Most visitors arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), which is technically in Tuban, just south of Denpasar. The airport has direct connections to destinations across Southeast Asia, Australia, and a growing number of European cities. From the arrivals hall, the options into the city are a prepaid airport taxi (negotiated rate, around IDR 100,000–150,000 to central Denpasar), a ride-hailing app (you need to walk to the exit and order outside), or the Trans Sarbagita bus, which stops near the terminal but is slow and confusing for first-time visitors.
From elsewhere on Bali, the Trans Sarbagita bus network connects Denpasar to Kuta, Ubud (via a transfer), and Sanur, but services are slow and infrequent. For most visitors coming from Ubud or the north, the most practical option is a chartered car or a ride-hailing app.
Long-distance buses from Java arrive at the Ubung terminal in northern Denpasar. The ferry from Java via Gilimanuk is the other land option, but by the time you add the travel time it is rarely faster than flying.