Car Rental & Private Drivers in Bali
The Quick Answer
Section titled “The Quick Answer”Most tourists don’t need to rent a car. Bali’s roads are narrow, traffic is chaotic, and parking is difficult. A scooter or Grab handles most situations.
If you need a car (families, groups, day trips), hiring a driver is usually better than self-driving. A full-day driver costs about $35–50 and they know the roads.
Your Options
Section titled “Your Options”| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Grab/Gojek | Per trip (~$2–10) | Short trips, getting around town |
| Driver for the day | 500,000–750,000 IDR ($32–48) | Day trips, temple tours, sightseeing |
| Self-drive rental | 200,000–400,000 IDR ($13–25)/day | Confident drivers who want flexibility |
| Scooter | 50,000–80,000 IDR ($3–5)/day | Solo travellers, short distances |
Hiring a Driver
Section titled “Hiring a Driver”This is the most popular option for day trips and sightseeing. A local driver:
- Knows the roads and traffic patterns
- Can recommend stops and restaurants
- Handles parking (which is genuinely difficult in many tourist spots)
- Typically includes fuel and tolls
How to find one:
- Ask your hotel — they always know reliable drivers
- Grab offers car bookings for longer trips
- KKday and Klook offer pre-packaged day tours with driver
Typical day rate: 500,000–750,000 IDR ($32–48) for 8–10 hours including fuel.
Self-Driving
Section titled “Self-Driving”If you want to drive yourself:
- International Driving Permit required — police do check for cars more than scooters
- Drive on the left
- Traffic is intense — especially around Denpasar, Seminyak, and Canggu. Be prepared for narrow roads, unpredictable scooters everywhere, and creative interpretations of traffic rules.
- Parking can be a real challenge in tourist areas
- Fuel — use Pertamina stations
Honestly? Unless you’re experienced driving in Southeast Asia, hire a driver. It’s cheap and significantly less stressful.
Detailed car rental company recommendations coming soon.