t’s easy to underestimate Bali. On a map it looks compact—but once you’re actually there, you realize the island is packed with beaches, temples, rice terraces, cafés, and day trips… spread out with very real traffic in between. The good news: getting from point A to point B isn’t hard once you know your options.

This updated guide covers the most common ways to travel around Bali—what each one is best for, what it costs (in general), where it works and where it doesn’t, and how to avoid the most common tourist headaches.

Quick cheat sheet: best ways to get around Bali

• Short trips around town: Grab / Gojek (car or motorbike), Bluebird taxi
• Day tours and sightseeing: Private driver (most comfortable + efficient)
• Budget + fastest in traffic: GrabBike / GoRide (motorbike rides)
• DIY freedom: Scooter rental (only if you’re truly comfortable riding)
• Island hopping: Fast boats (Nusa Penida / Nusa Lembongan / Gilis), Ferries (slower, often cheaper)

1) Taxis in Bali (when they’re great—and when they’re not)

Taxis are everywhere in tourist zones like Kuta, Seminyak, and parts of Denpasar, and they can be super convenient when your phone is dying, it’s raining, or you just want a simple door-to-door ride.

The best taxi tip: choose metered + reputable

If you want a smoother experience, Bluebird is widely considered the most reliable “normal taxi” option and you can book through the MyBluebird app (useful for fixed pickup points and fewer pricing surprises).

A reality to know (without the drama)

In some areas of Bali—especially near certain beaches, tourist hotspots, and transport hubs—local taxi groups may discourage ride-hailing pickups. The easiest way to avoid any awkwardness is simple: don’t argue, don’t escalate—just walk 3–10 minutes to a main road and order your ride from there. You’ll save money and stress.

2) Grab in Bali (the “easy button” for most travelers)

Grab is one of the most popular ride-hailing apps across Southeast Asia, and yes—Grab works in Bali. Wise

What to use Grab for

• GrabCar: air-conditioned rides (great with luggage, groups, or long distances)
• GrabBike: fast and cheap for solo travelers (and often faster in traffic)

Payment: cash vs card

Many travelers still use cash in Indonesian Rupiah, but Grab also supports cashless options (availability can vary by account setup and location). If you can pay by card, great—if not, keep small bills on you and you’ll be fine.

Pro tip: pickups can be “odd” in busy areas

Even when Grab is allowed, the app may direct you to a specific pickup point (like a side street or landmark). Follow the map, message your driver politely, and you’ll usually meet up quickly.

3) Gojek (GoRide / GoCar) — Bali’s other must-have app

Gojek is an Indonesian super-app and a major player in Bali transport. If you download only two apps for getting around, make them Grab + Gojek. Merusaka Nusa Dua

Why travelers love Gojek

• Often great prices for short rides
• Strong coverage in busy areas
• Useful extras (food delivery, errands) if you’re staying longer

Payment options

Gojek supports cash and can also support card/cashless methods depending on region and account setup. Practically speaking: plan for cash as your reliable backup. Gojek

4) Motorcycle taxis (ojek): the ultra-budget, ultra-fast option

Before apps took over, Bali already had ojek—informal motorcycle taxis. You’ll still see them around, especially near markets, beach entrances, and busy streets.

If you go this route:

• Agree on the price before you get on
• Ask for a helmet (don’t be shy!)
• If they ride too aggressively, say: “Pelan-pelan ya” (slowly, please)

That said, for most visitors, GrabBike / GoRide is usually the safer, clearer version of the same idea—because the route and driver are tracked in-app.

5) Private drivers (the best “Bali hack” for day trips)

If you want to see temples, waterfalls, rice terraces, and beaches in one day without juggling multiple rides, a private driver is often the best value.

Why it’s worth it

• You set the pace (stay longer, leave earlier, skip stops)
• Local knowledge (shortcuts, timing, less-crowded alternatives)
• Comfort (A/C, space, easy luggage storage)

Where to book: your hotel/villa can arrange drivers, and many reputable drivers operate via local referrals and traveler communities.

