Bali Transportation Guide 2025 — Getting Around & Off the Island

Bali's transport options depend on the trip you are making. A short local ride, an airport arrival and a boat connection all call for different planning. Compare the full journey — including pickup points and traffic time — rather than choosing solely on the quoted fare.

Short rides and travel between Bali towns

Grab and Gojek can be convenient for short trips in many tourist areas. Check the pickup point in the app: airports, hotels and local transport zones can have specific arrangements. During busy periods, finding a driver and getting through traffic may take longer than the map estimate.

For longer trips, a shared shuttle can be useful if its route and pickup window match your plans. A private car offers more control over stops and departure time, particularly for groups or a day with several destinations. Confirm whether the quoted fare is per person or per vehicle.

Scooters and road safety

A scooter can give experienced riders flexibility, but it is not the right choice for everyone. Roads may be congested or uneven, and conditions can change in rain or after dark. Check the licence and permit requirements and your insurance cover before renting, rather than assuming a rental alone makes you eligible to ride.

• Check the scooter's brakes, tyres and helmet before setting off.
• Allow extra travel time at peak hours instead of relying on a straight-line distance.
• Use a driver or shuttle if you are not comfortable riding in local traffic.

Airport pickup at Ngurah Rai

For an airport transfer, decide how you will leave the terminal before you land. You can arrange a pre-booked car, use an official taxi or check the designated pickup point for an app-based ride. If travelling with others or large luggage, compare the total group fare with the cost of separate seats on a shared service.

See airport to Ubud transfers See airport to Seminyak options

Connecting to Nusa Penida or Lembongan

Sanur is the Bali-side harbour for the island boats covered here. Book the road transfer and boat as one package if you want the connection arranged together, or compare separate tickets if you prefer to travel independently. Confirm your operator's check-in time and return departure before committing to a same-day itinerary.

Explore Nusa Penida crossings See pickup and boat packages

Travelling on to the Gilis or Lombok

For the fast-boat routes described on this site, first travel by road to Padang Bay. Compare the boat's destination, check-in point and any included hotel transfer. Sea conditions affect the crossing, so avoid planning a tight connection immediately afterward.

• Match your booking to the correct island or Lombok arrival point.
• Check whether pickup is included or must be arranged separately.
• Keep your confirmation handy and leave enough time for harbour check-in.

See Bali to Gili Trawangan boats See Bali to Lombok boats