How International Passengers Can Visit Indonesia’s Top Destinations, Including Bali

Indonesia is a popular travel destination worldwide, appearing near the top of many people's travel bucket lists. The country remains popular despite not having direct flights to North America or Europe, outside of Amsterdam and Istanbul. As tourism in Indonesia has boomed by nearly 65 percent post-pandemic, passengers, especially those from Europe and North America, are interested in visiting Bali and other Indonesian destinations.

Through Europe

From North America, passengers have direct flights from most major cities to Amsterdam, the only Western European city with nonstop flights to either Jakarta or Denpasar-Bali in Indonesia. They can fly on KLM or major North American carriers such as Delta Air Lines or Air Canada. Once passengers arrive in Amsterdam, they can get to Indonesia directly by flying either KLM or Garuda Indonesia.

Passengers who choose to fly KLM can fly from its Amsterdam hub to either Jakarta or Bali. However, these flights operate with a one-stop service in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, respectively. KLM serves Jakarta with a Boeing 787-9 and Bali with a Boeing 777-200ER. Travelers can also fly from Amsterdam directly to Indonesia with Garuda Indonesia's route to Jakarta on a Boeing 777-300ER. 

In Eastern Europe, passengers can fly on Turkish Airlines from its Istanbul hub to either Jakarta or Bali on its Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-300ER, respectively. Turkish Airlines boasts numerous nonstop flights to North America. As a bonus, passengers can apply to stay in Istanbul for free for a short period if they choose to fly Turkish Airlines.

Through the Middle East

In the Middle East, passengers can reach Indonesia nonstop on the big three Gulf carriers: Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. These carriers boast flights to several major North American and European cities to their respective hubs in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha, allowing for convenient one-stop itineraries to Indonesia. 

Passengers can take any of the big three Gulf carriers for the second leg to Jakarta. Those who want to fly to Bali can fly on Emirates or Qatar Airways. However, starting on June 15, passengers can also fly on Etihad to Bali, as it is inaugurating direct service from Abu Dhabi on a Boeing 787-9. In addition to Jakarta and Bali, passengers can fly from Doha to Medan on a Qatar Airways Boeing 787-8. 

Through Asia

From Asia, passengers have significantly more options to get to Indonesia, especially Jakarta and Bali, with one-stop itineraries. Major Asian airlines such as Korean Air, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Cathay Pacific, and China Eastern boast direct flights to multiple North American destinations to their respective hubs in Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. 

Five North American airlines - Delta Air Lines, Aeroméxico, Air Canada, United Airlines, and American Airlines - offer direct service to Asian cities such as Tokyo and Seoul, where passengers can connect to another carrier to fly to Indonesia. 

In addition to major Asian or North American airlines, passengers can opt for budget airlines such as Air Asia X once arriving in East or Southeast Asia from North America. This scenario potentially saves passengers money on flights to get to Indonesia. 

Planning your Trip to Indonesia

Although flying through Europe, Asia, or the Middle East is a good option to get to Indonesia with a one-stop connection, passengers can also fly to major cities in Australia and Africa. As tourism continues to increase in Indonesia, passengers, especially those from North America, will hopefully continue getting more options and easier access to the country.