Bali has several practical ways to move around the island. Scooters dominate the roads. Grab and Gojek handle short hops. Private drivers make full-day sightseeing simple. Taxis, shuttle buses, public buses and boats cover everything else.

The right choice depends on your budget, itinerary, group size and how comfortable you feel driving in local traffic. This guide gives you direct, up-to-date answers so you can decide fast and travel smarter.

Looking for a complete trip plan? Check our Bali itinerary for 3, 5, 7 or 10 days or see the latest Bali travel cost & budget guide.

Quick Answer: What Is the Best Way to Get Around Bali?

Most travellers do best with a mix. Use a scooter or Grab for short local trips. Hire a private driver for full-day sightseeing. Take boats for the nearby islands.

Which Is the Best Way to Get Around Bali?

Overview of the main ways to get around Bali — scooters, ride-hailing, private drivers, buses and boats.

1. Renting a Scooter in Bali

Scooters remain the most popular way to get around Bali. They weave through traffic better than cars and cost far less than daily drivers.

How Much Does a Scooter Rental Cost in Bali?

• Daily: IDR 60,000–250,000 depending on model (Honda Scoopy or Beat on the lower end, Yamaha NMAX or Honda PCX higher)
• Weekly: Often 30–40% cheaper per day
• Monthly: Can drop to the equivalent of IDR 50,000–100,000 per day for longer stays
• Fuel: Around IDR 15,000–20,000 per litre for Pertamax
• Deposit: Commonly IDR 500,000–2,000,000 or a passport scan (never hand over your original passport)

Tourist areas like Canggu, Seminyak and Uluwatu usually charge a bit more than Sanur or Denpasar.

Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Bali?

Yes. Indonesian law requires an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement plus your original home-country motorcycle licence. A car-only licence does not cover scooters.

Police checkpoints in Canggu, Kuta, Seminyak and the Denpasar–Ubud corridor are common. Fines range from IDR 300,000 to over IDR 1,000,000. More importantly, many travel insurance policies refuse claims if you ride without the proper documents.

Always carry a valid International Driving Permit with motorcycle endorsement when renting a scooter in Bali.

Scooter Safety Tips

• Always wear a proper helmet (SNI standard preferred)
• Bali drives on the left
• Slow down in rain — roads become slippery fast, especially near rice fields and in the hills around Ubud
• Watch for sudden stops, dogs and scooters cutting in
• Avoid night riding when possible; street lighting is limited outside main towns
• Check that your travel insurance covers scooter riding

2. Grab and Gojek in Bali

Both apps work well across South Bali and many parts of central Bali for short to medium trips.

Grab and Gojek are ideal for short trips around Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and parts of Ubud.

Can You Use Grab or Gojek at Bali Airport?

Yes. Both operate through official lounges in the airport parking area, not at the arrivals curb. Book in the app after clearing customs, then walk to the designated lounge and assigned bay. Allow extra time with luggage.

Tips for Booking Grab or Gojek

• Download both apps and register before you arrive
• Keep your phone charged and data working
• Share your live location if the pin is unclear
• Confirm the vehicle plate and driver photo before getting in
• Have some cash as backup

3. Private Car With Driver in Bali

A private driver removes the stress of traffic, parking and navigation. Ideal when you want to visit multiple temples or viewpoints in one day.

A private driver makes full-day sightseeing comfortable and flexible — perfect for Ubud, Kintamani, Uluwatu and East Bali.

How Much Does a Private Driver Cost in Bali?

In 2026 a full-day private driver (usually 8–12 hours) typically costs IDR 550,000–1,200,000 (roughly USD 35–75). Most travellers pay in the IDR 700,000–900,000 range for a standard air-conditioned car.

What is usually included: English-speaking driver, fuel, parking fees, hotel or villa pickup, and waiting time during your stops.

When Should You Hire a Private Driver?

• Full-day Ubud sightseeing (Monkey Forest, Tegallalang, Tirta Empul)
• Kintamani and Mount Batur viewpoints
• Uluwatu Temple and sunset at the cliffs
• Tanah Lot
• Bedugul and the twin lakes
• East Bali (Sidemen, Lempuyang, Tirta Gangga, Amed)
• North Bali (Lovina, Munduk waterfalls)

Want a custom day planned around your hotels and interests? See our Bali travel agency services or explore combined Java & Bali tours.

Getting From Bali Airport to Your Hotel

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) sits in the south. Traffic can turn a short distance into a longer journey.

• Airport → Kuta / Seminyak: 20–60 minutes
• Airport → Canggu: 45–90 minutes
• Airport → Ubud: 1–2 hours
• Airport → Uluwatu: 45–90 minutes

Best options: pre-booked private transfer (most reliable with luggage), official airport taxi desk, or Grab/Gojek via the official lounge.

Getting Around Bali Without a Scooter

Many visitors never touch a scooter and still see a great deal of the island. Private drivers, Grab/Gojek, taxis and shuttles cover almost every need — especially useful for families, older travellers and anyone carrying luggage.

Bali Transportation for Day Trips & Nearby Islands

For multi-stop temple days or long distances, a private driver is almost always the better choice. Grab works for single point-to-point rides but the driver will not wait.

Bali to Nearby Islands

• Nusa Penida / Nusa Lembongan: Fast boats from Sanur (30–45 minutes)
• Gili Islands & Lombok: Longer boat services or ferry combinations
• Java: Ferry from Gilimanuk to Ketapang — perfect if you want to continue to Mount Ijen or Yogyakarta. See our Jakarta to Bali travel guide and Jakarta to Yogyakarta guide for seamless island combinations.

How Much Does Transportation Cost in Bali?

Prices are approximate and can change with season, demand and operator. Always confirm current rates. For a full budget overview, read our Bali travel cost guide.

Bali Traffic & Safety Tips

• Traffic is densest in the south between late morning and early evening
• Always allow extra time for airport runs and sunset plans at Uluwatu or Tanah Lot
• Use Google Maps and download offline maps
• Keep your phone charged and save your hotel address
• Wear a helmet, carry the correct documents, and never drink and drive
• Check that your travel insurance covers the transport mode you choose

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Around Bali

Final Thoughts on Getting Around Bali

Scooters deliver maximum freedom at low cost. Grab and Gojek handle short hops efficiently. A private driver turns full-day sightseeing into a relaxed experience. Match the transport to your day, your group and your comfort level. Plan the important transfers in advance and you will spend more time enjoying Bali and less time stuck in logistics.

Ready to plan the rest of your trip? Explore our complete Bali travel guide, check the best time to visit Bali, or browse ready-made Java & Bali tour packages.