💰 When is the cheapest time to fly from Los Angeles to Bali?
This month: Round trip fares average $1,450, roughly double May's low; economy cabins sell out early on weekend departures.
Fares swing from about $780 in the cheapest shoulder months to $1,550 during the December holiday peak — a wider seasonal spread than most long-haul Asia-Pacific routes.
Here's a month-by-month look at prices on this route:
✈️ What are the best ways to get from Los Angeles to Bali?
All five carriers require one connection; none fly LAX-DPS nonstop. China Airlines and EVA Air (via Taipei) are cheapest; Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific charge a premium for shorter, single-terminal layovers. Korean Air's Incheon stopover is the standout perk for travelers wanting a free side trip to Seoul.
Singapore Airlines is the safest bet for a single stress-free stop. The Singapore layover runs 2-4 hours through one of the world's top-rated airports, with a Jewel Changi option on longer connections. Economy seat pitch is 32 inches, better than most competitors here. Fares run $150-$300 above China Airlines on comparable dates. Skip layovers under 2 hours — Changi's size means gate-to-gate transfers can take 25-30 minutes.
Best for: travelers who want the newest cabin and the most reliable connection bank
Cathay Pacific pairs a strong Hong Kong stopover with reliable business-class upgrade pricing. The HKG-DPS leg runs about 4h30m, longer than Singapore's final leg, but oneworld status means American AAdvantage members earn full redeemable miles. Business class round trip runs roughly $600 less than Singapore Airlines on matched dates. Hong Kong's airport express train reaches downtown in 24 minutes for a long-layover break.
Best for: oneworld/AAdvantage earners and business-class value
China Airlines is the cheapest of the five carriers on nearly every departure date. Round trip economy averages $150-$300 below Singapore Airlines and $80-$120 below EVA Air for the same week. The tradeoff: only one free checked bag in economy, and Taipei Taoyuan's shuttle system between terminals adds 15-20 minutes versus a single-terminal transfer. Best fares appear for Tuesday and Wednesday departures booked 90-120 days out.
Best for: lowest fares on this route, budget-first bookers
EVA Air's premium economy is the best upgrade value on this route. A Premium Laurel Class seat costs $500-$700 more than economy round trip, well below Singapore's premium economy markup. The Taipei layover mirrors China Airlines' total time, and EVA's Star Alliance membership lets Economy passengers earn United MileagePlus miles. Watch for late-evening TPE-DPS connections — some run under 90 minutes, tight for an international transfer.
Best for: premium economy upgraders and Star Alliance mile earners
Korean Air suits travelers already banking Delta SkyMiles or wanting a free Incheon stopover. SkyTeam partnership lets Delta elites use companion certificates on the LAX-ICN segment. The ICN-DPS leg is the longest connecting flight of the five at roughly 7h10m, pushing total travel time toward 24 hours on some routings. Korean Air permits a free multi-day Seoul stopover on round trip fares — a genuine perk, not a marketing gimmick.
Best for: Delta SkyMiles transfers and a free Incheon stopover add-on
Mubboo verdict: China Airlines wins on price via Taipei; pay more for Singapore Airlines' single connection and cabin quality. Skip peak July and December departures unless booking 4+ months ahead.
Prices shown are approximate averages based on recent searches (April 2026). Actual fares vary by date, class, and availability.
🎯 Ready to compare flights?
We compare prices from airlines and travel platforms so you can find the best deal.
Compare all flights →📅 When should you book Los Angeles to Bali flights?
Book 3-4 months before departure for the best economy fares on this route — prices firm up inside the 60-day window as Bali's seasonal capacity fills. Tuesday and Wednesday departures run $60-$120 cheaper than Friday or Sunday on identical routings, since Bali-bound leisure traffic clusters around weekend arrivals. March, May, September, and October offer the lowest fares, while July, August, and the December 20-January 5 window push past $1,350 as school-break and holiday demand peaks. China Airlines and EVA Air post the most frequent fare drops, since both adjust Taipei-leg pricing weekly. Avoid booking within 21 days of departure; last-minute fares on this route commonly exceed $2,000 round trip.
Peak dry season meets peak US summer break — the year's second-most expensive month.
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: Book July departures 4-5 months ahead minimum.
🏙️ Why visit Bali?
