If you’re planning a trip and wondering how much does it cost to rent a car with a driver in Bali per day?, the quick answer is usually between IDR 700,000 to IDR 2,300,000 depending on the type of car, season, and what’s included in the deal. But, like most things in Bali, the price isn’t just about numbers—it’s about what you get for your money, how much hassle you want to avoid, and what kind of experience you’re looking for. I’ve rented cars with drivers in Bali more times than I can count, and honestly, each trip taught me something new about what’s worth paying for and what’s not.
When I first started visiting Bali years ago, I thought grabbing a Grab or Blue Bird taxi everywhere would be easier. But after a couple of long rides, dealing with waiting times, and drivers who weren’t always familiar with small village roads, I realized a private driver was a way better deal. With a driver, you’re not just paying for transport—you’re paying for local knowledge, convenience, and peace of mind.
Is it cheaper to rent a car with driver in Bali compared to using taxis?
This is the first question most travelers ask, and for good reason. At first glance, taxis might seem cheaper since you’re paying per ride. But let me break it down with some real examples.
One time, I stayed in Seminyak and wanted to do a day trip to Ubud, visit Tegallalang rice terraces, then swing by Tirta Empul, and later end up in Kintamani for the volcano view. If I had used taxis or Grab, I would’ve easily spent over IDR 1.5 million in a single day, not to mention the frustration of waiting for drivers in areas where ride-hailing isn’t even allowed (yes, some tourist spots in Bali ban Grab and Gojek). Instead, I hired a driver for IDR 750,000 (include parking fees) and he stayed with us the whole day, adjusted our route when it started raining, and even suggested a little warung with the best satay lilit I’ve had.
So, to answer the question—yes, renting a car with a driver is almost always cheaper if you’re planning multiple stops in a day. Taxis make sense only if you’re sticking close to your hotel, like going from Seminyak to Canggu for dinner. For anything longer, the math favors a private driver.
Read also: How Much Does It Cost From Denpasar to Medewi?
What is included in the price of Bali car rental with driver?
This is where many people get confused. The typical price you see (say, IDR 700,000 for 10 hours) usually includes:
- The driver’s fee
- The car itself (obviously)
- Fuel for standard distances
- Basic insurance (nothing fancy, but enough for peace of mind)
What it usually doesn’t include: entrance tickets to temples, your meals, or unexpected add-ons like extra overtime hours. Most drivers are pretty upfront about this, but it’s always smart to confirm before you book.
I once booked a super affordable package through a random Facebook group—sounded like a deal at IDR 550,000 for 10 hours. But halfway through, the driver asked me to cover fuel costs separately, which ended up adding another IDR 150,000. Lesson learned: cheap isn’t always cheap in the end.
A proper rental package should be all-inclusive so you don’t feel nickel-and-dimed throughout the day. And trust me, having clarity before you hop in the car makes the ride a whole lot more relaxing.
Can I book a Bali car rental with driver for a half-day tour?
Absolutely, and this is perfect for travelers who don’t want to commit to a full day on the road. A half-day usually means 5–6 hours, and prices hover starting around IDR 500,000 depending on the car type and how far you’re going.
I once did a half-day trip from Ubud just to catch the sunset at Tanah Lot temple and swing by a coffee plantation on the way back. It was short, sweet, and way better than trying to coordinate multiple taxis.
That being said, half-day rentals work best for routes in the same area. If you try to cram a long-distance route into 5 hours (like Ubud to East Bali and back), you’ll either rush or pay for overtime. So, think of half-day rentals as a great option for chill mornings or sunset trips, not for hardcore temple-hopping marathons.
Do Bali car rentals with drivers include fuel and parking fees?
In most cases, fuel is included in the daily rate, but parking fees are usually not. Parking in Bali is pretty cheap though—think IDR 2,000 to 5,000 at most tourist attractions. The only time I’ve had to pay a bit more was at places like Uluwatu temple where they charge around IDR 10,000 for parking. But you could ask for the quote with parking fees if you want to.
I remember once asking my driver if he needed money for parking, and he just waved me off saying, “Ten thousand only, no problem, you enjoy.” That’s another reason why I prefer hiring local drivers—they don’t sweat the small stuff and often cover minor fees themselves.
But, always confirm before you book. Some “budget” deals might exclude fuel, which ends up being a headache because you’ll have to stop at a Pertamina station mid-trip. Not fun when you’re trying to enjoy a beach day in Nusa Dua.
If you’re planning to explore Bali comfortably, check out our trusted service for a Bali car rental with driver.
Is Bali car rental with driver available for airport transfers?
Yes, and honestly, this is one of the smartest ways to start your trip. A regular airport taxi from Ngurah Rai to Seminyak can run you about IDR 300,000, and it’s even more if you’re heading to Ubud or Uluwatu. But if you book a car with driver for the day, you can ask them to pick you up at the airport, drop off your luggage at the hotel, and then continue sightseeing.
