Bali’s provincial government signed an agreement with state rail operator KAI on 1 September 2026 for a proposed battery-powered tram connecting Ngurah Rai International Airport towards the Canggu area - an infrastructure project that, if delivered, would address one of the island’s most persistent transport problems.
The Route
The planned tram would run along the coast-side of the Ngurah Rai bypass, linking the airport to the Kuta–Seminyak–Canggu corridor. This stretch is the island’s busiest road and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over two hours to navigate by car during peak traffic. A fixed-rail option would give travellers arriving at the airport a direct, time-predictable route to Bali’s most densely developed tourism strip without relying on taxis or ride-hailing.
The project uses battery-powered rolling stock rather than overhead lines, which avoids the visual impact on Bali’s streetscape and is better suited to the relatively flat coastal route.
Timeline and Context
No confirmed opening date has been set. The September signing is a memorandum of understanding between the provincial government and KAI - the next steps involve detailed feasibility studies and funding arrangements. Construction timelines in Indonesia for this type of project typically run three to five years from the signing stage.
The project forms part of a wider push to address congestion on the airport corridor, which has been identified as a brake on Bali’s “quality tourism” strategy - the provincial government’s stated goal of attracting travellers who spend more per visit rather than simply maximising arrival numbers.
For Current Visitors
The tram remains a future project. For now, travellers heading from the airport to Seminyak, Kerobokan, or Canggu should allow substantial time and consider travelling outside morning and evening peak hours where possible. A pre-booked private transfer avoids the taxi queue on arrival and gives a fixed price regardless of traffic. Our practical guide covers current ground transport options from Ngurah Rai, including fixed-price taxi zones and app-based options. For activity ideas once you’re there, our things-to-do guide covers Bali’s main experiences from temple tours and Mount Batur treks to surfing and yoga retreats.