0.42, 60-90 minutes). Total: 10,000 IDR ($0.65), 150-240 minutes. Reality check: Buses are basic, crowded, no A/C, no luggage space, drop at Ubud terminal (not center). You'll need another taxi to your hotel. I don't actually recommend this for any tourist with more than a daypack. The internet says it's "authentic," but that's backpacker romanticism ignoring practical reality.

Pre-booked Shared Shuttle Services

Several companies offer shared shuttle vans from DPS to Ubud (150,000-200,000 IDR/$9.75-13). You book online, they match you with other travelers, van departs when full (often 1-2 hour wait). Drop-off is usually central Ubud locations. Better than Perama: More frequent, sometimes hotel pickup. Downsides: Multiple stops, cramped if full, long wait times. Still need local taxi from drop point to hotel. Many people choose shared shuttle based on price, but I only recommend it for solo travelers with backpack staying in central Ubud.

Taxi, Grab & Gojek from DPS to Ubud

Airport Taxi Counter to Ubud (Fixed Price)

The official airport taxi counter at DPS charges fixed prices to Ubud: 500,000-700,000 IDR ($33-46) depending on exact location and time. Pay at counter, driver takes you directly to your Ubud accommodation. Advantages: Fixed price (no meter surprises), 24/7 availability, registered drivers. Disadvantages: Expensive, especially for solo travelers. This is the easiest option if you haven't pre-booked and want minimal hassle.

Blue Bird Taxi with Meter to Ubud

Blue Bird taxis (metered) from DPS to Ubud cost approximately 450,000-750,000 IDR ($30-50) on meter, including tolls. Ensure meter is used. Travel time: 60-120 minutes. Important: Some Blue Bird drivers refuse Ubud trips due to distance - they may ask for flat fee 500,000-600,000 IDR ($33-39). Legally they must use meter, but you may need to try several taxis. Blue Bird is reliable but expensive for this distance.

Grab & Gojek to Ubud - The Reality

Grab and Gojek technically offer trips to Ubud (approx 400,000-600,000 IDR/$26-39 in app). Reality: Drivers at DPS see Ubud destination and often cancel. Reasons: 1) Empty return trip (no passengers from Ubud to airport). 2) Airport touts pressure them to cancel app trips. 3) Prefer short Kuta trips. Even if you get a driver, they may ask for cash payment 500,000+ IDR ($33+) upfront. The internet says Grab is cheap, but that's only true for short trips. For Ubud, don't rely on Grab/Gojek.

Is Airport Taxi Worth It to Ubud?

Solo traveler: Probably not (500,000 IDR/$33 vs 100,000 IDR/$6.50 shuttle). Couple: Possibly (250,000 IDR/$16.50 each vs 50,000 IDR/$3.25 each for shuttle). Group of 3-4: Definitely (125,000-167,000 IDR/$8.25-11 each). Late night arrival: Absolutely (only option). With luggage: Worth the convenience. First-time visitor to Ubud: Recommended for stress-free arrival.

Negotiating with Drivers at DPS

Outside the official taxi counter, independent drivers will offer "taxi to Ubud." Initial quote: 700,000-1,000,000 IDR ($46-65). Negotiate down to 500,000-600,000 IDR ($33-39). Risks: Older cars, less insurance, possible additional stops. Safer: Use official counter or pre-book. If negotiating, agree on price including tolls, no additional stops, before entering car. Have exact Ubud address ready.

Pre-booked Private Transfer to Ubud (Recommended)

Why Pre-booked Transfer is Best for Ubud

Pre-booked private transfers cost 375,000-600,000 IDR ($25-40) to Ubud. Driver meets you with sign at arrivals, helps with luggage, takes you directly to your Ubud hotel. Advantages over taxi: Fixed price booked in advance, English-speaking driver, know Ubud's complicated lanes, wait if flight delayed, often better vehicles. Book via: Klook, GetYourGuide, Viator, or directly with Bali transfer companies. This is the most stress-free option for Ubud.

Hotel Airport Transfer Service to Ubud

Many Ubud hotels offer airport transfer at 500,000-800,000 IDR ($33-52). Usually more expensive than booking yourself but includes: Driver knows exact hotel location (critical in Ubud's maze-like lanes), wait if flight delayed, sometimes welcome drink upon arrival. Worth it if: Your hotel is hard to find, you're arriving late, or price difference is small. Ask hotel for rate before booking third-party.

Finding Ubud Accommodations - The Challenge

Ubud is not like Kuta. Many accommodations are: Down narrow lanes (cars can't enter), up steep stairs, across footbridges, or in rice fields. A regular taxi driver may refuse to take you the last 500m. Pre-booked transfer drivers know these challenges and will either: 1) Take you as close as possible and help with bags, 2) Call hotel for assistance, 3) Use smaller vehicle if lane is narrow. Always send your hotel's exact location and access instructions to transfer company.

