💰 When is the cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Bali?
This month: Fares peak near $1,880, the single most expensive month alongside December.
Round-trip economy fares on this route swing hard by season — from roughly $970 in January, Bali's wettest and cheapest month, up to nearly $1,920 in December, the most expensive month on the calendar. January, February, May, and October form the genuine value window, all pricing under $1,100 round trip and lining up with either rainy-season discounts or the dry season's early, less-crowded weeks. June through August and December sit at the other end — U.S. summer break and Christmas-New Year's demand push fares $1,550-$1,920, a 45-50% premium over the cheapest months. March, April, September, and November sit in between as genuine shoulder pricing, generally $1,180-$1,230. Fares across all four carriers tend to move together on this route — pick based on routing and cabin priorities first, price second.
Here's a month-by-month look at prices on this route:
✈️ What are the best ways to get from Chicago to Bali?
Four carriers cover Chicago to Bali, and every one flies a genuine nonstop first leg before connecting to Denpasar — the real differentiator is layover city, total flying time, and cabin priority. EVA Air and Cathay Pacific post the shortest combined flying time, both just under 21 hours. Qatar Airways runs longest overall despite the shortest single first leg, but wins business class outright. Korean Air splits the difference with the most frequent single-carrier connection.
EVA Air is Mubboo's overall pick. Add its nonstop Chicago-Taipei leg (15h 55m) to the daily Taipei-Denpasar connection (BR255, 4h 47m) and you get the shortest total flying time of the four — just under 21 hours, versus roughly 22 on Korean Air and over 23 on Qatar. Fares typically undercut Qatar by $150-$300 and Korean Air by $50-$100. The Premium Laurel Economy upgrade adds meaningfully more legroom for a modest bump. Anti-rec: skip EVA Air if Star Alliance status matching isn't already your loyalty strategy — Korean Air's SkyTeam or Qatar's Oneworld earning may matter more.
Best for: shortest flying time plus typically the lowest fares of the four
Cathay Pacific is essentially tied with EVA Air on speed. Its nonstop Chicago-Hong Kong leg (15h 45m) plus the daily Hong Kong-Denpasar connection (about 5 hours) lands within minutes of EVA Air's total. Hong Kong International's transit facilities make an extended stopover genuinely pleasant, and Asia Miles stacks with American Airlines and other Oneworld partners. Fares typically land between EVA Air and Korean Air. Anti-rec: skip Cathay if you have zero interest in a Hong Kong stopover — the other two offer marginally simpler single-city connections.
Best for: Hong Kong stopover travelers and Oneworld loyalists
Korean Air runs the most frequent Seoul-Denpasar connection on this route — up to 16 flights a week — the most schedule flexibility if your dates aren't fixed. Economy seat pitch runs a comfortable 32 inches on the 777 fleet, and SkyPass miles earn toward Delta and other SkyTeam partners. Total flying time (21h 54m) sits in the middle — slower than EVA Air or Cathay Pacific, faster than Qatar. Anti-rec: skip Korean Air if you specifically want Doha's QSuite — Korean Air's business cabin is solid but not in the same class.
Best for: the most frequent single-carrier connection and Delta/SkyTeam elites
Qatar Airways wins business class outright. QSuite's private double bed and sliding privacy doors make the Chicago-Doha leg (13h 45m, the shortest single first leg of the four) genuinely restorative before a daily nonstop Doha-Denpasar connection (9h 30m-9h 50m). The tradeoff: total flying time runs longest at over 23 hours, since that second leg alone nearly equals EVA Air's or Cathay Pacific's entire connection combined. Economy fares run $100-$250 above EVA Air most months. Anti-rec: skip Qatar's basic economy fare — it blocks seat selection on a 24-hour-plus itinerary, which isn't worth the savings.
Best for: business-class travelers who want QSuite's private double bed
Mubboo verdict: EVA Air is the best overall pick — the shortest total flying time of any routing (under 21 hours) and typically the lowest fares, without sacrificing a real economy product.
Prices shown are approximate averages based on recent searches (April 2026). Actual fares vary by date, class, and availability.
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We compare prices from airlines and travel platforms so you can find the best deal.
Compare all flights →📅 When should you book Chicago to Bali flights?
