Apps like gojek and grab make life in Bali easier but using them instead of an official taxi at Ngurah Rai airport can be tricky. I’ve flown into Bali countless times and have perfected the art of being picked up at the airport for the lowest price possible over the years. I’ll tell you all about my experiences, how to avoid scams, how to navigate the taxi mafia and how to manipulate the system to still use gojek, grab or bluebird taxis.
Ready to make the most of your time in Bali? Here is our complete guide to using gojek and grab at Ngurah Rai international airport.
Looking for more rules on ridesharing apps? Find our gojek guides to places like Kuta Lombok, Canggu, Padang Bai, Labuan Bajo, Sanur, Nusa Lembongan, Tanah Lot Temple, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Kintamani, Ubud, Uluwatu, Lovina, Amed and Nusa Penida here.
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Can you take a grab from Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali?
Grab used to not be allowed to operate at Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport, but luckily that has changed in recent years. They have come to an agreement with the taxi mafia and now offer their service for travellers arriving on the island of the Gods, all completely legal.
Grab now offers a comfortable lounge right outside arrivals in front of the parking garage. There is air conditioning, charging stations, wifi access, seating, and helpful staff to get you on your way and install the app. Everything can be set up easily at the lounge, and as an added convenience, cash payment is accepted.
However, it should be noted that grab pickup will be more expensive at the airport in Bali than usual, which means you have to pay the same price as taking a taxi. All in all, it may be worth paying more if you’re looking for amenities like AC and WiFi or need to use grab in future trips, but otherwise, it’s no different from traditional taxis.
OUR TIP
Not sure when to plan your trip to Bali? Here is our guide on the best and worst times to visit the Island of the Gods.
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Reasons to use grab instead of a taxi
- Easy to tip – If your card is connected to the app (which can be set up in a few seconds), you can tip the driver remotely after the trip has been completed. This can help avoid an awkward situation and will give you more time to think about the amount.
- Reliable service – With grab you can rely on a consistent standard of service, as all drivers go through an extensive verification process before they are allowed to join the platform.
- Cashless payment system – Grab gives you the option of using their cashless payment system, meaning you don’t have to worry about carrying large amounts of cash with you at the airport and during your trip around Bali.
- Instant booking & tracking – The instant booking and tracking system makes it easy for passengers to book their ride and track its progress in real-time without having to wait in long taxi queues or call up a driver directly.
- Multiple vehicle options – Depending on where you’re headed, there are multiple vehicle options available through grab, including cars, vans, and more affordable motorcycles.
- Safety & security – The safety of passengers is a priority for grab, as all drivers go through an extensive background check before being allowed to join the platform.
- The airport grab lounge – Don’t worry about pushy taxi drivers and sit in the airconditioned grab lounge until your ride arrives at the airport.
Can you get a gojek from Ngurah Rai airport in Bali?
Gojek is currently in the process of offering airport pickups with their instant feature. So far, I haven’t been able to get it to work at the airport in Bali, but I’ll keep this blog post updated and will let you know once it does. In any case, we highly doubt that gojek will be more affordable than grab or the taxi prices, so Klook remains the best choice.
Unlike Grab, gojek is not allowed at Bali Airport. While the app may look like it works, gojek drivers are simply unable to enter arrivals. You may be lucky and find a driver at departures, but it’s not always the easiest way to go.
If you don’t have too much luggage with you, a more cost-effective alternative is walking out of the airport to the main road which takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Once there, you can easily get a gojek at the actual price, which will be somewhere between IDR 30,000 and IDR 150,000, depending on where your final destination is.
OUR TIP
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Can you use gojek or grab to get to the airport in Bali?
Yes, you can use ridesharing services like grab or gojek to be dropped off at the airport in Bali. The drivers are allowed to enter departures, although they have to pay an IDR 10,000 parking fee, which they might ask you to cover. This is one of the cheapest ways to get to the airport.
Is there Uber at Bali airport?
There is, unfortunately, no Uber at Bali’s airport. In fact, the app does not work on the island in general. Grab and gojek are two great alternatives that travellers can use instead. Grab offers airport pickups, making it one of your best bets when arriving at Ngurah Rai in Bali. With clear set fares and no hidden surprises by the driver at drop off, Grab will make your travels simpler and better.
Bluebird taxis at Bali airport
Bluebird Taxis are well-known as the most reliable and honest taxi company in Bali. All their taxis are metered, so you don’t need to worry about overpaying for your ride or possible scams. This makes them a lot cheaper than regular taxis. Unfortunately, they are not allowed to enter the airport arrivals due to the control of the taxi mafia.
But no worries, just walk out of arrivals for approximately 10 to 15 minutes towards the main road, and you will be able to wave down passing bluebirds easily. You can recognise them by their blue colour and bluebird label. This is a great option if you’re not carrying too much luggage and don’t mind walking for a bit. It’s recommended that you always have enough cash on hand when taking this type of transport. They frequently do not take card payments.
OUR TIP
I’ve taken bluebird taxis in Bali countless times and have always been extremely happy with them. However, in recent years, more and more fake bluebirds are appearing, and it can be easy to mistake them for the real deal.
