It's the first question of any Bali road trip: rent a scooter and ride with total freedom, or book a car with a driver and enjoy the scenery without driving? There's no universal right answer, but there is a right answer for your trip. Here's the point-by-point comparison.
The comparison at a glance
| Criterion | 🛵 Scooter | 🚗 Car with driver |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative price | €6–10/day (110–125cc), €10–14/day (150–160cc) | €35–50 a day for the car |
| Licence | International permit, category A | None needed for you |
| Passengers | 1 passenger maximum | The whole family or group |
| Luggage | One backpack | Suitcases included |
| Southern traffic jams | Slips through easily | Stuck in traffic |
| Rain and heat | Exposed | Air-conditioned and sheltered |
| Freedom | Total, stop anywhere | High, within what you agree with the driver |
| Risk | Higher: you ride, on the left | Low: a local driver |
Prices are those shown across our guides and itineraries; they vary with season, rental length and provider.
When to choose a scooter
- You hold an international permit with category A and are used to two-wheelers.
- You travel alone or as a couple, light.
- You stick to short or medium routes: the south coast, Canggu, Ubud and its rice fields.
- You want to stop anywhere, leave at dawn, improvise.
Our best-suited itineraries: Canggu → Tanah Lot, Sanur → Nusa Dua and Ubud → Kintamani. Before renting, read our rental guide.
When to choose a car with driver
- You don't hold category A on an international permit, or lack two-wheeler experience.
- You travel as a family, as a group of three or more, or with luggage.
- You're going far: the east (Amed, Sidemen) or the north (Munduk, Lovina) often means 2 to 3 hours on the road.
- You travel in the rainy season, November to March.
Our "car" itineraries: Seminyak → Uluwatu and Candidasa → Amed. To estimate how long your days will be, see our travel times between spots.
What about a rental car without a driver?
It's the third option, around €25–35 a day for a small car. It requires category B on an international permit, comfort driving on the left and patience: narrow roads, scooters on all sides, hard parking in the south. On a first trip, most travellers find a driver simpler for a limited price difference.
Budget example: 5 days for two
| Option | Calculation | Indicative total |
|---|---|---|
| One shared scooter | 5 days × €6–14 | €30–70 |
| Two scooters | 2 × 5 days × €6–14 | €60–140 |
| Driver every day | 5 days × €35–50 | €175–250 |
| Mixed: 3 scooter days + 2 driver days | 3 × €6–14 + 2 × €35–50 | €88–142 |
Fuel, helmet, insurance and tips not included. The mixed option is often the smartest: scooter for local days, driver for the long crossings to the east or north.
❓ Frequently asked questions▾
How much does a car with driver cost in Bali?
Allow around €35–50 a day for the car and its driver, depending on hours, route and season.
Do you need a licence to rent a scooter in Bali?
Yes: an international permit with category A is required, alongside your national licence.
Can you find a French-speaking driver in Bali?
Yes, some driver-guides speak French, but there are fewer than English speakers: ask for it when booking and book a few days ahead, especially in high season.
Scooter or driver to get to Amed?
A driver, ideally: from Ubud the drive often takes over 2 hours, and a car is far more restful over that distance.
Practical information here is provided for guidance only and can change without notice. Always check current rules, prices and conditions before you travel.