Book 4-6 months out for the best fare across all four carriers — Korean Air and EVA Air both show meaningful price jumps inside the 60-day window, while Qatar's QSuite business fares move even earlier, often 5-7 months ahead for peak-season dates. Target a Tuesday or Wednesday departure; mid-week pricing runs $100-$200 below weekend-to-weekend bookings on this route consistently. Avoid booking around Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, when the entire island including the airport effectively shuts down for 24 hours — confirm the exact lunar-calendar date for your travel year before locking flights. If your dates are flexible, shifting a trip by even 5-7 days out of the July-August or December peak windows can cut round-trip fares by $400-$600.
The priciest stretch begins — 75°F highs (Bali's coolest month), peak mola mola diving off Nusa Penida.
If you're a family flying in summer, book by March — peak season fills up fast.
Budget travelers: shoulder season (Sep–Oct, Apr–May) offers the best balance of price and weather.
💡 This Jul: Shift a week earlier into June to save $200-$300.
🏙️ Why visit Bali?
Bali earns its reputation honestly — Ubud's rice terraces and jungle canopy, a coastline shifting from black-sand surf breaks to turquoise reef, and temple architecture unlike anywhere else in Indonesia. r/travel's most consistent praise theme (4 threads, 2026) centers on turquoise water and dramatic cliffs around Nusa Penida and Uluwatu. Ubud draws the calmer crowd — rice-field walks, the Monkey Forest, a genuinely slower pace off the main strip. The catch, repeated across 2026 threads: Kuta and central Canggu draw real overcrowding complaints, and prices have risen enough that budget travelers are recalibrating. Mubboo's take: go, but go deliberately — pair one crowded must-see with at least two days somewhere quieter, whether North Bali, Kintamani, or the Gili Islands.
What makes Bali worth the flight:
Split your trip geographically. Ubud anchors the cultural side — rice terraces, temples, a wellness-retreat scene that's genuinely deep. Canggu is the surf-and-coworking hub, best for longer stays. Seminyak and Nusa Dua cover the resort end — boutiques and beach clubs in Seminyak, gated calm-water resorts in Nusa Dua. Nusa Penida (fast boat) delivers cliff-backed beaches and top diving, while Kintamani's highlands offer cool air and coffee plantations. Repeat visitors increasingly point to North Bali as the escape-the-crowds move.
Best neighborhoods to explore:
Rice-field walks, the Monkey Forest, and a genuinely deep wellness scene off the main strip. Best paired with 3-4 nights, not a full trip.
Coworking cafes and reliable fiber, but 2026 reports flag real traffic and costs that have genuinely doubled since 2024.
The most polished, resort-adjacent stretch of coast, with higher price points than Canggu or Ubud.
Purpose-built resort district with current-free swimming beaches — the easiest choice for families with young kids.
Cool mountain air around Mount Batur and a quieter, more local pace that repeat visitors increasingly seek out.
Don't miss:
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Ubud's iconic terraced rice fields — arrive before 8am to beat both the heat and the tour-bus crowds.
Browse Tegalalang Rice Terraces tours →Uluwatu Temple
Clifftop temple with a sunset Kecak fire dance — book ahead, performances sell out in peak season.
Browse Uluwatu Temple tours →Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Bali's most-photographed lake temple, floating reflection and all, about 90 minutes north of the airport.
Browse Ulun Danu Beratan Temple tours →Nusa Penida (Diamond Beach & Kelingking Cliff)
Dramatic cliff-backed beaches and some of the region's best diving, reachable by a 30-45 minute fast boat.
Browse Nusa Penida (Diamond Beach & Kelingking Cliff) tours →Ubud Monkey Forest
A genuinely wild, forested temple complex — secure loose belongings; the monkeys are opportunistic.
Browse Ubud Monkey Forest tours →Mount Batur sunrise trek
A 2-3am start for a guided sunrise hike over Kintamani's volcanic lake views.
Browse Mount Batur sunrise trek tours →Mubboo Verdict:
Bali delivers on the hype if you build in quieter counterweights to the crowded highlights — skip a Canggu-only itinerary and you'll have a genuinely great trip, not just a photographed one.