Is Private Transfer Worth It for Ubud?

Absolutely for most travelers. The premium over shuttle (300,000-500,000 IDR/$19.50-32.50) buys you: 1-3 hours saved, door-to-door service, no luggage hauling, stress reduction. For a couple: 150,000-250,000 IDR/$9.75-16.25 each. For a 10-day Bali trip, that's $1-1.60 per day for arrival comfort. Worth it. The only travelers who should choose shuttle: Solo backpackers on extreme budget staying at hostels near Ubud center.

DPS Airport to Ubud Route Map & Mountain Roads

The map below shows the two main routes from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to Ubud. The distance is 35-40km but feels longer due to winding mountain roads and traffic.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from DPS Airport to Ubud on Google Maps

Two Main Routes to Ubud

1. Coastal Route via Sanur (longer but flatter): DPS → Bypass Ngurah Rai → Sanur → Kusamba → Gianyar → Ubud. Approximately 50km, 70-120 minutes. Less winding, better for motion sickness.
2. Direct Route via Mas/Celeuk (shorter but more winding): DPS → Bypass → Denpasar → Mas → Celeuk → Ubud. Approximately 35km, 60-100 minutes. More scenic, more curves, can cause motion sickness.

Drivers choose route based on current traffic. Friday afternoon: Coastal route often faster (escape traffic). Rainy season: Landslides occasionally block mountain routes. Motion sickness warning: If prone, take medication before departure. Ubud is 200m above sea level - you'll feel the ascent.

Complete Bus Route & Transfer Points: DPS to Ubud

Perama Shuttle Direct Route from DPS to Ubud

The Perama Tour shuttle follows this route:

1. DPS Airport Terminal (Departure point)
2. Bypass Ngurah Rai (main highway, 10-30 minutes)
3. Sanur area (sometimes pickup/dropoff, 20-40 minutes from airport)
4. Kusamba/Gianyar (inland roads, 40-70 minutes)
5. Ubud Center - Perama Office (Jalan Hanoman, 70-120 minutes total)

Frequency: 2-3 times daily (approx 10 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM). Travel time: 90-150 minutes. Drop-off: Perama Ubud office only. You need local transport to your hotel.

Kura-Kura + Perama Combo Route

For this option, two separate routes:

Part 1: Kura-Kura Bus DPS → Kuta

1. DPS Airport Terminal
2. Kuta Central Park (optional stop)
3. Kuta Square / Discovery Mall (terminus)

Part 2: Perama Shuttle Kuta → Ubud

1. Perama Kuta Office (near Kuta Square)
2. Kuta areas (hotel pickups sometimes)
3. Bypass Ngurah Rai
4. Sanur (possible stop)
5. Ubud Center - Perama Office

Total time: 120-180 minutes plus transfer wait time. Total cost: 140,000-180,000 IDR ($9.10-11.70).

Public Bus Route (Trans Sarbagita + Local Bus)

Part 1: Trans Sarbagita Route 1 - DPS to Denpasar

1. DPS Airport Terminal
2. Jimbaran (some buses)
3. Jalan By Pass I Gusti Ngurah Rai
4. Jalan Teuku Umar (Denpasar)
5. Tegal Terminal (Denpasar city center)

Part 2: Local Bus from Tegal to Ubud

1. Tegal Terminal, Denpasar
2. Batubulan Terminal (east Denpasar)
3. Mas (woodcarving village)
4. Celeuk (art village)
5. Ubud Terminal (north of center)

Total time: 150-240 minutes. Total cost: 10,000 IDR ($0.65). Not recommended for tourists.

Shared Tourist Shuttle Stops

Pre-booked shared shuttles typically make these stops:

1. DPS Airport (pickup)
2. Kuta/Seminyak areas (additional pickups, 15-45 minute wait)
3. Sanur (sometimes)
4. Ubud Center (dropoff at 2-3 central points)

No door-to-door. You'll need local taxi from drop point to hotel.

DPS to Ubud: Ticketing, Costs & Booking

Booking Private Transfers to Ubud

• Best websites: Klook, GetYourGuide, Viator, Bali-based companies online
• What to provide: Flight details, exact Ubud hotel address, contact number, luggage count
• Meet point: Driver with sign with your name at arrivals hall
• Payment: Usually credit card online, some pay driver cash (have exact amount)
• Cancellation: Most allow free cancellation 24-48 hours before
• Vehicle types: Sedan (1-3 people), MPV (4-6 people), minivan (7-10 people)

Buying Shuttle Bus Tickets at DPS

• Perama counter: In arrival hall (look for Perama Tour sign)
• Kura-Kura counter: Also in arrival hall
• Shared shuttle counters: Several companies have counters in arrival hall
• Payment: Cash IDR preferred, some accept credit cards with fee
• Tickets: Get physical ticket - driver will check
• Schedule: Confirm next departure time - you may wait 1-3 hours

Money & Payment Tips for Ubud Transfer

• Cash (IDR): Essential for taxis, buses, small payments. Withdraw 1-2 million IDR ($65-130) at airport ATM.
• Small bills: Get 50,000 IDR notes. Drivers may not have change for 100,000 IDR notes for small payments.
• Credit cards: Accepted at airport taxi counters (3-5% fee). Some hotels/drivers accept.
• Online booking: Use credit card for pre-booked transfers - fixed price in USD/EUR.
• Price negotiations: Always agree on total price including tolls before departure. Get receipt if possible.