I did this once when my flight landed at 10 AM. Instead of wasting the whole day, my driver picked me up, we went straight to Tegenungan waterfall, had lunch in Gianyar, then ended the day at my hotel in Ubud. That way, I didn’t lose a day of exploring. And the cost? IDR 750,000 for the whole 10-hour rental—so basically I got an airport transfer plus a full day tour in one.
So yes, many drivers are happy to include airport pickup in the daily rental fee. Just make sure you give them your flight details so they don’t get stuck waiting too long.
Can I customize my itinerary with a Bali car rental and private driver?
This is honestly the best part of hiring a driver in Bali—you’re in charge of the itinerary. Unlike group tours where you’re herded from one stop to another, with a private driver, you can say, “Hey, can we stop at this roadside durian stall?” or “Let’s skip the temple and head to the beach.” And your driver will almost always go along with it.
One of my most memorable days was when I told my driver I wanted to see “the real Bali, not just tourist stuff.” He ended up taking me to his cousin’s village, where I joined a small ceremony and got to try home-cooked nasi campur. No way you’d ever get that experience with a taxi or a packaged bus tour.
That said, be mindful of distances. Bali looks small on the map, but driving from Uluwatu to Lovina in the north takes 5+ hours. So while customization is possible, it helps to check with your driver if your plan makes sense within the time you’ve booked.
So, how much should you really budget?
Here’s the straightforward breakdown based on my experiences and what most travelers pay:
- Economy cars (Avanza, Xenia, similar): IDR 700,000 – 800,000 per day
- Mid-size SUVs (Innova, Xpander, Terios): IDR 950,000 – 1,400,000 per day
- Luxury vans (Fortuner, Hiace, great for families): IDR 1,500,000 – 2,300,000 per day
All rates usually include the driver, fuel, and 10 hours of service. Extra hours are typically IDR 100,000 – 250,000 each.
According to the Bali Tourism Office, over 70% of visitors choose private drivers instead of self-driving rentals because traffic, parking, and unfamiliar roads make it way less stressful to have a local behind the wheel. And I couldn’t agree more—it’s one of those expenses in Bali that actually saves you money, time, and sanity in the long run.
How far in advance should I book a Bali car rental with driver?
This depends a lot on when you’re visiting Bali. If you’re coming during high season (July–August or December–January), my opinion, you can book at least 2–3 weeks ahead. Drivers get snapped up quickly during these times, especially the good ones who speak fluent English or have great reviews. I learned this the hard way one Christmas holiday when I assumed I could just book on arrival. Nope. Ended up paying way above average for a last-minute driver who wasn’t familiar with half the spots I wanted to see.
If you’re traveling in the shoulder months like May, June, September, or October, a few days notice is usually fine. In low season (February, March), I’ve even managed to book a driver the night before with no issue. But here’s the thing—booking early gives you peace of mind, especially if you already know your rough itinerary. That way you don’t waste time scrolling through WhatsApp groups or Facebook threads when you should be sipping a coconut by the pool.
If you find a driver you really like, book them for multiple days in advance. Not only will you secure their schedule, but you might also be able to negotiate a better daily rate. Drivers appreciate the guaranteed work, and they’ll often treat you like family once you’re their “regular” for the week.
Are Bali car rental drivers also tour guides?
This is a fun one because the answer is: kind of, but not officially. Most Bali car rental drivers aren’t licensed tour guides, but they double up as mini-guides since they know the island inside out. They’ll tell you stories about temples, explain local ceremonies, and even point out little things along the road, like why certain trees are wrapped with black-and-white cloth.
I remember one driver, Pak Made, who basically gave me a full history lesson on Balinese Hinduism as we drove from Ubud to Besakih Temple. It felt like I had a tour guide and driver rolled into one. He even knew the best photo angles at each spot—something a regular taxi driver wouldn’t care about.
That said, don’t expect an official “tour guide experience.” Licensed guides are required for certain places like trekking Mount Batur or visiting some heritage temples. But for everyday sightseeing—waterfalls, beaches, rice terraces—your driver will almost always share stories, recommend local food stops, and help you navigate the crowds. In my opinion, that’s one of the biggest perks of hiring a private driver in Bali—you’re not just renting a car, you’re getting a local friend for the day.
Why choosing a Bali car rental with driver is worth it
After spending plenty of time exploring the island, I’ve realized that booking a car with a driver isn’t just about the cost—it’s about the whole experience. When you ask how much does it cost to rent a car with a driver in Bali per day, you’re really asking what kind of travel experience you want. Yes, the daily rate is usually starting from IDR 700,000 but what you’re paying for is comfort, flexibility, and the chance to see Bali in a more relaxed way.
Drivers in Bali don’t just get you around—they share stories, show you local spots, and sometimes even take you to places that aren’t on the usual tourist radar. I’ve had drivers take detours through small villages where we caught ceremonies in progress, or suggest a food stall where I ended up having the best babi guling of my trip. Those moments don’t happen when you’re just hailing taxis or stressing over a map.
So if you’re planning your itinerary, think of a private driver not as an extra expense but as part of the adventure. You’ll spend less time worrying about traffic or logistics and more time soaking in the views, chatting with your driver, and actually enjoying Bali for what it is—a beautiful island best experienced at your own pace.
