How to Get Around Bali

Bali Transport Options at a Glance

1. Self-Drive Car Rental

The best option for travelers who want freedom, privacy, and the ability to explore at their own pace.

• Cost: Economy cars from IDR 250,000/day. A 5-day rental totals ~IDR 2,900,000 including fuel and parking.
• Freedom: Leave when you want, stop wherever you want, change plans on a whim. No waiting for drivers or apps.
• Comfort: Air-conditioned, secure luggage storage, and space for 4-7 passengers. Essential for families with children.
• Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) + original license. Car-class IDP is sufficient; motorcycle IDP is not needed.
• Challenges: Bali traffic is intense, especially in Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud center. Left-hand driving, motorbikes everywhere, and narrow roads require focus. GPS (Google Maps / Waze) is essential.

Verdict: Best for families, couples on road trips, and anyone staying 3+ days. Browse our fleet →

2. Car with Private Driver

The most relaxing way to see Bali. Your driver handles navigation, traffic, parking, and often acts as an informal guide.

• Cost: IDR 450,000 (half day, 5 hours) to IDR 750,000 (full day, 10 hours). Fuel and driver's meals included.
• Comfort: You sit back and enjoy the scenery. Perfect for long-distance trips like Ubud to North Bali (3+ hours each way).
• Local knowledge: Good drivers know secret viewpoints, the best warungs, and how to avoid traffic. Many speak conversational English.
• No license required: Since you are not driving, you do not need an IDP. This makes it ideal for travelers who forgot to get one.
• Parking: Your driver handles parking at every stop. At crowded temples and beaches, this saves significant time.

Verdict: Best for first-time visitors, groups, long-distance day trips, and anyone who wants to relax. Hire a driver →

3. Scooter / Motorcycle Rental

The cheapest and most "local" way to get around. Also the riskiest.

• Cost: IDR 50,000-150,000/day. Fuel is IDR 10,000/liter. Extremely cheap for solo travelers.
• Convenience: Park anywhere. Zip through traffic. Perfect for short trips under 10 km (Canggu to Seminyak, Ubud center to Tegallalang).
• Risks: Bali has one of the highest tourist scooter accident rates in Asia. Road rash, broken bones, and head injuries are common. Many travel insurance policies do not cover scooter accidents unless you have a motorcycle license.
• License: You legally need a motorcycle-class International Driving Permit (IDP). A car-only IDP does not cover scooters.

Verdict: Best for experienced riders on short trips with valid motorcycle licenses. Read our scooter guide →

4. Grab & Gojek (Ride-Hailing Apps)

Southeast Asia's Uber equivalents. Cheap, convenient, and cashless — but with limitations in Bali.

• Availability: Excellent in South Bali (Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Denpasar) and central Ubud. Very limited in North Bali, East Bali, and rural areas.
• Airport restrictions: Drivers cannot pick up directly at the terminal curb. You must walk 300m to the designated online transport zone. No service after 11 PM at the airport.
• Surge pricing: Prices double or triple during rain, rush hour (5-7 PM), and major festivals.
• Long-distance refusal: Drivers often cancel trips to Ubud from the airport (37 km) because they cannot get a return fare easily.
• Cost: Motorcycle taxi (GrabBike): IDR 10,000-30,000 per trip. Car (GrabCar): IDR 30,000-150,000 depending on distance.

Verdict: Best for short trips within South Bali. Not reliable for long-distance or airport transfers.

5. Blue Bird Taxi

The most reliable metered taxi service in Bali. Blue Bird uses proper meters and trained drivers.

• How to book: Use the My Blue Bird app, call +62 361 701111, or hail on the street (look for the light-blue cars with bird logo).
• Cost: Flagfall IDR 7,000 + IDR 6,500/km. A trip from Seminyak to Ubud costs ~IDR 250,000-300,000 on the meter.
• Availability: Easy to find in Kuta, Seminyak, Denpasar, and the airport. Difficult in Ubud, Canggu, and impossible in North/East Bali.
• Pros: Metered (no haggling), air-conditioned, professional drivers.
• Cons: Expensive for full-day use. Not available for remote areas. Drivers may not speak much English.

6. Shared Shuttles & Buses

The budget backpacker option. Slow and inflexible but very cheap.

• Perama Tour: The most established shuttle company. Routes between Kuta, Ubud, Lovina, and Candidasa. Cost: IDR 80,000-200,000 per route. Departs once or twice daily.
• Kura-Kura Bus: A tourist bus with AC and WiFi. Limited routes (Kuta-Sanur-Ubud-Nusa Dua). Cost: IDR 50,000-100,000 per route.
• Bemo (local minibus): The cheapest option (IDR 5,000-20,000) but extremely confusing for tourists. No fixed schedule, no AC, and routes are not published in English.

Verdict: Best for solo travelers on extreme budgets with flexible schedules. Not recommended for couples or families.

Our Recommendation by Traveler Type