Flights to Ubud: The Complete Guide
You cannot fly directly into Ubud. There is no airport in the town itself. To reach Bali’s cultural center, you must fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar. This is the only international gateway to the island. From there, you will take a ground transfer north into the highlands. Whether you are hunting for the cheapest flights to Ubud or looking for the fastest route from overseas, your journey starts with a landing in Denpasar followed by a 60- to 90-minute drive.
Which airport should you fly into?
While Indonesia has several major hubs, only one serves the island of Bali effectively.
- Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS): Located in Tuban, south of Denpasar. It is approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles) from Ubud city center. Depending on Bali’s notorious traffic, the drive takes between 1 and 2 hours.
Technically, you could fly into Banyuwangi (BWW) on Java or Lombok (LOP), but these require domestic transfers or ferries that add significant time and cost. Stick to DPS for all international and domestic arrivals.
Best time to book flights to Ubud
Timing your booking is the difference between a mid-range fare and a bargain. Data shows that for international flights to Bali, the window for the best prices is usually 3 to 5 months in advance.
- International routes: Book at least 12–16 weeks before departure.
- Regional routes (within SE Asia): Book 4–6 weeks in advance. Low-cost carriers like AirAsia often run flash sales, but last-minute prices on these routes stay relatively stable compared to long-haul flights.
Avoid booking during the week of your travel. Prices for DPS often spike 25% in the final 14 days before departure.
Cheapest months to fly to Ubud
Bali has two main seasons: wet and dry. Flight prices mirror these patterns.
The cheapest months to fly to Ubud are typically January, February, and November. These months fall within the rainy season. Demand drops, and carriers lower fares to fill seats. While you will encounter afternoon downpours, the savings are significant.
The most expensive times are July, August, and late December. If you want to avoid peak pricing but still want decent weather, look for "shoulder season" flights in May, June, and September. You will find a balance between lower airfares and sunny days.
Direct flights vs connecting flights
Depending on your origin, a direct flight may not be an option.
- Direct flights: Direct service to DPS is common from major hubs in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth), Southeast Asia (Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur), and the Middle East (Dubai, Doha). These are the fastest but usually carry a premium price.
- Connecting flights: If you are flying from the US or Europe, you will have at least one layover. Common connection points include Singapore (SIN), Jakarta (CGK), or Hong Kong (HKG).
- The "Jakarta Pivot": Often, the cheapest flights to Ubud involve flying into Jakarta (CGK) first on an international carrier and then booking a separate domestic "hop" to Denpasar on a local airline like Batik Air or Citilink. This can save you $100–$300 if you don’t mind the extra transit time.
Best airlines flying to Ubud
Several reputable carriers serve Ngurah Rai International Airport. Selection depends on your departure point and budget.
- Singapore Airlines: Consistently rated for high service standards with seamless connections through Changi Airport.
- Emirates: Provides West-to-East connectivity with a major hub in Dubai and high-end cabin amenities.
- AirAsia: The primary low-cost carrier for those flying from within Asia or Australia; ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
- Garuda Indonesia: The national carrier, offering full-service domestic and international routes with a focus on Indonesian hospitality.
- Qantas: Offers frequent direct service from major Australian cities with a full-service experience.
Getting from the airport to the city center
Once you land at DPS, you have four primary options to reach Ubud. Note that there is no train service in Bali.
- Private Car/Driver: The most common method. You can pre-book a driver or find one at the arrivals hall.
- Cost: IDR 300,000 – 450,000 ($20–$30 USD).
- Taxi (Blue Bird): Use the official Blue Bird desk or the app. Ensure they use the meter or agree on a fixed price before departing.
- Cost: IDR 350,000 – 500,000.
- Rideshare (Grab/Gojek): Both apps work in Bali. There is a designated "Grab Lounge" at the airport for easy pickup.
- Cost: IDR 250,000 – 400,000. Prices fluctuate based on demand.
- Bus (Kura-Kura Bus): A shuttle service that runs on set schedules. It is the cheapest option but also the slowest, requiring a transfer at DFS Hinata Bus Hub.
- Cost: IDR 80,000 – 100,000.
Flight duration from major cities
Estimated flight times to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) vary significantly based on connections.
- Sydney: 6 hours 15 mins (Direct)
- Singapore: 2 hours 40 mins (Direct)
- Dubai: 9 hours (Direct)
- London: 16–18 hours (1 stop)
- New York: 21–23 hours (1 or 2 stops)
- Los Angeles: 19–21 hours (1 stop)
- Hong Kong: 5 hours (Direct)
Tips for finding cheap flights to Ubud
Finding the lowest fare requires more than just checking one site. Use these tactics to drive down the cost of your trip.
1. Use Incognito Mode and VPNs
Airlines track your search history via cookies. If you keep searching for the same route, prices may artificially increase. Clear your cache or use an incognito window. Additionally, use a VPN to set your location to Indonesia; sometimes local versions of booking sites offer lower "domestic" rates.
2. Fly Mid-Week
Flights departing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are almost always cheaper than Friday or Sunday departures. If your schedule is flexible, use the "whole month" view on search engines to identify the specific days where prices bottom out.
3. Mix and Match Airlines
Don't feel obligated to book a round-trip ticket with a single airline. Often, flying into Bali with one carrier and returning with another—or flying into Jakarta and taking a separate domestic flight—yields the cheapest flights to Ubud.
4. Set Fare Alerts
Prices for DPS fluctuate daily. Set up price alerts on Oerno or similar platforms for your specific dates. You will receive a notification the moment the price drops, allowing you to book before the seats are taken by others.
5. Monitor Secondary Hubs
If flights directly to Bali are too expensive, check fares to nearby hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Jakarta. These cities are major regional bases for low-cost carriers. You can often find a "deal" to Singapore and then buy a separate, cheap $60 ticket to Bali on a local airline.