Water taxis to start from Bali International airport in early 2026
The Badung Regency Government in Southwest Bali is in the final stages of planning a fast boat route linking I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport directly to Canggu. The area is close to the popular Kuta and Seminyak resort areas. It will aim to bypass Bali’s infamous traffic jams. And give visitors a faster, more scenic way to reach the popular surfing destinations on the island.
The project is part of a wider push to roll out multiple water taxi services across the island over the next year.
Badung Regent Wayan Adi Arnawa recently told reporters that road construction alone will not solve anymore the congestion choking Canggu’s streets. “If we want to overcome traffic jams, it’s not enough to just build roads,” it was reporting to say. “We also need alternative transportation systems. In 2026, we will design a public transportation network.”
The proposed airport–Canggu sea link would be a first step. Arnawa said the service would offer tourists a comfortable, affordable, and time-saving alternative to navigating crowded highways, getting them straight from the airport to the beach by boat.
If successful, similar routes could connect other tourism hotspots, including Uluwatu and the island of Nusa Penida.
Arnawa acknowledged that new infrastructure will be needed along Bali coasts. This would include among others upgraded beaches and piers. Discussions are underway with state-owned ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero). They seem to support the idea and would help to create additional piers dedicated to airport water taxi services.
The Regent stopped meanwhile short of confirming a start date. Earlier discussions however point to a launch as early as late 2025, though early 2026 is more likely.
More public sea taxis and ferries in Bali
The plan comes amid a flurry of new sea transport initiatives in Bali. Pelindo (Indonesia Ports Authority) Sub Regional Bali Executive Director Daru Wicaksono Julianto launched in early August a direct sea taxi route between Benoa and Tanjung Benoa in Denpasar. The service starts from a newly-build dock. It cuts travel time between the two resort areas from 30 minutes by road to as little as 10–15 minutes by boat, depending on tides.
The launch also follows the recent debut of the Denpasar–Banyuwangi fast boat service. The boat links Bali with East Java in under three hours. This is to be compared to six hours along the congested Denpasar-Gilimanuk Highway. The fast boat provides VIP and executive seating.
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