If you’re looking to hire a private driver for a day trip around Bali and aren’t sure about the cost or average pricing, this post is for you. There is no shortage of drivers available to take you around the Island of the Gods, but if you don’t know what a reasonable price is, it’s easy to be overcharged.
This complete guide will tell you everything you need to know about hiring a private driver in Bali, whether you can negotiate the price, tips on where to find drivers, and some personal recommendations on who to choose.
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Why you can trust this article
Hi, I’m Victoria, and I’m your go-to source for Bali travel information.
I’ve lived on this beautiful island for several years now and visited plenty of times before that both as a tourist and backpacker. I know how to save money and when to splurge on things, so I’ll introduce you to the best luxury getaways for a special occasion but also the cheapest airport pickups and authentic local restaurants.
Getting a private driver for the day is something I recommend to a lot of people, especially if they’re not confident on a scooter in Bali’s crazy traffic. I’ve tried hundreds of drivers in Bali over the years and noticed that a lot of the pricing information you can find online or in Facebook groups is outdated and wrong.
Don’t overpay! Read this article to find out how much a driver in Bali should actually cost.
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Group tours are an incredibly underrated way to travel and you’ll get to experience Bali with new friends without any of the stress of planning. Compare the best tours here or check out my all-time favourite below.
Should you hire a private driver in Bali?
Seeing Bali with a private driver is the ultimate luxury – and it’s not as expensive as you might think. Here are some reasons to try it next time you visit Bali.
1. Comfort
Driving around Bali in an airconditioned car is arguably the most comfortable way to see the island. Plus, you can take a lot of things with you, like snacks, waters, spare outfits, strollers, wheelchairs, cameras, or towels.
2. Price
Hiring a private driver in Bali may even be the cheapest way to get around when compared to renting a scooter, using public transport, or taking taxis. This applies mostly to larger groups of four or more people.
You’ll usually pay the driver in cash when the day is complete.
3. Tour guide
You’ve got your own personal tour guide with you as you explore Bali. Most drivers (although it’s smart to clarify this before you go) will be able to answer questions and show you around.
4. Photographer
Many drivers are used to taking photos of their guests, and after a ton of practice, they’ve gotten very good. No need to ask a stranger to snap a photo of you.
5. Itinerary
Many drivers will be happy to help you plan the day and suggest things to do and see along the way.
6. Safety
Driving around Bali in a car is a lot safer than riding a scooter, so you won’t have to worry about possible accidents.
7. Convenience
What’s more convenient than having a driver waiting for you whenever you’re ready to move on to the next location? No need to call a taxi, look for your scooter in the crowded parking lot or worry how you’ll get home after hhaving a few bintangs.
8. Experience
If you don’t have to worry about driving, you’ll get a lot more out of your Bali experience. Look out the window and enjoy the ride.
What is the cost of hiring a private driver for a day in Bali?
Quotes for hiring a private driver in Bali will differ greatly, so if you don’t know what the average price is supposed to be, you’ll easily overpay.
A normal price for a private driver in Bali for one day is somewhere between IDR 500,000 and IDR 800,000 (~ $50 AU and $80 AU). Currently, IDR 600,000 (~ $60 AU) seems to be a common price.
Only a few years ago, this used to be much lower, and you could easily find a driver for around IDR 400,000 (~ $40 AU) or even less. However, post-pandemic rates are increasing, and local drivers have to face high gas prices, inflation and providing for their families, who struggled while tourism was non-existent.
Consider that not all drivers are the same. There is a difference between hiring a licensed tour guide who speaks good English and will show you around Bali and simply getting someone to drive you around for a day. The latter will be cheaper but don’t expect extremely low prices for someone more experienced.
OUR TIP
We noticed that other blog posts on this topic are quoting much higher prices and are even claiming that prices lower than IDR 600,000 (~ $60 AU) are a scam or that the car will be small and old. This is not the case at all in our experience, and I have never once encountered any issues with low-cost drivers in Bali.
When in doubt, choose someone who has been recommended by your hotel or in a Facebook group, and clarify every single detail before you book to avoid confusion. The IDR 1 million (~ $100 AU) or more that other blogs suggest is not the average price per day for a driver in Bali.
