If you’ve ever thought about hiring a car in Bali, you’re not alone. The idea usually pops up when you realize how spread out the island really is. Bali isn’t just beaches and one town—it’s a patchwork of villages, rice terraces, temples, surf spots, and hidden valleys that can take hours to reach if you’re only relying on taxis or scooters. Renting a car (with or without a driver) can feel like the smartest move if you want freedom, comfort, and a way to see more than just the usual tourist areas.
I’ll be real with you: the first time I came to Bali, I underestimated the travel times big time. Google Maps said “45 minutes” from Seminyak to Ubud, but traffic and road conditions turned it into almost two hours. That was when I learned that planning how you’ll get around Bali is almost as important as choosing your hotel. A car gives you control. You set your own pace, no waiting around for Grab cars that sometimes don’t show up, and no squeezing onto a motorbike with your luggage balanced awkwardly.
Why Hiring A Car In Bali Makes Sense
A lot of travelers land in Bali thinking they’ll just wing it with scooters or rideshare apps. And sure, scooters are cheap and convenient if you’re solo and only bouncing around the same neighborhood. But once you start looking at trips like Canggu to Uluwatu for a beach day, or Ubud to Mount Batur for sunrise trekking, a scooter becomes a pain. The roads are narrow, the traffic is chaotic, and it’s not exactly fun riding for hours in Bali’s humidity.
That’s where a car comes in. You don’t just get the comfort of air conditioning—you also get a safer, more practical way to explore. Plus, if you’re traveling as a family, with kids, or even just a group of friends, splitting the cost of a car actually works out way cheaper than everyone booking separate taxis all day long. I’ve done the math before: a day trip in taxis can add up to around 700,000–800,000 IDR if you’re hitting multiple spots, while a full-day car rental with a private driver is often around the same or less—and you get someone waiting for you the whole time.
Options For Hiring A Car In Bali
When people ask me, “What’s the best way to rent a car in Bali?” I usually tell them it depends on two things: how confident you feel driving in Bali traffic, and how much flexibility you want. Let’s break it down.
Renting A Car Without A Driver
This sounds great in theory, but Bali roads are no joke. You’ll need an international driving permit, and technically you’re supposed to have it on you at all times. Cops in tourist areas do spot checks. Driving rules are… let’s just say flexible here. Locals weave in and out, motorbikes will pass you on both sides, and GPS isn’t always reliable. I rented a car once to “be adventurous” and ended up stuck in a tiny alley that was basically a dead end for cars. A group of laughing kids had to guide me out inch by inch. Fun story later, but stressful in the moment.
Still, if you’re confident, renting without a driver gives you total independence. Prices usually start around 250,000–350,000 IDR per day for a basic hatchback like a Toyota Agya or Suzuki Karimun. Bigger SUVs cost more. Fuel is cheap compared to Europe or Australia, but parking can be tricky in busy areas.
Hiring A Car With A Driver
This is hands down the most popular choice. You’re not just paying for the car—you’re paying for local knowledge, a translator, and honestly, peace of mind. Most drivers charge between 600,000–900,000 IDR for 8–10 hours, depending on where you want to go. Some even throw in extras like Wi-Fi hotspots or bottled water in the car.
I remember hiring a driver to take me and my family from Seminyak to North Bali. On the way, he suggested we stop at a waterfall I had never heard of. It wasn’t on any of the blogs I’d read, but it ended up being the highlight of our trip. That’s the thing—drivers know shortcuts, local eateries, and spots you’d never find on your own.
Things To Know Before Hiring A Car In Bali
There are a few things nobody tells you until you’re here.
First, traffic in Bali is unpredictable. That’s not an exaggeration—it can take 20 minutes to cover 5 km in Denpasar or Kuta during peak hours. Always plan buffer time if you’ve got a flight to catch. I learned this the hard way once when my driver picked me up at 2 pm to get to the airport for a 5 pm flight. We barely made it.
Second, check if the rental includes insurance. Some of the super cheap deals don’t cover accidents, and that can be a nightmare if you scratch the car. If you’re going the driver-included route, insurance is usually handled by the operator.
Third, communication matters. Most drivers speak decent English, but I’ve had situations where explaining “take the toll road” turned into a confusing five-minute conversation. My advice—use WhatsApp. Most drivers rely on it for bookings and directions, and it’s easier to share pin locations than trying to pronounce Balinese street names.
Read also: Car Rental In Bali With Driver
Popular Routes Where A Car Rental Saves You Time
Let me give you some real examples of when having a car in Bali just makes sense.
- Ubud to Lovina (North Bali): Without a car, this journey is complicated. With a driver, you can stop at Lake Beratan Temple, coffee plantations, and even the famous Handara Gate.
- Seminyak to Uluwatu: Beach hopping in Uluwatu is amazing, but there’s no way you’re doing it comfortably on a scooter if you’re carrying surfboards or beach bags. A car makes it easy to jump between Padang Padang, Bingin, and Dreamland.
- Airport Transfers: Sure, you can grab a taxi, but if you’re landing late or with kids, booking a car in advance is way smoother. No haggling, no stress.
Costs You Should Expect
I’ve noticed some people get sticker shock when they first ask about hiring a car in Bali, thinking it’ll be dirt cheap. But here’s the breakdown:
- Self-drive rentals: 250,000–1,200,000 IDR per day (manual cars cheaper than automatic).
- With driver: 700,000–1,500,000 IDR for a full day.
One thing I’ve learned is that “you get what you pay for” really applies here. The cheapest option isn’t always worth it. I once rented from a random local who gave me a car with no seatbelts in the back. Not a great look when you’ve got kids in tow.
