Several car and scooter rental companies serve Bali Airport (DPS), and to drive legally in Indonesia you need your home licence plus an International Driving Permit. Remember that Bali drives on the left, traffic is heavy, and a helmet is legally required on scooters.
Several car-rental companies operate at Bali International Airport (DPS), and hiring a vehicle is one way to explore the island at your own pace, the temples of the Bukit peninsula, the rice terraces around Ubud and the beaches of the west coast are all easier to reach with your own wheels. That said, Bali's traffic is heavy and its roads can be chaotic, so many visitors prefer a driver or a private transfer for longer trips and keep a rental for shorter local hops. Scooter hire is hugely popular, but it demands care, the right permit and a helmet.
Where to pick up your vehicle
Rental desks serve the airport, and depending on the company the cars are either close by or delivered to a nearby meeting point. Booking online before you fly usually secures a better rate and guarantees availability in the busy dry season. Bring your confirmation and your documents, and allow a little time for the paperwork. Many visitors also arrange a car with a driver for day trips, a common and stress-free way to see the island without tackling the traffic yourself.
What you need
- A valid driving licence from your home country
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) covering cars and/or motorcycles, this is required to drive legally in Indonesia
- A credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit
- Your passport and rental confirmation
- For a scooter, licence categories that cover motorcycles, plus a helmet (legally required)
Insurance, excess and fuel
Read the cover carefully before you sign. Basic rates typically include collision damage waiver but leave an excess (the amount you pay in the event of damage), which you can reduce with extra cover. Check the fuel policy too. Photograph any existing scratches at handover so there is no dispute on return, and keep the rental company's contact number handy.
| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Excess | How much you are liable for, and whether you can reduce it |
| Fuel policy | How the tank should be returned; note the nearest station |
| Permit | An International Driving Permit is required to drive legally |
| Extras | Child seats, additional drivers, helmets for scooters |
Driving on Bali
Traffic drives on the left. Roads in the south are busy and congestion is common in the Kuta–Seminyak–Denpasar corridor, so distances take longer than the map suggests. Scooters weave through traffic and accidents involving inexperienced visitors are sadly common, so ride cautiously, wear a helmet and make sure your travel insurance covers you. Police checks do happen, and you may be asked for your licence and International Driving Permit. If you would rather not drive, a private transfer or a car with a driver is a relaxed alternative, see also our resort transfers guide. Rates, age limits and insurance terms vary by company and can change, so confirm the details when you book and close to your travel date.
