Rent a Car in Bali – What You Need to Know About This Service

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, one thing you’ll hear from travelers and locals alike is how much easier life gets when you rent a car in Bali. Sure, scooters are everywhere and taxis seem convenient at first, but once you’re out of the tourist hubs like Kuta or Seminyak and trying to explore hidden rice terraces, waterfalls, or little seaside villages, you’ll realize how limited public transportation is. Renting a car isn’t just about having wheels—it’s about buying yourself freedom, flexibility, and a lot less hassle.

Why Rent a Car in Bali Instead of Relying on Other Transport?

Honestly, this is the question every first-time visitor has: “Do I really need a car? Can’t I just grab a Gojek (ride-hailing app) everywhere?” Well, yes and no. In the southern areas like Canggu, Uluwatu, or Sanur, apps and taxis can get you around, but once you start venturing into Ubud’s countryside, Sidemen, or the far north near Lovina, those options vanish quickly.

For me, renting a car gave me the freedom to travel on my own time. No waiting for drivers who cancel last minute, no awkward negotiations with taxi drivers in the middle of nowhere. Plus, I didn’t feel stuck in the main tourist bubble. I could stop at random roadside warungs, visit quiet temples that aren’t listed in the travel brochures, and leave whenever I wanted.

If you’re the kind of person who hates being rushed, renting a car is 100% worth it.

Renting a Car with or without a Driver in Bali

Here’s the thing: not everyone feels comfortable driving in Bali. And that’s fair—traffic can look like chaos at first glance. I’ve driven here for years and still get surprised by scooters zipping past me on both sides. That’s why many travelers choose to rent a car in Bali with driver.

When you rent with a driver, you basically get a local guide who knows the shortcuts, the traffic patterns, and the hidden parking spots near temples and beaches. They’ll also help you avoid sketchy roads that don’t even show up on Google Maps. It costs a bit more—usually around IDR 600,000 to 900,000 per day depending on the car and distance—but if you split it between friends or family, it’s actually not bad.

On the flip side, self-driving is cheaper if you’re confident behind the wheel. Basic small cars like Toyota Agya or Suzuki Karimun start at around IDR 200,000–300,000 per day. Bigger cars like an Innova or SUV will be around IDR 400,000–600,000.

So here’s my advice: if you’re staying mostly in southern Bali or Ubud and feel good about driving, go for self-drive. But if you’re planning long day trips like to Lempuyang Temple in East Bali or Gitgit Waterfall in the north, having a driver makes the whole day smoother.

What You Need Before You Rent a Car in Bali

This is the part people often overlook. Renting a car here isn’t the same as back home where you just show your passport and credit card. A few things to keep in mind:

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Technically required if you plan to self-drive. Police sometimes set up road checkpoints, and if you don’t have it, you’ll get fined. Some tourists risk it, but I wouldn’t recommend unless you enjoy surprise expenses.
• Local SIM Card: Google Maps eats data like crazy. Plus, you’ll want WhatsApp to contact your rental company or driver.
• Cash on Hand: Many small rental businesses prefer cash in rupiah, not credit card. Always clarify payment options before you arrive.
• Insurance: Double-check if the car is insured. Basic insurance is standard, but it’s often bare minimum. Ask about coverage for accidents, damages, or theft.

It might sound like a lot, but most rental places are used to tourists and will walk you through everything.

Best Areas to Drive When You Rent a Car in Bali

Some parts of Bali are a dream to drive through, while others… let’s just say they’ll test your patience.

• Ubud and Surroundings: Lush rice terraces, peaceful jungle roads, and small villages. Roads can be narrow, but the scenery makes it worth it.
• East Bali: Quiet, less touristy, with dramatic volcano views. Driving here feels like stepping back in time.
• North Bali: Waterfalls, black sand beaches, and dolphin tours in Lovina. Roads are less crowded but more winding.
• South Bali (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu): Be ready for traffic jams, especially around rush hour. Parking can be a nightmare too.

I usually tell friends: rent a car if your plan involves moving between regions or exploring outside tourist centers. If you’re just staying in one beach town, you might not even need it.

