Getting to the Ayung River: Airport, Ubud and Rafting Pickups

Quick summary: The Ayung River flows through the jungle-covered valleys near Ubud in central Bali, and most rafting trips start just outside the town. The easiest way to get there is on a rafting tour with hotel transfers, which collect guests from Ubud and the south coast resort areas. Private drivers are popular too, and rental cars are available at Ngurah Rai International Airport for travelers comfortable with Bali’s busy roads, where traffic drives on the left.

At a glance
Location	Near Ubud, central Bali
Easiest option	Rafting tour with transfers
Popular option	Hire a private driver
Self-drive	Rental car from Bali Airport
All tours	Browse all rafting tours
Drive on	The left
Tours	Rafting with transfers

Compare car rental at Bali Airport

What are the ways to reach the Ayung River?

Option	How it works	Tours
Tour with transfers	Pickup and drop-off at your hotel	Rafting with transfers
Private driver	A car and driver for the day	Private rafting tours
Rental car	Drive yourself to the meeting point	Ayung River rafting

How long does it take from the airport?

Ubud is roughly 35 to 40 km from the airport, and the drive can take an hour or much longer in traffic. See airport to Ubud and the Ayung.

Should you drive yourself in Bali?

Only if you’re confident with heavy traffic, scooters and narrow roads, and hold the right license and permit. See driving in Bali.

Where can you rent a car?

At Ngurah Rai International Airport, where hire company representatives meet you in the arrivals area. See Bali Airport car rental.

What about other rivers and combos?

Telaga Waja, in east Bali, is a longer drive, and combo tours add ATVs, swings or waterfalls, usually with transfers. See Telaga Waja rafting, ATV and rafting combos, rafting and swing packages and waterfall rafting tours.

Frequently Asked Questions