Getting Around Bali: Complete Transport Guide for First-Time Visitors

Bali might look small on the map, but don’t let its size fool you. The island stretches with winding roads, steep hills, and scattered attractions spread far beyond the main tourist zones. From the surf towns of Canggu and Uluwatu to the lush rice fields of Ubud and the serene beaches of Amed, each region offers a different experience, and getting between them takes planning.

Whether you crave the thrill of riding a scooter through palm-lined roads or prefer the comfort of a private driver, transportation in Bali is an adventure in itself. This complete guide will help you understand every option available — including local tips, average costs, safety advice, and the best ways to move efficiently and affordably around the Island of the Gods.

1. Scooter Rental: The Iconic Bali Experience

If there’s one image that defines Bali, it’s travelers cruising past rice terraces on scooters with the wind in their hair. Renting a scooter gives you complete freedom, you can explore hidden beaches, stop for roadside coconuts, and chase sunsets wherever they appear.

Why It’s Popular:

Traffic in Bali’s tourist hubs can be heavy, but scooters can slip through easily. You’ll save time, avoid parking problems, and spend less than hiring a car.

Average Cost: IDR 70,000–120,000 per day (USD 4–8), or cheaper for weekly/monthly rentals.

Where to Rent: Rental shops in Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, Sanur, or through your hotel or villa host.

Tips for Safe Riding:

• Always wear a helmet, it’s required by law and saves lives.

• Carry your international driver’s license (motorcycle class); police checks are common.

• Check the tires, brakes, and fuel level before renting.

• Keep rain gear in your scooter box — showers can appear suddenly.

• Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, but expect narrow alleys called “gangs.”

Note: If you’re inexperienced, consider practicing in quieter areas like Ubud or Sanur before tackling busier roads in Seminyak or Canggu.

2. Private Driver: Comfort, Local Insight, and Stress-Free Travel

Hiring a private driver is one of the most comfortable ways to explore Bali, perfect for day trips or multi-stop itineraries. You can relax in an air-conditioned car while your driver navigates Bali’s tricky roads and shares local stories along the way.

Average Cost: IDR 600,000–900,000 per day (8–10 hours, including fuel).

Where to Book: Through your hotel, trusted local drivers, or apps like Klook and GetYourGuide.

Why Travelers Love It:

• Flexible routes, plan your own itinerary.

• Local recommendations for hidden spots and authentic food stops.

• No parking stress or navigation headaches.

Insider Tip:

Many drivers speak conversational English and can double as guides. Ask for a driver familiar with your interests (for example, waterfalls, temples, or photography).

Caution:

Avoid unlicensed drivers offering cheap rides at tourist spots, they might not include fuel, and the cars may lack insurance coverage.

3. Ride-Hailing Apps: Modern, Fast, and Reliable

Apps like Grab and Gojek are Bali’s modern transportation heroes. With just a few taps, you can order a motorbike taxi or car, see the fare in advance, and track your driver in real time.

Average Cost:

• Motorbike (GoRide/GrabBike): From IDR 10,000–20,000 for short rides.

• Car (GoCar/GrabCar): From IDR 30,000–70,000 depending on distance.

Best Areas: South Bali (Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta, Uluwatu) and Ubud town center.

Pros:

• Transparent pricing and cashless payments.

• Ideal for short distances and solo travelers.

• Reliable during most hours of the day.

Limitations:

Some areas have local transport restrictions, meaning ride-hailing pickups are banned near certain hotels, beaches, or markets. Just walk a few hundred meters to find a neutral pickup point.

Signal strength can be weak in remote areas, screenshot your route before leaving.

4. Taxis: Traditional but Trusted (Choose the Right One)

Taxis are easy to find around airports, resorts, and major towns, but not all are trustworthy. The best and most reliable company is Blue Bird Taxi, known for its honesty, air-conditioned cars, and proper meters.

Cost Example:

• Denpasar Airport → Seminyak: around IDR 150,000.

• Seminyak → Ubud: around IDR 300,000.

Tips:

• Look for Blue Bird logo + meter.

• Download the MyBluebird app to book safely and avoid haggling.