Make sure to double-check it says bluebird on the car and not something like blueride or bluetaxi. Some taxis have also started using blue cars, which can be easy to confuse with the bluebird brand.
Should you take a taxi from the airport in Bali?
If you’re flying into airport, at Bali, it is generally safe to take a taxi, however, the downside is that you will likely end up overpaying. Taking a taxi from the taxi counter at the airport provides convenience in terms of time but may cost more than if your taxi ride had been pre-booked.
That being said, it is a decent and safe option if you haven’t had time to pre-book ahead of time. To get a taxi from the airport, all you have to do is walk out of the terminal building and find the taxi counter where you can pay for your taxi fare before getting a driver for your ride. This means you do not have to haggle with the drivers directly, so the chances of being scammed are slim.
Best Hotel Deals In Bali
Here are our absolute favourite hotels in Bali – hand-picked and tested by us.
Can you negotiate the price for Bali airport taxis?
There are fixed prices for airport taxis in Bali, which cannot be negotiated. However, you might be able to find an independent driver who might be willing to adjust his price a bit.
They are usually standing around near the parking garage at arrivals, even though they’re technically not allowed to anymore. This is safe to do, although it’s important to clarify the price before you get in the car to avoid confusion.
Usually, you’ll still end up overpaying with this strategy.
OUR TIP
Save yourself a ton of money and pre-book your Bali airport pickup the night before. We’ve been coming to Bali for nearly a decade and always use Klook to pick us up at Ngurah Rai airport. Fares are incredibly low and the drivers have a fixed meetup point where you’ll be able to find them easily. I couldn’t recommend this more.
The Indonesian taxi mafia and why airport taxis are so expensive
When arriving in Bali, you should be aware of taxi mafia that has control there, who refuse to let ridesharing companies such as Grab and Gojek operate correctly in large areas, including the airport. The taxi mafia’s main job at the airport is to keep taxi prices high and standardises, so it becomes very difficut to haggle.
The fixed prices mean you will pay more than double or even triple the normal taxi fare if you book your transport at the official taxi counter. There is an agreement between grab and the taxi mafia for taxi prices at airports, meaning that the app charges the same price, even though it is usually a lot more affordable.
Consider that these fixed prices are still relatively new. Even in early 2020, airport taxis used to be approximately half the price for most destinations, so this increase is really far from reasonable.
OUR TIP
You’ll most likely keep running into the issue of the taxi mafia during your time in Bali. In some parts of the island, including Nusa Penida, Uluwatu, Ubud or Canggu, grab and gojek cannot pick up passengers and the local taxi drivers will even threaten violence towards the driver if they do. Luckily, passengers are not in any danger.
Is it safe to get a taxi at Bali airport?
Bali airport taxis are generally safe to use, and there is no need for concern, even if you’re a solo traveller. The crime rate in Bali is very low, and the drivers working at the airport are trustworthy. We use the word taxi mafia in this article, but it’s important to know that this simply refers to the manipulation of prices and not any criminal association of the drivers. It is simply how they’re commonly referred to.
Taxis are safe to use, and you might end up overpaying for the ride, but that’s about the worst that can happen. If you’re still unsure about your trip from the airport to your hotel, then consider using grab, which provides an added level of security and accountability. Before (or during) your ride, you can even share your location with someone else using the app so that they are aware of your whereabouts.
OUR TIP
Did you know that all Polo Ralph Lauren stores in Bali, including the ones at the airport, are fake? We even reached out to Ralph Lauren for their official response.
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Can I get a taxi or other transport from Bali airport late at night?
Yes, airport taxis in Bai operate 24 hours, and you won’t have to worry about transport, even if you’re arriving late. There are no safety concerns, and you will find staff around to assist you should you need help. As always, we recommend pre-booking transport if possible to make your transfer as smooth (and affordable) as possible.
Note that buses are not available at the airport in Bali late at night.
The best and cheapest private airport transfer from Ngurah Rai airport in Bali
If you’re looking for the best airport pickup on your trip to Bali, Klook is the perfect option. I’ve been travelling in and out of Bali for years, and I’ve never found a cheaper and more convenient alternative. I use Klook 100% of the time for private airport transfers and have recommended it to so many friends.
Klook drivers are not bound by the fixed prices of the airport and are allowed to pick you up directly at arrivals. Best of all, the driver will wait for up to 2 hours if your flight is delayed. Plus, you’ll be able to communicate with your driver over Whatsapp (using the airport WiFi) so you can keep them informed of your whereabouts and how much longer you will be. Not only that but they know exactly which flight number and arrival time you’ve booked, so delays are never an issue.
With Klook’s meeting point at arrivals, you don’t have to worry about missing out on a pickup either. It really is the best way to get started on your holiday smoothly. I’ve had nothing but great experiences with them and always use their service for airport dropoffs as well.