Best eSIM & Physical SIM For Bali
Did you know you can get the best SIM card for tourists delivered to your hotel in Bali at no extra charge? Or get an eSIM, so you’ll be connected from day one.
Can you haggle or negotiate the price for a private driver in Bali?
Yes, as is the case for many things in Bali, it’s possible to haggle a bit to get a good price for a driver in Bali. Usually, you have better chances of getting the price down if your group is relatively small, you’re not going too far, and it’s low season.
You might also get a discount if you are hiring for more than one day.
OUR TIP
Every tourist wants to get the lowest price, but it’s important to remember that a small amount of money can make a big difference in Bali. Don’t be insulting when suggesting prices, and consider whether a $5 AU or $10 AU difference will be all that important to you.
What’s included in the price for a driver in Bali?
A day rate for a driver in Bali will usually include petrol/gas, parking fees, and somewhere between eight and 12 hours of driving time. Always clarify this before you book to avoid misunderstandings. Definitely discuss the route to make sure that your driver knows where you want to go beforehand. Some destinations in remote areas may be subject to additional charges.
What’s not included in the price for a driver in Bali?
Entrance fees, snacks, drinks, and additional charges for toll roads (like the one in southern Bali) are not included in the price.
Can you hire a driver for a multi-day trip?
Many drivers in Bali are also available for multi-day excursions and overnight trips. Definitely discuss this before booking and talk about the details, including how many hours a day you are expecting to be on the road.
Prices tend to be higher, and it is expected that you pay for the accommodation for your driver while you are travelling.
Should you tip your driver?
Yes, we highly encourage tipping your driver as a sign of appreciation. While the tipping culture in Bali is not as strong as in other countries, it has become more and more common in the tourism industry, especially when it comes to services.
Generally, a 10% to 20% tip is a good benchmark, depending on how happy you were with the service. More is, of course, appreciated if you can afford it.
OUR TIP
In addition to a tip, it’s also a nice gesture to offer to pay for your driver’s meal or grab a cold drink or snack for them should the opportunity arise. In many cases, they will politely decline, and it’s up to you to decide whether to insist or not.
How to find a driver in Bali
Finding a good and reliable driver in Bali may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually easier than you might think. Here are some ways we recommend:
1. Check travel Facebook groups
Facebook groups are an endless source of knowledge when it comes to travel. You can use the search function to find entries about drivers or write a post. You’ll get a lot of recommendations and can compare prices.
2. Use Get Your Guide
If you want an extra level of security when selecting your driver in Bali, definitely consider booking one through Get Your Guide. You can read reviews and be assured that you’re working with a licensed company. Just keep in mind that prices will most likely be slightly higher.
OUR TIP
If you need a personal recommendation, check out this offer for a driver, which we book through Get Your Guide all the time.
2. Ask at your accommodation
Hotels in Bali are used to helping out guests with transport questions. It’s highly likely that your accommodation will be able to recommend a driver to you. This applies to both villas and hotels.
All You Need For Your Bali Trip
3. Check TripAdvisor and/or Google
If you look up drivers in Bali on Google you’ll get a good selection of options to choose from. Some may include agencies, so definitely compare a few to get a good price.
4. Ask your grab, gojek or taxi driver
A lot of grab, gojek (which work similar to Uber) or taxi drivers in Bali also offer day-trip services. You can even ask your driver when being picked up at the airport for their number, and they can either recommend a friend or drive you around themselves.
OUR TIP
Grab and gojek are great for exploring Bali, and the surrounding islands, but these ridesharing apps unfortunately don’t work everywhere. Read our guides on grab in Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Sanur, Tanah Lot Temple, Canggu, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Padang Bai, Bali’s airport, Kintamani, Ubud, Uluwatu, Lovina, Amed, Labuan Bajo and Kuta in Lombok here.
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Tips for using gojek and grab in Bali & Indonesia
One thing a lot of tourists miss when it comes to using grab and gojek in Bali is the hidden discounts. We’ll show you exactly how to use them and provide plenty more tips on how to use grab and gojek in Bali in our complete guide.
