How to Get Around in Bali: A Guide to Transportation and Avoiding Traffic
Are you coming to Bali soon, or are you new on the island? There’s a lot to look forward to, but getting around might not be one of them if you’re staying in a tourist hotspot. Despite all the beauty to be found along Bali’s roads, there are also challenges, such as dealing with terrible traffic, pushy taxi drivers or not having your own transportation. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand how to get around in Bali, so you can enjoy yourself to the max and potentially save hours of your precious time.
A scenic Balinese road winds through lush green rice paddies and swaying palm trees. The peaceful view contrasts with the bustle of traffic and the struggles of navigating without transport.
Although it’s hard to believe for most visitors who have only seen instagram highlight reels of Bali, rapid development has resulted in pretty heavy traffic across most tourist areas. Many roads are narrow, or sometimes there’s only one route connecting two hotspots, which means that congestion is just part and parcel of the Bali experience.
Major Traffic Hotspots:
Canggu to Seminyak: Particularly along Batu Belig and Petitenget - best avoided during midday and between rush hours (4-7PM)
Jalan Raya Canggu - Can get very crowded during rush hour (4-7PM)
Kuta-Legian-Seminyak triangle: Especially busy during evening hours (4-7 PM)
Sunset Road: Often gridlocked throughout the day - if you're travelling from Canggu/Seminyak to Uluwatu (or vice versa), we recommend either leaving early in the morning or returning late at night (after 9/10PM). Rush hours are particularly bad and the journey could take between 2-3 hours during this time, despite what Google Maps says
Ubud central area: Particularly around Monkey Forest or when crossing through central Ubud to go from North to South (or vice versa).
Best Travel Times:
Early morning (5:30-7:30 AM): Roads are quite clear
Mid-morning (10:00 AM-12:00 PM): After morning rush hour
Late evening (after 9:00 PM): Once dinner crowds have settled
If it’s possible, avoid traveling between 7:30-9:30 AM and 4:00-7:00 PM. These peak commute times create severe congestion, especially during high season.
Transportation Options
Ride-Hailing Apps: Grab and Gojek
These Indonesian platforms are effectively like Uber, and offer a convenient, affordable option with transparent pricing. You can also attach your debit card for cashless payments, which means you always have a quick and easy way to get anywhere, even if you don’t have the correct change at hand.
Available Services:
Regular cars (4 seats) & XL Cars (6 seats): GrabCar, GoCar
Motorcycle taxis (1 passenger): GrabBike, GoRide
Food delivery: GrabFood, GoFood
Please be aware that in certain areas, particularly around traditional taxi stands, using ride-hailing apps can create some tension with local drivers. Be discreet or walk a short distance away to meet your driver.
With unfamiliar roads and busy traffic, services like Gojek and Grab offer a stress-free way for travelers to get around safely and easily.
Scooter/Motorbike Rental
Scooters are the most flexible and traffic-friendly option for getting around Bali. However, driving without a proper license can result in fines and invalidate any insurance coverage if you happen to have an accident. Learning to drive here is possible if you plan on staying longer term, but should be done on quiet roads. If you need help with getting a license, simply reach out to us via Whatsapp or come to our office in Pererenan. We can set up an appointment for you and get you properly licensed to drive a car or scooter in Indonesia.
If you’re on holiday and don’t know how to drive a scooter, we would recommend getting Grab or Gojek instead. If you’re not a confident driver, avoid congested areas and don’t drive at night on the weekends in tourist areas like Canggu and Seminyak, as you may encounter drunk drivers. Before renting a scooter, make sure to take it for a quick test drive to make sure everything is working properly.
Benefits:
Easy to get around
Easy to park
Complete schedule freedom
Most economical option
Cost Guide:
The cost you get will depend on the bike:
For smaller or older bikes like Honda Varios or Scoopy, you could pay between 700,000-1,200,000 per month. (40-70 USD)
For bigger, newer bikes, such as the NMax, you might be looking at around 1,200,000-2,000,000 (70-120 USD) depending on the rental company.
Car Rental
Ideal for families, groups, or those uncomfortable on two wheels. However, driving in Bali requires you to be quite a skilled driver, since roads are narrow and there are plenty of people on scooters. Again, we would only recommend this for people comfortable driving with a completely different set of road rules to their own country, otherwise ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek may be preferable options.
Benefits:
Better in the case of rain
You can stay cool with air conditioning
Greater safety in case of accidents
Comfortable for longer journeys
Cost Guide:
Daily rental: 250,000-500,000 IDR (15-30 USD)
Weekly rental: 1,500,000-3,000,000 IDR (90-180 USD)
Private Driver Hire
The most convenient option for those who want comfort and ease.
How It Works:
Book for half-day (4-5 hours) or full-day (8-10 hours) service
You determine the itinerary or request suggestions from the driver
Driver remains with the vehicle while you enjoy attractions, waiting to pick you up when you’re finished.
Cost Guide:
Half-day: 500,000-600,000 IDR (approx 40 USD)
Full-day: 700,000-900,000 IDR (approx 40-55 USD)
Most hotels and villas can arrange a day with one of their trusted drivers if you book a day in advance. If you’re looking for a driver, you could also find one on social media groups and travel forums. Your driver will call you at the airport or wait for you with a sign, so you can arrive smoothly.
Planning Your Travel to the Airport
Your options from Ngurah Rai International Airport include:
Pre-arranged hotel transfers: Convenient but premium-priced at 200,000-400,000 IDR (12-24 USD)
Airport taxis: Fixed-price counters inside arrivals hall at 150,000-350,000 IDR (9-21 USD)
Ride-hailing: Requires walking to designated pickup areas but saves 30-50% compared to airport taxis
If you’re a first time visitor, getting pre-arranged transfers provides peace of mind despite the higher cost.
Navigating Bali’s vibrant streets means choosing the right transport is key. A reliable ride can save time, stress, and even a few wrong turns.
Multi-Destination Days
When planning multiple stops:
Consider hiring a driver for the entire day rather than paying for individual rides
Plan your trip using a map, and group destinations according to their closeness
Many travelers underestimate travel times in Bali. What appears to be a short distance can take much longer due to road conditions and traffic. Always allow at least much more time than Google maps suggests.
When it comes to getting around, always give yourself plenty of time and try to plan strategically. We hope you have an incredible time in Bali, free of traffic and stress!
If you’re planning on driving during your time here and need help getting a driving license, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. As one of Bali’s premier visa and business consulting agencies, we can assist you with obtaining a driving license, extending your visa, and much more. Simply contact our team via Whatsapp or drop in to our office in Pererenan to speak to a member of our expert team members today, and let’s get your Bali adventure going.
Written by Team Bali Solve
18th June 2025