Bali draws US travelers for a combination rarely found on one island: surf beaches, jungle rice terraces, and a distinct Hindu-Balinese culture inside a majority-Muslim country. r/travel's most consistent praise theme centers on Ubud's rice terraces and calming pace, alongside repeated mentions of the coastline's turquoise water and cliff-lined beaches. The one tradeoff US travelers should know before booking: r/digitalnomad and r/travel threads report noticeably higher prices and heavier crowds than a few years ago, with several posts comparing once-quiet Canggu to Kuta's chaos. The fix most threads recommend is heading north — Kintamani's cool highland air and North Bali's quieter coast get repeated praise as an escape from the south's density. A 10-12 day trip covering a south-coast base plus Ubud and one northern or island day trip captures the range without over-scheduling a jet-lagged arrival.
What makes Bali worth the flight:
Highlights split into three zones: the south coast (Seminyak, Legian, Nusa Dua) for beach clubs and resorts; Ubud for rice terraces, temples, and wellness; and the north (Kintamani, North Bali) plus nearby islands (Nusa Penida, Gili Trawangan) for travelers prioritizing fewer crowds over convenience.
Best neighborhoods to explore:
Central Bali's calmest base, built around temples, yoga studios, and the Tegalalang terraces. 60-90 minutes from the airport by car.
Bali's co-working and cafe capital, with the heaviest scooter traffic on the island and rents that have climbed noticeably since 2023.
Boutique shopping and sunset beach clubs, 30-45 minutes from the airport, pricier than Legian or Kuta next door.
Master-planned resort strip with the island's calmest swimming beaches, 15-20 minutes from the airport.
Cool volcanic-lake air and an untouched northern coastline, 2-3 hours from the airport but repeatedly named the island's most authentic remaining stretch.
Don't miss:
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Bali's most-photographed rice terrace, a short walk through stepped paddies near Ubud; visit before 9am to beat tour-bus crowds.
Browse Tegalalang Rice Terrace tours →Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Ubud's jungle temple complex home to over 700 long-tailed macaques; entry runs about $6.
Browse Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary tours →Uluwatu Temple
Clifftop temple on Bali's southern tip with a nightly Kecak fire dance; sunset arrivals get the best light.
Browse Uluwatu Temple tours →Nusa Penida day trip
Cliff views at Kelingking Beach plus two-tank dives from $132; the boat transfer from Sanur runs about 45 minutes.
Browse Nusa Penida day trip tours →Tegenungan Waterfall
A 40-minute drive from Ubud with swimmable pools; least crowded before 8am.
Browse Tegenungan Waterfall tours →Tanah Lot
Sea temple on a rock formation reachable only at low tide; best photographed at sunset.
Browse Tanah Lot tours →Mubboo Verdict:
Bali earns its reputation, but book the north or the Gili Islands alongside the south coast — skipping them means missing the exact quiet Bali that 2026 community reports say is disappearing fastest.
🎟️ Top activities in Bali
Ranked by traveler ratings and recent booking volume.
Ubud Adventure All Inclusive Private Day Tour
$22.27Best of Ubud Private Day Tour with All Inclusive
$37.00Source: Viator · Prices in USD · Affiliate links.
🧳 What do you need to know before flying to Bali?
🛂 Do Americans need a visa for Bali?
US citizens need Indonesia's e-VOA (electronic Visa on Arrival) before departure — apply online, pay IDR 500,000 (about $35), and print the confirmation. It grants 30 days, extendable once for another 30 (60 total). Passports need 6-plus months validity and 2 blank pages. A separate $10 Bali Tourist Levy applies on top of the visa fee.
🕐 What's the time difference?
Bali runs on WITA (UTC+8), 15 hours ahead of Los Angeles during Pacific Daylight Time and 16 hours ahead during Standard Time. Indonesia has no daylight saving, so the gap shifts by an hour each spring and fall.
🚇 How do you get from the airport to the city?
Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) to central Bali: distances run 15 minutes to Kuta up to 2-3 hours to North Bali.
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official airport taxi counter | 15-90 min | $8-$35 fixed rate | Solo travelers wanting zero negotiation |
| Grab / Gojek app pickup ✅ | 15-90 min | $4-$20 | Budget travelers — editor's pick |
| Pre-booked private transfer | 15 min-3 hrs | $15-$45 | Families and late-night arrivals |
| Rental scooter (self-drive) | Varies | $5-$8/day | Confident riders staying 1+ weeks |
Editor's pick: book Grab or Gojek from the designated pickup zone outside the terminal — it's consistently cheaper than the official taxi counter and avoids freelance driver hassling.
💷 What about money and tipping?
1 USD equals about 17,789 Indonesian rupiah (IDR) as of mid-2026. ATMs offer the best rates; airport money changers work but post worse spreads than in-town options. Credit cards work at hotels and restaurants in tourist areas, but villages and warungs (small local eateries) are cash-only.
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?
