Why This Post Exists
Is figuring out your Bali Airport Transfer feeling like a stressful puzzle, especially when picturing landing with tired kids, the Bali heat hitting you, and juggling all those bags? Gidday! As an NZ dad planning our family trip, my first thought was exactly that: how do we get from Denpasar Airport (DPS) to our hotel safely, comfortably—and without getting ripped off? Whether you’re flying into Bali for the first time or are a seasoned visitor, arranging transport from the airport is crucial for setting a positive tone for your family holiday. Get it wrong, and stress levels rise quickly. Get it right, and you ease into that relaxed Bali vibe much faster.
In this guide, I’ll compare the transport options I’ve researched heavily – Klook, Grab (two ways!), Bluebird taxis, and hotel pickups – focusing on what seems practical for a family like ours. We’ll look at tips, potential issues, and costs in both Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and NZ Dollars (NZD), giving you a solid plan before you land.
💡 Thinking about Bali for your next family trip? Check out my thoughts on Why Go to Bali for Your Family? Paradise Found: Easy on the Wallet, Lots to See, and Great Flights from New Zealand – a practical look at why Bali works (or doesn’t) for realistic Kiwi families.
TL;DR – Our Pre-Trip Transfer Plan (What I Think Will Work!)
Arrival Time: Around 09:50 PM at Bali Airport (Ngurah Rai/DPS)
Family Setup: 2 adults, 2 primary school-aged kids (from NZ, via Melbourne)
Luggage: 2 big suitcases, couple of backpacks, the essential snack bag!
Chosen Option (Based on Research): Klook Private Transfer (Standard MPV/Van)
Cost: Pre-paid NZD $16.12 (for our specific trip to Sanur area)
Why Klook?: Peace of mind is key. No need to find cash immediately, no haggling when tired, fixed price locked in, includes a driver meeting us inside, and potentially easier to request space for luggage. The inside meeting point is a massive plus to avoid the initial outside chaos.
Disclaimer: We haven’t actually done this yet! This is the plan based purely on pre-trip research (forums, YouTube, blogs). I promise to update this post after our trip with the real story – did it work? Was it smooth? Stay tuned!
Comparing Bali Arrival Transport Options (Based on Hours of Online Digging)
Okay, after sinking way too much time into this (you know how planning goes!), I’ve boiled down the realistic choices for families arriving at DPS. These are the options that consistently came up as viable for travellers like us – value-conscious, needing reliability, but not wanting the absolute cheapest if it means major hassle.
1. Klook Private Transfer (What We’re Booking)
- Cost Estimate: Around NZD
15-50 per car (depends heavily on destination & car size) - How it Works: Book online before you fly. Select destination, date, car size. Pay upfront. Driver meets you inside Arrivals with a sign (look for the Klook area/rep). This inside location is a huge plus, making it hassle-free.
- Pros: Pre-paid (no cash needed!). Meet & greet inside = less stress. Can often book specific car sizes. Generally reliable if you pick a well-reviewed provider on Klook. Fixed price.
- Cons: Need to book ahead. Quality depends on the local company Klook uses (CHECK REVIEWS!). Driver typically only waits up to 120 mins after landing if there are big delays.
- 🔗 Why We’re Leaning This Way: Seems perfect for late arrivals or first-timers wanting ease. Meeting inside is the clincher. It’s not the absolute cheapest, but feels like the best value for reducing arrival stress. Based on research, this is our plan A. We’ve used Klook successfully for attractions before, so trust the platform.
2. GRAB / Gojek (Using the Official Airport Lounge)
- Cost Estimate: IDR 100k–400k (NZD
10–40) depending on destination. - How it Works: Download the GRAB or Gojek app (do this before leaving NZ!). Connect to WiFi/SIM at DPS. Walk OUTSIDE the terminal to the designated Grab/Gojek pickup lounge/zone (follow signs). Order your ride via the app from the lounge.
- Pros: Often cheaper than taxis. App shows price upfront. Can pay via linked card (no cash needed). Reliable app system.
- Cons: Requires walking outside with bags & tired kids (maybe 5-10 mins). Need working phone/app/internet on arrival. Can face touts on the walk there. Might wait for a suitable car. More expensive than the ‘walk-out’ method below.
- 💡 Verdict for Families: Okay if you’re comfortable with ride apps and don’t mind the short walk. Less seamless than meeting inside, especially with lots of gear.
3. Official Airport Taxi (Bluebird is Recommended)
- Cost Estimate: IDR 150k–550k+ (NZD
15–55+) depending on area & traffic. - How it Works: Go to the official taxi counter/desk inside Arrivals (often near the exit). State destination, sometimes pay upfront for a fixed fare voucher, or get assigned a Bluebird taxi which should use the meter (+ airport fees). It’s always wise to be aware of the local environment; for Kiwis heading over, checking the New Zealand Government’s SafeTravel advisory for Indonesia provides valuable official insights on safety, transport, and local conditions before you fly.
