Bali Airport–Canggu Tram Project Set to Move Forward in 2027

Bali is preparing for a major upgrade to its transportation network, with plans for a new tram connecting I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport with Canggu via Pecatu.

Governor Wayan Koster says the project is targeted to enter its processing phase in 2027, with the ambitious goal of completing the tram no later than early 2029.

A New Way to Travel Across Bali

Imagine arriving at Bali’s international airport and having another transportation option to reach the island’s popular southern destinations without relying entirely on increasingly busy roads.

That is the long-term vision behind the proposed Airport–Canggu tram project.

The planned route would connect Ngurah Rai International Airport with Canggu through Pecatu, creating an important new public transportation link through some of Bali’s busiest tourism areas.

For visitors, the project could eventually mean easier airport transfers, more predictable travel times and another way to explore southern Bali.

Project Preparation Is Already Underway

According to Governor Koster, preparations are already focusing on determining the tram’s alignment and identifying the state-owned and customary village land required for the project.

The Bali provincial government is coordinating with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), the Ministry of National Development Planning and central government officials as the project moves toward its planned 2027 processing phase.

Land acquisition will be one of the important steps before construction can move ahead.

The Tram Could Become an Attraction Itself

The proposed tram is not being designed simply as another piece of transportation infrastructure.

Governor Koster said the tram could feature a distinctive and artistic design, different from trams found in other destinations.

The goal is for the transportation system to complement Bali’s unique character and potentially become an attraction in its own right.

That could make the journey itself part of the Bali experience rather than simply a way to get from the airport to a hotel.

Helping Address Southern Bali Traffic

Traffic congestion has become one of the major challenges facing Bali’s most popular tourism areas.

Canggu, in particular, has experienced significant growth in tourism, restaurants, hotels, villas and other businesses, placing increasing pressure on the existing road network.

A dedicated tram connection could eventually provide tourists and residents with an alternative to road transportation and help reduce pressure on some of the island’s busiest routes.

More Electric Transportation Is Coming to Bali

The tram is not the only transportation improvement being developed.

The Bali provincial government has also secured a grant for 11 battery-powered electric buses to serve the Sarbagita region, covering Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar and Tabanan.

Together, these projects point toward a greater role for electric public transportation in Bali.

Protecting Bali’s Character While Improving Transportation

Bali’s transportation expansion also needs to take into account the island’s unique landscape, cultural sites and traditional communities.

The provincial government is therefore preparing a Governor Regulation concerning the use of underground space. The regulation is intended to provide a framework for future infrastructure while respecting sacred sites and Bali’s distinctive landscape.

This could become particularly important as Bali looks for ways to improve transportation without compromising the character that attracts visitors from around the world.

What Could the Tram Mean for Tourists?

If the project progresses according to the current plan, the Airport–Canggu tram could eventually make one of Bali’s most popular tourism corridors easier to navigate.

Visitors could benefit from an additional airport transportation option, potentially reducing dependence on cars and helping make journeys through southern Bali more comfortable.

The project could also strengthen the connection between Bali’s international gateway and major tourism destinations such as Canggu and Pecatu.

A Potentially Important Step for Bali’s Future

The Airport–Canggu tram remains a project in the planning and preparation stage, and major steps—including land acquisition, financing and coordination between different levels of government—still need to be completed.

However, the proposed project represents an important vision for Bali’s future: better public transportation, greater use of electric mobility and improved connections between the airport and major tourism areas.

With processing targeted for 2027 and completion currently envisioned for early 2029, Bali could be taking another significant step toward creating a more efficient and visitor-friendly transportation system.