Scenario-Based Guide: Ubud-Specific Factors

By Arrival Time

Early Morning (midnight-6 AM): Pre-booked transfer or airport taxi only. No shuttles. Travel time 60-80 minutes (no traffic). Morning (6-9 AM): All options. Light traffic (60-90 minutes). Daytime (9 AM-3 PM): Best time for shuttle (90-120 minutes). Evening Rush (4-8 PM): Avoid shuttles stuck in traffic (120-180 minutes). Taxi/transfer same traffic. Late Evening (8-10 PM): Airport taxi or pre-booked transfer only. Last shuttle 4-5 PM. Late Night (10 PM-midnight): Airport taxi or pre-booked transfer only.

By Traveler Type

Solo backpacker: Perama shuttle or shared shuttle if on main road. Taxi if after 5 PM. Couple with 1 suitcase: Pre-booked transfer or taxi split cost. Family with kids (2+2): Pre-booked transfer with car seats (request when booking). Elderly/disabled travelers: Pre-booked transfer with assistance. Ubud's terrain challenging. Business traveler: Pre-booked transfer (receipt available). Group of 3-4 adults: Pre-booked minivan split cost. Luxury traveler: Hotel transfer or premium private transfer.

By Luggage Situation

Backpack only: All options. Shuttle possible. 1 medium suitcase: Taxi/transfer recommended. Shuttle possible but awkward. 2+ suitcases or large bags: Private transfer only. Surfboard/oversized: Pre-booked transfer with roof rack. Important: Most Ubud hotels require carrying bags up/down stairs, along narrow paths. Pack light for Ubud.

By Ubud Location

Central Ubud (near Jalan Raya Ubud): All options. Shuttle drops nearby. Penestanan/Sayan (west): Steep hills. Taxi/transfer needed. Campuhan (river valley): Many stairs. Pack light. Tegallalang (north): Far from center (20+ minutes). Private transfer best. Peliatan (east): Traditional area. Transfer knows way. Remote rice field villa: MUST pre-book transfer. Regular taxi may refuse.

By Budget

Ultra-budget (under 50,000 IDR/$3.25): Public bus combo (10,000 IDR) but 4+ hours, 2-3 transfers. Budget (50,000-150,000 IDR/$3.25-9.75): Perama shuttle (100,000 IDR) or shared shuttle (150,000 IDR). Standard (150,000-400,000 IDR/$9.75-26): Pre-booked transfer (375,000 IDR) or taxi split between 2-3 people. Premium (400,000+ IDR/$26+): Hotel transfer, luxury private car.

Special Conditions

Nyepi (Bali Day of Silence): NO transport for 24 hours. Airport closes. If arriving just before, stay at airport hotel. Galungan & Kuningan holidays: Heavy traffic, ceremonies may block roads. Add 50% travel time. Rainy season (Nov-Mar): Landslides possible on mountain roads. Flooding in low areas. Transfer drivers know alternate routes. Friday afternoon/Sunday evening: Escape/return traffic to South Bali. Worst traffic of week. Ubud Writers Festival (Oct): Heavy traffic in Ubud. Book transfers early.

Real Traveler Experience: Getting to Ubud from DPS

Getting from Ngurah Rai Airport to Ubud is a journey that separates prepared travelers from stressed ones. The distance seems short (35-40km) but feels endless with Bali's traffic and winding mountain roads. First-time visitors often underestimate the time and choose wrong transport. I've seen tourists with large suitcases struggling at the Perama office in Ubud, trying to find a local driver to their remote villa as darkness falls. Ubud is not like South Bali - it's rural, with poor street lighting, few taxis, and accommodations down labyrinthine paths. The internet says "take a Grab" but Grab drivers in Ubud are scarce and expensive. Pre-booked transfers are worth every rupiah - the driver knows your hotel's exact location, helps with bags up stairs, and provides local advice. Shuttles seem cheap until you're waiting 2 hours for departure, then 3 hours in traffic, then paying 100,000 IDR for a 5-minute taxi to your hotel. For Ubud, the extra $20-30 for private transfer is the best money you'll spend in Bali.

