How Long Does It Take to Fly to Bali?

Quick Answer

Flying to Bali (Ngurah Rai International Airport, DPS) from the United States takes 17–26 hours of total travel time including at least one layover. From West Coast cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, plan for 17–22 hours. From East Coast cities like New York or Washington, D.C., expect 22–26 hours. There are no nonstop flights from the US to Bali — all routes require at least one connection.

Flight Times from Major US Cities

Departure City	Typical Layover	Total Travel Time	Common Airlines
Los Angeles (LAX)	Tokyo, Singapore, or Taipei	17–22 hours	Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, EVA Air
San Francisco (SFO)	Tokyo, Seoul, or Taipei	18–22 hours	ANA, Korean Air, EVA Air
New York (JFK)	Tokyo, Singapore, Doha, or Dubai	22–26 hours	Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates
Chicago (ORD)	Tokyo or Seoul	20–24 hours	ANA, Korean Air, Japan Airlines
Seattle (SEA)	Tokyo or Taipei	17–21 hours	Japan Airlines, EVA Air
Dallas (DFW)	Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Seoul	20–25 hours	Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific

Common Layover Hubs

Since there are no direct US-to-Bali flights, you'll connect through one of these major Asian or Middle Eastern hubs.

Singapore (SIN) — Most Popular Route

• Flight from LAX to Singapore: 17–18 hours
• Singapore to Bali: 2.5 hours
• Layover time: Typically 2–6 hours
• Total: 22–26 hours from LAX
• Singapore Airlines offers the most convenient connections with well-timed departures
• Changi Airport is consistently rated the world's best airport for layovers

Tokyo Narita (NRT) — Best from West Coast

• Flight from LAX to Tokyo: 11–12 hours
• Tokyo to Bali: 7–8 hours
• Layover time: Typically 2–5 hours
• Total: 20–25 hours from LAX
• Japan Airlines and ANA offer good connections

Doha (DOH) or Dubai (DXB) — Best from East Coast

• Flight from JFK to Doha: 12–13 hours
• Doha to Bali: 9–10 hours
• Layover time: Typically 2–6 hours
• Total: 23–29 hours from JFK
• Qatar Airways and Emirates offer premium long-haul service
• Longer total travel time but often competitive pricing

Seoul Incheon (ICN)

• Flight from LAX to Seoul: 12–13 hours
• Seoul to Bali: 6.5–7 hours
• Layover time: Typically 2–5 hours
• Total: 21–25 hours from LAX
• Korean Air offers direct Seoul-Bali flights

Taipei (TPE)

• Flight from LAX to Taipei: 13–14 hours
• Taipei to Bali: 5–5.5 hours
• Layover time: Typically 2–4 hours
• Total: 20–24 hours from LAX
• EVA Air operates convenient connections

Fastest Routes by Departure Region

From the US West Coast (17–22 Hours)

The fastest option is typically LAX or SFO through Tokyo or Taipei. These routes minimize backtracking and have relatively short connections.

Fastest itinerary: LAX → Tokyo Narita → Bali on Japan Airlines (approx. 17–20 hours total with a short layover)

From the US East Coast (22–26 Hours)

From New York, routing through Singapore or Doha is common. Singapore Airlines' JFK-to-Singapore flight connects well to Bali.

Fastest itinerary: JFK → Singapore → Bali on Singapore Airlines (approx. 22–25 hours total)

From the US Midwest (20–24 Hours)

From Chicago or Dallas, routing through Tokyo or Seoul is usually the fastest.

Fastest itinerary: ORD → Tokyo → Bali on ANA or Japan Airlines (approx. 20–23 hours total)

One Stop vs. Two Stops

Routing	Travel Time	Price Range (Economy)	Comfort Level
1 stop (optimal connection)	17–22 hours	$800–$1,500	Best
1 stop (long layover)	22–30 hours	$600–$1,200	Good (explore layover city)
2 stops	26–35+ hours	$500–$1,000	Tiring

One-stop itineraries are strongly recommended. Two-stop routes save money but add 6–12 hours of travel time and two sets of takeoffs and landings.

Best Time to Fly

For Shortest Travel Time

• Book flights that depart in the late evening from the US — you'll arrive in Asia in the morning and can catch a same-day connection to Bali
• Avoid routes with overnight layovers unless you plan to explore the connecting city

For Best Weather in Bali

• Dry season (April–October): Best weather, especially May–September. Peak tourist season.
• Wet season (November–March): Lower prices, afternoon rain showers, still warm. Fewer crowds.
• Peak pricing: Christmas/New Year, Australian school holidays (June–July)

For Best Prices

• Book 2–3 months in advance for the best fares
• Fly midweek (Tuesday–Thursday departures) for lower prices
• Shoulder season (April–May, September–October) offers the best balance of weather and pricing
• Set fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner for Bali routes

Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel

After arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in southern Bali:

• Official airport taxi: Fixed-rate metered taxis from the airport, 30–90 minutes depending on destination
• Private transfer: Pre-booked through your hotel, $15–$50 depending on distance
• Grab (ride-hailing app): Available outside the airport grounds, typically cheapest option
• To Ubud: 1–1.5 hours drive (about $20–$35 by private transfer)
• To Seminyak/Kuta: 15–30 minutes ($8–$15)
• To Uluwatu: 30–45 minutes ($15–$25)
• To Nusa Dua: 15–20 minutes ($8–$12)

Tips for Surviving the Long Flight

• Break it up — Consider a 1-night stopover in Singapore, Tokyo, or Seoul to rest and explore
• Choose your seat wisely — Aisle seats on long-haul flights make it easier to move around
• Stay hydrated — Drink water frequently; cabin air is extremely dry on 10+ hour flights
• Adjust your sleep schedule — Bali is 15 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (12 hours ahead of Pacific)
• Bring entertainment — Download movies, podcasts, or books before departure
• Wear compression socks — Reduces swelling and DVT risk on ultra-long flights
• Consider a premium cabin — Business class makes a massive difference on 12+ hour segments