How to Get Around Bali: Transport Guide for First-Time Visitors

On By saar.decosterIn Asia, Indonesia

Wondering how to get around Bali? You actually have quite a few options, depending on where you are going, how much luggage you have, your budget and, most importantly, how comfortable you are on the road.

From Grab and Gojek to renting your own scooter or hiring a private driver, I’ve tried different ways of getting around Bali and there are definitely some options I would recommend more than others.

So let’s go through the best ways to get around Bali.

If you’re still planning your route, have a look at my Bali Travel Guide for more practical tips, destination guides and advice to help you organise your trip.

How to Get Around Bali: Your Main Options

When travelling around Bali, you will mainly choose between:

  • Grab or Gojek
  • Taxis
  • Renting a scooter
  • Renting a car
  • Hiring a private driver

There isn’t necessarily one best option for the entire trip. I would actually use a combination depending on where you are and what you want to do.

Riding a scooter in Bali after an Australia trip, showing why a backpack can be useful beyond a backpack vs suitcase Australia East Coast journey.

Getting Between Places in Bali

If you’re moving from one part of Bali to another, I would generally take a taxi or book a ride through Grab or Gojek.

For example, if you’re travelling from Canggu to Ubud, Ubud to Uluwatu or heading to or from the airport, having someone else drive you is so much easier than trying to navigate Bali’s roads yourself.

Grab and Gojek in Bali

Grab and Gojek are two apps you should definitely download before travelling to Bali.

You can use both to book:

  • Cars
  • Motorbike rides
  • Food delivery
  • Other local services

I would actually download both and compare the prices before booking because they can differ.

You can usually choose between a motorbike or a car. Obviously, if you have a lot of luggage, a car is going to be the much better option.

You can also generally pay through the app, depending on the ride and your payment setup, or pay cash. If you are paying cash, keep smaller notes with you where possible. Drivers don’t always have the exact change, so you might end up paying slightly more simply because you don’t have the right amount.

What About the Bali Airport?

You can also use Grab or Gojek to get to and from Bali’s airport, and I would recommend downloading the apps before you arrive.

The airport can be absolute chaos when you walk out. There are so many drivers and people offering you taxis, and airport taxis can be considerably more expensive than booking a ride yourself.

Having the apps ready before you land means you already know your options and can compare prices instead of negotiating with someone when you’re tired after a flight.

Not sure which areas to include in your itinerary? I’ve compared Canggu and Uluwatu based on my own experience, which can help you decide where to stay and how to plan your time on the island.

How to Get Around Bali Once You’re There

Once you’re staying in a particular area, you basically have three main options: rent your own scooter, use Grab/Gojek, or hire a private driver.

Which one is best really depends on what you’re planning to do.

1. Rent a Scooter in Bali

Renting a scooter gives you the most freedom and can also be one of the cheapest ways to get around Bali, especially if you’re travelling with someone and can split the cost.

My friends and I rented scooters during our time in Bali and, honestly, having your own scooter is incredibly convenient.

You can stop whenever you want, explore smaller roads and don’t have to wait for a driver every time you want to go somewhere.

But please only rent a scooter if you are genuinely confident riding one.

Bali’s roads can be absolutely brutal. Traffic can be busy, roads can be narrow, and the driving style may be very different from what you’re used to at home.

And please: don’t drink and drive. You’re on holiday, but accidents can happen incredibly quickly.

Always Check Your Scooter Before Riding

This sounds obvious, but check the scooter before you drive away.

At minimum, check:

  • Brakes
  • Tyres
  • Lights
  • Mirrors
  • Indicators
  • Horn
  • General condition of the bike

I know someone who discovered halfway up a huge mountain that their brakes weren’t working properly. They ended up having a very serious accident and had to be repatriated to Belgium.

So please don’t just jump on a scooter because it’s cheap. Check that everything works before you leave.

Also make sure you have the appropriate licence and insurance for riding a scooter in Indonesia. Don’t assume that your normal driving licence automatically covers you.

Safety is much more important than saving a few euros.

2. Use Grab or Gojek for Shorter Distances

If you don’t want to ride a scooter yourself, Grab and Gojek are probably the easiest options for shorter distances.

This is what I would choose if:

  • You’re not comfortable riding a scooter
  • You don’t want to deal with Bali traffic
  • You’re only going somewhere nearby
  • You don’t need a driver for the entire day

You can simply book a car through the app, get dropped off and book another one when you want to go somewhere else.

For solo travellers, a motorbike ride can also be a cheap option if you don’t have much luggage and feel comfortable as a passenger.

If you’re visiting Bali for the first time, my guide on how long to spend in Bali can also help you plan your itinerary and decide how much time to spend in each area.

3. Hire a Private Driver in Bali

A private driver in Bali is probably the most expensive option, but I actually think it can be completely worth it for certain days.

Especially if you’re planning to visit lots of places in one day.

A good driver isn’t just someone who takes you from A to B. They know the island, know the roads, know the popular sights and often have recommendations for places you might never have found yourself.

They can also help you organise your day, which means you don’t have to spend hours planning an itinerary yourself.

