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Leaving the sun-drenched beaches of southern Bali for the misty highlands of Kintamani feels like entering a different world. As the humidity of the coast gives way to the crisp, cool air of the Batur caldera, palm-fringed streets turn into volcanic ridges and an ancient crater lake. The journey is a favorite for anyone chasing the sunrise over Mount Batur or a quiet retreat in the mountain air.
The distance is not vast, but the winding roads and the climb mean your choice of transport affects your comfort and arrival time. Whether you head straight from the airport or move up from the cultural heart of Ubud, reaching the highlands is easy if you plan ahead. Compare and book your transport on GoAsia.cc.
Bali to Kintamani by Private Transfer
Private transfers are the most popular way to reach Kintamani. They offer door-to-door service and let you take the steep mountain road at your own pace. On booking platforms, prices start at about $20 (November 2026), and the journey takes from 45 minutes to 3 hours depending on where you start.[1]
From Ubud
Ubud is the closest major hub to the highlands. A private SUV or small car takes about 1 hour and costs from about $20 to about $35. That suits small groups and families who want to skip public transport.[1]
From the Airport
From I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, transfers take 1 to 3 hours. Vehicles range from an economy car at about $32 to a 12-passenger van at around $80, so pick a premium van or MPV if you have a lot of luggage or a larger group.[1]
From Seminyak and Other Areas
From beach resorts like Seminyak, the drive takes around 2 hours 10 minutes, and a small car for up to 4 passengers costs about $43. The route crosses the heart of the island, with glimpses of terraced rice fields as you climb.[1]
Bali to Kintamani by Van and Jeep
For sunrise trekking, specialized transfers combine a van with a jeep leg that reaches trailheads and viewpoints in the caldera. On booking platforms they cost about $70 (November 2026), take about 1 hour 30 minutes from Ubud and up to about 3 hours 15 minutes from elsewhere in Bali, and leave in the early hours of the morning to reach the viewpoint before sunrise.[1]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer from Ubud | $20 - $35[1] | About 1h |
| Private transfer from the airport | $32 - $80[1] | 1h - 3h |
| Private transfer from Seminyak | About $43[1] | About 2h 10min |
| Van + jeep sunrise transfer | About $70[1] | 1h 30min - 3h 15min |
Tips for Traveling from Bali to Kintamani
- Pack a jacket: Kintamani is much cooler than the coast, especially at night and early in the morning.
- Book in advance: During the dry season drivers fill up quickly. Secure your ride on GoAsia.cc a few days before your trip.
- Plan for motion sickness: The road has many curves and a steady incline. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit in the front seat or take a tablet before the climb.
- Confirm your pick-up for sunrise: For a sunrise trek you set off in the middle of the night. Make sure your driver knows exactly where your hotel is, as mountain homestays can be hard to find in the dark.
Timetable
| Taxi Seminyak - Kintamani $ 42.46 2h 10m | |
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| Taxi Bali - Kintamani $ 24.82–42.46 45m – 3h | |
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| Taxi Ubud - Kintamani $ 19.85–34.74 1h | |
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| Taxi I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport - Kintamani $ 31.43–78.86 1h – 3h | |
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| Van Bali - Bali $ 68.97 2h – 3h 15m | |
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| Van Ubud - Bali $ 68.97 1h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Bali to Kintamani, including current prices and schedules.
A private car from Ubud is the cheapest, from about $20 per vehicle on booking platforms (November 2026).
A private transfer from Ubud takes about 1 hour. From the airport or the southern beach areas, a private car is also the quickest option, at 1 to 3 hours depending on traffic.
It depends on where you start: about 1 hour from Ubud, about 2 hours 10 minutes from Seminyak, and 1 to 3 hours from the international airport.
Many travelers make the trip in the early hours for sunrise treks. The roads are dark and winding, so a professional driver is the best choice.
Yes. For larger groups from the airport you can book a 12-passenger van for about $80, and there are also premium vans and SUVs.
Yes. Private transfers run directly from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, from about $32 for an economy car to about $80 for a large van, in 1 to 3 hours.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Bali - Kintamani. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.