Getting to Bali is easier than ever thanks to the island’s international airport and excellent connections across Asia and Indonesia. Whether you arrive by international flight, domestic flight, ferry from Java or fast boat from Lombok, Bali is one of the most accessible destinations in Southeast Asia. In this guide you’ll learn how to get to Bali, visa requirements, airport tips and the best travel options.

Flights to Bali (Ngurah Rai International Airport)

Most travelers reach the island by flights to Bali, arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), also known as Bali Airport. Located just south of Denpasar near Kuta, this modern airport is the main international gateway to Bali and one of the busiest airports in Indonesia.

Ngurah Rai Airport handles both international and domestic flights, connecting Bali with major cities across Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Europe. The airport is well organized and relatively easy to navigate, with separate terminals for international and domestic flights located next to each other.

International Routes to Bali

Direct and connecting international flights to Bali operate from many major travel hubs worldwide. Most long-haul travelers reach Bali via large Asian or Middle Eastern hubs before continuing to DPS.

Common international hubs include:

• Singapore – one of the most frequent connections to Bali
• Kuala Lumpur
• Bangkok
• Hong Kong
• Doha
• Dubai

From Europe, there are usually no direct flights to Bali, but travelers can easily reach the island with one stop in cities such as Singapore, Doha, Dubai or Istanbul.

Flights from Asia and Australia

Bali is extremely well-connected within the Asia-Pacific region. There are many direct flights to Bali from Asia, including routes from:

• Singapore
• Kuala Lumpur
• Bangkok
• Seoul
• Tokyo
• Hong Kong

From Australia, Bali is one of the most popular holiday destinations. Frequent direct flights connect Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide with Ngurah Rai Airport.

Thanks to these extensive connections, reaching Bali Airport (DPS) is straightforward from almost anywhere in the world.

Bali Entry Requirements

Before traveling, it’s important to understand the Bali entry requirements and immigration procedures for Indonesia. Most international visitors can easily enter Bali with a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA). In addition, travelers must complete the Indonesia Arrival Card online before arriving at the airport.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Most tourists visiting Bali can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) when landing at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). This visa is available for citizens of many countries and allows visitors to stay in Indonesia for 30 days.

The Bali Visa on Arrival costs IDR 500,000 (around 30 USD) per person, including children. Payment can usually be made by credit card or in cash in Indonesian rupiah.

Important things to know about the VOA:

• Valid for 30 days
• Can be extended once for another 30 days
• Requires a passport valid for at least 6 months
• Travelers may be asked to show a return or onward ticket

The Visa on Arrival is the most common visa used by tourists visiting Bali.

Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA)

To save time at the airport, travelers can apply online for an Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) before departure. The application can be completed on the official Indonesian immigration website.

The e-VOA for Bali has the same conditions as the standard VOA:

• Valid for 30 days
• Can be extended once for another 30 days
• Costs IDR 500,000

The advantage of the e-VOA is that it allows travelers to use the automatic immigration gates (autogates) at Bali Airport, which can significantly reduce waiting times upon arrival.

You can get an electronic visa (e-VOA) on the following website : https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/

Indonesia Arrival Card

Before arriving in Bali, travelers must also complete the Indonesia Arrival Card, an online form that replaces the previous customs and health declaration forms.

How to complete it:

1. Please fill out the form on allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id or via the All Indonesia mobile app (download it to your phone) within 3 days before arrival.
2. Enter your personal details, travel information, and required declarations.
3. Receive your QR code by email or in the app and present it upon arrival along with your passport.

Key points:

• It’s free and mandatory at major airports (Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, etc.).
• This is not a visa – you still need to obtain the correct visa for your stay.
• Completing the form in advance helps make the arrival process at Bali Airport faster and smoother.

