How to Get Around Bali Without a Scooter (2026 Guide)
Bali is one of those destinations that feels like it was made for exploring. From rice terraces in Ubud to beach clubs in Canggu and the cliffs of Uluwatu, there’s so much to see spread across the island.
But once you arrive, one big question hits almost immediately: how do you actually get around Bali without a scooter?
Not everyone feels confident riding one (and honestly, not everyone should) – we definitely didn’t! The roads can be chaotic, traffic rules are… flexible, and accidents involving tourists are unfortunately very common. The good news is that you absolutely do not need a scooter to explore Bali.
We’ve spent two months travelling Bali, using almost every alternative method available, and this guide breaks down exactly how to get around Bali safely, cheaply, and realistically without ever needing to drive yourself.
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Quick Overview: Bali Transport Options Without a Scooter
| Transport Option | Best For | Cost Level | Notes |
| Grab / Gojek apps | Short trips & cities | £ | Cheapest and easiest option |
| Private driver | Day trips & exploring | ££ | Flexible and stress-free |
| Bluebird taxis | Airport & short rides | ££ | Metered, more reliable |
| Tours & excursions | Multi-stop sightseeing | ££–£££ | Includes transport |
| Boats & ferries | Islands (Nusa Penida, Gili) | ££ | Book ahead in peak season |
| Hotel transfers | Airport & long distances | ££–£££ | Convenient but pricier |
Why Many Travellers Skip Scooters in Bali
Scooters are everywhere in Bali, and yes, they are one of the most common ways locals and tourists get around. But they’re not for everyone.
The main reasons travellers look for alternatives to scooters in Bali include:
- Busy and unpredictable traffic
- Limited riding experience
- Lack of proper insurance coverage
- Pressure to show an international driving licence
- Risk of fines from police checkpoints
- Accidents involving tourists are common in peak areas like Canggu and Uluwatu
Even if you can ride a scooter, it’s worth asking yourself whether you want to deal with the stress on holiday.
The good news? Bali has loads of other transport options that are actually really convenient once you understand how they work.
Grab, Gojek & Ride-Hailing Apps (The Easiest Option)
If there’s one thing we used constantly, it was ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek. These are must-have apps for visiting Bali, so don’t forget to download them!
These apps are basically the backbone of Bali transportation for tourists and work similarly to Uber (which is not widely used in Bali anymore).
You can book both motorbike taxis, which are cheap and fast for solo travellers or private cars, which are ideal for longer distances.
Why we loved using Grab/Gojek
- Super cheap compared to taxis
- Easy to use anywhere in tourist areas
- Transparent pricing (no negotiating)
- Great for airport transfers
Things to know
In areas like Canggu and Uluwatu, ride-hailing apps can be restricted due to local taxi groups (often called the “taxi mafia”). This doesn’t mean you can’t use them; it just means you may need to walk a short distance to meet your driver.
Despite this, we still found Grab to be the most reliable way of getting around Bali safely without a scooter.
Hiring a Private Driver in Bali (Best for Day Trips)
If you’re planning to explore multiple places in one day, hiring a private driver in Bali is honestly one of the best decisions you can make.
We used drivers when exploring Ubud and managed to visit rice terraces, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, and temples all in a single day without worrying about directions or parking.
Why private drivers are worth it in Bali
- You can customise your itinerary
- They wait while you explore each stop
- Local knowledge (they often suggest hidden spots)
- Great for first-time visitors
If you’re short on time, this is one of the easiest Bali transport without scooter solutions
Bluebird Taxis & Local Taxis
Traditional taxis are still widely available across Bali, especially near airports, hotels, and tourist hubs.
Bluebird taxis
The most reliable option is Bluebird Taxi, which uses a meter and is generally more trustworthy than random street taxis.
Important tip: only use the light blue official Bluebird cars – fake taxis do exist.
Local taxis
You’ll also constantly get approached with “Taxi? Taxi?” in tourist areas.
If you use them, make sure you always agree on a price first, expect higher prices in busy areas and be prepared to negotiate.
Taxis are useful, but they’re not always the cheapest or most transparent option for getting around Bali without a scooter.
Booking Tours & Day Trips (Transport Included)
One of the easiest ways to explore Bali without worrying about transport is simply booking organised tours.
