Your Ultimate Guide: How to Get from Cairns to Bali Efficiently

Traveloka Team
15 Sep 2024 - 4 min read

Bali, a sought-after spot for leisure, culture, and excitement, is close to Cairns, Australia. However, when considering how to get from Cairns to Bali, it's essential to consider aspects like expenses, travel duration, and journey ease.

In this piece, we'll explore three main methods of travelling from Cairns to Bali, discuss the optimal travel periods, and offer some useful travel advice.

3 Ways to Get from Cairns to Bali

Here are three methods to travel from Cairns to Bali:

Flight From Cairns to Bali / Denpasar

Tue, 13 May 2025

Jetstar

Cairns (CNS) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)

Start from AU$227.41

Sat, 3 May 2025

AirAsia Indonesia

Cairns (CNS) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)

Start from AU$245.56

Sun, 4 May 2025

Virgin Australia Airlines

Cairns (CNS) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)

Start from AU$448.55

1. Direct Flights from Cairns to Bali

What is the quickest way to get to Bali? Booking a direct flight from Cairns to Bali is an easy and efficient option.

Jetstar, a budget airline from Australia, provides non-stop services from Cairns Airport (CNS) to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali.

These nonstop flights run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, departing at either 7:15 AM, 7:10 PM, or 7:40 PM. The flight time from Cairns to Bali is around 4 hours and 43 minutes. Meanwhile, the distance from Cairns to Bali is 2,144 (3,450 kilometres).

Although a direct flight from Cairns to Bali might be the quickest, it does involve a higher price. Fares usually vary between AUD 260 and AUD 550. If convenience is your primary concern and you're prepared to spend more for a non-stop service, this is the perfect solution.

The Trans Resort Bali

9.0/10

AU$195

AU$195

2. The Cheapest Option: Fly, Train, and Ferry

For those on a tight budget, the cheapest way to get from Cairns to Bali involves a combination of flights, trains, and ferries. This option will take approximately 17 hours and 52 minutes, and the costs range between $150 and $360.

First, you must book a flight from Cairns to Juanda International Airport (SUB) in Surabaya, Indonesia. The flight takes around 7 hours and 20 minutes and costs AUD 115 to AUD 300.
After landing in Surabaya, you'll take a 45-minute bus ride to the Surabaya Bungurasih Bus Station, followed by a 5-hour and 59-minute train ride to Ketapang.
From there, you'll catch a one-hour ferry ride to Gilimanuk in Bali. Although this option requires multiple transfers, it significantly reduces travel expenses.

3. A Balance of Cost and Time: Fly to Lombok and Ferry to Bali

If you're looking for a middle-ground option that balances cost and travel time, consider flying to Lombok and ferry to Bali. This journey takes approximately 12 hours and 6 minutes and costs between IDR 3,026,528 and IDR 6,726,766 ($195 to $435).

Start by flying from Cairns to Lombok International Airport (LOP), which takes around 6 hours and 10 minutes.
The cost of the flight ranges from AUD 155 to AUD 385.
After arriving in Lombok, take a 10-minute walk to the bus terminal, followed by a 1-hour and 30-minute bus ride to Senggigi.
From there, it's a 27-minute car ride to Bangsal, where you'll board a 1-hour and 30-minute ferry to Amed, Bali.
While this option involves multiple modes of transport, it's faster than the cheapest option and more affordable than a direct flight.

Waterbom Bali Tickets

9.5/10

AU$34

AU$31

Best Time to Travel

Choosing the right time for your journey from Cairns to Bali can significantly influence your experience. Bali features two primary seasons: the dry season, running from April to October, and the wet season, which spans from November to March.

The dry season offers perfect conditions for enjoyable weather and outdoor adventures. For a cost-effective choice, consider visiting during the shoulder periods (April to May and September to October). The weather remains pleasant during these times, but there are fewer crowds and reduced costs.

Tips to Travel in Bali

When organising your journey from Cairns to Bali, keep these suggestions in mind to guarantee a seamless experience:

1. Book in Advance

Whether you choose a non-stop flight or a mix of flights, trains, and ferries, purchasing your tickets ahead of time can help you save money. Airlines frequently provide discounts for early bookings, and ferry and train tickets may become unavailable rapidly, particularly during busy travel.

2. Pack Light

When travelling on a tight budget and opting for the most economical choices, it's crucial to pack minimally. Budget airlines and affordable train services frequently impose extra charges for checked baggage, so aim to consolidate your belongings into a carry-on bag to avoid additional costs.

3. Currency Exchange

Before departing Cairns, converting a portion of your Australian dollars into Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is wise. Although currency exchange is available in Bali, you'll typically receive more favourable rates in Australia, mainly if you use a local bank or currency exchange service.

4. Visa Requirements

Australians visiting Bali for tourism can enter Indonesia for up to 30 days without a visa. If you intend to stay beyond this period, you can obtain a visa on arrival that permits an extension for another 30 days. It’s essential to verify the current visa requirements before your trip, as rules may be subject to change.

5. Travel Insurance

Investing in travel insurance is highly recommended, particularly when venturing abroad. Such insurance can protect you from unforeseen occurrences such as flight disruptions, health emergencies, and misplaced baggage. If you intend to engage in adventurous pursuits like surfing, diving, or hiking in Bali, select a policy that offers coverage for these activities.

6. Local Transportation

Upon reaching Bali, you'll have a range of transportation choices, such as taxis, motorbike rentals, and ride-hailing apps like Grab. Renting a motorbike can be a budget-friendly way to navigate the island if you're confident in your riding skills. However, if you're not experienced, you should use taxis or ride-hailing services for your safety.

Now that you're familiar with how to get from Cairns to Bali, the optimal travel periods, and critical travel advice, you're ready to begin organising your journey.

Are you eager to plan your adventure? Visit Traveloka now to discover the top offers on flights, accommodations, and travel experiences for your trip from Cairns to Bali.

With Traveloka, you can conveniently organise and reserve all aspects of your journey from a single platform, guaranteeing a smooth and delightful travel experience.

In This Article

• 3 Ways to Get from Cairns to Bali
• 1. Direct Flights from Cairns to Bali
• 2. The Cheapest Option: Fly, Train, and Ferry
• 3. A Balance of Cost and Time: Fly to Lombok and Ferry to Bali
• Best Time to Travel
• Tips to Travel in Bali
• 1. Book in Advance
• 2. Pack Light
• 3. Currency Exchange
• 4. Visa Requirements
• 5. Travel Insurance
• 6. Local Transportation

Flights Featured in This Article

Tue, 13 May 2025
Jetstar
Cairns (CNS) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)
Start from AU$227.41
Book Now
Sat, 3 May 2025
AirAsia Indonesia
Cairns (CNS) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)
Start from AU$245.56
Book Now
Sun, 4 May 2025
Virgin Australia Airlines
Cairns (CNS) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)
Start from AU$448.55
Book Now
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