• Decline “freelance taxis” who offer rides without using the meter.

Tip: Always check the route on Google Maps to ensure fair pricing and peace of mind.

5. Shuttle Buses: Budget-Friendly Island Travel

If you’re traveling between popular tourist areas, say, from Ubud to Canggu or Seminyak to Sanur, shared shuttle buses are an affordable and social way to move around.

Average Cost: IDR 80,000–150,000 per trip.

Operators: Perama Tour, Kura-Kura Bus, or online platforms like 12GoAsia.

Best For:

• Budget travelers and solo backpackers.

• Easy intercity travel without the hassle of renting.

Limitations:

• Schedules are fixed; you can’t stop at attractions along the way.

• Some shuttles are small minibuses with limited luggage space.

Tip:

The Kura-Kura Bus also serves local routes within southern Bali, connecting Seminyak, Kuta, Legian, and Ubud at set times, perfect if you prefer to avoid motorbikes.

6. Bemos and Local Transport: For the Adventurous

Bemos are small minivans that act as Bali’s unofficial public transport. They’re cheap but don’t follow strict routes or timetables, you wave one down and tell the driver your destination.

Average Fare: IDR 10,000–20,000 per short trip.

Experience:

A raw, authentic glimpse of local life, great for travelers who enjoy going off the beaten path.

Tips:

• Be ready to negotiate the fare before boarding.

• They’re slow and not ideal for long distances.

• Few operate after dark.

7. Cycling and E-Scooters: Scenic and Sustainable

If you’re staying in quieter areas like Ubud, Sanur, or Nusa Dua, cycling is a peaceful way to explore. Many guesthouses rent bicycles, and newer e-scooter rental companies offer app-based rentals.

Cost:

• Bicycle: IDR 30,000–60,000 per day.

• E-scooter: Around IDR 100,000–150,000 per day.

Great For:

Exploring short distances, morning rides, or photography adventures through rice paddies.

Tip: Avoid cycling in heavy traffic zones like Kuta or Denpasar, roads there aren’t built for bicycles.

8. Inter-Island Travel: Beyond Bali

If you plan to extend your adventure to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or the Gili Islands, Bali offers multiple ferry and fast-boat routes.

Departure Ports:

• Sanur Port – Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan

• Padangbai Harbor – Gili Islands & Lombok

• Serangan Port – Alternative route for Gili Trawangan

Cost:

IDR 150,000–300,000 per trip depending on destination and operator.

Tips:

• Book round trips online for better deals.

• Morning boats are usually calmer than afternoon departures.

• Bring a waterproof bag for your belongings, boarding often involves wading into the water.

9. Airport Transfers: Starting Smoothly

Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) can be busy, but getting to your hotel is easy if you plan ahead.

Options:

• Official Airport Taxis: Fixed price counters available near arrivals.

• Grab/Gojek Pickup: Follow app directions to designated pickup zones.

• Private Transfers: Book in advance via hotel or online for peace of mind.

Typical Cost:

• To Seminyak: ~IDR 150,000

• To Ubud: ~IDR 350,000

Pro Tip: Avoid freelance drivers inside the terminal who approach with “cheap” offers, prices are rarely cheaper than the official counters.

10. Essential Tips for Getting Around Bali

• Plan around traffic: Rush hours (7–10 AM and 4–7 PM) can be intense in South Bali.

• Download offline maps for when internet drops.

• Fuel up often, stations can be far apart in rural areas.

• Keep small cash handy for parking and fuel (around IDR 2,000–5,000).

• Be patient: Driving in Bali is slow-paced, enjoy the scenery instead of rushing.

• Respect local rules: Honking is polite, not rude. It’s a way of saying “I’m here.”

Conclusion

Getting around Bali is part of the adventure, every mode of transport offers a different perspective on island life. From the freedom of scooters to the comfort of private drivers, or the local charm of bemos and bicycles, how you move shapes how you experience the island.

Plan your routes, travel smart, and keep your schedule flexible. Bali’s beauty isn’t just in the destinations, it’s in the journey itself, along the winding roads framed by temples, rice fields, and endless smiles from locals.