This is especially useful for first-time visitors, shorter trips and travellers who want everything handled for them so they can relax on holiday without having to navigate. We tended to use a mixture of GetYourGuide, Viator, Klook and standard tourist desks if we ever booked tours.
Popular options include:
Tours usually include hotel pickup and drop-off, a driver for the day and sometimes entry fees depending on the tour.
This is a stress-free way to explore Bali if you don’t want to think about logistics at all.
Getting to Other Islands (Nusa Penida, Gili & More)
If you’re exploring beyond Bali, you’ll need boats or ferries.
Popular routes include:
- Sanur → Nusa Penida
- Padang Bai → Gili Trawangan
- Padang Bai → Lombok
Booking boats can be confusing, and prices vary a lot.
We found it easiest to book through accommodation, use trusted drivers or book return tickets online in advance during peak season. We wrote a full guide on how to get to Gili T which will help with getting to the Gili Islands.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, definitely bring tablets. The seas can be rough, and I really struggled on one of the crossings.
Airport Transfers in Bali
Getting from Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar Airport) is one of the first transport decisions you’ll make.
You have three main options:
- Grab (usually cheapest)
- Official airport taxi counter
- Pre-booked private transfer – usually through a hotel
We usually recommend Grab if you can access it easily, but airport WiFi and queues can sometimes make a pre-booked transfer simpler after a long flight.
Renting a Car in Bali (We Don’t Recommend It)
Technically, you can rent a car in Bali, but we really wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re very confident driving in chaotic traffic.
The roads are narrow and busy, parking is limited, scooters dominate traffic flow and scratches or damage are really expensive.
If you’re travelling as a family or group, a private driver is almost always a better option than self-driving.
Public Transport in Bali
Bali does have public transport, but it’s very limited and not really designed for tourists.
There are some shuttle buses and local routes, but they’re not practical if you’re trying to explore multiple areas efficiently.
In reality, most travellers rely on a combination of ride-hailing apps, private drivers and tours.
Tips for Getting Around Bali Without a Scooter
A few things we learned while travelling around the island:
- Avoid peak traffic hours where possible (especially Canggu & Seminyak)
- Always check Grab prices before agreeing to a taxi
- Download transport apps before arriving
- Use WhatsApp for driver communication
- Be aware of local taxi zones in tourist areas
- Get travel insurance that covers transport-related accidents
Final Thoughts: How to Get Around Bali Without a Scooter
Travelling around Bali without a scooter is not only possible – it’s actually easier than many people expect once you understand your options.
For most travellers, a combination of Grab, private drivers, and occasional tours works perfectly. It’s flexible, affordable, and removes the stress of navigating Bali’s busy roads.
Scooters might be the most iconic way to explore the island, but they’re definitely not essential. Whether you’re in Bali for 7 days for a honeymoon, a short holiday, or a longer backpacking trip, you can still explore rice fields, waterfalls, temples, and beaches without ever getting on two wheels.
Bali is all about the experience, and thankfully, you don’t need to drive to enjoy it.
Feel free to add any of your own recommendations in the comments!
FAQ: How to Get Around Bali Without a Scooter
Yes, it’s very easy once you understand the main options like Grab, private drivers, taxis, and tours. Most tourists never need a scooter.
Grab and Gojek are usually the cheapest options for short distances, while buses are limited and not widely used by tourists.
Uber is not widely available in Bali anymore. Most travellers use Grab or Gojek instead.
Yes, it’s generally very safe. In fact, avoiding scooters can reduce your risk of accidents significantly.
You can use Grab, official airport taxis, or pre-booked transfers, depending on convenience and arrival time.
Only if you plan to drive or rent a scooter or car. You do not need one if you’re using drivers, taxis, or transport apps.
Hiring a private driver is the easiest and most flexible option for exploring multiple places in one day.
Follow Us!
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Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.
This information is so helpful! It is all too easy to get wrapped up in the travel planning for attractions and excursions that you forget about some basic (yet very necessary) things like transportation.
So pleased we’ve been able to help Alaina! Absolutely agree, we’re the same.
