Bali travel guide

How to Reach Bali

Quick answer

Most travellers reach Bali by flying into Denpasar's Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru have direct flights on some schedules, taking roughly 7.5 to 8 hours. Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Pune usually need one stop, often via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Bali is 2 hours 30 minutes ahead of India.

Facts checked 2 Nov 2026

Pale limestone cliffs at Uluwatu drop to blue ocean swells under a clear dry-season sky, with scrub in the foreground.

Bali is an island in Indonesia, and the practical way to reach it from India is by air. Nearly every visitor arrives at Denpasar Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in the south. This guide explains flight options from major Indian cities, what to check before you book, how to get from the airport to your hotel and how to get around once you arrive. Our packages are land-only, so you book flights separately.

Which airport do you fly into?

Denpasar Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is the international gateway. It sits in the south, close to Kuta and Seminyak. Travel from the airport to Ubud, Sanur, Nusa Dua or Uluwatu takes longer than the map suggests, because traffic is heavy. Travellers report that Google Maps times are unreliable. Operators advise keeping the first and last nights near the airport or in southern Bali when flight times are tight.

How long is the flight from India?

Flight times depend on your city and on whether you fly direct or with a stop. Figures below are typical values from our research, so confirm the schedule before booking.

  • Delhi: about 7.75 hours. Air India and IndiGo serve it, with non-stop service when scheduled.
  • Mumbai: about 8 hours. IndiGo operates non-stop flights when scheduled.
  • Bengaluru: about 7.5 hours. IndiGo operates direct flights on selected schedules.
  • Chennai: about 8.5 hours with one stop, commonly via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
  • Kolkata: about 8.5 hours with one stop, commonly via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
  • Hyderabad: about 9 hours with one stop.
  • Ahmedabad and Pune: about 10 hours with one stop, often via Mumbai, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.

Are there direct flights to Bali?

Delhi has direct service on Air India, and Mumbai and Bengaluru have direct IndiGo service when operating. Non-stop schedules can be seasonal and less frequent than on busier routes, so check dates before you confirm hotels. Other cities usually connect through Singapore or Kuala Lumpur on airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia. Compare total journey time, not only the lowest fare, particularly for a five-night trip.

What should you check before booking flights?

  • Return ticket: immigration commonly asks for a confirmed ticket leaving Indonesia within your permitted stay.
  • Connections: a short, protected connection is better than separate tickets, because a missed self-transfer can disrupt the whole trip.
  • Baggage: non-stop and one-stop fares can differ in baggage rules, so compare the total value.
  • Time of arrival: a late arrival affects your first day, so keep it light.
  • Passport: it needs at least six months of validity from your arrival date.

What happens when you land?

At Denpasar, you pass immigration. If you apply online for an e-VOA, you can go directly to immigration without using the visa-payment counter. Otherwise a visa-on-arrival payment counter sits before the immigration checkpoint, and waits vary, with longer queues at peak arrival times. You also need to submit the Indonesia arrival card within three days before arrival. Read the full steps in the Bali visa guide for Indians.

How do you get from the airport to your hotel?

Pre-arranged private cars with drivers are the most practical option, and our packages include private-vehicle airport transfers. Metered taxis operate around the airport, and app taxis such as Grab and Gojek are useful in many tourist zones. Travellers report that app rides can be cancelled or followed by requests for extra money. Allow generous time for transfers to Ubud and Uluwatu.

How do you get around Bali?

Public transport is limited, so most itineraries use a private car with a driver. Typical hire is approximately IDR 600,000 to 1,000,000 per vehicle per day, depending on vehicle, hours and route. Scooters are inexpensive but require a suitable motorcycle licence, a helmet and confidence in congested traffic, and they are unsuitable for young children. Fast boats serve Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Choose early departures for more reliable sea conditions, and keep buffer time for return boats.

What is the time difference and what should you pack?

