Flights to Bali — What to Expect
Almost all international flights to Bali land at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), located in Tuban, just minutes south of Kuta and about 30–45 minutes from Seminyak or Canggu depending on traffic. It's a well-organised airport for a major hub, though immigration queues can stretch at peak times — have your arrival card filled out before you land. From Europe, there are no true nonstop options, so you're looking at one-stop routing through Middle Eastern or Asian hubs. Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha, and Singapore Airlines via Singapore are the most consistently reliable. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is often one of the cheaper options and is worth checking. KLM connects through Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur, and Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong is another solid choice for quality. Total travel time from Western Europe runs 16–20 hours gate-to-gate including the stopover.
Flights from Europe to Bali typically range from €600 to €1,100 return in economy, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. Prices spike hard in July and August — that's Bali's peak season overlapping with European summer holidays, and airlines know it. For Bali flight deals, aim to book 3–5 months ahead and set fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner. Travelling from the UK, London Heathrow has the most routing options. From Germany, Frankfurt connects well with Lufthansa partners and Emirates. Business class on the Middle Eastern carriers is genuinely excellent if you're doing a splurge trip — look for redemption deals through frequent flyer programs.
Best Time to Visit Bali
Bali's climate divides cleanly into a dry season (April–October) and a wet season (November–March). The island sits close to the equator, so temperatures stay warm year-round — highs of 30–33°C (86–91°F) with humidity that makes it feel warmer. The real variable is rain, and it matters more than most people expect.
May, June, and September are the sweet spots. Rainfall drops to 53–74mm per month, skies are reliably blue, and you avoid the July–August crowds that push villa prices up and pack Seminyak's beaches wall-to-wall. September in particular is often overlooked — the rains haven't returned yet, the tourists have thinned out, and you'll find more room to breathe at places like Tanah Lot or the Tegallalang rice terraces. July and August are peak season: expect higher prices, fully booked villas, and traffic in south Bali that will test your patience. If that's when you can travel, book accommodation 4–6 months out. November through March brings the wet season — January averages 296mm of rain, and February isn't far behind. That said, showers are often short and intense rather than all-day drizzle, and the landscape turns intensely green. Accommodation is cheaper, and you'll share the temples with far fewer people. Avoid December 20 through early January regardless of your tolerance for rain — it's expensive, crowded, and chaotic.
Getting Around Bali
From Ngurah Rai Airport, skip the metered taxis outside arrivals — they're overpriced. Use the official airport taxi counter inside the terminal (fixed rates, roughly IDR 100,000–200,000 to south Bali destinations) or book a private transfer in advance, which many hotels offer. Once you're on the island, Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber equivalent) is the easiest way to get around for short journeys in south Bali and Ubud. Prices are transparent, and drivers are generally reliable. For more flexibility — especially in Ubud or northern Bali — renting a scooter costs around IDR 60,000–80,000 per day. Only do this if you're genuinely comfortable riding one; Bali's roads, particularly in Kuta and Denpasar, are busy and rules are loosely interpreted. Hiring a private driver for the day (around IDR 600,000–800,000 for 8–10 hours) is excellent value and the most practical option for temple-hopping or day trips to Mount Batur.
Where to Stay in Bali
Seminyak and Canggu are where most first-timers end up, and for good reason — great restaurants, beach clubs, and nightlife within walking distance. Seminyak skews slightly more polished and expensive; Canggu has a younger, surf-culture vibe and is rapidly developing. Budget guesthouses here run IDR 200,000–400,000 per night; mid-range villas with private pools go for €80–150. Ubud is the cultural and spiritual centre — rice terraces, yoga retreats, and the famous Monkey Forest. It's cooler and quieter, better suited to a week of slowing down. Premium retreats like Komaneka at Bisma or Alaya Resort sit at the higher end. Nusa Dua is the resort enclave — manicured, family-friendly, and somewhat removed from real Bali. If you want a big hotel with a proper beach and calm water, it works. Uluwatu suits surfers and those who want clifftop views and fewer crowds on the Bukit Peninsula.
Top Things to Do in Bali
- Tanah Lot Temple at sunset — the iconic sea temple is genuinely worth it, just go on a weekday and arrive 90 minutes before sunset to get a decent vantage point before the crowds pile in.
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces — north of Ubud, best visited early morning before tour groups arrive. The swings and photo spots cost extra but are optional.
- Mount Batur sunrise hike — a 2-hour climb starting around 4am, rewarded with a crater-rim sunrise above the clouds. Book a local guide; it's required and costs around IDR 300,000–500,000.
- Uluwatu Temple and Kecak fire dance — the clifftop temple is dramatic at any time, but the evening Kecak dance performance with the ocean behind the stage is one of Bali's genuinely memorable experiences.
- Seminyak or Canggu beach clubs — Potato Head, Finns, and La Brisa are the most established. Go for a late afternoon session, not midday, when the sun is brutal.
- Cooking class in Ubud — a half-day class including a market visit costs around $30–50 and is one of the better ways to connect with Balinese food culture beyond just eating at restaurants.
Practical Travel Tips
Visas: EU and UK passport holders can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days under the Visa-Free arrangement, or obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for around USD 35, which allows 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days at an immigration office. Always check the current rules before you travel as Indonesian visa policy has been updated in recent years. Currency: The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in tourist areas; withdraw larger amounts to minimise fees. Exchange rates at airport money changers are poor — use a reputable exchange in Kuta or Seminyak or withdraw directly. Avoid unlicensed money changers, particularly on Kuta's main strip. Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. IDR 10,000–20,000 for good service at a warung, 10% at smarter restaurants if service charge isn't already included. Tip your driver and guide directly in cash. Safety: Bali is generally very safe for tourists. The main concerns are petty theft in crowded areas, scooter accidents, and stomach issues from food — stick to busy warungs with high turnover and avoid tap water. Drink bottled or filtered water only.
FAQ — Flights to Bali
How much do flights to Bali cost?
Return flights to Bali from Europe typically cost between €600 and €1,100 in economy class, depending on the departure city, airline, and travel dates. Prices are highest in July and August and around Christmas. Booking 3–5 months in advance and being flexible with your travel dates by even a few days can make a meaningful difference. Business class on carriers like Emirates or Qatar Airways can run €2,500–4,500 return, but promotional fares do appear — worth tracking if you have points or miles to use.
Which airlines fly to Bali?
No European carrier operates a nonstop service to Bali, so all flights involve at least one connection. The most popular options from Europe include Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), KLM (via Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur), and Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong). Garuda Indonesia, the national carrier, also connects through various hubs. Turkish Airlines and Emirates tend to offer the most competitive economy fares when booked in advance.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Bali?
The cheapest months for flights to Bali from Europe are generally January, February, and November — the heart of Bali's wet season. Demand drops and airlines respond with lower fares. If you don't mind the occasional downpour and want a significantly quieter, cheaper trip, November is the best compromise: rain is picking up but not yet at January levels, and both flights and accommodation are noticeably cheaper than dry season rates. May and early June can also offer good value — the weather is excellent but European school holidays haven't kicked in yet.
How long is the flight to Bali from London?
From London Heathrow, total travel time to Bali is typically 16–19 hours including a stopover, depending on the layover duration and routing. Emirates via Dubai is around 17–18 hours total; Qatar Airways via Doha is similar. Singapore Airlines via Singapore can run 18–20 hours depending on the London departure time and connection. There are no nonstop flights from any European city to Bali — the routing through Middle Eastern or Asian hubs is simply how this journey works, and a decent layover (3–5 hours) in a well-run hub like Singapore Changi or Dubai is usually manageable.