Thanks for such a helpful post, you have a lot of useful information. As a big planner, its especailly helpful to read your reccomendation about getting ferry tickets locally instead of online.
Really pleased we’ve been able to help Erica. Yes absolutely, Bali is one of those places!
This is a great post! Definitely wish I’d have read a guide like this before I visited. I was too nervous to hire a scooter due to the rumours I’d hear about scams, and so I relied on private drivers, which to be fair, wasn’t too bad. We did use Grab/Gojek within the towns/cities and that was fine everywhere but Ubud! Very informative post!
We’ve literally done the exact same Lana although we’ve seen and heard too many stories about people crashing so we were put off.
So many ways to get around. Sounds like scooters are definitely the easiest way to get around.
Yes they really are; if we were ever going to come back then we’d rely on scooters alot more.
I can’t wait to go to Bali! I would love to rent a scooter and drive around. Thanks for these great tips!
No problem Krista. Bali is super beautiful, make sure you visit Nusa Ceningan and stay at Ocean Brothers!
This is such a great guide to getting around Bali! You have answered a lot of questions I had about by upcoming trip there. Thank you for that!
Ah so pleased we’ve been able to help. If you have any questions, feel free to drop us a message!
If it’s a place I’m really unfamiliar, I also like to use ride hailing apps. You are totally right, sometimes they offer private tours and can take you places you don’t know about! We’ve had that happen and it’s so great discovering new places not on the list!
Totally agree Megan; we’ve also enjoyed getting to know the locals as they’re all super friendly.
Riding a scooter sounds like a fun and easy way to get around, but I’d be so nervous something would go wrong! I think I’d probably opt for a private driver just for safety and convenience. Thanks for sharing all these options!
We’ve been exactly the same; difficult as well when you don’t know the roads. Our please Brittany.
Bali is HIGH on my bucket list but didn’t really know much about transportation – this is super helpful! Thanks for sharing!
You won’t regret visiting, it’s a beautiful place. Our pleasure Kyra.
This is such a helpful breakdown of all of the options there are to get around in Bali! I think I would probably go with either an app or light blue taxi, I would be too nervous to drive myself around. Thanks for sharing!
We’ve been the same. The app has been really helpful and by far the cheapest way to get around, especially over long distances.
Gosh you’ve made Bali look so appealing – it makes me want to go back again to visit (after almost 30 years!)
No way did you visit 30 years ago, what was it like?!
This is great! I’m big on being prepared before showing up. Having all this information before arriving is a big help. Thanks so much!
Our pleasure Megan! Definitely took us some time to get comfortable with everything as well.
Wow never knew about the boat issue and booking, definitely glad I read that 😆 if there’s one thing we hate more than bugs it’s difficultly with transportation.
You’re absolutely right, bugs and difficulty with transport are our worst nightmares!
Great round-up of options for those traveling to Bali. I would take a scooter, it’s the easiest way to get around, and fun too!
Great choice; if we were ever to go again, renting a scooter would definitely be our first choice.
This is such a helpful post! I haven’t been to Bali yet but figuring out transportation can be such a chore anywhere you go. I’ll definitely keep this handy whenever I make it to Indonesia
Thank you so much Maggie; so pleased we’ve been able to help!
Bali has been on my bucket list for so long! I hope to visit one day soon. Thanks for these handy tips for getting around. Bali by scooter sounds like so much fun!
You really should visit Bali, it’s just as good as everyone says it is! You get to see so much more by scooter as well.
Love this guide – so many options to choose from! Renting a scooter would be my top choice – I love the flexibility it gives me. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words Bea. Totally agree, you get to see so much more and you can choose when you want to do things.
This information is so helpful! Scooters are crazy there but the madness works, love that you have a variety of options to consider.
So pleased we’ve been able to help Laura!
This post is making me miss Bali so much! I’m about a 3hr flight away from Bali and I’m so tempted to do a spontaneous trip over right now!
You absolutely should Shafinah!! It’s such a beautiful place and great for relaxing.
We were in Bali last week and used a driver the whole time! We had a baby with us so felt this was the safest most reliable option! He had a car seat too which was great. We did lots of fake blue birds so glad we didn’t get any taxis and get scammed!
Yes that is definitely the way to go with a baby. Glad you enjoyed yourself!!