The Little Cultural Details That Come With Hiring A Car
Here’s something most travel blogs skip—driving in Bali isn’t just about the roads, it’s about the culture. Don’t be surprised if your driver pulls over to make a quick prayer offering at a small roadside shrine. It’s normal and usually only takes a minute. Some drivers even bring you along to a family-owned warung if you’re hungry, and that’s when you get the best food, way better than the Instagram-famous spots.
I’ve also had drivers who doubled as mini tour guides, explaining temple etiquette or even helping me negotiate prices at local markets. It makes the trip less about just getting from point A to B and more about actually connecting with Bali.
When Hiring A Car Isn’t The Best Option
Okay, I’ll be honest—there are times when a car just doesn’t make sense. If you’re staying in one area like Canggu and only moving around for cafes or beaches nearby, a scooter or even walking might be better. Parking in Canggu is a headache, and traffic jams there are legendary. Same with central Ubud—sometimes walking those narrow streets is faster than sitting in a car stuck behind a convoy of motorbikes.
But the moment you want to explore outside your neighborhood bubble, a car suddenly feels like the smartest decision of the trip.
If you’re planning to explore Bali comfortably, check out our trusted service for a Bali car rental with driver.
Safety Tips When Hiring A Car In Bali
One thing I always tell friends before they book a car in Bali is: safety isn’t something you want to gamble with here. The roads are busy, unpredictable, and sometimes in rough condition, especially if you head toward East or North Bali where potholes and winding mountain roads are common.
If you’re self-driving, double-check that the car has working seatbelts, proper brakes, and functioning lights. Sounds obvious, but I’ve seen cars rented out with half-broken features because the local operator assumes “ah, it’s Bali, it’ll be fine.” Once, I was handed a Suzuki with headlights that only worked on high beam. Imagine driving that at night while blinding everyone coming your way. I swapped it immediately, but that showed me not to accept a car until I’d tested it right there in the lot.
With drivers, you generally don’t need to worry about maintenance, but I still ask questions casually, like: “Is this car yours or rented?” “Do you use it daily?” Their answers tell you if they’re invested in keeping it safe or just flipping rentals.
Oh, and don’t ignore travel insurance. It feels boring to say, but I’ve had two different friends end up in scooter accidents here, and insurance saved them thousands. With a car, risks are lower but still real—scraping another car, hitting a dog that darts into the road, or even minor fender benders in traffic.
Scams And Red Flags To Watch Out For
Bali is generally friendly, but like any tourist-heavy place, a few scams float around. Car rentals are no exception. The most common one? Being blamed for existing scratches or dents. Always—and I mean always—take a video of the car when you pick it up. Walk around, film the roof, under the bumper, everything. I once caught a guy trying to claim I’d dented the rear door, but my video clearly showed it was there before. He backed down immediately.
Another one is the “fuel not included” trick. You’ll get the car delivered on empty, and the rental guy expects you to return it with a full tank. Fair’s fair, but if it’s delivered on fumes, you’re scrambling to find a petrol station before even starting your trip. I now request, “Please deliver with half tank at least,” and most operators agree.
Driving Through Different Parts Of Bali
What I love about having a car here is how different the drives feel depending on where you go.
- East Bali (Karangasem, Sidemen, Amed): These roads are quieter, with scenic rice terraces and volcano views. I once drove through Sidemen in the late afternoon and had to stop three times just to take photos. But watch out—roads can be narrow, and dogs love to nap right in the middle of them.
- North Bali (Lovina, Singaraja): Expect mountain switchbacks. It’s gorgeous, but if you get motion sickness, bring ginger candies or medicine. My kids complained once on the way up near Bedugul because the winding was non-stop. Having a driver helps here because they’re used to handling sharp bends.
- South Bali (Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu): Wide highways mixed with crazy little cliffside lanes. Parking near beaches can be a nightmare, but drivers usually know which warung uncle will let you park for 10,000 IDR.
- Central Bali (Ubud, Tegallalang): Traffic heavy, but that’s expected. I once tried to park a car in central Ubud near the palace—it took me 25 minutes to find a spot. If you’re self-driving here, prepare to walk.
Each area has its own vibe, but the point is: with a car, you actually get to experience all of them without constantly worrying about how to get back home.
The Rise Of Eco-Friendly Car Rentals In Bali
This is something newer, but worth mentioning. Bali is slowly pushing toward more eco-conscious tourism. In the past year, I’ve started to see operators offering electric cars, like the Hyundai Ioniq or even Teslas in some high-end areas. They’re not cheap—daily rentals can be double a regular gas car—but if you care about sustainability, it’s a cool option.
The catch? Charging stations are limited. Most are around Denpasar, Sanur, or Seminyak. So if you plan to explore Ubud or the north, you need to plan charging stops carefully. I tested an electric rental once for a short trip around Sanur and Nusa Dua, and it was smooth, quiet, and fun. But I wouldn’t dare take it up into the mountains until charging points expand.
Still, I think this will grow fast in Bali. More hotels are adding charging stations, and I wouldn’t be surprised if eco-friendly rentals become the norm in the next five years.
Is Hiring A Car In Bali Worth It?
From my own experience, yes—if you’re planning to see more than just one area. The cost balances out, the comfort is miles better, and you gain flexibility that makes exploring Bali way more enjoyable. I’ve had days where my driver waited while I lounged at a beach for hours, then happily took us to a late-night restaurant without fuss. That kind of convenience is priceless when you’re traveling with kids, older family members, or even just wanting to keep things stress-free.
I’ve also tried every option—scooter, rideshare, self-drive, and driver-included. And while each has its place, hiring a car feels like the smartest investment if you want to see the island properly. It turns what could be a logistical headache into a smooth adventure.