Find out what to do if a driver asks you to cancel a ride, how to avoid common scams and much more.
Our recommendations for drivers in Bali
I’ve used quite a few different drivers for day trips around Bali. Two stand out, and I can highly recommend either of these two:
Tips for hiring a driver in Bali
Here are some things to keep in mind before your first time hiring a private driver in Bali.
1. Book a few days in advance
Luckily there are a lot of drivers to choose from in Bali, so you can usually find one last-minute. Booking a few days in advance is recommended though and should your driver of choice be busy, they will usually send a replacement.
2. Ask what type of car it is
If you’re concerned about space you can ask what type of car will be provided and how many seats it has. Many cars in Bali have space for six passengers which may be more comfortable if you’re four or more people.
3. Talk about the itinerary
Prices may depend on where you want to go, and your driver will be able to tell you if your plan sounds realistic.
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Here are our absolute favourite hotels in Bali – hand-picked and tested by us.
4. Communicate your pickup and dropoff point
Your driver will have to factor in additional time to come pick you up and drop you off again, depending on where you’re staying in Bali. It may be helpful to find someone from your area so they don’t have to go too far.
5. Clarify how long the trip will be
A day can be considered either 8, 10 or 12 hours, so make sure to discuss the duration beforehand.
6. Chat on Whatsapp
Having your driver’s Whatsapp number is extremely helpful so you can communicate with them and discuss pickup locations.
Should you rent a car in Bali?
If you’re researching pricing for a driver in Bali, you might be interested in comparing the rates to renting a car and driving yourself. Generally, this is not something tourists commonly do, which is mostly due to the chaotic driving conditions and small price difference.
Expect to pay between IDR 200,000 to IDR 500,000 (~ $20 AU to $50 AU) per day for a small car and IDR 400,000 to IDR 800,000 (~ $40 AU to $80 AU) for a larger model. AVIS charges around IDR 700,000 (~ $70 AU) per day for a smaller car and IDR 900,000 (~ $90 AU) for larger cars. Prices may be discounted if you rent for longer time periods.
As you can see, it’s not necessarily a lot cheaper to rent a car in Bali, so unless you absolutely want to drive and maybe are looking for some more privacy, a driver is more convenient.
Hiring a driver vs renting a car pros and cons
Here are some things to consider if you’re still not too sure if renting a car in Bali is the right choice. You might also be interested in reading about walking in Bali, including the quality of sidewalks, tips for crossing the road, and most walkable areas.
| Pros | Cons | |
| Car rental | -flexibility -storage -affordable for larger groups -perfect for multi-day trips -privacy for your group | -chaotic driving conditions -need a good insurance policy -expensive for one or two people -may have difficulty with parking spots -need to add fuel cost |
| Private driver | -local guide -no need to drive -comfort -storage -affordable for larger groups -can relax during the drive -no need to worry about parking or fuel | -easy to get stuck in traffic -not as flexible as driving yourself -can be expensive for multi-day trips -not as much privacy |
Where in Bali can you go with a private driver?
You can explore all of Bali with a driver, but you need to factor in the time it takes to get back home, of course. If you’re staying somewhere close to Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, or Uluwatu, it may not be realistic to drive up north to places like West Bali National Park, Amed, or Lovina in one day. Your driver will be able to tell you what’s possible and what is not.
If you’re exploring Nusa Penida, you can find local drivers on the island, so you don’t have to worry about driving a scooter.
Bali Driver Pricing FAQ
Yes, WhatsApp is the preferred communication method in Bali, and it’s perfectly safe and normal to chat with drivers and make plans using the app.
If you are unsure where to find someone to take you around Bali, you can always book through your hotel. Just expect the price to be slightly higher.
Before you go…
You’ve got everything you need to plan your day trip around Bali with a private driver. But do you know where you’re going yet? We’ve got the perfect travel inspiration with day trip guides to Uluwatu, and Ubud, everything you need to know about the Monkey Forest, LXXY rooftop pool club, and the abandoned theme park in Sanur.
We also think you will enjoy this helpful article about the dress code at immigration in Bali, the fake Polo Ralph Lauren stores around the island, the tap water, and how much to budget for a week in Bali.
Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.
