Denpasar (DPS) DPS: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to Denpasar International Airport

When arriving to Denpasar International Airport, it can be unclear how to reach your final destination, or more generally, to the city centre. We, at Omio, have mapped out good things to know, facilities available when flying to Denpasar International Airport and what to do when you get to the city.

Arriving at Denpasar International Airport (DPS)

Denpasar International Airport (DPS), also known as I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, is the only international airport in Bali, the largest island in Indonesia. Denpasar, the capital city, is located on the southern beaches of Bali, with a bustling nightlife and access to popular surf beaches on Serangan Island. The international and domestic terminals are located in the same building, separated by a 10-minute walk across the Festival Plaza. The international terminal is open 24 hours, but the domestic terminal closes overnight, depending on the last scheduled departure and arrival for the day. As Denpasar International Airport is one of the main hubs for international and domestic flights across Indonesia, the list of airlines servicing the airport is extensive. These airlines include Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, KLM, Lion Air, and Qatar Airways, among many others.

What's the best way to get from Denpasar International Airport to the city center?

There are several ways to travel from the airport to the city center. Public transportation is somewhat limited in Bali, but there are 4 bus lines that run from the airport to various parts of the city. The 1 bus drops passengers at Tabanan, the 2 drops them at Nusa Dua, and the 3, at Batubulan. The fourth bus line, the number 8, follows a route through the city, stopping at several popular tourist spots, including Sunset Road, Jalan Soputan, Sempidi, Kapal, and others. The buses run from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Car and scooter rentals booths are open 24 hours at the airport, but a valid international drivers' license is necessary to rent a car in Indonesia. Rideshare apps are another option. However, due to changes in laws and various bans, pickup spots and rules change rather frequently and can be confusing. Taxis take about 33 minutes to get to the center. 

How far is the city center from Denpasar International Airport?

Denpasar is 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the airport. Cost-conscious travelers can use public transport to get to Denpasar city center. There are bus stops with transfers to the airport in Batubulan, Tabanan, and Nusa Dua. Tickets can be purchased on board from the driver. Ridesharing services are technically legal in Bali, but they are banned in several areas, including at some hotels, to support local taxi businesses. Taxis are the most common and convenient form of travel to Denpasar International Airport. The most popular taxi services are metered, and their fares are set by the government. They are generally cheaper than unmetered taxis.

What services are there at Denpasar International Airport?

Both the domestic and international terminals have had major renovations completed in the last few years, so services at the Denpasar Airport are fully modern and up-to-date. Free WiFi is available throughout the airport, and currency exchange kiosks are located at the arrival and departure gates in the international terminal. Restrooms include both seated and squat toilets, and showers can be found in airport lounges. Passengers wanting to store their belongings have access to lockers and luggage storage services, and those needing privacy have full use of prayer rooms and baby care rooms. The lost-and-found office is near the entrance of the international terminal.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

Denpasar International Airport is one of the more advanced Indonesian airports in terms of accessibility. The arrivals hall, which is shared by the international and domestic terminals, is on the ground floor, ensuring ease of access to transport into the city. Elevators and escalators grant easy access to the departure halls, and the pickup and drop-off areas for buses and taxis have ramps. Travelers needing assistance with a wheelchair can call the airport ahead of time for baggage aid and requesting an ambulift for embarkation and disembarkation from flights with no passenger bridge. All restrooms have accessible stalls with a door width of 37.4 inches (95 centimeters).

Local tips: what to know before flying to Denpasar International Airport

Wait times for immigration can last over an hour, depending on the time of day, so make sure to use the bathroom on the plane before landing. Baggage handling is notoriously slow, so allow at least another hour for picking up luggage. Taxi drivers may try to pick up fares inside the arrivals hall, but their services are often are unmetered and cost more than metered taxis. Blue Bird Taxi is the most reputable metered service in Bali. In fact, it's so widely trusted that other taxis imitate their branding to entice more customers. To spot a real one, remember that Blue Bird drivers generally wear a uniform and have a recognizable logo on their car, as well as a serial number on the side, rear, and dashboard. Uber no longer works in Indonesia. Grab and Gojek are the main rideshare apps in Southeast Asia. Both allow cash payments and give riders the choice of car or motorcycle taxi. However, be aware that many local taxi drivers resent the competition, and calling a rideshare to an area with lots of taxis can get both drivers and passengers harassed. Ordering taxis or rideshares with a local phone number may be easier. Local SIM cards are available at kiosks in the airport, with 1-, 7-, and 30-day packages.