Airports in Bali

by Barrie | March 18th, 2011   Tweet

There is only one airport in Bali; Ngurah Rai International. The airport is also known as Denpasar International Airport, is located in southern Bali, 13 km south of Denpasar and a 10 minute drive from the Kuta area. It is Indonesia’s third-busiest international airport. There are suggestions another airport be built in northern Bali to increase the tourism. As yet, these pans have not materialised.

Ngurah Rai International Airport is Indonesia’s second-biggest airport and provides an essential gateway for holidaymakers and services millions of tourists per year. The Domestic Terminal is located in the old building, while the International Terminal is located in an L shaped terminal. The airport is extensive and has 17 gates. The Domestic Terminal has 35 check in counters, and 2 baggage carousels.

Public buses run to the bus station in Denpasar, or alternatively there are taxis, commercial shuttles, courtesy shuttles and luxury limousine services to take you to your destination quickly and comfortably. A good selection of car rental companies are also on hand and include some internationally recognised names.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

All tourists staying 30 days or less must pay USD$25 for an entry visa into Bali. Once you disembark from the plane and walk the short distance to the immigration hall you will see several counters where you pay for your visa and it is stamped in your passport. You then proceed to the baggage hall to collect your luggage and then to the Customs counter.

Transportation

Taxis: It is advisable to use the pre-paid Airport Taxi Service, which is located to the right of the international terminal exit, as you come out. Prices for this service are fixed and depend on location (passengers can buy a ticket at the desk 10 meters to the right of the International Arrivals exit), whereas other taxi drivers tend to haggle; passengers should insist that a meter is used. Prices for the airport taxis are displayed outside the terminal buildings and give passengers a rough indication of how much to expect to pay for a taxi hailed on the street.

Bus: Buses run frequently between Tegal bus station in Denpasar and the airport (journey time: 50 minutes). Passengers can also travel by bemo (a chartered vehicle with driver which can carry up to 10 people). Bemos have to pay a fee to enter the airport grounds, so it is often cheaper to walk outside the airport gates and wait, however, the taxi drivers there will haggle and try to get a high price. Sometimes its not worth the effort. This is the same with taxis. Bemos wait in an area located to the left of the airport gates. Bemos are the cheapest way to go.

Airport Facilities

Information and Help Desks: There are information desks located in both terminals (0361) 751 011, ext. 1313 and 1314. Tourist information and hotel reservation are available in International Arrivals.

Money and Communications: There are banks and moneychangers in both terminals.

Post Office: is located near the Domestic Departures area. Telephones are situated throughout the airport.

Eating and drinking: Restaurants and cafeterias are generally open 0600 to the last flight last flight in both International and Domestic Departure areas. There is a McDonalds at the International terminal. Probably the best food is the outside place at the International terminal selling Indonesian food, all the flight crews go there.

Shopping: The airport has a variety of shops, including duty-free in the Plaza Bali outlet in International Departures. There is also a book shop, which is very handy if you are looking for a gift. There are many small drink stands, selling Bintang, Coke and other soft drinks.

Luggage: There is a left-luggage counter next to the International Departures Terminal entrance.

Car Hire: Car hire companies at the airport are Koperasi Taxi, Hertz, Toyota Rent a Car and Thrifty. You can find car rental counters in both terminals. Vehicles can be hired on a daily basis. Blue Bird Taxi company offers luxury chauffeur-driven cars.

Selected Information Source: http://www.baliairport.com/