🎟️ Top activities in Bali
Ranked by traveler ratings and recent booking volume.
Best of Ubud Private Day Tour with All Inclusive
$37.00Bali Instagram Private Tour: Best Spots (All-Inclusive)
$89.00PRIVATE Authentic Balinese Cooking Class in Ubud at Putu's Home
$75.00Ubud Tour - Ubud Highlight - Private Tour All inclusive
$59.00Source: Viator · Prices in USD · Affiliate links.
🧳 What do you need to know before flying to Bali?
🛂 Do Americans need a visa for Bali?
U.S. citizens need Indonesia's e-VOA (electronic Visa on Arrival) — not a visa exemption. [GOV] Apply online in advance through the official e-Visa portal or purchase on arrival at Denpasar's Terminal I VOA counter for IDR 500,000 (about $35). It grants 30 days and can be extended once for 30 more, a 60-day maximum. Since mid-2025, that extension requires an in-person visit to a local immigration office for biometric registration — no longer a simple online renewal. Your passport needs six months' validity beyond arrival and two blank pages. Approval is discretionary, so carry proof of onward travel and accommodation. Indonesia's revised criminal code, effective January 2026, adds penalties for cohabitation and sex outside marriage, though enforcement against tourists remains unclear — check the State Department's Indonesia page for updates.
🕐 What's the time difference?
Bali runs on WITA, UTC+8 year-round — Indonesia doesn't observe daylight saving. That puts Bali 13 hours ahead of Chicago during U.S. daylight saving and 14 hours ahead during U.S. standard time. The entire outbound day effectively vanishes, and most travelers land needing to push through to local bedtime rather than napping. Build a genuine recovery day into the front of any itinerary, especially with children or on a 20-plus-hour routing. The return crossing the International Date Line means you can land in Chicago the same calendar day you departed Denpasar, softening the return adjustment.
🚇 How do you get from the airport to the city?
Denpasar's Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) sits about 30-45 minutes from Seminyak and Canggu, 60-75 minutes from Ubud, and just 10-15 minutes from Nusa Dua, depending on traffic.
| Option | Time to Seminyak | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official airport taxi | 30-45 min | ~150,000-250,000 IDR ($8-$14) | First-timers wanting fixed, published pricing |
| Grab / Gojek app (editor's pick) | 30-45 min | ~80,000-180,000 IDR ($5-$10) | Best value overall |
| Pre-booked private transfer | 30-45 min | ~$23-$35 flat | Late arrivals, families with luggage |
| Hotel pickup | 30-45 min | Often free-$20 | Resort and villa guests |
Editor's pick: book Grab from the designated pickup point past the domestic arrivals corridor — it's consistently the cheapest option and avoids the airport taxi counter's fixed pricing markup.
💷 What about money and tipping?
Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) — as of mid-2026, roughly 17,789 IDR to 1 USD, though rates fluctuate and you should check a live converter before you travel. Withdraw cash from bank-affiliated ATMs (BCA, Mandiri) rather than airport currency counters, which mark up 5-10%. Cards work at hotels and larger restaurants in Seminyak, Canggu, and Nusa Dua, but warungs, markets, and scooter rentals still run cash-only. Budget more than older guides suggest — 2026 community reports consistently note prices have risen, particularly in Canggu and Seminyak.
Bali currency snapshot
1 USD = 17,789 IDR
1 IDR = $0.0001 USD
Indonesian Rupiah
Source: open.er-api.com · Updated Jun 22, 2026 · Rates fluctuate — check before booking.
📱 Will your phone work?
Indonesia's country code is +62. An eSIM (Airalo, Saily, or similar) activated before departure is the simplest option — pair it with a local Telkomsel SIM for better rural coverage in North Bali or Kintamani. WhatsApp is the default method for hotels, drivers, and tour operators. For emergencies, dial 112 (general), 110 (police), or 118 (ambulance). The U.S. Consular Agency in Bali (Jimbaran Hub) can be reached at +62-361-9586161 during business hours, or the 24-hour Jakarta Embassy line at +62-21-5083-1000 (press 0) after hours.
☁️ Bali climate overview
Avoid: Jan, Feb, Mar, May, Nov, DecHistorical highs, lows, and rainfall by month. Plan packing and outdoor time around the extremes.
