I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport: Interesting Facts about the Indonesian Airport
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is the only airport in Bali, handling both domestic and international flights arriving or departing from the Indonesian island, one of the most popular world destinations. Verily, out of the more than 17.500 Indonesian islands, Bali stands out, attracting visitors from every part of the planet. Thus, their major gateway to the exotic destination is Bali Airport. Also known as Denpasar Bali Airport or DPS Airport (after its IATA Code), its Indonesian name is Bandar Udara Internasional I Gusti Ngurah Rai. Its official name (I Gusti Ngurah Rai) is a tribute to a local hero who lost his life in 1946, being a commander and a leading figure in the Indonesian Revolution.
Bali Indonesia Airport first opened its doors back in 1931. It is located just 14km/8.7 miles south of the main city in Bali -Denpasar- and lies close to all the major sites and attractions of South Bali. It is actually to be found in the Tuban area, right between Kuta and Jimbaran. It is an airport designed and decorated to honor the local architecture and cultural traditions. Verily, from the design of its terminal buildings to the entire airport’s layout, its decoration, and even the music played inside the terminals, Bali Airport is a glance at the local cultural heritage.
DPS Airport is a multi-awarded air hub as well as the second busiest out of the 683 Indonesian airports (following the Soekarno Hatta International Airport). Moreover, it is considered one of the most occupied Asian aviation hubs. As a matter of fact, in 2022, it welcomed more than 10 million passengers, while its annual passenger traffic in 2023 was even more increased. Bali Airport has one runway, one domestic terminal, and an international terminal building. What’s more, it can handle wide-body aircraft such as Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A380.
Interesting Fact: The airport has a total capacity of around 20 million passengers and is expected to reach its full capacity in the near future. That being said, DPS Airport can’t be expanded, as the nearby area is densely populated, and the environmental impact would be severe. Thus, conversations have been made about the construction of a second international airport in Bali.
Airport Name: Bali International Airport
IATA Code: DPS
ICAO: WADD
Location: Tuban, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Time Zone: WITA (Central Indonesian Time) UTC/GMT +8 hours
Airport Map: Bali Airport at Google Maps
Bali Airport’s Layout
Bali Airport has two terminal buildings that are located within walking distance of each other. The international terminal is the newest addition to the DPS airport complex, being constructed in 2013. It has 62 check-in desks, a large duty-free area, and a vast food court. The older yet fully renovated domestic terminal is four times the size of the old building and handles domestic flights from and to Bali Indonesia Airport. Both terminals are designed and adorned according to the local style. Moreover, it is striking that even when the airport gets overcrowded, it still sustains the feeling of a spacious aviation hub.
DPS Airlines
Denpasar Bali Airport is one of the busiest Asian air hubs and the second most occupied airport in Indonesia. Expectantly, the airport houses a wide number of airlines. Verily, conventional air carriers and low-cost airlines are present at DPS Airport. Moreover, both domestic and international air companies operate at Bali Airport. On the other hand, it is an air hub for Garuda Indonesia and a focus city for Batik Air, Citilink, Indonesia AirAsia, Lion Air, and Wings Air.
Parking Facilities
The busy I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport houses a variety of parking options to accommodate its passengers’ and visitors’ needs. In detail, riders will find a motorcycle parking on its north side, while two multi-level car parks for four-wheel vehicles (one for each terminal), as well as a premium parking facility, are also to be found inside the airport’s premises. On the other hand, a bus parking lot is dedicated to the coaches’, shuttles’, and trucks’ parking needs.
Transit Options
Bali Airport is located within 14km/8.7 miles from Denpasar, on the South part of the island. Thus, travelers who want to get from Bali Airport to Ubud, Kuta, etc. have the following options for their journey from the airport:
- an airport taxi
- a bus journey
- a private airport transfer
- an airport car rental
Services and Amenities
The vast and busy Bali International Airport offers much more than the necessary services and amenities to guarantee a premium traveling experience for its passengers. Thus, some of the most important of the provided services are:
- Cafes, restaurants, and bars
- Various retail stores / Duty-free area
- Baggage carts / Baggage Repacking Area
- Beauty services
- Meet & Greet services
- ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Nursery rooms / Playground
- Lost & Found offices
- Smoking zones
- Lounges
- Prayer rooms
- Wi-Fi
- Charging stations
- Tourist Information Desk
- Special services and amenities for passengers with disabilities
Contact Info
Official Name: I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport
Address: Ngurah Rai Tuban, Denpasar 80361, Bail, Indonesia
Phone Number: +62 361 75 10 11
The Island of Bali
The “Island of Gods”, is how Bali is often called, referring to its rich religious legacy and its countless temples and religious monuments. It is a tropical destination attracting numerous visitors. Honeymooners, adventure travelers who want to explore the jungle areas, or even visitors who are eager to spend their holidays on one of its heavenly beaches with crystal-clear waters arrive on Bali ready to enjoy the time of their lives. Thus, its cultural background reflected on its numerous sites and attractions along with its natural beauty are the main reasons why Bali is definitely one of the most popular destinations in the world. On the other hand, its various traditional markets give visitors the chance to feel part of the island’s everyday life, whereas fun travelers are equally thrilled by its vivid nightlife.
FAQs
What is the main airport in Bali?
Bali has only one airport, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. However, as its passenger traffic is ever-increasing, plans are made to construct a second international airport in Bali.
What is Bali Airport called?
Bali Airport is officially named I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport after a local hero who lost his life during the Indonesian Revolution. However, it is also known as DPS Airport or Denpasar Airport.
What is the 3-letter airport code for Bali Indonesia?
Bali Airport -or I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport as it is officially named- is also known as Denpasar Airport or DPS Airport. Verily, its IATA code is DPS.
Where is the airport in Bali?
Bali Airport lies in the southern area of the island. It is located in Tuban, between Kuta and Jimbaran. The airport is just 14km/8.7 miles from Denpasar, and just 5km/3.1 miles from Kuta
Is Denpasar Airport busy?
Bali International Airport -or Denpasar Airport- is a busy airport. As a matter of fact, it is the second most occupied airport in Indonesia. Moreover, it is listed among the busiest Asian aviation hubs.
How big is DPS Airport?
Bali Indonesia Airport Airport is a big aviation hub consisting of two terminals (one for domestic and one for international flights). In fact, its terminals are spread over a 265.60 Ha area.
How many terminals does DPS Airport have?
DPS Airport has two terminal buildings which lie close to each other (within walking distance). Thus, it has a domestic terminal handling Indonesian flights and an international terminal building serving flights from and to all over the world.
How long does it take to check in at Bali Airport?
If you want to enjoy a stress-free check-in procedure at Bali Airport, you should arrive at the airport on time for your flight. Thus, it is recommended to be at the airport two hours before your upcoming domestic flight, whereas if your destination is international, you should be at DPS Airport three hours before the estimated departure time of your flight.
Can I get a visa at Denpasar Airport?
You can apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) once you land at Bali International Airport. It is actually a temporary VISA, which will allow you to remain in Bali as a tourist for up to 30 days. Please note that VOA is valid for travelers originating from 160 countries. Therefore, you should check the specific terms and conditions before your flight to Bali.
What are the transit options from Bali Airport?
Travelers landing at Bali International Airport can use an airport taxi, book a private airport transfer, or opt for a rental car to get to their journey’s end. Alternatively, they can travel from Bali Airport to their destination via a public bus or a shuttle.