Bali is magical, but transportation confuses every parent on their first trip. Taxis? Grab? Scooters? Private drivers? Car seats? This guide breaks down everything—what’s safe, what’s easy, what’s worth paying for, and what *not* to do with kids in tow.
Quick planning links
- ✈️ Compare flight times for smoother arrivals: search Bali flights
- 🚗 See car rental availability: compare rentals
- 🎟 Family-friendly drivers/tours: Bali private drivers (Viator)
- 🛡 Recommended: flexible family travel insurance SafetyWing
Before this, read the Ultimate Bali Guide + Neighborhood Guide.
Quick answer: how families should get around Bali
90% of families should use:
- Grab/Gojek taxis for short hops (fast + cheap)
- Private driver for day trips
- Walking + strollers (select areas only)
What NOT to rely on: scooters with kids (safety + legality issues), self-driving cars (traffic + narrow roads), or airport taxis without price clarity.
All transportation options in Bali explained
Grab & Gojek (taxis)
Cheap, fast, predictable. Available across Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta, Sanur and Denpasar. Great for dinners, beach hops and short distances.
Private drivers
The gold-standard for families. Drivers wait at each stop, help with bags, and know the best routes. Ideal for Ubud, Uluwatu, Sidemen and waterfall days.
Renting a car
Works for confident drivers – Bali roads are narrow, scooters weave everywhere, and parking is limited. Families rarely choose this.
Scooters
Fun for adults, unsafe for kids. Insurance often invalid, helmets not proper sizes, and traffic is unpredictable.
Using Grab/Gojek with kids (the honest rundown)
Grab and Gojek are Southeast Asia’s Uber. They are fast, shockingly affordable, and incredibly reliable in most of South Bali.
Where taxis work best
- Seminyak
- Legian
- Kuta
- Canggu (core areas)
- Sanur
Where taxis become limited
- Uluwatu
- Nusa Dua gated resort zones
- Ubud outskirts
- Sidemen
- Lovina
- Amed
Should you pre-install the apps?
Yes. Install Grab + Gojek before flying. You’ll use them constantly.
Why private drivers are the #1 choice for families
Private drivers are Bali’s superpower for families. You get a clean, air-conditioned car, flexible schedule, and someone who knows how to handle traffic patterns.
When to hire a driver
- Waterfall days
- Rice terrace + temple loops
- Uluwatu sunset day
- Mount Batur sunrise
- Zoo, safari, monkey forest combos
- Airport arrival (with kids + luggage)
Browse vetted options here: Bali private drivers (with free cancellation).
Standard pricing
8–10 hours usually costs **$40–$55 USD** depending on location.
Scooters in Bali with kids: the truth
You will see scooters everywhere. They’re fun—but **not for kids**.
Why parents skip scooters
- No proper child helmets
- Insurance often invalid
- Traffic flow is unpredictable for beginners
- Roads narrow and often wet
Car seats in Bali (what’s available & what isn’t)
Car seats are not common in Bali taxis or private drivers unless you request in advance. Some tour providers offer them, but quantity is limited.
Your options:
- Bring your own (most reliable)
- Request from a private driver — some keep 1–2 seats
- Booster seats are easier to find than infant seats
For drivers who include car seats, check: Bali drivers with car seats.
Best transportation choice by neighborhood
Seminyak / Legian
Grab + walking + occasional driver days.
Canggu
Taxis work in central areas, but a driver is needed for temple/waterfall days.
Kuta
Everything is close by—taxi most of the time.
Ubud
Driver required—distances are long and taxis limited.
Sanur
Lots of taxis; great for Grab.
Nusa Dua
Taxis limited inside resorts; use driver for day trips.
Uluwatu
Hilly + spread out → driver recommended.
Amed / Lovina / Sidemen
Driver only. Long distances.
How much does it cost to get around Bali?
Grab/Gojek
- Short hops: $1–$3
- Long rides: $4–$8
Private driver
- Half day: $30–$40
- Full day: $40–$55
Car rentals
- $20–$35/day (plus deposit)
Scooter rentals
- $5–$8/day (not child-safe)
What to read next
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Planning Bali with kids? Share this guide with the group text you’re organizing the trip with. It saves hours of confusion.
© Stay Here, Do That — Family Travel Guides. Quietly parent-powered. Zero pop-ups. Always honest.