US phones roam on Indonesian networks, but per-day roaming fees add up fast on a 10-plus day trip. A prepaid Indonesia eSIM or local SIM (Telkomsel, XL) runs $10-$20 for a data package covering the full trip. Importing a phone for a stay beyond 30 days can trigger an import tax — a factor only for extended stays, not typical vacations.
☁️ 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 Los Angeles to Bali flights
Search flights →🛫 Flying from Los Angeles — airport tips
LAX Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) — all 5 carriers (Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, EVA Air, Korean Air)
- Star Alliance lounges (Singapore Airlines, EVA Air) share the TBIT mezzanine level.
- Cathay Pacific's oneworld lounge is a short walk from the Star Alliance gates.
- Global Entry kiosks on the arrivals level cut return-trip immigration wait from 45 to under 10 minutes.
🚐 Skip the hassle? Book a private airport transfer
Fixed price, meet & greet at arrivals, door-to-door service
💡 Insider tips: Los Angeles to Bali
China Airlines and EVA Air beat Singapore Airlines by $150-$300Mubboo original data
Fare tracking across this route consistently shows the Taipei-routed carriers underpricing Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific by $150-$300 round trip on matched dates. The gap widens during peak July-August and December departures, when Singapore Airlines' newer cabin commands the biggest premium. Budget-focused travelers should default to a Taipei search first, then compare Singapore only inside a 10-day peak window.
Taipei layovers run 1-2 hours shorter than Singapore'sMubboo original data
Comparing published connection times across all five carriers, the Taipei-routed itineraries post the shortest total travel time at around 20h15m, versus 22h45m-plus through Singapore. The difference comes from Taipei-Denpasar's shorter flight leg versus Singapore's longer overall connection bank. Travelers prioritizing total time over layover comfort should book Taipei-routed options first.
Request an aisle seat near the galley for the long-haul leg
The LAX-to-Asia leg runs 13-18 hours depending on carrier — request an aisle seat within a few rows of a galley for easier bathroom and stretch access. Economy seat pitch ranges from 31 to 32 inches across these five carriers, tight for the longest segments. Book seats at check-in opening, 24-48 hours before departure, for the best economy selection.
Indonesia allows $500 in duty-free goods per traveler
Bali customs permits USD 500 in duty-free goods per person, plus 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of alcohol. Declare anything above that threshold at the red-line customs channel — spot checks have increased in recent years. Bringing a personal drone requires no special permit for non-commercial use, though registering it isn't required either.
Plan two recovery days before Bali's 15-16 hour time gap catches up
Bali sits 15 hours ahead of Los Angeles during Pacific Daylight Time (16 hours during Standard Time) — one of the largest time shifts a US traveler can face. Arriving flights typically land in the evening after connecting through Asia, so book the first night's hotel regardless of arrival hour. Budget two full days before sunrise volcano hikes or early dive departures.
👥 Who flies this route — and what they should know
First-time Bali beach honeymooner
Featured this monthRecommended: Singapore Airlines economy or premium economy, departing LAX on a Wednesday evening to land in Bali with two full recovery days before check-in at a Nusa Dua or Seminyak resort. The Changi layover offers a duty-free break for last-minute honeymoon shopping. Skip Uluwatu's cliffside resorts for the first three nights — the drive from the airport runs 45-60 minutes longer than Nusa Dua's 15-minute transfer, and jet lag plus a long transfer is a rough start. Mubboo Pick: book the SIN routing specifically for its 2-4 hour Changi layover, long enough to shower and eat without risking a missed connection. After settling in Nusa Dua or Seminyak for 3-4 nights, add a 2-night Ubud stay for the rice-terrace and temple side of the trip. Reddit's r/travel threads consistently flag Ubud's rice terraces and calming pace as a genuine highlight, distinct from the beach-club scene further south.
Solo backpacker digital nomad in Canggu
Recommended: China Airlines or EVA Air's cheapest Taipei-routed economy fare, since a solo budget traveler doesn't need Singapore Airlines' premium cabin. Canggu is the strongest first base — multiple r/digitalnomad threads name it the easiest social entry point for solo travelers, with hostels and co-working cafes clustered within walking distance. Budget $35 for the e-VOA and expect $10-$15/day extra versus 2023-era Bali prices; r/digitalnomad threads report costs have risen noticeably since the post-pandemic tourism surge. Mubboo Pick: rent a scooter only after the first week, once the traffic patterns feel familiar — Canggu's roads have gotten measurably busier. Skip staying directly in Kuta; multiple community reports describe it as overcrowded compared to a few years ago. After 1-2 weeks in Canggu, island-hop to Nusa Lembongan or the Gili Islands for a quieter, car-free contrast.
