Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali

Bali's main (and only) airport is Ngurah Rai International, airport code 'DPS' for Denpasar, the island's capital city. The airport is rather low-rise compared to most international airports. This is because the design has arrivals and departure check-in on the same ground level, rather than stacked on top of each other as they are at most airports.

There are essentially two terminals, one for international and one for domestic flights, connected by a short walkway. Although the two terminals are right next to each other, the airports 'flat' layout means that domestic arrivals and international check-in counters are at opposite ends of the airport, making it a rather long walk (or run) if you're trying to make a tight connection.

Note: Visitors should be aware of the Balinese New Year (Nyepi), which occurs sometime between mid-March and late April. Nyepi is a day of silence, when restaurants are closed, taxis are off the streets, and people are supposed to remain indoors. Note especially that the airport is closed on Nyepi. There are no scheduled arrivals or departures on the day.

Bali Arrivals

The arrival process for domestic and international passengers is essentially identical, with the exception of course of the immigration and customs formalities for international passengers. Arriving passengers exit the sky-bridge from the plane on the same floor as departing passengers. However, a glass wall separates arriving and departing passengers, forming a corridor around the outside of the terminal.

Following the corridor around will bring you to stairs and escalators taking you down to baggage claim. International passengers will need to pass through immigration first. If you need to purchase a visa-on-arrival, queue up at the purchase kiosks before heading to the passport control counter.

After claiming your baggage, international passengers need to go through customs, which is usually straight-forward. There are currency exchange counters just outside baggage claim, but you should not change money at the airport unless absolutely necessary. The rate is usually better outside the airport. Use an ATM or bring small bills in US Dollars for initial purchases such as airport transfers.

Bali Airport Transfers

The airport can be a confusing place, especially if you're arriving in Bali after a long inter-continental flight. There are many touts and transfer services vying for your attention. Most hotels can arrange to pick you up at the airport (for a fee), but if they don't you may want to consider booking one of the transfer services below.