Transportation & Getting Around Bali with Kids: Drivers, Taxis, Safety & Logistics

Navigating Bali with children requires rethinking how you typically travel. The chaos that excites backpackers—aggressive taxis, unpredictable traffic, scooter culture—becomes stressful with kids. Yet Bali's transportation is actually quite manageable with knowledge. This guide walks you through every option: private drivers (the family favorite), ride-sharing apps, taxis, why scooters aren't recommended with kids, and practical tips for stress-free family travel.

The Family-Friendly Ranking (Best to Least Ideal)

1. Private Driver (Full Day or Multi-Day) ← Most recommend for families
2. Ride-Sharing Apps (Grab/Gojek Cars)
3. Metered Taxis (Bluebird App)
4. Self-Drive Car Rentals
5. Scooter Rentals ← Not recommended with young kids
6. Public Transport (Bemo, Kura-Kura buses)

#1: Private Driver - The Family Gold Standard

Why Private Drivers Are Best for Families:

A private driver transforms your Bali experience. No navigation stress, no traffic anxiety, no haggling—just door-to-door transportation with flexibility.

Cost Breakdown

Full-Day Hire (8–10 Hours):

• Standard car: IDR 500,000–700,000 (USD $30–42 / AUD $46–65)
• Larger SUV/comfort vehicle: IDR 700,000–1,000,000 (USD $42–60 / AUD $65–93)
• Average going rate: IDR 600,000 (USD $36 / AUD $55) per vehicle (not per person)

Half-Day Hire (5–6 Hours):

• Standard: IDR 375,000–450,000 (USD $22–27 / AUD $34–42)

Multi-Day Hire (3+ Days):

• Often discounted; negotiate daily rate
• Example: 3 days at IDR 550,000/day vs. IDR 600,000/day
• Driver accommodation required (budget USD $20–30/night for driver's hotel)

Airport Transfers (One-Way):

• From airport to hotel: IDR 350,000–600,000 (USD $21–36 / AUD $32–55)
• Slightly more expensive than daily rate but includes waiting time

What's Included in the Price

• Vehicle (fuel, parking, tolls typically included)
• Professional driver for contracted hours
• Basic tour guide services (drivers often provide information)
• Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation
• Flexibility for multiple stops/route changes

What's NOT Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Meals/snacks
• Driver's meals (budget USD $5–10 if hiring for full days)
• Toll roads (typically IDR 30,000–100,000 / USD $2–6 per toll)

How to Hire a Driver

Option 1: Through Your Hotel/Villa (Recommended)

• Ask concierge to arrange driver
• Often 10–15% discount vs. street booking
• Pre-vetted drivers; reduced risk
• Can request specific driver for multi-day trips

Option 2: Ride-Sharing Apps (GoCar via Gojek, Grab)

• Book online; driver comes to you
• Transparent pricing
• Good for short day uses
• Track driver in real-time

Option 3: Direct Booking Websites

• bali.com, Gojek, various tour operators
• Pre-arranged, scheduled ahead
• Good for airport transfers

Option 4: Ask Locals for Recommendations

• Expat Facebook groups, hotel staff, other travelers
• Personal recommendations often best
• Can arrange repeat drivers for multi-day trips

Driver Selection Tips

Red Flags to Avoid:

• Drivers who seem intoxicated
• Vehicles with obvious safety issues (worn tires, no seatbelts, visible damage)
• Drivers who pressure detours to "special shops" (commission scams)
• Uncomfortable pressure to book more hours than needed

Green Flags:

• Clean, well-maintained vehicle
• Professional, courteous demeanor
• Asks clarifying questions about your destinations
• Doesn't push sales pitches or extra shopping
• Good communication about route/timing

Negotiating Driver Prices

Negotiation is acceptable but be respectful:

• "Is this your best rate?" (often drivers have some flexibility)
• If hiring 3+ days: "Can you offer a daily rate?" (typical discount: IDR 50,000–100,000/day)
• Multi-day discounts more negotiable than single-day hires

Reality Check: A few dollars USD difference means significant income to drivers. Don't haggle aggressively over small amounts.

Safety Considerations

Bali's driving is chaotic but relatively safe. Roads are busy, traffic rules loosely enforced, but serious accidents involving tourists are rare. Professional drivers navigate competently.