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The normal Bali airport pickup price
If you’re wondering what the normal price for an airport pickup in Bali is and what the taxis and grab actually charge, we’ve made this useful list for you. Note that it’s always a nice gesture to tip your driver if you’re happy with their service. It will make their day.
| Destination | Normal airport pickup price (Klook/bluebird) | Actual taxi/grab airport pickup price |
| Kuta | IDR 50,000 to IDR 70,000 | IDR 150,000 to IDR 180,000 |
| Seminyak | IDR 90,000 to IDR 120,000 | IDR 200,000 to IDR 300,000 |
| Canggu | IDR 100,000 to IDR 150,000 | IDR 300,000 to IDR 400,000 |
| Ubud | IDR 150,000 to IDR 220,000 | IDR 430,000 to IDR 600,000 |
| Uluwatu | IDR 80,000 to IDR 120,000 | IDR 300,000 to IDR 350,000 |
| Sanur | IDR 100,000 to IDR 150,000 | IDR 250,000 to IDR 300,000 |
These prices apply to car taxis that can fit four (in some cases seven) people and their luggage. Drivers may want an additional payment for more passengers. You can generally divide these prices by 2 if you want to take a motorbike taxi instead. This is a great option to save money but can be inconvenient if you have luggage.
OUR TIP
Staying in Seminyak but want to give Canggu a try? You can actually walk there along the beach in around 45 minutes. Just keep an eye out for the no-gojek zones in Canggu.
Bali airport bus
Bali, unfortunately, has terrible public transport, which is why not many tourists know about or utilise the airport bus. There are three bus lines to choose from, and since the destinations aren’t very diverse, you might not find this bus incredibly useful. Chances are, you’ll have to take a taxi anyway from where the bus arrives to get to your hotel.
However, the airport bus is very cheap and can be useful if you want to avoid the high taxi prices at Bali’s airport. The three routes are:
- Line 1: Denpasar Airport to Tabanan – IDR 7,000 per person
- Line 2: Denpasar Airport to Nusa Dua – IDR 3,500 per person
- Line 3: Denpasar Airport to Batubulan – IDR 3,500 per person
Buses depart from the arrivals area at the airport, and you can buy tickets on board (cash only). Ask airport staff for help if you need assistance finding the bus stop and check up-to-date information on the buses here.
OUR TIP
Are you a budget traveller? Read our complete guide on how to save money during your time in Indonesia here or our guide on how much money you need for 7 days on the island.
Tips for using gojek and grab in Bali & Indonesia
One thing a lot of tourists miss when it comes to using grab and gojek in Bali is the hidden discounts. We’ll show you exactly how to use them and provide plenty more tips on how to use grab and gojek in Bali in our complete guide.
Find out what to do if a driver asks you to cancel a ride, how to avoid common scams and much more.
Frequently asked questions
Use Klook to book your private airport transfer in Bali or ask your hotel in advance.
Yes, they are overpriced but generally safe to use, even late at night.
Grab works at Bali’s airport and even has its own lounge, but, unfortunately, it is very expensive.
Gojek is currently working on offering airport pickups in Bali, so stay tuned if this feature becomes available soon.
You need to walk out of the airport, through the parking garage, until you reach the main road. From here, you can get a bluebird taxi.
No, taxi prices are fixed, but you can still negotiate if you find an independent driver close to the parking garage.
Yes, you can simply go to the taxi counter and pre-pay your taxi there. There is usually no need to wait in line.
You will pay anywhere between IDR 100,000 and IDR 500,000 for your taxi at the airport, depending on your destination.
You can take a taxi at the airport, use grab or pre-book a transfer with your hotel in Bali or using Klook.
A taxi from the airport to Ubud will cost between IDR 400,000 and IDR 500,000 if you use the official airport drivers.
No, they are usually very affordable, but the cheapest rides can be found using apps like grab or gojek.
You need to pay cash or you can use card payments if you install the gojek app.
Pre-book your airport transfer to avoid high prices from the Bali taxi mafia. Use the official taxis to avoid scams.
It will cost around IDR 250,000 to IDR 350,000 to go from the airport in Bali to Seminyak using grab.
No, Uber does not work on the entire island of Bali, including the airport.
Before you go…
You’ve arrived in Bali, but it’s no secret that the best beaches are actually located on the nearby islands. Our guides on Kelingking Beach or Diamond in Nusa Penida, swimming with sea turtles in Gili Trawangan and the best things to do in Kuta Lombok will help you see the best parts of Indonesia and make the most of your trip. We think you’ll love it.
Don’t forget to check out this helpful guide for the Bali immigration office dress code.
Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.
4 thoughts on “Can You Get a Gojek or Grab Taxi from Bali Airport”
Hi,
Do you recommend getting the Visa on Arrival at the Bali airport or online before leaving for Bali?
I don’t know how long it takes for either method.
Thank you
Hi! I would always recommend consulting a visa agent for any specific questions, but generally I’ve had great experiences with the e-visa. It’s much ore convenient to get it before and will save you waiting time. The website isn’t perfect, but after a few attempts you should get it done.
It takes a few business days, so definitely get the e-visa around one week before you fly just in case. Or you can just arrive and do the VOA whenever you get to Bali
Hope that helps!
Thanks for this helpful post! I was planning my trip to Bali and wasn’t sure about the transportation options from the airport. Good to know that Gojek and Grab are available! Can’t wait for my vacation!
Glad it was helpful and have fun in Bali!