The most practical way to hire a driver in Bali is to book a private car for the day, one fixed rate covers the driver, fuel, and hotel pickup, and your driver waits at every stop. That beats juggling multiple Grab rides with surge pricing across a full itinerary.
This page covers current rates for half day and full day hire, what is and is not included, how to hire a driver for a specific area like Ubud, and how to book.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Driver in Bali?
Rates depend on the duration of hire and the vehicle type. Below are current rates including driver, fuel, and hotel pickup. These cover standard routes on the island; routes to or from the airport are priced separately.
| Car Type | Half Day (IDR) | Full Day (IDR) |
| Avanza / Xenia | 350,000 – 450,000 | 600,000 – 700,000 |
| Toyota Innova | 500,000 – 600,000 | 750,000 – 850,000 |
| Alphard | — | 900,000 – 1,100,000 |
Multi-day bookings: approx. IDR 50,000–100,000 discount per day. High season surcharge (Jul, Aug, Dec): IDR 50,000–100,000/day. USD approx: IDR 10,000 ≈ USD 0.62.
Alphard and premium vehicles require advance booking of at least 48 hours.
What’s included when you hire a driver in Bali?
The following are included in all standard hire rates:
- Driver (English-speaking, licensed)
- Fuel for all routes covered in the itinerary
- Private air-conditioned car
- Hotel or villa pickup and drop-off
- Driver waiting time at each stop
The following are NOT included and are paid separately on the day:
- Temple or attraction entrance fees
- Parking fees at sites visited
- Driver meals on full day or multi-day hire (tip: budget IDR 50,000 per day for driver’s meal is good practice)
Hiring a Driver in Ubud
Ubud and its surrounding area, covering Tegallalang, Kintamani, Tirta Empul, and Goa Gajah, is one of the most popular full-day routes on the island. Hiring a driver specifically for Ubud makes sense because sites are spread across a 15–30 km radius with limited transport options between them.
If you are staying in Seminyak, Kuta, or Canggu and booking a driver to Ubud, expect a distance surcharge of IDR 50,000–100,000 added to the standard full day rate, covering the additional fuel for the round trip from south Bali. The easiest way to hire a driver in Bali for the Ubud area is to book a driver based locally, they’re available at the standard rates listed in the table above and don’t add the south Bali surcharge.
A practical one-day Ubud itinerary covers Tegallalang Rice Terraces in the morning, Tirta Empul temple before midday, lunch in central Ubud, and either the Sacred Monkey Forest or Goa Gajah in the afternoon. Most drivers working this route know these stops well and can suggest timing based on crowd patterns.
Prefer an all-inclusive guided itinerary instead of arranging stops yourself? Our Bali Greatest Ubud and Kintamani Tour covers this same route as a single package.
How to Hire a Driver in Bali
Most travelers find it easier to book a driver in advance rather than negotiating on arrival. Pre-booking gives you a confirmed rate, a named driver, and a contact number before your trip starts.
- Book via website or WhatsApp (+6281808995555)
- No deposit required at time of booking
- Payment settled directly with driver on the day (IDR cash or transfer)
- Driver confirmation sent H-1 with driver name & contact
- Same driver available across multiple days, confirm all dates at once
During peak season (July, August and December), book at least 3–5 days in advance. Available drivers fill up fast for popular dates. For multi-day hire across Ubud, East Bali, and Kintamani on separate days, confirm all dates at once to keep the same driver throughout.
For trips starting or ending at Ngurah Rai Airport, that is handled as a separate airport transfer booking. Prefer to get around yourself instead of hiring a driver? See our scooters in Bali guide for rental prices and which model suits your trip.
Book Your Bali Driver Today
Driver rates in Bali shift with the season, and popular vehicles like the Alphard get booked out fast during July, August, and December. Locking in your date now secures today’s rate along with your preferred car and driver before the calendar fills up.
Ready to book? Message us on WhatsApp with your travel dates, pickup location, and preferred car type, and we’ll confirm your driver and rate the same day. Book your driver on WhatsApp
If you’re comparing vehicle types or considering a multi-day arrangement, our Bali car rental with driver page lists the full fleet and current rates in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Driver in Bali
How much does it cost to hire a driver in Bali per day?
A full day hire (8–10 hours) costs IDR 600,000–900,000 (approximately USD 38–57), depending on the car type. Economy cars such as the Avanza or Xenia start at the lower end; the Innova and Alphard are priced higher. The rate includes driver, fuel, and hotel pickup.
What is the difference between half day and full day hire?
A half day covers 4–5 hours and suits travellers focusing on one area, such as central Seminyak or a single temple route. A full day (8–10 hours) allows you to cover multiple destinations across different parts of the island. For any itinerary involving 3 or more stops spread across the island, a full day offers significantly better value.
Is it worth hiring a driver in Bali instead of using Grab?
For short point to point trips, Grab is the cheaper option. For a full day covering multiple stops, a private driver is more cost-effective. Grab surge pricing on 4–6 separate rides can quickly exceed the cost of a full day hire, and with Grab you also lose waiting time between stops. A private driver stays with you the entire day and waits at each location at no extra charge.
How much should I tip a driver in Bali?
A tip of IDR 50,000–100,000 (approximately USD 3–6) for a full day is a fair amount for good service. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated and is standard practice among repeat visitors. For multi-day hire, some travellers tip at the end of each day rather than in one lump sum.
Can I hire a driver for multiple days in Bali?
Yes, multi-day hire is available at a slight discount compared to single-day bookings. It is the practical option for trips covering Ubud, Kintamani, Amed, or East Bali on separate days. Keeping the same driver across multiple days also saves time on logistics since the driver already knows your pickup details and schedule preferences.
Do Bali drivers speak English?
Most drivers working with established services speak conversational English sufficient for planning routes, explaining sites, and handling basic communication. Some drivers also speak Mandarin or Japanese. If a specific language is required for your group, confirm this at the time of booking.
