Bali has no train and limited public transport, so almost every visitor picks one of three options: rent a scooter, rent a car, or hire a driver. They suit very different travelers, and the cheapest choice on paper is not always the cheapest once you count licences, insurance and risk.
The short answer
For most visitors, a private driver (or Grab and Gojek for short hops) is the safest and least stressful choice. A scooter is the cheapest, but only for experienced riders who hold the right licence and have proper insurance. Self-driving a car makes sense if you want freedom, are comfortable with narrow, congested roads and left-hand traffic, and hold an International Driving Permit.
The three options compared
| Option | Rough cost | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scooter | About IDR 60,000 to 100,000 per day for a basic bike (US$4 to 6.50) | Experienced riders, solo or couples, short distances | Licence and IDP rules, insurance, traffic, police checks |
| Self-drive car | Varies by car and season; plus fuel and parking | Families and groups who want flexibility | Narrow roads, congestion, IDP, damage disputes |
| Private driver | Roughly US$50 to 70 for a full day at the time of writing | First-timers, families, long sightseeing days | Agree hours, route and what is included |
| Grab or Gojek | Cheap for short trips; surge pricing at peak times | Short hops and evenings out | Pickup zones and availability vary |
These figures are rough guides from public travel sites, and prices change by season and area, so check current rates before you book.
Scooter: cheapest, riskiest
A scooter is how many locals get around, and it looks easy. The reality is unpredictable traffic with turns without indicators and sudden U-turns, slippery roads after rain, and potholes. If you have never ridden a motorbike, Bali is not the place to learn.
- Licence: You need your home motorcycle licence plus an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle category. A car-only licence or IDP isn't enough.
- Insurance: Many policies exclude riding without a valid licence and IDP, which can leave you paying medical bills yourself.
- Police checks: Checkpoints are common in busy areas such as Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Uluwatu. Reported fines include about IDR 250,000 for no helmet and more for no valid licence.
- Safety: Always wear a helmet, avoid peak hours and rain, and video the bike before you take it to avoid damage disputes.
Self-drive car: freedom with a learning curve
A rental car gives you air conditioning, luggage space and independence, which matters for families. The trade-offs are narrow roads, heavy traffic around Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu, and parking. Some local guides advise against self-driving altogether. If you do rent, read our guide on renting a car in Bali: what tourists get wrong, and check insurance and deposit terms.
Thinking of driving yourself? Compare local rental companies and what insurance each package includes before you book.
Compare Bali car rentalsPrivate driver: easiest for sightseeing
A car with a driver costs only a little more than self-driving once fuel, parking and stress are counted, and the driver knows the roads, the traffic and the back lanes to your villa. It is a popular choice for temples, waterfalls and rice terraces, where the trip is long and the roads are slow. Agree the hours, route and what is included before you set off.
Want a driver waiting when you land? Pre-book a private transfer from Bali Airport to your hotel or villa at a fixed price.
Search Bali airport transfersWhich should you pick?
- First trip, kids or lots of sightseeing: a private driver.
- Short hops around Canggu, Seminyak or Ubud: Grab or Gojek.
- Experienced rider with the right licence and insurance: a scooter, with a helmet.
- Confident driver wanting flexibility: a rental car, with an IDP.
- Mix: a driver for big days, ride-hailing for short trips.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to rent a scooter in Bali?
It can be, but traffic is unpredictable, with sudden turns, U-turns and merging without indicators. Roads are worse after rain, and many tourist injuries involve inexperienced riders. If you have never ridden a motorbike, Bali is not the place to learn; use Grab, Gojek or a driver instead.
Do I need a motorcycle licence and an IDP to ride a scooter in Bali?
Yes. Sources say you need your home motorcycle licence plus an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle category. A car-only licence or permit is not enough. Rules can change, so confirm current requirements before you travel.
Will my travel insurance cover a scooter accident in Bali?
Often only if you hold a valid motorcycle licence and IDP. Riding without them can void cover, leaving you to pay medical costs yourself. Read your policy wording before you rent.
How much does a scooter cost per day in Bali?
Roughly IDR 60,000 to 100,000 per day for a basic 110 to 125cc scooter, about US$4 to 6.50, with larger bikes costing more and weekly or monthly rates cheaper. Airport and beachside kiosks may charge more.
Is a car with a driver cheaper than renting a car?
Often it works out similar once you count fuel, parking and stress, and you avoid navigating narrow, congested roads. A full day with a private driver is roughly US$50 to 70 at the time of writing, though rates and hours vary.
What are the fines for riding without a helmet in Bali?
Reports put the fine at about IDR 250,000 for riding without a helmet, with higher fines for riding without a valid licence. Police checkpoints are common in Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Uluwatu.
Related reading
The short version
A scooter is cheapest but needs the right licence, IDP and insurance, and carries the most risk. A rental car gives freedom but means narrow, busy roads. A private driver, with Grab or Gojek for short hops, is the safest and easiest choice for most visitors.