Yoga and wellness retreat seeker in Ubud
Recommended: Cathay Pacific or EVA Air economy, timed to land in the morning via an overnight Asia connection so the transfer to Ubud (60-90 minutes from the airport) happens in daylight. Ubud remains the clearest choice for a retreat base — r/travel's most consistent praise theme centers on Ubud's rice terraces, jungle setting, and calmer pace versus the south coast. Mubboo Pick: book a private airport transfer in advance rather than negotiating with airport taxi touts after a 20-hour flight — arrival-hall bargaining is the worst possible time to make that decision. Budget for a Tegalalang Rice Terrace walk and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in the first few days, both a short drive from central Ubud. Skip peak-season retreat weeks in July-August and December, when Ubud's popularity pushes villa rates up alongside flight prices.
Family with kids at a Nusa Dua resort
Recommended: Singapore Airlines or Korean Air economy, both offering better children's meal and entertainment options than the Taipei-routed carriers on this route. Nusa Dua's gated resort zone is the strongest fit for families — calm, shallow-entry beaches and minimal traffic between hotels reduce the logistics load after a 20-plus hour journey. Mubboo Pick: choose the shortest total layover option available on travel dates, since a long connection with young kids compounds an already-long trip. Budget $75 for a private Ubud cooking-class day trip as a manageable single excursion outside the resort, roughly 90 minutes each way. Skip Kuta and central Seminyak for a first family trip — both carry more traffic and nightlife noise than a family base needs. July-August and the December school-break window will be the most crowded and expensive; book 4-plus months ahead.
Scuba diver headed to Nusa Penida and the Gilis
Recommended: China Airlines or EVA Air's cheapest fare, since a dive-focused trip prioritizes budget for gear rental and boat trips over cabin comfort. Base in Sanur or Padang Bai for the shortest boat transfer to Nusa Penida's dive sites — a two-tank trip runs roughly $132 and departs early morning. Mubboo Pick: schedule dive days for the first week of a trip, before cumulative jet lag and late nights catch up — dive operators enforce strict no-fly and no-dive windows around ascent. The Gili Islands add a genuinely car-free, laid-back contrast if the itinerary allows 3-4 extra days; multiple r/travel threads specifically recommend Gili Trawangan for clear water without Bali's south-coast crowds. Skip diving in the wettest months (January, February, March) when visibility drops and boat operators cancel trips more often for rough seas.
Budget-conscious backpacker minimizing total trip cost
Recommended: China Airlines economy, the consistently cheapest of the five carriers, even accounting for its single free checked bag versus two on Star Alliance and oneworld options. Book 90-120 days out for a Tuesday or Wednesday departure — this combination alone can save $200-plus versus a weekend fare booked inside 60 days. Mubboo Pick: fly the cheapest fare in March, May, September, or October rather than chasing a marginally better carrier at a higher price — schedule flexibility matters more than the airline on a budget trip. Skip checked luggage if possible; a single carry-on avoids China Airlines' bag fee on discount fare classes. Budget accommodation in Canggu or Kuta runs far below Nusa Dua or Seminyak resort pricing, and r/digitalnomad threads confirm costs have risen but remain well below US baseline.
⚖️ Flight delayed or canceled?
US DOT rules cover only the domestic segment of a connecting itinerary; none of these five carriers is EU-based, so EU261 compensation doesn't apply here. The Montreal Convention still allows delay and baggage claims against the operating carrier for the international leg.
📱
Free option: Ngurah Rai's arrival hall has free airport WiFi for the first 30-60 minutes — enough time to confirm a hotel pickup before activating a paid eSIM.
A prepaid Indonesia eSIM activates before landing, skipping the airport SIM counter line entirely.
🩺
Free option: US travel insurance from a credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum) often covers trip cancellation for free — check the card benefit before buying a standalone policy.
Bali's Level 2 travel advisory cites earthquake and volcanic-eruption risk — medical evacuation coverage matters more here than on a typical beach trip.
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 Los Angeles to Bali flights
No — every LAX to Bali itinerary requires at least one connection. The five carriers serving this route (Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, EVA Air, and Korean Air) all route through an Asian hub: Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, or Seoul.
Total travel time runs 20 hours 15 minutes to 24 hours 30 minutes depending on the layover and carrier. Taipei-routed itineraries tend to post the shortest total time, since the Taipei-to-Denpasar leg is shorter than Singapore's or Seoul's.
Flights from Los Angeles
Popular Bali routes
Researched by Mubboo Editorial Team · Reviewed by Richard Lee, Founder
Prices from Aviasales. Seasonal advice updated: July 2026 · Last editorial review: 2026-07-01T15:38:52.019Z · 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.