Safety Tips:

• Ensure vehicle has functioning seatbelts (always use them for kids)
• Bring/request child car seats if not provided (hotels sometimes have portable boosters)
• Avoid driving at night (visibility poor; drivers more tired)
• Driver shouldn't be on phone while driving (professionally polite to request)

#2: Ride-Sharing Apps (Grab & Gojek)

Best For: Short trips, casual daily movements, budget-conscious families, urban areas where apps work

Grab vs. Gojek Comparison

Family Recommendation: Use Grab for most reliability and car quality, especially GrabCar XL (larger vehicles better accommodate strollers/luggage).

Cost Estimates

Short Trip (5–10 km, 15–25 min):

• Grab/GoCar: IDR 50,000–80,000 (USD $3–5 / AUD $5–8)
• Grab XL: IDR 100,000–150,000 (USD $6–9 / AUD $9–14)

Medium Trip (15–20 km, 45 min–1 hour):

• Grab: IDR 100,000–150,000 (USD $6–9 / AUD $9–14)
• Grab XL: IDR 200,000–300,000 (USD $12–18 / AUD $18–28)

Long Trip (25–30 km, 1–1.5 hours):

• Grab: IDR 150,000–250,000 (USD $9–15 / AUD $14–23)
• Grab XL: IDR 300,000–400,000 (USD $18–24 / AUD $28–37)

Pro Tip: Compare prices between Grab and Gojek before booking; prices vary and apps show estimates upfront.

How to Use Grab/Gojek with Kids

1. Download app before traveling (download at airport free WiFi if needed)
2. Enter pickup/dropoff locations
3. Select vehicle type (Grab Car for standard, XL for families)
4. See upfront price; confirm
5. Driver's location shown in real-time
6. Track journey on map
7. Pay via app (or cash upon arrival)
8. Rate driver

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• No negotiating (fixed price, transparent)
• Real-time tracking (safety for parents)
• Professional drivers (vetted)
• Abundant availability in urban areas
• Reasonably affordable

Cons:

• Car seats NOT typically provided (bring your own if essential)
• Limited large-vehicle availability (stroller space varies)
• Some areas have "no Grab/Gojek zones" due to local taxi mafia
• Not available in very rural areas

The "Taxi Mafia" & No-Grab Zones

Local taxi drivers in some areas aggressively prevent ride-sharing apps to protect their market. This manifests as:

• Certain restaurants/hotels where Grab/Gojek can't pick up
• Canggu's Echo Beach Street has restrictions
• Large tourist areas occasionally have blackout zones

Reality: This affects convenience but NOT safety for tourists. The apps clearly mark no-pickup zones on your map.

What to Do: Walk to nearby street where pickups allowed, or use traditional taxi/private driver for those specific routes.

#3: Metered Taxis (Bluebird App & Traditional)

Best For: Short trips when ride-sharing apps not available, late-night transport

Bluebird Taxi App

Cost: Slightly more expensive than Grab/Gojek but transparent and professional

• Typical short trip: IDR 75,000–100,000
• Metered (pay by distance/time)
• Professional, vetted drivers
• Branded vehicles (easy identification)
• Can book via app or hail on street

Why Choose Bluebird:

• More reliable in no-Grab zones
• Professional reputation
• Honest drivers (less tourist-overcharging risk)

Street Taxis (NOT Recommended)

Why Avoid:

• No meter (negotiate fare before entering; expect inflated prices for tourists)
• Unvetted drivers
• Vehicle condition uncertain
• Higher risk of disputes at destination
• Local police won't help with fare disputes

#4: Self-Drive Car Rentals

Best For: Confident drivers, exploring independently, longer stays

Cost & Logistics

Daily Rental (Small Car):

• IDR 200,000–500,000 (USD $12–30 / AUD $18–46)

Daily Rental (Larger SUV/Van):

• IDR 400,000–800,000 (USD $24–48 / AUD $37–74)

International License: Required (bring International Driving Permit or US/UK license)

Insurance: Highly recommended; ask about coverage before renting

Why It's Challenging with Kids

• Bali traffic chaotic (left-hand driving in left-hand-drive cars takes adjustment)
• Navigation requires familiarity
• Parking can be difficult
• Helmet laws for scooter-style driving sometimes enforced
• Taking driver attention away from road

Bottom Line: Unless confident driver AND comfortable with driving conditions, skip self-driving with kids.