Practical Tips for Driving in Bali

I learned these the hard way, so trust me when I say they’ll make your trip smoother:

• Don’t expect everyone to follow traffic rules. Scooters will overtake from both sides, and honking is more like saying “I’m here!” rather than being rude.
• Always check your fuel. Gas stations get scarce in rural areas, though you’ll often see bottled petrol sold at roadside shops.
• Use Google Maps cautiously. It sometimes routes you down tiny village roads not meant for cars. If the road looks like it’s shrinking into a goat path, it probably is.
• Parking attendants will appear out of nowhere. They usually charge IDR 2,000–5,000 and help you squeeze into spots. It’s normal—keep small change handy.

Driving in Bali is half patience, half acceptance. Once you let go of expectations and roll with the flow, it becomes part of the adventure.

Renting a Car in Bali for Families and Groups

Traveling with kids or a group of friends? Renting a car is a lifesaver. Instead of cramming into multiple scooters or paying for multiple taxis, one car fits everyone. Vans like Toyota Hiace or Suzuki APV are super popular for bigger groups. Plus, air-conditioning becomes your best friend when you’ve been walking in the sun all day.

I had a family from Germany once who rented a car with driver for 10 days. They were traveling with kids aged 5 and 8, and honestly, it saved them from meltdowns. The driver became like an uncle to the kids, keeping them entertained with stories about Bali culture. That kind of thing you don’t get from random taxi rides.

Check also our article about Hiring A Car In Bali

How to Avoid Scams and Bad Rentals

Sadly, not all car rental services in Bali are equal. Some give you beat-up cars, others tack on hidden fees. A couple of quick ways to avoid headaches:

• Check reviews online before booking. Even small local companies often have a Facebook page or Google reviews.
• Inspect the car before you drive away. Take photos of scratches, dents, or damages.
• Clarify fuel policy—some rentals expect you to return it full, others don’t.
• Never leave valuables inside the car, especially overnight.

If you’re renting through your hotel or villa, it’s usually safer since they want to protect their reputation.

The Real Costs of Renting a Car in Bali

Now, let’s talk money because that’s what everyone asks me first: “How much does it actually cost to rent a car in Bali?” The short answer is—it depends on the type of car, whether you want a driver, and how long you rent it for.

For a tiny hatchback like a Toyota Agya, you’re looking at around IDR 200,000 to 300,000 per day (that’s about USD $13–20). If you upgrade to a Toyota Avanza or Suzuki APV—bigger cars that can comfortably fit 5–7 people—you’ll probably pay around IDR 350,000 to 500,000 daily. Then you have SUVs like Fortuner or Mitsubishi Pajero which go from IDR 900,000 up to 1,000,000 per day.

With a driver, the price usually includes fuel, so you don’t have to worry about filling up. On average, renting a car with driver costs around IDR 600,000 to 900,000 per day (USD $40–60), depending on the car and distance. Honestly, that’s a good deal if you’re covering a lot of ground because fuel and parking fees add up fast when self-driving.

A little hack I’ve learned: renting long-term is always cheaper. If you’re staying a few weeks or even a month in Bali, many rental companies will happily negotiate. I once rented an Avanza for an entire month for IDR 5.5 million (USD $370), which worked out to less than $13 per day.

Renting a Car in Bali vs Scooters and Taxis

Let’s be real—everyone thinks about scooters first because they’re dirt cheap. You can rent a scooter for IDR 80,000–100,000 per day ($5–7), and they’re everywhere. They’re great for solo travelers who stick to short distances. But scooters come with their own challenges: chaotic traffic, risk of accidents (I’ve seen way too many tourists with bandaged knees), and they’re not ideal if you’re traveling with luggage, kids, or in the rain.

Taxis are another option. Bluebird taxis are the most reliable, and apps like Grab or Gojek work fine in places like Denpasar, Canggu, and Ubud. But in more remote areas, those apps either won’t work or local drivers will block them. For example, try getting a Grab ride from Uluwatu Temple at night—you’ll be stuck negotiating with local drivers for triple the price.

That’s where cars win. Renting a car in Bali gives you freedom from all those little hassles. It’s safer than scooters, more convenient than relying on taxis, and often cheaper if you’re moving around a lot.

