How to get to Canggu
Canggu is a fast-growing surfing village located on the west coast of Bali. It may not have Bali’s most beautiful beaches, but Canggu’s surf spots, parties, (vegan) restaurants, boutique cafes, and surfer-style hostels have attracted a vibrant crowd from all over the world.
In recent years, it has become Bali’s main haunt for digital nomads, transforming itself into a cosmopolitan hangout of co-working spots, casual coffee shops, and laidback bars.
There is a distinct hippy-chic vibe to Canggu with lots of street art and unique restaurants serving up global cuisine of every flavour. Every Sunday at 16:00, the La Laguna Gypsy Market offers organic goodies and a lot of interesting finds. You can shop while a live band plays in the background.
It is also known for its wide range of accommodation options, from simple homestays to surfer-style hostels and boutique resorts.
When travelling to Canggu from anywhere in Bali, you can take either a taxi or a pre-booked private car.
Read further for a more detailed guide.
Quick Answer on Getting to Canggu
There is no public transport in and out of Canggu, so a private car or taxi is required to get there.
This includes ride-hailing apps like Grab and Go-Jek, but note that they are technically prohibited from picking passengers up within the central areas of Canggu. Although if you’re coming from other areas in Bali, drop-off is allowed in Canggu.
Like Ubud, Canggu has a so-called taxi mafia that bans online ride-hailing services, which inevitably leads to more expensive rides than other areas in Bali.
Expect to haggle for a reasonable rate, although you’ll find good deals if you regularly book the same driver. Bali’s most reputable taxi firm Bluebird is also available in Canggu, which is easy to book via the Bluebird app or phone.
From Bali Airport to Canggu by Taxi
To get to Canggu from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, you can either take a fixed-price airport taxi or a private car pickup.
The cheapest option is to book a private car via Klook at least a day prior to your arrival.
A ride costs 150,000 IDR ($9.50) and travel time is around an hour. Cars offered by Klook normally get great reviews, so you will be assured of a great trip. You can easily reserve one via the link below.
If you prefer to take an airport taxi, note that their rates are fixed and prepaid at the airport taxi desk. A ride to Canggu by taxi costs 300,000 IDR ($19.00).
Taxi-hailing apps like Grab and GoJek offer cheaper fares. The staff at the Grab Lounge outside the international terminal area can help you book a ride. This is also your pick-up point.
From Kuta/Seminyak to Canggu by Taxi
Canggu is almost an hour away from Kuta and Seminyak by taxi. However, with the congested streets between Seminyak and Kuta, expect a longer travel time.
You can book a ride via taxi-hailing apps like Grab or Go-Jek. Fares start at 100,000 IDR ($6.00) from Kuta and 60,000 IDR ($3.80) from Seminyak.
Another option when coming from Seminyak is a private car. You can book one via BookAway for 140,000 IDR ($9.00). Just click the link below.
From Ubud to Canggu by Taxi
You have two options when travelling from Ubud to Canggu: a shuttle bus and a taxi.
The cheaper option is the Perama Tour shuttle bus that departs from its office in the city centre. There is only one departure daily at 11:30 and tickets cost 170,000 IDR ($11.00) per person. You will be dropped off at Pepito Market in Canggu.
Bus schedule from Ubud to Canggu
An alternative is a taxi or a private car. Taxi-hailing apps like Grab and Go-Jek are prohibited from picking up passengers in the centre of Ubud. However, it is still possible to book one for a pickup out of town or in a discreet area.
Otherwise, you can hail a private car from the street or ask your hotel to arrange a car for you. The journey from Ubud to Canggu takes about an hour and costs about 300,000 IDR ($19.00).
If you don’t feel up to the inevitable haggling for a reasonable fare, why not book a private car online instead? BookAway offers private cars for a fixed price of 300,000 IDR ($19.00).
From Uluwatu to Canggu by Taxi
From Uluwatu, you can reach Canggu by taxi in about 1.5 hours.
A ride costs around 220,000 IDR ($14.00) if you book via Grab or Go-Jek. You can also try hailing a taxi from the street. Keep in mind though that the Uluwatu area is quite spread out and you may have to book by phone or via the app for a Bluebird taxi.
Expect to pay about 200,000 IDR ($12.50) for the journey.
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
hi there,
i want to book a pick up from airport in bali going to heritage hotel kuta for my wife & i on 25.6.2023, we have luggage & a surfboard, how do i book a car with room for my surfboard as i could not work out how to book car with room for surfboard, also how much time should i allow for clearing customs & getting baggage after landing in bali so i can mi minimise my wait & the drivers wait
thanks for your time
Hi Ronald, I hope this reaches you before your flight! If you’re looking for a vehicle that can accommodate both your surfboard and luggage, you can book an XL car. Klook offers different types of vehicles available for pick-up at Bali Airport, but you can also order a Grab or Gojek taxi.
In the past, I’ve arrived in Bali airport with 2 shortboards and I was always able to put the surfboards in the car. Even if the car is small, the driver can put the passenger sheet in the front all the way to the back. Then your surfboard should still fit as long as it is a shortboard. I did this with a board up till 6″3.
Upon landing, allocate one to two hours for immigration and baggage reclaim, especially considering you’re travelling during the peak season.
Best, Maarten