Tip: Confirm what’s included:

• Hours included (commonly 8–10)
• Fuel/parking
• Overtime rate

6) Scooter rentals (freedom… with real risk)

Scooters are everywhere in Bali for one reason: they’re cheap and flexible. But they’re also the option most likely to turn a vacation into a hospital visit if you’re not experienced.

The legal/insurance must-know

Tourist-focused guides and Bali travel authorities commonly emphasize that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to legally ride (and it can affect insurance coverage after an accident). Bali Holiday Secrets

If you still choose to ride

• Wear a helmet every time (and make sure it fits properly)
• Avoid riding at night and during heavy rain
• Don’t ride if you’re not confident on two wheels at home
• Never leave your passport as a rental deposit (use cash deposit instead)

Theft tip (simple and effective)

Phone snatches do happen in busy areas. Don’t ride holding your phone out for navigation—use a secure mount or stop somewhere safe to check directions.

7) Shuttle buses (a nice option—on limited routes)

Bali isn’t famous for public transport, but there are shuttle-style options in tourist corridors. Kura-Kura Bus is one example travelers still mention for getting between popular areas (routes and frequency can change, so check current info when you arrive).

Also: some hotels (especially in Nusa Dua and bigger resort areas) offer shuttles to shopping zones or beaches—always ask at reception.

8) Fast boats (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, the Gili Islands)

If island-hopping is on your Bali bucket list, fast boats are the common choice for Nusa Penida / Nusa Lembongan and for getting to the Gili Islands.

What to know before you book

• Morning crossings often have calmer seas than late afternoon
• Weather matters—a lot. If conditions look rough, be willing to reschedule
• Choose operators that provide life jackets and clear boarding procedures

Fast boat travel in the region has had serious incidents reported in recent years, so treat this like a real ocean crossing—not a theme-park ride. Your safest move is to pick reputable operators, avoid extreme weather days, and follow crew instructions closely.

9) Ferries (slower, larger, often cheaper)

If you hate the idea of bouncing across waves on a fast boat, ferries can be a calmer alternative for certain routes—especially when traveling with vehicles or doing longer crossings.

They’re typically:

• Slower
• Cheaper
• Less “speedboat chaos”

Just remember: routes and logistics can be less tourist-friendly than fast boats, so build extra time into your day.

Area-by-area: how to get around Bali’s most popular neighborhoods

How to get around Kuta

Kuta is busy, walkable in pockets, and packed with taxis.
Best options: Bluebird taxis, Grab/Gojek, short walks, and private drivers for day trips.
Scooters here can feel intense because traffic is dense and unpredictable.

How to get around Seminyak

Seminyak is spread out and traffic can crawl.
Best options: Grab/Gojek (especially for short hops), Bluebird taxi, private driver for beach clubs + sunset plans.

How to get around Ubud

Ubud is not a “walk everywhere” place unless you’re staying right in the center.
Best options: Private drivers for sightseeing, Grab/Gojek where available (pickup points can be tricky), and taxis arranged through your accommodation.

How to get around Canggu

Canggu traffic is famous (in a not-fun way).
Best options: GrabBike/GoRide for solo trips, private drivers for longer routes, and scooters only if you’re experienced and cautious.

Frequently asked questions (Bali transport)

Is Uber available in Bali?

No—Uber isn’t operating in Bali. Most travelers use Grab and Gojek instead.

Are Grab and Gojek allowed everywhere?

Not always. Some places have informal “no ride-hailing pickup” norms. If your ride gets canceled or a pickup point feels uncomfortable, walk to a main road and try again.

What’s the safest option for families?

A private driver or a reputable taxi (like Bluebird) is usually the calmest, simplest choice.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to ride a scooter in Bali?

Guides commonly state yes—and riding without one can create legal and insurance problems.

Final thoughts: the easiest Bali transport plan

If you want a simple, stress-free setup:

1. Download Grab + Gojek
2. Keep small Rupiah bills for cash payments
3. Use Bluebird/MyBluebird as your taxi backup
4. Book a private driver for big sightseeing days
5. Treat scooters and fast boats with the respect they deserve (they can be amazing—just be smart)