Bali is on UTC+8, which is 2 hours 30 minutes ahead of India, so jet lag is minimal. The currency is the Indonesian rupiah. Bring light clothing, sun protection, a rain layer in the wet season and a modest outfit for temples. Carry copies of your visa, arrival card, hotel booking and return ticket.

How was this guide compiled?

This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and traveller reports about Bali, and was last checked on 2 November 2026. Airline schedules and entry rules change often, so confirm flights and requirements before you book.

Where to go next

Check best time to visit Bali before fixing dates, see Bali trip cost for what a package includes, and choose your route in places to visit in Bali. The Bali travel guide has the overview. If you are comparing Southeast Asia options, see our Thailand tour packages and Bali tour packages.

Ready-made trips

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5N / 6D
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Bali Essentials 5N

Kuta 2N · Ubud 3N

  • Stays
  • Breakfast
  • Private cab
  • Sightseeing
  • Sunset and Kecak performance at the Uluwatu cliffs
  • Sunrise hike on Mount Batur over Lake Batur
  • Three nights in Ubud, the heart of Balinese arts and temples
Starting from₹30,000 (approximate)per person · excl. GST
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Bali & Nusa Penida 6N

Seminyak 1N · Ubud 2N · Sanur 2N · Nusa Dua 1N

  • Stays
  • Breakfast
  • Private cab
  • Sightseeing
  • Ubud's temples, arts and rice terraces
  • Sunrise hike up Mount Batur
  • Day on Nusa Penida's cliffs and viewpoints
Starting from₹35,000 (approximate)per person · excl. GST
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6N / 7D
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Bali Family Fun 6N

Ubud 2N · Sanur 2N · Nusa Dua 2N

  • Stays
  • Breakfast
  • Private cab
  • Sightseeing
  • Two nights in Ubud with rice terraces and temples
  • Calm beaches in Sanur and Nusa Dua, easy for children
  • Fast-boat day trip from Sanur to Nusa Penida
Starting from₹35,000 (approximate)per person · excl. GST
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*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.

Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.

FAQs

How to Reach Bali: FAQs

Short answers to what travellers ask about Bali.

How long is the flight from India to Bali?

Roughly 7.5 to 8 hours non-stop from Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai when scheduled. With one stop, expect about 8.5 hours from Chennai and Kolkata, 9 from Hyderabad and 10 from Ahmedabad and Pune. Check the schedule before booking.

Are there direct flights from India to Bali?

Delhi has Air India service, and Mumbai and Bengaluru have IndiGo service on selected schedules. Non-stop availability can be seasonal. Other cities usually connect through Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, so check dates before confirming hotels.

Which airport serves Bali?

Denpasar Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) serves Bali. It is in the south near Kuta and Seminyak. Transfers to Ubud, Sanur, Nusa Dua and Uluwatu take longer than maps suggest because of heavy traffic.

What is the time difference between India and Bali?

Bali is on UTC+8, which is 2 hours 30 minutes ahead of India. The gap is small, so jet lag is minimal. Check flight times against local time when planning arrivals and hotel check-in.

Do I need a return ticket for Bali?

Yes, immigration commonly asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket leaving Indonesia within your permitted stay. Without one, an airline or immigration officer may deny boarding or entry, so keep it ready.

How do I get from Bali airport to my hotel?

A pre-arranged private car with a driver is the most practical option, and our packages include private airport transfers. Metered taxis operate near the airport, and Grab and Gojek work in many areas. Allow extra time for traffic.

Is it better to fly direct or with a stop?

Direct flights save time, but compare fares and baggage with one-stop options. Choose a short, protected connection instead of separate tickets. For a five-night trip, total journey time matters more than the lowest fare.

Can I get around Bali without a car?

Public transport is limited, so most travellers use a private car with a driver. App taxis work in tourist zones but can be cancelled. Scooters need a suitable licence and a helmet, and they are unsuitable for young children.

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