Ubud Guide
Bali's airport, Ngurah Rai International near Denpasar, sits on the south coast. Ubud is inland in Gianyar, so the journey by car depends on the route and traffic conditions. Most visitors arrange a driver or a ride-hailing car; Riviera Boutique Hotel is on Jalan Raya Pengosekan in the central belt.
A guide from Riviera Boutique Hotel, a boutique hotel in central Ubud.
Last updated 24 September 2026
Bali has one international airport, Ngurah Rai in Denpasar, on the narrow neck of land in the south near Kuta and Jimbaran. Ubud is not on the coast; it sits inland in the Gianyar regency, in the hills at the centre of the island. There is no closer airport, so every arrival to Ubud starts with the drive north from the south coast. Before you fly, sort out the visa, arrival card and tourist levy.
Google Maps put the drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport to Riviera on Jalan Raya Pengosekan at 33 to 36 kilometres, about an hour by car, when we checked the routes on 16 October 2026. Traffic through the southern towns can stretch that, so check a current estimate with your driver before you set off.
Most visitors use a pre-arranged driver or a ride-hailing car booked from the airport. A private driver is the simplest with luggage after a long flight, and many hotels can arrange one. Ride-hailing apps work in Bali, though pick-up rules at the airport change from time to time, so a driver booked ahead avoids the guesswork on arrival.
The road into Ubud from the south runs up through the centre and out along Jalan Raya Pengosekan, so a hotel on that road is reached without crossing the busiest part of town. Riviera Boutique Hotel sits on Pengosekan, south of the Monkey Forest, which keeps the arrival straightforward at the end of the drive.
Once you are in the centre, much of Ubud is walkable, and the sights spread out beyond it are reached by scooter or a hired driver. A central base means you can drop the bags, walk to dinner the first evening, and sort out day trips the next morning without another long transfer.
See Riviera's rooms in central Ubud, or read our guide to staying in central Ubud.
Reviews
For us, this hotel was an absolute oasis of well-being and definitely one of the most beautiful hotels we stayed in in Bali. We would return in a heartbeat and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a special, stylish, and relaxing stay in Ubud. Thank you so much to the entire team for this wonderful time! ❤️🌴 We would love to come back again!
A beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Ubud with stylish interiors and great attention to detail. I stayed in a Garden View room, which was very comfortable, spotless and peaceful. The staff were incredibly warm, attentive and helpful. I originally booked two nights but loved it so much that I extended my stay by another three. I would definitely return!
A Beautiful modern hotel in the heart of Ubud, very centrally and conveniently located and close to the best shops and restaurants. The hotel has a very beautiful colonial atmosphere, the rooms are clean, modern and stylish. The staff is kind and responsive. It's a great place for a couple or single travellers, it's not really fit for families as it has no infrastructure and special spaces for kids. It's a great place for adult travellers wanting to stay in the very heart of Ubud and enjoy the walking distance to the evening events in Ubud or just visiting the town without the need to use a car or a bike. We will be back!
Common questions
A pre-arranged private driver is the simplest with luggage. Ride-hailing cars also work, though airport pick-up rules vary, so booking a driver ahead avoids trouble on arrival.