Menu
Expat.com

Getting around Bali

transport in Bali
Shutterstock.com
Updated byAnne-Lise Mtyon 20 September 2022

During your stay in Bali, you will undoubtedly need to get around on a daily basis. Although public transportation is practically non-existent on the island, you will never be short of options.

Taking the bus in Bali

Bali has a rapid bus transit system called Trans Sarbagita. These large blue buses are relatively new, clean, air-conditioned and equipped with spacious and comfortable seats. There are 25 vehicles, and they serve 4 routes that cross the main roads of Bali's capital, Denpasar. Thus, they connect Batubulan - Nusa Dua and the city of Denpasar to Garuda Wisnu Kencana.

Fares are 3,500 IDR for adults. The trips are free for students.

Other vehicles have also been deployed to connect Tabanan-Mengwi airport to Mahendra Data-Sanur-Lebih airport. There is also a fleet of minibuses in Denpasar that can be used for short trips at low prices.

Good to know:

To better plan your daily trips, keep in mind that the Balinese bus system hardly ever serves the areas popular with expatriates. Moreover, the schedules can vary, especially because of the traffic.

In short, the bus in Bali is perfect for non-business trips when it is not required to be on time. Otherwise, you might need to consider other alternatives, like the motorcycle, the car, the cab or even the helicopter!

Car v/s motorcycle in Bali

As a response to the constant flow of tourists, rental agencies are never in short supply and offer rental of a two-wheeler from $ 3.25 per day, or IDR 50,000 on average. The monthly rental costs around 600 000 IDR. This price can be lower for a long-term rental. And don't forget that you can always negotiate!

When you rent a motorcycle, ask for insurance from the renter and invest in a good-quality helmet. Also, choose this option only if you have experience, as Bali's roads are chaotic, crowded and unfriendly to beginners.

Good to know:

You must be the holder of an international motorcycle license to ride a motorized two-wheeler in Bali. The police are common on the roads, and the fines are severe!

As for your original driving license, it will only allow you to drive a car in Indonesia.

Useful link:

Trans Sibarita - schedules and routes

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Anne-Lise studied Psychology for 4 years in the UK before finding her way back to Mauritius and being a journalist for 3 years and heading Expat.com's editorial department for 5. She loves politics, books, tea, running, swimming, hiking...

Back to Bali expat guide

Comments

See also

  • Drive with caution
    Drive with caution

    In Bali you see it everywhere. People riding scooters without helmets and doing crazy things that you would never ...

  • Driving in Indonesia
    Driving in Indonesia

    Traffic in Indonesia can be very overwhelming, particularly since the discipline and road conditions can ...

  • SIMs are needed
    SIMs are needed

    I have been living here for nearly 4 years now and 2 of them have been spent using my own transport; a ...

  • Indonesian driver's license or SIM
    Indonesian driver's license or SIM

    Getting your Indonesian driver's license or SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi)  is easy and owning a car or ...

  • Working in Bali
    Working in Bali

    The multi-faceted island of Bali offers many opportunities for those who wish to move from tourist to ...

  • Accommodation in Bali
    Accommodation in Bali

    If you are planning to relocate to Bali, housing is a critical part of your project. So how to find your ...

  • Studying in Bali
    Studying in Bali

    Even if Bali is renowned as a major tourist destination, the island is by no means limited to its idyllic ...

  • Buying property in Bali
    Buying property in Bali

    Should your experience as an expatriate in Bali make you want to settle down permanently, you might want ...

All of Bali's guide articles