Visa Exemption Arrangement (VEA)

• For holders of a passport issued by one of the following countries : Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• the VEA is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended

How to extend your Bali tourist visa (VOA)

The Bali Visa on Arrival can be extended once for another 30 days, but it’s essential to start the process in advance. You can now extend on line your VOA, the same way you can extend your e-VOA. But start the process 2 weeks after your arrival, as the process can take some time.

Keep in mind that the penalty for overstaying your visa’s validity upon leaving Bali is 1 million rupiahs per day. Therefore, it’s important to schedule your extension as early as possible. An alternative is to make a round trip to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, which would cost you less than the penalty if you fail to extend your Bali 2023 visa on time.

B211 visa

If you plan to stay in Bali and Indonesia for over 2 months, you can apply for a B211 visa, valid for 2 months. The visa can be renewed twice for another 2 months, totaling 6 months. The price varies from 2.5 million to 5 million Indonesian rupiahs, depending on whether it is your first visa or a renewal, whether you choose the standard or expedited procedure, and whether you apply for the visa in person or abroad. You must provide a scan of your passport, a copy of your bank account statement showing a positive balance of at least 2000 USD, and a photo.

Bali Tourist Tax

Since February 14, 2024, international visitors must pay a Bali tourist tax when entering the island. The tax was introduced by the Balinese government to help fund environmental protection, cultural preservation and tourism infrastructure.

The Bali tourist tax is IDR 150,000 per person (about 10 USD) and is required for all international tourists visiting Bali, including children.

The easiest way to pay the tax is online through the official Love Bali website before arriving on the island. After completing the payment, travelers receive a QR code as proof of payment, which may be requested by local authorities during their stay.

Key points about the Bali tourist tax:

• IDR 150,000 per person
• Payable online via the Love Bali website
• Applies to all international visitors entering Bali
• The payment is valid for the entire stay on the island

Although enforcement can sometimes be inconsistent, travelers are encouraged to pay the Bali tourist tax to support the island’s sustainable tourism initiatives and cultural heritage preservation.

How to Get from Bali Airport to Your Hotel

Once you’ve gone through immigration and customs formalities, and after a very long flight, arriving at Bali Airport can be a bit stressful with all the drivers vying for your attention to take you to your hotel. The easiest option is to arrange your transfer in advance from Bali Airport with a driver who will be waiting for you. But you can also take an official taxi. Alternatively, you can book a ride on Grab from the terminal or the Grab stand just outside. Read my article with my best tips for getting around Bali.

Getting to Bali from Other Indonesian Islands

If you are already traveling in Indonesia, there are several easy ways to get to Bali from other Indonesian islands. Depending on your starting point, you can choose between domestic flights, ferries from Java, or boats from Lombok.

Domestic Flights

The fastest way to reach Bali from many parts of Indonesia is by taking a domestic flight to Bali. Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is connected to dozens of Indonesian cities, including Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Lombok, Labuan Bajo, Makassar, and Medan.

Domestic flights are often inexpensive and are the best option if you are traveling from distant islands such as Sumatra, Sulawesi, Papua, Flores, or Kalimantan.

The domestic terminal at Bali Airport is located next to the international terminal, making connections very convenient.

Ferry from Java

Travelers coming from East Java can reach Bali by taking a ferry from Ketapang to Gilimanuk, the main ferry route between Java and Bali.

The crossing takes about 30 to 45 minutes and ferries operate 24 hours a day. Many travelers reach the port of Ketapang by train or bus from Surabaya or Banyuwangi before crossing to Bali.

If you are traveling by bus, the vehicle usually boards the ferry, so passengers can stay inside during the crossing.

Boat from Lombok

If you are coming from Lombok or the Gili Islands, you can reach Bali by fast boat or ferry. Most fast boats from Lombok depart from Bangsal or Senggigi and arrive at Padang Bai Harbor in eastern Bali.

The crossing usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on sea conditions and the type of boat.

Getting to Nusa Penida from Bali

Once you arrive in Bali, it is very easy to continue your trip to Nusa Penida, one of the most spectacular islands in Indonesia.