#5: Scooter Rentals (Not Recommended with Kids)

Why They're Unsafe for Kids:

• No protection in accidents (high risk with Bali traffic)
• Difficult managing child safety and balance
• Children can't hold on securely
• No car seats/restraint systems available
• Helmet fit for small heads challenging
• Tourists with young kids on scooters look like accident risk

Bottom Line: Skip this if traveling with kids under 12. Stick to cars.

#6: Public Transport (Last Resort)

Bemo Buses:

• Minivans running main routes between towns
• Very crowded (people, animals, luggage stacked)
• No official stops (signal driver to stop)
• Fares negotiated (tourists frequently overcharged)
• Unreliable; indirect routes
• Not family-friendly

Kura-Kura Shuttle Bus (Ubud–Kuta):

• IDR 100,000 (USD $6) per person one-way
• Regular schedule, regular stops
• Book online in advance
• Reasonable alternative if budget-focused

Reality: For families with young kids, the stress/hassle isn't worth minimal savings. Grab/private driver better options.

Airport Transfers: Getting from Airport to Hotel

Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) is 15–30 minutes from most family hotels depending on location.

Your Options

Option 1: Pre-Booked Private Driver (RECOMMENDED)

• Cost: IDR 350,000–500,000 (USD $21–30 / AUD $32–46)
• Driver meets you at arrivals with name sign
• Direct to hotel; no hassle with luggage/kids
• Hotels often arrange or offer discounts
• Best option for jetlagged families

Option 2: Grab at Airport

• Download app, enter pickup at airport terminal
• Pay IDR 100,000–150,000 (USD $6–9 / AUD $9–14)
• Book inside Grab Lounge (free WiFi, comfortable)
• Takes 15–25 min typically
• Budget-friendly but involves waiting for driver

Option 3: Bluebird Taxi at Airport

• Rank system; queue for official taxi
• Pay upfront at counter (fixed fare ~IDR 200,000 for Seminyak, less for Kuta)
• More expensive than Grab but reliable
• Good backup if Grab unavailable

Avoid: Aggressive street taxi drivers outside arrivals (unsolicited offers often inflated pricing)

Airport Transfer Pro Tips

• Pre-arrange if possible (reduces arrival stress)
• Look for hotel name signs if driver meeting you
• Keep hotel address handy in case driver needs direction
• Grab Lounge has WiFi/charging (recharge phone if needed)
• Tell driver destination address clearly (have written address ready)
• Agree on fare upfront if not using app/hotel booking

Daily Transportation Strategy for Families

Recommended Weekly Approach:

• Multi-day activities (temples, Ubud, rice terraces): Hire private driver for day (most economical, least stressful)
• Single short trips (lunch, nearby shop): Use Grab/Gojek
• Late-night returns: Grab/Bluebird (wider availability than daytime scooter taxis)
• Airport transfers: Pre-booked private driver

Money-Saving Transportation Tips

1. Stay in Walkable Area

Limit transportation needs by staying in area with nearby restaurants, shops, beaches. Sanur and Ubud are walkable; Nusa Dua more isolated.

2. Hire Driver for Multi-Activity Days

Driver costs IDR 600,000 for 10 hours; visiting 3–4 attractions via Grab costs IDR 300,000+ just for transport. Driver wins for multi-stop days.

3. Book Multi-Day Driver at Discount

3-day driver hire often negotiated to IDR 550,000/day vs. IDR 600,000 single day.

4. Use Ride-Sharing for Short Trips

Don't hire driver for 5-minute trips; Grab at IDR 50,000 beats daily driver premium for isolated short journeys.

5. Walk When Possible

Bali beaches and town areas often walkable. Saves transportation costs entirely.

Transportation Safety Summary

*Fair safety depends heavily on driver confidence and experience; not recommended for family first-timers.

Final Transportation Philosophy

For families: Private drivers are worth the cost. You avoid stress, reduce decision-making, and gain flexibility. Spending USD $35–40 for a driver removes hours of logistical headache.

For daily movements: Grab/Gojek are reliable, transparent, and easy. Download both apps; always compare prices.

Bottom Line: Bali's transportation isn't chaotic for families who choose the right options. Private drivers turn potential stress into pleasant journeys. Embrace them.