The internet says Perama shuttle is the best budget option, but that's only true if...

...you're a solo backpacker with a 40L pack arriving between 10 AM-2 PM, staying at a hostel within 500m of the Perama office, with no time constraints, and you enjoy waiting 1-3 hours for departure. For everyone else - couples, families, those with suitcases, arriving after 3 PM, or staying outside central Ubud - the shuttle is a false economy. The $20-30 you "save" will cost you 2-4 hours of vacation time and significant hassle upon arrival in Ubud.

A common mistake I see weekly at DPS

A couple arrives at 3:30 PM with two large suitcases, heading to a rice field villa in Penestanan. They find the Perama counter - next shuttle 4 PM, perfect! They pay 200,000 IDR ($13) for two tickets. The shuttle leaves at 4:20 PM, gets stuck in Friday traffic. They reach Ubud at 6:45 PM. The Perama office calls a local driver who charges 150,000 IDR ($9.75) to their villa. The narrow lane is impassable by car - they carry bags 200m in darkness. The villa has 30 steps down to room. They're exhausted. Had they pre-booked a 400,000 IDR ($26) transfer, they'd have been at villa by 5:30 PM with bags carried to room. The "savings" of 200,000 IDR ($13) cost them 1.5 hours and immense hassle. This scenario repeats daily.

Motion Sickness on Ubud Roads

The roads to Ubud are winding, especially the direct route via Mas. If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication 30 minutes before departure. Request the coastal route via Sanur (longer but flatter). Sit in front seat if possible. Avoid reading/phones. The journey can be beautiful (rice terraces, villages) or miserable (carsick) - prepare accordingly.

Ubud-Specific Tips & Accommodation Access

• With luggage: Pre-book transfer. Ubud's terrain is challenging - stairs, uneven paths, narrow lanes. Pack light.
• First-time visitor tip: Pre-book transfer. Ubud is confusing after dark. Driver will find your accommodation.
• Late night travel (after 8 PM): Pre-book 24/7 transfer. Last shuttle 4-5 PM. Many Ubud hotels close reception 9-10 PM - inform them of late arrival.
• Early morning arrivals (before 6 AM): Pre-book transfer. Airport taxi counter open 24/7. Travel time 60-80 minutes (no traffic).
• With kids: Pre-book transfer with car seats (request when booking). Taxis don't have car seats. Ubud roads winding - safety first.
• Cost-saving tip: For 1-2 people: Shared shuttle (150,000-200,000 IDR/$9.75-13). For 3+: Private transfer split cost.
• Time-saving tip: Private transfer during rush hour (4-8 PM) - same traffic as shuttle but door-to-door.
• Friday afternoon/Sunday evening: Worst traffic. Allow 2-3 hours. Consider staying South Bali first night if arriving Friday PM.
• Rainy season (Nov-Mar): Landslides possible. Add 50-100% to travel time. Some roads flood.
• Group travel: 3-4 people: Pre-booked minivan (500,000-600,000 IDR/$33-39 split). More cost-effective than 2 taxis.
• Hotel location specifics: Central Ubud (Jalan Raya): easy. Penestanan: steep. Campuhan: stairs. Tegallalang: far. Send exact location to driver.
• Return trip to DPS: From Ubud to airport: Allow 2-3 hours for 35km. Morning flights: Leave by 4-5 AM. Pre-book return transfer.
• Mobile apps: Download: Grab (limited in Ubud), Gojek (limited), Google Maps (offline map), WhatsApp (drivers use).
• Money: Withdraw 2-3 million IDR ($130-195) at airport ATM. Ubud has ATMs but less than South Bali.
• Ubud taxi mafia: Limited taxi stands, fixed prices higher than South Bali. From Ubud center to hotels: 20,000-100,000 IDR/$1.30-6.50 for short distances.
• Walking in Ubud: Sidewalks uneven or nonexistent. Carry a flashlight at night. Wear proper shoes.
• Accommodation access: Many Ubud places: No car access, stairs only, footbridges, rice field paths. Check access before booking.
• Early check-in: Most Ubud accommodations check-in 2 PM. If arriving early, ask if they hold luggage.
• Cultural respect: Dress modestly when leaving airport. Ubud is more conservative than Kuta.
• Nyepi warning: Bali's Day of Silence - NO transport, no lights, no noise. Check dates before booking.
• Language: Basic English understood in Ubud. Have address written down or on phone.
• Tipping: Not expected but appreciated. Round up transfer fare (400,000 to 450,000 IDR). 20,000-50,000 IDR for helpful drivers.
• Scams: Airport taxi touts quoting 1,000,000+ IDR to Ubud. Just say "no thanks" and go to official counter.
• Peak tourist season (Jun-Aug, Dec-Jan): More traffic, longer waits. Book transfers 2-3 days in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions: DPS Airport to Ubud, Bali