Common Mistakes Tourists Make When Renting a Car in Bali

I’ve seen people make the same mistakes again and again when they rent here. Let me save you from learning the hard way:

• Not checking the car properly. Always take photos of dents, scratches, and the fuel gauge before leaving the lot.
• Assuming Google Maps knows best. Sometimes it routes you into tiny rice field tracks that are basically scooter-only. If the road looks sketchy, trust your gut.
• Underestimating travel time. Bali isn’t that big on the map, but traffic can turn a 40 km journey into a 3-hour slog. Always plan extra time.
• Driving after dark in unfamiliar areas. Many rural roads don’t have street lights, and dogs or chickens sometimes wander across. Not the best conditions for first-timers.
• Forgetting about parking. Popular beaches like Padang Padang or Pandawa have small lots that fill up quickly. Be ready to walk a bit if you come late.

Little things, but they make or break your trip.

If you’re planning to explore Bali comfortably, check out our trusted service for a Bali car rental with driver.

Driving Etiquette in Bali You Should Know

Balinese roads might look chaotic, but there’s actually a rhythm to it. Once you get used to the flow, it starts to make sense. Here are a few things I always remind people:

• Honking is normal. A quick beep means “I’m here” not “Get out of my way.”
• Bigger vehicles always have right of way. Don’t fight trucks or buses—just let them pass.
• Use your hazard lights when slowing down suddenly. Locals do this instead of brake lights sometimes.
• Be patient with ceremonies. Roads often close for temple processions or offerings, and nobody honks or gets angry. It’s part of life here.

Driving in Bali teaches you patience. Once you relax and roll with it, you’ll feel less stressed.

The Types of Cars You’ll See for Rent in Bali

Rental fleets aren’t huge luxury sedans like in the West. Cars here are mostly small, practical, and suited to narrow roads.

• Toyota Agya / Daihatsu Ayla: Compact, cheap, easy to park. Great for couples or solo travelers.
• Toyota Avanza / Suzuki APV: The most common rentals—fits families or small groups comfortably.
• Toyota Innova: Bigger and more comfortable for long trips, especially with kids.
• SUVs (Fortuner, Pajero): Powerful and roomy, but more expensive and not really necessary unless you want luxury.
• Hiace Vans: Perfect for big groups or tours, usually rented with a driver.

If you’re not sure which to pick, I’d say the Avanza is the sweet spot—cheap enough, spacious enough, and common enough that mechanics know how to fix it if anything happens.

Insurance and Safety When You Rent a Car in Bali

This is a touchy subject because not all rentals provide clear insurance terms. Basic coverage usually means if the car is stolen or totaled, you’re not stuck with the whole bill. But scratches, minor accidents, and flat tires are often your responsibility.

Some companies offer full coverage, but it costs more. If you’re worried about safety, it’s worth paying. Just read the fine print carefully, and don’t rely on verbal promises—get everything written down.

Also, don’t forget that police sometimes set up roadblocks. If you’re self-driving, carry your license, IDP, and car documents. A polite smile goes a long way, and fines are usually small, but better to be prepared.

Renting a Car in Bali for Special Trips

One thing I love about renting cars here is how specific you can get with your trips. For example:

• Sunrise at Mount Batur: Leaving Ubud at 2 a.m.? Easier with a driver so you can nap on the way.
• East Bali Temples: Lempuyang (the famous “Gate of Heaven”) and Tirta Gangga are best done by car—it’s too far for scooters.
• North Bali Waterfalls: Sekumpul, Gitgit, Aling-Aling—having your own car makes visiting multiple waterfalls in a day possible.
• West Bali National Park: Almost no public transport here. A rented car is your only practical option.

These aren’t just sightseeing trips; they’re full-day experiences where a car makes all the difference.

Making the Most Out of Your Bali Car Rental

When you rent a car in Bali, think of it as more than transportation—it’s your ticket to exploring the island on your own terms. Whether you’re cruising coastal roads with the windows down or weaving through jungle valleys toward hidden temples, having that freedom changes the way you experience Bali.

Yes, traffic can be wild, and yes, you’ll get lost at least once. But honestly? Those are the moments that make the best stories when you get back home.