- Pros: Located inside the airport. Reputable, especially Bluebird (known for using meters fairly). No app needed.
- Cons: Usually requires IDR cash. Potential queues. Metered fare sensitive to Bali’s notorious traffic. Can be pricier than Grab/Klook. Car quality varies. Unlikely to have child seats.
- 📌 Good Fallback: Still a decent option if your pre-booked ride fails or you arrive without data/app access and have local currency.
4. Hotel Transfer (Offered by Your Accommodation)
- Cost Estimate: Highly variable – anywhere from free (rare promotional offer) to IDR 400k–700k+ (NZD
40–70+). - How it Works: Arrange directly with your hotel/villa before you arrive. Driver meets you inside Arrivals with a sign.
- Pros: Often the simplest, most seamless process. Driver knows exactly where to go. Can feel very secure.
- Cons: Usually the most expensive option. Need to confirm price clearly beforehand (is it per person or per car?).
- 🔍 Tip: Always email your hotel for their transfer price, then compare it against Klook before booking. Sometimes it’s surprisingly reasonable, other times wildly overpriced.
5. The GRAB “Walk Outside” Budget Hack
- Cost Estimate: IDR 80k–350k (NZD
8–35) depending on destination. - How it Works: The absolute cheapest car method. You don’t go to the official Grab lounge. Instead, you walk completely outside the airport grounds (e.g., towards the motorbike parking, approx 6+ min walk from inside Arrivals area). Only once you are outside the airport zone do you open the Grab app and book a standard ride.
- Pros: Lowest Price: Avoids airport surcharges, significant savings possible, especially on longer trips like to Ubud.
- Cons: Major hassle. Requires a significant walk with all luggage. You’ll likely encounter many touts. Confusing to find the right spot to book from. NOT recommended for families, especially arriving tired or at night.
- 💬 Who is this for?: Solo travellers, backpackers on a super tight budget where every dollar counts, and comfort/convenience is secondary. For us? Absolutely not worth the stress with kids!
Cost Comparison Table (Estimates Based on Research – Check Current Rates!)
Note: Prices fluctuate with demand, traffic, time, car size. This is a general guide.
| Transfer Type | Kuta/Seminyak (IDR) | Kuta/Seminyak (~NZD) | Ubud (IDR) | Ubud (~NZD) | Key Notes |
| Klook (Pre-Booked) | 150k–300k | 15–30 | 300k–500k | 30–50 | Fixed price, meet inside, good value balance |
| Bluebird Taxi (Metered) | 150k–300k* | 15–30* | 350k–550k* | 35–55* | *Traffic dependent + fees, need cash, meet inside |
| GRAB (Official Lounge) | 100k–250k | 10–25 | 250k–400k | 25–40 | Cheaper than taxi, need short walk outside |
| GRAB (Walk Outside Hack) | 80k–200k | 8–20 | 200k–350k | 20–35 | Cheapest car option, major hassle, not for families |
| Hotel Transfer | 300k–500k+ | 30–50+ | 450k–700k+ | 45–70+ | Most expensive, usually most convenient |
💡 Exchange Rate Tip: Roughly 10,000 IDR ≈ 1 NZD (as of mid-2024 – always check current rates before your trip!)
Final Thoughts (Pre-Trip Perspective)
So, based on all this, we’ve locked in Klook for our arrival ride from DPS to our hotel in Sanur. It feels like the best compromise between cost, convenience, and reliability for a family arriving in the evening. For getting back to the airport at the end of the trip? We might try Grab then (from the hotel, not the airport lounge walk!), or use a local driver if we find one we like during our stay.
My biggest piece of advice, especially if you’re travelling with kids: don’t try to wing the airport arrival. The potential stress saving of having that pre-booked driver waiting with your name on a sign, ready to whisk you away without haggling or confusion? Probably worth the few extra dollars compared to the absolute cheapest option when considering your Bali airport transfer.
🚗 Planning the rest of your trip? See how we’re fitting it all together in our [“Bali Family Holiday: Unlock Paradise with Our 18-Night Plan“]
After the Trip… The Real Story!
Right now, this is all based on planning. Once we’re back from Bali, I’ll update this section with:
- Did the Klook transfer work as expected? Was the driver on time?
- How was the car quality / luggage space?
- Was meeting the driver inside easy?
- Any unexpected issues or tips based on real experience getting transport from the airport?
For now, fingers crossed our research pays off! I hope this pre-trip breakdown helps you plan your own smooth family arrival in beautiful Bali. Let me know your plans or questions in the comments!