🇮🇩 Bali · Travel guide
Getting around Bali: scooter, driver, taxi or shuttle
Bali has no trains and very limited public buses for visitors, so how you move around the island shapes your whole trip. Here is an honest comparison of the main options.
Quick comparison
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter rental | Short hops in Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, Uluwatu; beating traffic | Licence rules, helmets, rain, busy roads |
| Car with driver | Day trips, families, airport runs | Traffic jams around Canggu and Kuta |
| Ride-hailing apps | Short trips in the south | Pickup restrictions in some areas |
| Tourist shuttles | Ubud, Sanur, Padang Bai and harbour transfers | Fixed times and stops |
Scooter rental
A scooter is how most long-stay visitors and many tourists get around. Automatic models such as the Honda BeAT, Scoopy or Vario are easy to ride, and bigger scooters like the NMAX or PCX are more comfortable for two people or longer rides. Small automatics are the cheapest to rent, and weekly or monthly rentals usually lower the daily rate — always confirm the final price before you pay.
Before you ride, check the rules: you need a valid licence for motorcycles plus an International Driving Permit, a helmet for rider and passenger, and the vehicle papers (STNK) with you. Our guide to renting a scooter in Bali covers this step by step. If you want a scooter delivered to your hotel, our sister site SiapPergi lists Bali scooter rental by area and model, with prices confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay.
Car with driver
Hiring a car with a driver for the day is very common and good value for groups. Drivers know the roads, wait while you visit temples or rice terraces, and handle parking. It's the most relaxed way to do long day trips to places like the north or east of the island.
Ride-hailing apps and taxis
Ride-hailing apps work in much of south Bali and Ubud for cars and motorbike taxis. Some areas have local transport cooperatives that restrict app pickups, so you may need to walk a little or use a local taxi. Metered taxis also operate in the south; agree to use the meter before you set off.
Shuttles and island transfers
Tourist shuttles connect the main areas and harbours on fixed schedules. For island trips — Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands or Lombok — see our route guides for Sanur to Nusa Penida and Bali to Gili Trawangan, or check transfers on 12Go: Bali airport to Ubud transfers.
Tips
- Traffic in Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta is heavy at rush hour — short distances can take a long time by car.
- Carry small cash for parking (a few thousand rupiah) at beaches and temples.
- Rain in the wet season (roughly November–March) makes roads slippery; carry a rain poncho if you ride.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to get around Bali?
For short trips, a scooter or ride-hailing app; for day trips and families, a car with driver. Many visitors combine both.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to ride a scooter in Bali?
Yes. Foreign visitors need a valid licence that covers motorcycles plus an International Driving Permit, and must wear a helmet.
Is there public transport in Bali?
Options are limited for visitors. Tourist shuttles, drivers, taxis and ride-hailing apps are the practical choices.
Where can I rent a scooter delivered to my hotel?
Many rental shops deliver. Our sister site SiapPergi lists scooter rental by area in Bali, with the price confirmed on WhatsApp before payment.