Jan
79°/70°F
19.9″ rain
Feb
80°/71°F
12.5″ rain
Mar
81°/71°F
11.4″ rain
Apr
80°/70°F
5.0″ rain
May
79°/70°F
17.7″ rain
Jun
77°/69°F
5.4″ rain
Jul
75°/67°F
9.2″ rain
Aug
76°/67°F
6.7″ rain
Sep
77°/68°F
8.6″ rain
Oct
80°/70°F
9.7″ rain
Nov
80°/70°F
14.2″ rain
Dec
80°/70°F
10.0″ rain
Source: Open-Meteo Archive API · 2025 historical data · Updated June 2026
Ready to lock in your fare? Search live prices below:
✈️ Ready to book? Compare Chicago to Bali flights
Search flights →🛫 Flying from Chicago — airport tips
O'Hare Terminal 5 — international departures (EVA Air, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Qatar Airways)
- Arrive 3+ hours before departure; international security lines run longer than domestic
- TSA PreCheck doesn't apply to most international checkpoints here
- Food options thin out past 9pm — eat before a late departure
Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) — EVA Air transfer (EVA Air)
- The daily Taipei-Denpasar connection (BR255) rebooks same-day if missed
- Duty-free and lounge access help pass a longer layover
- Allow the posted minimum connection time
Denpasar Ngurah Rai Terminal I — international arrivals (All four connecting carriers)
- Complete the e-VOA online before landing to skip the purchase line
- Immigration and baggage claim back up when long-hauls land together
- Grab/Gojek pickup is a 5-8 minute walk past domestic arrivals
🚐 Skip the hassle? Book a private airport transfer
Fixed price, meet & greet at arrivals, door-to-door service
💡 Insider tips: Chicago to Bali
EVA Air and Cathay Pacific fly the fastest combined routingMubboo original data
Add up both legs: EVA Air's Taipei routing (15h 55m + 4h 47m) and Cathay Pacific's Hong Kong routing (15h 45m + about 5 hours) both land just under 21 hours total — noticeably shorter than Korean Air's Seoul routing (21h 54m) or Qatar's Doha routing (over 23 hours). The gap sounds small on paper, but 90 minutes to 2.5 hours less time in the air is a real difference in how you feel landing.
Denpasar's arrivals hall backs up when long-hauls land togetherMubboo original data
Ngurah Rai's international arrivals hall runs 62 check-in counters but only seven baggage carousels for the entire terminal. When two or three long-haul flights land within the same 30-40 minute window, both the VOA/immigration queue and baggage claim back up — a wait that can stretch past 45 minutes. If your itinerary lands mid-afternoon, budget the extra time rather than planning a tight onward transfer.
The e-VOA extension now requires an in-person biometric visit
Indonesia's e-VOA grants 30 days for $35 and can be extended once for 30 more, but since mid-2025 the extension requires an in-person visit to a local immigration office for fingerprints and a photo — it's no longer a pure online renewal. Budget a half-day for the appointment if you're staying 31-60 days, and start at least a week before your visa expires; walk-in slots fill up during peak tourist months.
Pack sealed drinks only — methanol poisoning is a real, documented risk
Multiple current traveler advisories and 2026 travel-vlog warnings specifically flag unregulated arak and mixed spirits as a methanol-poisoning risk in Bali, not just a generic caution. Stick to beer, wine, and factory-sealed spirits from licensed venues, and skip unnervingly cheap drink specials at beach clubs. This is one of the few genuinely non-negotiable safety rules for the island, repeated consistently enough across independent traveler reports that Mubboo treats it as a hard rule, not a suggestion.
Book Tuesday or Wednesday departures for the lowest fares
Across all four carriers, mid-week ORD departures price consistently below Friday-through-Sunday departures for this route, a pattern that holds across the shoulder and peak seasons alike. Combine a Tuesday or Wednesday outbound with a matching mid-week return for the biggest combined savings — weekend-to-weekend round trips routinely add $100-$200 versus a mid-week pair on the same fare class.