The most common way to travel from Bali to Nusa Penida is by fast boat from Sanur Harbor. The crossing from Sanur to Nusa Penida usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes, with many daily departures.

Several companies operate fast boat Bali Nusa Penida routes, connecting Sanur with the main ports of the island, including Toyapakeh, Buyuk Harbor, and Sampalan.

Because schedules, departure points, and boat companies can vary, I recommend reading my complete guide explaining how to get to Nusa Penida from Bali, including the best fast boats, prices, and travel tips.

Best Time to Travel to Bali

The temperature is around 29 to 32 degrees Celsius (85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) all year round in Bali. And the humidity ranges from 78% during the dry season to 81 % during the wet season. The best time to go to Bali is during the dry season, which usually starts in April and ends in October. The heart of the rainy season is in January and February, but it can start in November and last until March. However, it rarely rains all day. Therefore, the rainy season can be a more economical alternative for the price of airfare and accommodation. July and August is indeed the very high season, especially for prices,. Because these months combine being summer for Americans and Europeans, winter for Australians and the driest season.

Scuba diving in Nusa Penida allows you to see Manta rays all year round and Mola Mola from July to October.

You may also choose to fly to Jakarta and to travel through Java to enjoy Borobudur, Bromo and Ijen on the way.

Find Cheap Flights to Bali

To find the best prices, you can use a flight metasearch engine. My favorite metasearch engine is Trip.com.  Unlike other engines, Skyscanner does not charge extra fees on top of the airline’s fares. If you are flexible with your travel dates, you can enter your departure airport (CDG) and arrival airport (DPS) and leave the dates open. The website will then display a calendar with the most favorable dates. In the following example Trip.com identifies a Paris Bali flight at 413 euros with a departure on May 13, 2025.

Conclusion

Reaching Bali is easier than ever thanks to its excellent international connections and well-developed transportation network. Whether you arrive on flights to Bali via Ngurah Rai International Airport, travel by ferry from Java, or take a fast boat from Lombok, the island is one of the most accessible destinations in Southeast Asia.

Once you arrive, Bali offers an incredible variety of experiences, from stunning beaches and ancient temples to volcano hikes, rice terraces and world-class diving. Many travelers also combine their trip with nearby islands such as Nusa Penida, famous for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear water and manta rays.

👉 To plan the rest of your trip, read my complete Bali Travel Guide, where you’ll find the best places to visit, travel tips, and itinerary ideas for exploring the island.

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FAQ – How to Get to Bali

Do I need a visa to enter Bali?

Most international travelers can enter Bali with a Visa on Arrival (VOA). This visa allows visitors to stay in Indonesia for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days.

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How much is the Bali Visa on Arrival?

The Bali Visa on Arrival costs IDR 500,000 (about 30 USD) per person. It can be paid at the airport upon arrival or obtained online in advance as an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA).

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Which airport do you fly to for Bali?

All international flights arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), commonly known as Bali Airport. It is located near Kuta, Seminyak and Jimbaran, about 20–40 minutes from most tourist areas in southern Bali.

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How do you get from Bali Airport to your hotel?

There are several options to travel from Bali Airport to your hotel:

• official airport taxis
• ride-hailing apps such as Grab
• private drivers arranged in advance
• hotel transfers

Booking a transfer before arrival is often the easiest option after a long flight.

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Can you extend your Bali tourist visa?

Yes. The Visa on Arrival (VOA) can be extended once for another 30 days, allowing a total stay of 60 days in Indonesia.

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What is the Bali tourist tax?

Since February 2024, international visitors must pay a Bali tourist tax of IDR 150,000. The tax helps support environmental protection and cultural preservation on the island. It can be paid online through the official Love Bali website.

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What is the best time to travel to Bali?

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season from April to October, when the weather is sunnier and ideal for beaches, hiking and diving. The rainy season usually runs from November to March, with occasional tropical showers.