Cheap Car Rental in Bali

As Indonesia’s most renowned island, Bali is a top destination for its natural beauty and rich culture. While scooters and ride-hailing apps are common, renting a car gives you the flexibility to travel freely and reach quieter corners.

Finding cheap car rentals in Bali is easy, with plenty of options available. Economybookings lets you compare prices, pick-up locations, and vehicle types all in one place, so you can quickly find a car that fits your schedule and budget.

Tips for renting a car in Bali

Before you pick up your rental car in Bali, it pays to know a few local requirements:

• Book your rental early, especially if you’re visiting during the high season (July–August or December–January), as availability drops and prices rise.
• Make sure you have both a valid home driver’s licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP), which are required by law in Bali.
• Most rental companies require drivers to be 21 and over with at least one year of driving experience.
• Check your insurance coverage, as basic protection is usually included but may come with high excess amounts. Consider adding extra coverage for your peace of mind.
• Confirm the fuel policy and return conditions, including whether the car should be refuelled and how late returns or additional drivers are handled.

Driving tips in Bali

Driving in Bali can feel hectic at first, but with a few precautions, it’s manageable. Keep these tips in mind:

• In Bali, you drive on the left side of the road. Seat belts are required for all passengers.
• Always carry your home driver’s licence, IDP, and your rental documents.
• Using a handheld phone while driving is illegal, so use a hands-free system if you need to make a call.
• Traffic can be unpredictable, and motorbikes frequently weave through lanes, so stay alert, check mirrors often, and anticipate sudden stops.
• Many road signs are in Bahasa Indonesia only, so GPS or map apps are essential for navigation.

Speed limits

In Bali, city streets in places like Denpasar, Kuta, and Ubud have a maximum speed of 50 km/h, while main roads between towns allow around 80 km/h. On highways or toll roads, speeds can reach 100 km/h, but watch for police checks, as enforcement is common.

Road signs

Road signs in Bali follow Indonesia’s national traffic sign system. Most signs use symbols you’ll recognize from other countries, but the text is primarily in Bahasa Indonesia. English is added to some signs in tourist areas or at major attractions to assist international visitors. Knowing the basic shapes and colours makes it easier to follow the local signs.

Tolls and restricted zones

The Bali Mandara Toll Road connects Nusa Dua, Ngurah Rai Airport, and Benoa. This is the main toll route on the island and helps you avoid heavy traffic on surface roads near the airport and in the south.

Toll fees are paid cashless with an e‑toll card (such as Mandiri e‑money or BRI BRIZZI). Cash is no longer accepted at the gates, and you must have the card topped up before using the road.

Discover Bali by car

Bali is a vibrant island full of culture, beaches, and lush landscapes waiting to be explored. With a rental car, you can reach more distant sights, like the scenic temples of Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, the volcanic region of Mount Batur, or leisurely follow the coast to spot hidden beaches and waterfalls.

When to visit

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season from April to October. The wet season, from November to March, brings heavy rains and occasional flooding. Crowds peak in July and August, so visiting in the shoulder months (between peak and off-peak seasons) offers calmer roads, lower prices, and still plenty of sunshine.

Languages & communication

Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the official language in Bali, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and car rental offices. A few basic Indonesian phrases will come in handy when visiting local markets, small villages, or interacting with drivers and shopkeepers.

Currency & payments

The currency used in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. ATMs are easy to find in towns and tourist areas, and most of them accept international cards.

However, smaller warungs, local markets, and some taxis often require cash, so it’s wise to carry some rupiah for purchases where cards aren’t accepted.

Top driving routes in Bali

Take on Bali’s most memorable drives and day trips behind the wheel:

• Kintamani and Mount Batur Loop – Drive up toward the Kintamani highlands for stunning views of Mount Batur and its caldera lake.
• Ubud to Tegalalang and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces – Head north and stop at famous rice terraces and UNESCO‑listed fields.
• West Bali Coastal Drive – Follow the coastal road by West Bali National Park, passing fishing villages, temples, and black‑sand beaches before reaching laid‑back Medewi.
• Sidemen to East Bali – Drive through the serene Sidemen Valley, visit Lempuyang Temple’s “Gates of Heaven,” and continue to Tirta Gangga’s water palace and quiet eastern beaches.