Getting around Bali and to the islands

The quick version

• For day trips the easiest option is a car with a driver, or a tour that includes hotel pickup.
• For short rides use the Grab or Gojek apps, which show the price upfront.
• Scooters are only for experienced riders with the right licence (see below).
• To the islands you take a fast boat from Sanur (Nusa Penida, Lembongan) or Padang Bai (Gili Islands).
• Always allow extra time for flights and boats: traffic jams are common in the south and centre of the island.

From the airport

Ngurah Rai airport (DPS) is in the south of the island. Travel times depend heavily on traffic, so the ranges below are wide.

• Ride-hailing apps: Grab and Gojek have official pickup points at the airport. A ride to Seminyak or Ubud has recently cost around IDR 150,000–350,000.
• Pre-booked transfer: the driver waits in arrivals with a name sign, which is the calmest option after a long flight or with children and luggage.

Grab and Gojek

The apps work as taxis and scooter taxis across the south and in Ubud, with the price shown before you book. They also deliver food.

• Some villages and ports don't allow app pickups (drop-offs are usually fine). In quieter areas such as Sidemen, Amed or Lovina, cars can be hard to find.
• Download the apps and add a payment method before you travel.

Hiring a driver for the day

A car with a driver for 8–10 hours is the most comfortable way to see several places in one day. You agree the route, the driver waits at each stop and you are not tied to a group. Recent prices are roughly US$50–80 per car per day, depending on the route and the size of the car.

Scooters

Scooters are everywhere, but riding in Bali traffic is demanding, even for people who ride at home.

• The Bali Governor's 2025 rules for foreign tourists require a valid driving licence: in practice a home licence that includes motorcycles plus an International Driving Permit with the motorcycle category. Always wear a helmet.
• Rent only from licensed operators, and check that your travel insurance covers scooter riding. Insurers may refuse a claim if you rode without the right licence.
• If you are not used to heavy traffic, hire a driver instead.

Public transport

The Trans Metro Dewata buses run on six routes around Denpasar and the south, roughly from 5:00 to 19:00, for IDR 4,400 paid by QRIS. They are useful for some trips within the city area, but don't reach most places visitors want to see, so they are rarely a practical way to explore the island.

Fast boats to the islands

• Sea conditions matter. From December to March the sea is more often rough and sailings can be delayed or cancelled. Don't plan a boat trip for the day of your flight home.
• On the Gili Islands there are no motor vehicles: people walk, cycle or take a horse cart (cidomo).
• Roads on Nusa Penida are much worse than on Bali. A day tour with a driver is the easiest way to see both coasts.

Plan with buffers

• For a flight home from Ubud or Canggu, allow up to 2 hours for the drive on top of the usual check-in time.
• Canggu to Uluwatu can take around 2 hours by road.
• Many day tours start early, often with a hotel pickup between 5:00 and 7:00. Choose your accommodation with that in mind.

Tours are run by local operators; booking and payment are handled by GetYourGuide. We earn a commission on bookings made through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Sources and fact-check

We checked the facts in this text on 24 Oct 2026 against these sources. Rules, prices and timetables change, so check them before you travel.

1. Lonely Planet – Getting around Bali (24 Mar 2026) (opens in a new window)
2. Wego – Bali airport transfer guide: travel times and Grab/Gojek pickup points (14 Jul 2026) (opens in a new window)
3. Kiwitaxi – Bali airport to Ubud, Canggu and Seminyak (opens in a new window)
4. AirConnect – Denpasar airport taxi fares (Sep 2026) (opens in a new window)
5. nusapenida.org – How to get to Nusa Penida: fast boats and car ferry (checked 1 Sep 2026) (opens in a new window)
6. nusapenida.org – How to get to Nusa Lembongan from Bali (28 Jun 2026) (opens in a new window)
7. Direct Ferries – Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan (opens in a new window)
8. Direct Ferries – Serangan to Gili Trawangan (opens in a new window)
9. JawaPos – Lembar–Padang Bai ferry schedule (14 Jul 2026) (opens in a new window)
10. Lombok Airport – Gili Trawangan (no motor vehicles) (opens in a new window)
11. Wikipedia – Trans Metro Dewata (bus routes, fares, 2026) (opens in a new window)
12. Bali Provincial Government – Governor's Circular 7/2025 for foreign tourists (opens in a new window)