Scooter accidents, not crime, are the most common way tourists get hurt
Bali's traffic density has increased enough that scooter accidents are now the single most common way visiting tourists get hurt on the island, ahead of theft or scams. If you rent one, confirm your travel insurance explicitly covers scooter or motorbike use — many standard policies exclude it by default — and always wear the helmet provided rather than the decorative one some rental shops hand over.
👥 Who flies this route — and what they should know
Certified diver bound for Nusa Penida
Featured this monthFly EVA Air or Cathay Pacific — both post the shortest total flying time, leaving more of your arrival day intact to transfer straight to a Nusa Penida-adjacent hotel before the next-morning dive boat. A two-tank certified dive off Nusa Penida runs about $132 for 5 hours, per current Viator listings, and mola mola (sunfish) season runs roughly July through October. Mubboo Pick: fly in 2 full days before your first dive — Nusa Penida's current is genuinely more demanding than resort diving, and arriving jet-lagged into open water is a real safety issue, not just comfort. Skip Qatar's longer connection here; every extra transit hour is one you're not acclimating.
First-time Bali honeymooner
Fly Qatar Airways Economy or, budget permitting, QSuite business for the Doha-to-Denpasar overnight leg — arriving rested matters more here than saving a few hours. Clear the VOA counter before the busiest afternoon arrival window, then transfer straight to Seminyak or Nusa Dua rather than Ubud on day one. Mubboo Pick: book four nights coastal, three nights Ubud — reversing that split means fighting jet lag through rice-terrace hikes instead of on a beach lounger. Skip the all-inclusive package; Bali's private pool villas in the $80-$150-a-night range (like Dukuh Village Villas Art, from $39) out-value branded resorts for couples. Avoid October-to-March storm season for outdoor ceremonies — one wet afternoon can force an indoor pivot with 48 hours' notice.
Digital nomad Canggu workation
Book EVA Air's Taipei connection for the lowest fare of the four carriers, then base in Canggu — r/digitalnomad's thread consensus (3 posts, 2026) confirms it's still the hub for co-working cafes and consistent fiber, even as complaints mount about traffic and cost. Mubboo Pick: file the 30-day e-VOA extension immediately on arrival — the biometric requirement added in 2025 means the immigration office same-week beats scrambling at day 25. Budget higher than pre-2024 numbers online; multiple threads report Canggu costs have genuinely doubled. Anti-rec: don't sign a 3-month villa lease before spending 10 days scouting in person — traffic has pushed some remote workers toward quieter North Bali instead.
Solo backpacker Ubud yoga retreat
EVA Air's Taipei routing is the cheapest of the four carriers most months, which matters most for extended-stay backpackers. Land in Denpasar and book a Grab straight to Ubud (45-60 minutes depending on traffic) rather than negotiating with airport taxi touts. Mubboo Pick: stay outside central Ubud's tourist strip — r/travel's most-upvoted threads point to the backroad rice-field walks and quieter guesthouses near Monkey Forest Road as the better value. Budget for the Monkey Forest entry fee and a private cooking class (from $75, per current Viator pricing). Anti-rec: don't schedule a retreat during Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence) — the island shuts down for 24 hours, no exceptions, no flights.
Family with kids Nusa Dua resort
Korean Air or Cathay Pacific both offer more workable logistics with kids than Qatar's longer connection — Korean Air's higher weekly frequency (up to 16 Seoul-Denpasar flights) gives more schedule flexibility. Base in Nusa Dua: its gated layout and calm, current-free beaches suit families better than Canggu's surf or Seminyak's beach clubs. Mubboo Pick: build in a full recovery day zero — with a 13-14 hour time change, day one should have no activities, just pool time and an early bedtime. Budget $23 for a private transfer rather than taxi negotiation with jet-lagged kids and luggage. Anti-rec: skip Nusa Penida or Kintamani day trips with kids under 8; both involve long, winding drives.
Surf trip Uluwatu and Canggu
Fly EVA Air or Cathay Pacific for the best fare-to-baggage ratio when checking a board bag — both carriers' 23kg allowance usually absorbs one without an oversize fee, unlike some fare classes on Qatar. Base near Uluwatu for the reef breaks, or Canggu for the more forgiving beach-break paddle-out. Mubboo Pick: fly in during the April-to-October dry season — it lines up with the more consistent swell window, not just better weather. Rent a scooter only if already comfortable riding one; 2026 travel-vlog warnings specifically flag scooter accidents as the most common way tourists get hurt on the island. Anti-rec: don't book Seminyak as your surf base — it's beach-club territory, and you'll waste 30-plus minutes commuting to breaks daily.
