lifeisworthtravelShort answer: for most visitors, getting around Bali works best with a mix: a private driver for day trips and transfers between regions, ride-hailing apps for short trips in towns, and a scooter only if you already ride confidently and hold a valid licence. Self-driving a car is possible but stressful, and public buses cover only a few routes.
Traffic is the factor everybody underestimates. Distances on the map look short, but a trip from the south to Ubud can take much longer than expected at busy times. Plan your stays in clusters – see where to stay in Bali – and you will spend less time in traffic.
Getting around Bali: overview of transport options
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Private driver (day hire) | Day trips, families, temples and waterfalls | Agree hours, route and what is included |
| Ride-hailing apps (car or bike) | Short trips in Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud | Pick-up restrictions in some areas |
| Scooter rental | Experienced riders, flexible short trips | Licence, insurance, accidents, police checks |
| Rental car (self-drive) | Confident drivers who want independence | Narrow roads, heavy traffic, parking |
| Shuttle buses | Budget transfers between tourist hubs | Fixed times, limited routes |
Private driver: the comfortable default
For getting around Bali on sightseeing days, hiring a driver for a full day is very common. You agree on a number of hours and a rough route, and the driver waits while you visit temples, rice terraces or waterfalls. It is often the most relaxed way to combine several sights in one day, as in our 7-day Bali itinerary.
- Clarify what the price includes: fuel, parking, waiting time, overtime.
- Entrance fees to temples and sights are usually extra.
- Ask for a car with working seat belts and child seats if you travel with kids.
- Share your route plan the evening before so the driver can suggest the best order.
Ride-hailing apps
For getting around Bali in towns, ride-hailing apps are widely used in the tourist areas for cars and motorbike taxis. They are practical for short trips and show the price before you ride. In some places local transport cooperatives restrict app pick-ups, so you may need to walk a short distance or use a local taxi. Rules differ by area and change over time – follow signs and ask your accommodation.
Mobile data makes everything easier. Our sister site explains travel eSIMs (in German), and our English guide covers internet and power on the road.
Scooter: freedom with real risks
Many travellers rent a scooter for getting around Bali, and many also end up with the so-called Bali tattoo: road rash after a fall. Before you rent, be honest with yourself:
- Licence: you generally need a valid motorcycle licence and an International Driving Permit. Requirements can change – check current rules before your trip, for example in the UK travel advice for Indonesia.
- Insurance: many travel insurance policies do not cover accidents without a valid licence or without a helmet. Read your policy.
- Helmet: always wear one and fasten it.
- Roads: gravel, sand, potholes and steep hills are common outside the towns. Rain makes them slippery.
- Rental check: photograph the scooter before riding off and test brakes and lights.
If you have never ridden a motorbike, Bali is not the place to learn. Take a motorbike taxi via app instead – you get the scooter experience with someone who knows the roads.
Rental car
A rental car or a car with a driver from a rental platform gives you independence. Traffic drives on the left, roads in villages are narrow and parking near popular sights can be tight. For multi-day road trips, compare options on DiscoverCars and read the insurance conditions carefully.
Shuttle buses and public transport
Tourist shuttle buses connect popular hubs such as the airport area, the south, Ubud and some harbours. They are cheaper than a private transfer but run at fixed times. Public bus coverage is limited and better suited to travellers with time and flexibility.
Airport transfers
After a long flight, a pre-booked transfer is the least stressful option. Agree the pick-up point in the arrivals area beforehand. If you prefer apps, check where pick-ups are allowed at the airport.
Getting around Bali: decision checklist
- Trip under 15 minutes in town: ride-hailing or walk
- Full sightseeing day: private driver
- Moving between regions with luggage: driver or shuttle
- Experienced, licensed rider, short local trips: scooter with helmet
- Island trips such as Nusa Penida: boat plus local driver
Money tips for getting around Bali
Drivers and small warungs often prefer cash. Withdraw larger amounts less often to save ATM fees, or use a multi-currency card such as Wise – our guide to travel money mistakes explains the details. Tours with transport can be compared on GetYourGuide.
FAQ: getting around Bali
What is the easiest way of getting around Bali? A private driver for day trips and ride-hailing apps for short distances.
Do I need an international driving permit for a scooter? In general yes, together with a valid motorcycle licence from home. Check the current rules before you travel.
Is Bali traffic really that bad? In the south and around Ubud at peak times, yes. Plan fewer transfers and more time per region.
Planning a day in East Bali? Read our guide to Lempuyang Temple and the Gates of Heaven.
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