When you land at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, transportation is often the first thing you think about. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available, but the fares can add up quickly, especially if you plan to explore different parts of the island. Fortunately, Bali now has a reliable and affordable public transportation option for your airport transfer Bali needs: Trans Metro Dewata (TMD).
This modern bus system connects the airport with major parts of Denpasar and extends to popular tourist areas like Kuta, Sanur, Ubud, and Nusa Dua. For travelers who want to save money and experience a more authentic side of Bali, TMD is a smart choice.
What Is Trans Metro Dewata?
Trans Metro Dewata, also called TMD in some platforms, is a government-supported public bus system launched to make Bali’s transportation more organized and accessible. The buses are air-conditioned, relatively new, and designed to serve both locals and tourists, offering a viable alternative for a standard airport transfer Bali.
The network consists of five main corridors covering different routes across southern and central Bali. While not every beach town is directly connected, the system allows affordable access to many key areas, with convenient transfer points along the way.
Operating Hours and Schedule
Trans Metro Dewata buses operate daily from around 04:30 AM until 10:00 PM. Services are frequent during the day, although waiting times can vary depending on the corridor. In total, there are around 75 services operating each day, which makes it possible to travel between urban centers and tourist zones without too much hassle.
It is important to plan your trip in advance, especially if you have an early morning or late-night flight, as this public airport transfer Bali option stops operating at night.
Routes to Popular Tourist Areas
The five corridors of Trans Metro Dewata provide wide coverage in Denpasar and surrounding regions. Here is how you can use them to reach some of Bali’s most visited destinations:
Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak
Corridor 2 and Corridor 5 both connect to Central Parkir Kuta, a key hub for the bus system. From the airport, you can easily reach Kuta by taking Corridor 2. Once in Kuta, Legian and Seminyak are just a short ride away by taxi, motorbike, or even on foot if your hotel is nearby.
Sanur
Sanur is directly served by Corridor 3, which runs between Terminal Ubung and Matahari Terbit Beach in Sanur. This makes it one of the easiest areas to reach using TMD. Sanur is also the main harbor for boats heading to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan, so the bus is a great option if you plan to continue your journey to the islands.
Ubud
For Ubud, take Corridor 4 which connects Terminal Ubung with the Monkey Forest parking area. The route passes through Sukawati and several cultural villages, giving you a glimpse of Balinese daily life along the way. The final stop near Monkey Forest is within walking distance of Ubud’s central attractions.
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua and the surrounding southern resort areas are connected via Corridor 5, which passes through Kuta and Benoa before heading south. If you are staying at a luxury resort in Nusa Dua, this bus airport transfer Bali can save you a significant amount compared to private transfers.
Canggu and Uluwatu
At the moment, Trans Metro Dewata does not provide direct routes to Canggu or Uluwatu. However, you can use the bus to reach nearby hubs like Denpasar or Kuta, and then continue with a local taxi, shuttle, or ride-hailing app. Even though it requires an extra step, this method is still more economical than relying entirely on private transport.
Routes Overview Table
| Tourist Area | Corridor / Stops Nearby | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kuta / Legian / Seminyak | Corridor 2, Corridor 5 from Central Parkir Kuta | Great for beaches, shopping, nightlife. |
| Sanur | Corridor 3 (Terminal Ubung – Sanur) | Direct service to Sanur beach & harbor. |
| Ubud | Corridor 4 (Terminal Ubung – Monkey Forest Ubud) | Stops near Peliatan and Hanoman streets. |
| Nusa Dua | Corridor 5 (via Kuta – Benoa – Nusa Dua) | Best for the southern resort belt. |
| Canggu / Uluwatu | No direct line | Requires combining bus + local transport. |
Fares and Payment Options
One of the main advantages of this public airport transfer Bali option is its extremely affordable fare. A single ride costs only about IDR 4,000–4,500 (less than USD 0.30). This is a fraction of what you would pay for a taxi or ride-hailing service.
Payment is cashless, which means you need to use electronic money cards, QRIS, or other supported e-payment methods. It is recommended to prepare this in advance, especially at the airport, to avoid delays when boarding.
Why Choose Trans Metro Dewata?
Travelers have several reasons to include TMD in their Bali experience:
- Affordable travel: The cheapest way to get around Bali for both short and long distances.
- Local experience: You share the ride with locals, giving you a closer look at daily Balinese life.
- Eco-friendly choice: Public transportation helps reduce congestion and pollution in busy tourist zones.
- Comfortable buses: Clean, modern, and air-conditioned — much more comfortable than old public bemos.
Tips for Tourists
If you plan to use Trans Metro Dewata, keep these tips in mind:
- Download the Trans Metro Dewata app for Android or IOS to check routes, stops, and schedules in real time.
- Plan connections carefully if you need to transfer corridors to reach your destination.
- Avoid peak hours when traffic in Denpasar can slow down your trip significantly.
- Use it for long trips like airport transfer Bali to Ubud or Sanur, then combine with local transport for the last mile.
- Carry a backup plan for late-night arrivals or departures since the service stops around 10 PM.
Example Itineraries
- Ngurah Rai Airport to Ubud: Take Corridor 2 from the airport to Terminal Ubung, then transfer to Corridor 4 heading to Monkey Forest.
- Ngurah Rai Airport to Sanur: Take Corridor 2 to Denpasar and continue with Corridor 3 toward Matahari Terbit Beach.
- Ngurah Rai Airport to Nusa Dua: Take Corridor 2 or 5, which connects through Kuta and Benoa before reaching Nusa Dua.
Trans Metro Dewata is not only a cheap way to get around Bali, but also a comfortable and eco-conscious choice. From Ngurah Rai International Airport, you can reach popular destinations like Kuta, Sanur, Ubud, and Nusa Dua without spending much money. While direct connections to areas like Canggu or Uluwatu are still limited, combining TMD with local transport can make your trip both economical and adventurous.
For budget travelers, backpackers, and anyone who wants to experience Bali beyond private cars and taxis, riding Trans Metro Dewata is a great way to start the journey.