⚖️ Flight delayed or canceled?
This route isn't within the EU, so EU261 compensation doesn't apply regardless of carrier. Baggage loss, delay, and damage claims are governed by the Montreal Convention, which both the U.S. and Indonesia have ratified — file directly with the operating carrier within the claim windows on your ticket. U.S. DOT rules on tarmac delays and denied boarding only apply within U.S. domestic airspace, which none of these routings cover end-to-end. If a claim goes unresolved, escalate through the DOT's international aviation consumer complaint portal.
📱
Free option: Many hotels and cafes offer free WiFi strong enough for maps and messaging — an eSIM matters most for Grab rides.
Skip the airport SIM counter line — activate an eSIM before you land and you're online the moment you clear immigration.
🛡️
Free option: Check whether a credit card you already hold includes baseline trip-interruption coverage before buying a standalone policy.
Indonesia's Level 2 advisory covers earthquake, tsunami, and volcanic risk alongside standard trip protection — medical evacuation matters more here than a typical beach trip.
🚗
Free option: The Grab app usually beats a pre-booked transfer on price if you're not exhausted and don't mind a short walk to the designated pickup point.
Skip the taxi-counter negotiation after a 20-plus-hour itinerary — a pre-booked private transfer meets you at arrivals with your name on a sign, fixed price, no haggling.
Emergency contacts in Bali
What Travelers Are Saying About Bali
Based on recent discussions from r/travel, r/flights, and bali community subreddits • Updated June 2026
👍 What Travelers Love
- r/travel · 3 posts
Ubud offers serene rice terraces, lush jungles, and a calming cultural atmosphere.
— “Ubud's rice fields and monkey forest bring tranquility.”
- r/travel · 4 posts
Bali's diverse coastline features stunning beaches and turquoise waters.
— “Cliff-lined beaches and clear blue water captivate visitors.”
- r/travel · 2 posts
Less-traveled northern areas provide peaceful escapes from crowds.
— “North Bali and Kintamani offer quiet, authentic experiences.”
⚠️ Common Concerns
- r/digitalnomad, r/travel · 3 posts
Tourist density has spiked, leading to overcrowding and lost charm.
— “Once laid-back spots now feel like Kuta's chaos.”
- r/travel, r/digitalnomad · 2 posts
Hotel prices are surging while service quality declines.
— “Prices doubled, but service and value dropped.”
- r/digitalnomad · 3 posts
Digital nomad life in Bali is financially strained and less idyllic.
— “Many nomads work multiple gigs just to break even.”
💡 Trending Tips
- r/travel · 2 posts
Seek out less-crowded regions like North Bali and Kintamani.
— “Head north for a quieter, more authentic stay.”
- r/travel, r/digitalnomad · 3 posts
Budget for higher costs than expected, as Bali’s prices are up.
— “Don't expect cheap; costs have risen significantly.”
- r/travel · 2 posts
Explore nearby islands like Nusa and Gili for a relaxing break.
— “Island-hop to Nusa and Gili for calm waters.”
Themes synthesized from public Reddit discussions. Quotes are paraphrased — never copied verbatim.
Frequently asked questions about Chicago to Bali flights
No — zero airlines fly Chicago to Bali nonstop. Every itinerary connects through at least one hub. EVA Air (Taipei) and Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong) post the shortest combined flying time at just under 21 hours. Korean Air (Seoul) and Qatar Airways (Doha) run roughly 22 and 23-plus hours. See the airline comparison above for pricing and cabin details.
Researched by Mubboo Editorial Team · Reviewed by Richard Lee, Founder
Prices from Aviasales. Seasonal advice updated: July 2026 · Last editorial review: 2026-07-01T17:08:31.819Z · Government info: travel.state.gov
Prices last updated just now · cached fares aggregating 800+ airlines and agencies · Check current prices →
M verdicts are based on editorial research — not pulled from a database.