Getting Around Bali

Bali has no train and very limited public transport, so most visitors move around by car or scooter. The two ride-hailing apps, Gojek and Grab, are the backbone of daily travel in the south and in Ubud. Both offer cars and motorbike taxis with prices shown upfront, plus food and grocery delivery. Some villages and tourist zones restrict app pickups to protect local transport cooperatives, so you may occasionally be asked to walk to a nearby road or use a local driver instead.

Bluebird is the most trusted conventional taxi company; its light-blue cars run on the meter and can be booked through the MyBluebird app. For day trips to temples, rice terraces or waterfalls, hiring a private driver by the day is often the most comfortable choice: the driver waits while you explore and can suggest a sensible route. Agree on hours, stops and what is included before you set off. The Trans Metro Dewata bus network resumed in 2025, but it serves commuters more than visitors.

Renting a scooter gives freedom, but it is also the biggest risk most visitors take. Legally you need your home licence plus an International Driving Permit that covers motorcycles, and police regularly run document checks in Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu, Kuta and Ubud. Helmets are compulsory for rider and passenger. Many travel insurance policies refuse claims if you crash without the correct licence or helmet, which can leave you facing large hospital bills.

Traffic in south Bali is dense, especially around Canggu, Seminyak and the airport, and short distances can take a surprisingly long time. Roads are narrow, often without sidewalks, and shared with trucks, ceremonies and dogs. Plan around rush hours, avoid riding in heavy rain or after dark if you are inexperienced, and build slack into your day. Choosing a base close to what you want to do saves more time than any vehicle.