How to Get Around in Bali – Transportation, Scooters, Apps and Ferries
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Getting around Bali can feel chaotic at first: scooters everywhere, narrow roads, and heavy traffic that challenges even the best GPS. However, once you understand the local rhythm, exploring the island becomes much easier (and more affordable) than you might imagine.
In this guide, we’ll explain which transportation option makes the most sense depending on your budget and travel style. Based on our experience, these are the most efficient ways to get around:
Ride-hailing apps: Your number one ally for short, safe rides.
Scooter rental: The preferred option for those looking for total freedom.
Ferries and fast boats: Essential connections to destinations like Lombok or the Gili Islands.
Quick Guide: Getting Around Bali
During our trip, the apps Grab and Gojek were key. They’re basically the equivalent of Uber, but much cheaper. You can request anything from an air-conditioned car to a “motorbike taxi” to weave through heavy traffic in areas like Canggu or Ubud.
How to Get Around in Bali
Getting Around by Scooter 🛵
For us, the best way to get around Bali is by scooter.
Distances aren’t that long, but traffic and narrow roads make everything much slower by car. On a scooter, you move quickly, avoid traffic jams, and reach beaches, temples, and hidden viewpoints much more easily.
It’s also the cheapest and most practical option. You’ll find rental shops on almost every corner, and many accommodations offer scooters for their guests as well.
We rented ours at Tregge Surf Camp Uluwatu, where we were staying, and paid 90,000 rupiah per day — which felt like a total win for the convenience.
In general, scooter rentals cost between 70,000 and 150,000 rupiah per day (for the more basic models), depending on the type.
⚠️ Important note:
Even though almost no one asks for your license, always wear a helmet.
It’s not common, but if the police see you without one, they can fine you. And medical care in Bali isn’t cheap.
Ride-Hailing Apps and Taxis 🚗
If you don’t want to ride a scooter, the easiest option is to use apps like:
Grab
Gojek
They’re very affordable and work really well, especially for longer rides like going to or from the airport.
There are also regular taxis, but it’s best to ask the price before getting in or stick to apps to avoid being overcharged.
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Bali is very limited. There are some tourist buses operated by Kura-Kura Bus that connect popular areas, but routes are few and service is infrequent.
That’s why the vast majority of travelers get around using:
🛵Scooter
🚗 Grab or Gojek
🚕 Taxi
How to Get from Bali to Other Islands 🏝
Getting from Bali to nearby islands is very easy. The most common option is the fast boat.
⛴️ Fast Boat (Recommended)
Nusa Penida
Departs from: Sanur
Duration: 30–45 minutes
Nusa Lembongan
Departs from: Sanur
Duration: 30–35 minutes
Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Air and Meno)
Departs from: Padang Bai (faster) or Serangan
Duration: 1h30 – 2h
Lombok
Departs from: Padang Bai
Duration: 1h30 – 2h
Tips for taking a fast boat:
❗ Book online
❗ If you get seasick, avoid days with rough waters (especially during rainy season)
⛴️ Public Ferry Bali – Lombok
Cheaper, but much slower.
Departs from: Padang Bai
Duration: 4–5 hours
It’s uncomfortable and chaotic
👉 We don’t recommend it. The fast boat is much quicker, more comfortable, and not expensive.
✈️ Plane
Only ideal for more distant islands in Indonesia, but it’s more expensive than taking a boat.
Our Experience
We started our trip in Bali and then took a fast boat to Lombok. At first, everything feels chaotic 😅 but it works: they always know where you’re going and you end up arriving at your destination without issues.
🇮🇩 Still planning your trip to Bali?
Bali has many different sides, and choosing how to get around, where to stay, and which activities to prioritize can completely change your experience on the island.
To finalize your planning, we recommend starting with our main guide:
And if you’re refining your itinerary, you can dive deeper into these specific guides:
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