Ngurah Rai International Airport
Ngurah Rai International Airport, officially known as I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, is the main gateway to the island of Bali, Indonesia. Located in Tuban, Badung Regency, around 13 kilometres south of Denpasar, the airport is the third-busiest in Indonesia and a major hub for international tourism. With modern terminals, extensive facilities, and excellent connectivity, the airport welcomes millions of passengers from Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and other parts of the world.
History
Ngurah Rai International Airport traces its roots to the 1930s, when it operated as a small airfield. The facility expanded significantly during the 1950s and 1960s, following Bali’s growth as a cultural and tourist destination. In 1980, it was officially named after I Gusti Ngurah Rai, a Balinese national hero.
Major upgrades took place in the early 2000s and during the 2013 expansion, which introduced a new international terminal, a renovated domestic terminal, improved runways, and upgraded passenger facilities to handle over 25 million travellers annually.
Location
- Address: Jalan Raya Gusti Ngurah Rai, Tuban, Kuta, Badung, Bali, Indonesia
- Distance from Denpasar: ~13 km
- Nearby tourist areas: Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, Sanur, Ubud
Located along Bali’s southern coastline, the airport offers scenic views during takeoff and landing.
Terminals
Ngurah Rai International Airport has two main terminals:
1. International Terminal
- Handles all international arrivals and departures
- Balinese-inspired architectural design
- Duty-free shops, spacious immigration area, lounges
- Multiple boarding gates with aerobridges
- Large baggage claim hall and efficient customs clearance
2. Domestic Terminal
- Handles flights within Indonesia
- Modern interior with improved seating, retail stores, and food outlets
- Easy walking connection to the international terminal
Airlines and Destinations
The airport serves a wide range of carriers, from full-service airlines to low-cost operators.
Major International Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- Garuda Indonesia
- AirAsia
- Jetstar Airways
- Virgin Australia
- Cathay Pacific
- Philippine Airlines
- Japan Airlines (seasonal)
- Malaysian Airlines
- China Airlines
Key International Destinations
- Singapore
- Kuala Lumpur
- Bangkok
- Tokyo
- Seoul
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Dubai
- Doha
- Hong Kong
- Manila
- Guangzhou
Domestic Destinations
High-frequency services to:
- Jakarta
- Surabaya
- Yogyakarta
- Medan
- Makassar
- Labuan Bajo
- Lombok
- Balikpapan
Runways
Ngurah Rai International Airport operates a single runway:
| Runway | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 09/27 | 3,000 m | Asphalt |
The runway supports large wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Airbus A350.
Airport Facilities
✔ Shopping & Duty-Free
- DFS duty-free outlets
- Local souvenirs and handicrafts
- Convenience stores and bookshops
- Fashion and cosmetics brands
✔ Food & Beverage
- Indonesian restaurants
- International cafés
- Fast-food chains
- Coffee shops and bakeries
✔ Lounges
- Garuda Indonesia Lounge
- Premier Lounge
- T/G Lounge
- Concordia Lounge (Domestic)
✔ Passenger Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Baby care rooms
- Prayer rooms
- Medical clinic
- ATMs & currency exchange
- SIM card and mobile service counters
- Baggage wrapping
- Lost & found desk
- Spa and massage outlets
Ground Transportation
Travellers can access several transport options from the airport:
1. Airport Taxi
- Official taxi counter with fixed fares
- 24-hour service
- Reliable and safe option
2. Ride-Hailing Services (Grab/Gojek)
- Designated pickup area
- Affordable and convenient
- Booking via mobile apps
3. Shuttle Buses
- DAMRI buses to Denpasar, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Sanur, and Ubud
- Budget-friendly transport option
4. Car Rentals
- Available from both international and local operators
- Self-drive and chauffeur-driven choices
5. Hotel Transfers
- Many hotels provide private airport pickup
- Must be booked in advance
Parking
- Multi-level parking area near terminals
- Long-term and short-term parking zones
- Motorcycle-specific parking
- CCTV monitoring and security staff
Nearby Hotels
- Novotel Bali Ngurah Rai Airport (direct terminal access)
- Hilton Garden Inn Bali Airport
- HARRIS Hotel Tuban
- The Patra Bali Resort & Villas
- Ibis Bali Kuta
These hotels are ideal for short layovers, early departures, and transit travellers.
Traveller Tips
- Arrive 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights.
- Queues at immigration can be long during peak tourist seasons—plan ahead.
- Ride-hailing services are usually cheaper than taxis but require walking to the pickup zone.
- Keep printed or digital proof of accommodation and onward flights for immigration checks.
- Bali traffic can be unpredictable—leave early for your flight.
Future Plans
The Indonesian government continues to upgrade the airport to support Bali’s growing popularity. Proposed developments include:
- Improved taxiways
- Expanded passenger capacity
- Technology-driven check-in and security systems
- Long-term plans for a second airport in North Bali to relieve congestion
Conclusion
Ngurah Rai International Airport serves as the vibrant and efficient gateway to Bali, offering excellent connectivity, modern amenities, and a seamless travel experience. With its strategic coastal location and continuous improvements, the airport remains a key player in Indonesia’s tourism and aviation industry, ensuring travellers from around the world enjoy a smooth arrival and departure experience.
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