And honestly, sometimes it’s just nice to have someone else deal with everything.

My Experience With a Private Driver in Bali

We had a private driver during our time in Bali called Ketut, and he was genuinely so much fun to explore with.

He was funny, friendly and knew the island really well. It made the days feel much more relaxed because we could basically tell him what we wanted to see and he would help us figure out the best way to do it.

He also took photos for us, which was obviously a bonus!

If you want to contact him, you can find him on Instagram. You can tell him you’re a friend of mine from LifeAsSaar. 😉

We also had a private driver on Nusa Penida, and that was one of the best decisions we made there. He took us around the island, helped organise the day and took some really nice photos.

We also explored Nusa Penida with a driver, which made visiting several attractions much easier. If you’re planning a trip there, read my Nusa Penida Travel Guide for more tips on getting around and deciding what to see.

So if you’re visiting somewhere where the roads and attractions are complicated to navigate, I would definitely consider hiring a driver.

Should You Rent a Scooter or Hire a Driver in Bali?

This really depends on your travel style.

Rent a scooter if you:

  • Are confident riding
  • Want maximum freedom
  • Want to keep costs low
  • Don’t mind Bali traffic
  • Want to explore spontaneously

Hire a private driver if you:

  • Don’t feel comfortable on a scooter
  • Want to visit lots of attractions in one day
  • Are travelling with friends or family
  • Want someone else to deal with the driving
  • Want local recommendations
  • Don’t want to plan everything yourself

If you’re travelling with two, three or four people, a private driver can also become much more affordable when you split the cost.

Can You Get Around Bali Without a Scooter?

Absolutely.

You definitely don’t need to rent a scooter to travel around Bali.

In fact, if you’re not an experienced scooter rider, I would rather recommend using Grab, Gojek and private drivers than taking unnecessary risks just because everyone else seems to be riding a scooter.

Bali has plenty of transport options, so don’t feel like you’re missing out if you don’t want to ride.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get Around Bali?

Generally, riding a scooter yourself will be one of the cheapest options, especially if you’re travelling with someone and splitting the rental and fuel costs.

For shorter journeys, Grab and Gojek can also be very affordable.

A private driver will cost more, but remember that you’re paying for much more than just transportation. If you’re spending an entire day visiting multiple places, having a driver can actually be really convenient and may be worth the extra money.

My Advice for Getting Around Bali

If I were planning a Bali trip again, I wouldn’t choose just one form of transport.

I’d use a combination.

For moving between destinations: Grab/Gojek or a taxi.

For short distances: Grab/Gojek.

For exploring independently: Rent a scooter, but only if you’re genuinely confident riding.

For a full sightseeing day: Get a private driver.

And if you do rent a scooter, please check it properly before you leave. Saving a few euros isn’t worth risking your safety.

Bali is amazing, but the roads are definitely something you need to take seriously.

Final Thoughts on Getting Around Bali

Getting around Bali is actually pretty easy once you understand your options.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you arrive. Download Grab and Gojek, compare prices, and decide day by day whether you want to use an app, rent a scooter or hire a driver.

Personally, I loved having the freedom of a scooter on some days, but having a driver on sightseeing days made things so much easier.

And if you’re travelling around Bali without a scooter, don’t worry, you can absolutely do it.

Just choose the option that makes you feel comfortable and safe rather than automatically choosing the cheapest one.

Planning a Trip to Indonesia?

I’ve written more Indonesia travel guides based on my own experiences, including destinations, stays and things I actually did during my trip.

If you’re planning your own Indonesia adventure, check out my Indonesia travel guides for more honest travel tips, places to visit and ideas for your itinerary.

→ START HERE: Indonesia travel guide

OR START BY AREA

→ BALI TRAVEL GUIDE
→ LOMBOK TRAVEL GUIDE

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Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Around Bali

What is the best way to get around Bali?

The best way depends on your trip. Grab and Gojek are great for shorter journeys, scooters give you more freedom, and private drivers are ideal for full sightseeing days.

Is Grab available in Bali?

Yes, Grab is widely used in Bali. You can use the app to book cars and motorbike rides, although availability and pickup locations can vary depending on where you are.

Is Gojek available in Bali?

Yes, Gojek is another popular transport app in Bali and is worth downloading alongside Grab so you can compare prices.

Can you travel around Bali without a scooter?

Yes. You can use Grab, Gojek, taxis and private drivers to get around Bali without renting a scooter.

Is it safe to drive a scooter in Bali?

It can be, but only if you are confident and experienced riding a scooter or motorbike. Bali’s roads can be busy and unpredictable, so always wear a helmet, check the scooter before riding and never drink and drive.

Is it worth hiring a private driver in Bali?

For sightseeing days, I think it can be. A good private driver knows the island, can help plan your route and lets you visit several places without having to navigate Bali’s traffic yourself.

Do you need a car in Bali?

No. A car isn’t necessary for most travellers because there are plenty of other ways to get around Bali. For longer sightseeing days, hiring a private driver with a car can be much easier than renting one yourself.

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