Transport in Canggu
There are ways to make getting around easy when you’re visiting Canggu. The roads can be congested & not always big enough for cars to pass through easily. It doesn’t need to be stressful though. Here is my guide to transport in Canggu.
Airport Transfers
Villas & hotels will almost always offer a complimentary transfer service or for a small charge. The standard cost from the airport to Canggu is around 350k / $35 nzd. Due to navigation challenges, opt for the drivers provided by your accommodation because they know exactly where to go.
You can order a Gojek or Grab when you’re visiting Canggu next. Just find your way to the pick up lounge at the airport. There may be a wait and it is no cheaper than ordering a personal driver.
Gojek & Grab
Gone are the days of taxi drivers charging you three times the regular rate. The fare will be calculated before the driver arrives, leaving nothing to the imagination.
Get set up before you leave home by downloading both apps and creating a login. If you use a Wise card, you can attach it to the app and pay without having to exchange cash. Alternatively you can top up a Go Pay (for Gojek) or Ovo (for Grab) account from any Indomaret (convenience store). This is like using prepay. You will load a prepay balance into the app and when it runs out you’ll need to add more.
You order a scooter (or car) in the app. It calculates the cost and how far away the driver is. Just like Uber. When they arrive they will ask your name to check that they have the right person. They will supply you with a helmet, but you will most likely need to ask for it.
Remember to tip. Suggested tips are as follows :
10k ($1 nzd) for a ride less than 5 minutes,;
20k ($2 nzd) for a ride up to 15 minutes and so on.
They don’t expect it but it goes a long way for these friendly & hard working locals.
Side note :
If you pay with cash make sure to have small notes. The drivers often don’t have change.
Hire a scooter when you visit Canggu
Scooters are the main form of transport in Canggu and they can significantly shorten the length of your journey.
Cost can range from around 85k / $8.50 nzd to 120k / $12 nzd per day, depending on the size and age of the scooter. Specify whether you want surf racks and how many helmets (if you will be transporting your friend on the back). The company will deliver the scooter to your villa, and most villas can arrange this on your behalf.
Legally you must have a motorcycle license and it needs to be attached to an international drivers license. You also must wear a helmet by law, even though the bike company probably won’t require it. You won’t be able to claim insurance if you have an accident otherwise. A hospital will not admit you without insurance details or cash up front and hospital bills can rise very quickly.
Side note :
You will see people riding without helmets however many deaths are caused by scooter accidents. Wear a helmet no matter what.
Hire a daily driver
If you are traveling en mass or with children while visiting Canggu, consider a personal driver. If the driver is trustworthy (works for your hotel or villa) then you also have somewhere to leave your belongings. You have air conditioning and comfort, but it will take longer to get anywhere. If you are doing a day trip, you’ll have less traffic before 9am and after sunset. So make a day of it.
Drivers will charge by the half day or full day, as well as the distance. Set the time frame and area, and if you go over they will usually charge by the hour, approximately 100k.
The bonus is that you won’t run into trouble when it comes to finding a parking space. As cars are uncommon here, there is often only parking for scooters. A driver can drop you to where you want to go and return to get you when you are ready.
Side note :
The Balinese are gentle and avoid confrontation wherever possible. If you ask how much it will cost to go over time, they’ll sometimes say that it’s up to you. 100k / $10 nzd per hour overtime is fair, and I always like to tip 10% as well. Again, it won’t be expected, but the look on their face will make it all worthwhile.
Hire a car.
Probably the least favorable option is to hire a car. You can get a compact car for approx 400k / $40 nzd per day. Remember the international license is required to claim insurance in the case of an accident.
Larger vehicles mean your group can travel together but some roads, routes or short cuts will be slow, or inaccessible.
Side note :
You’re better to hire two small cars than one large car due to accessibility issues.
So there you have it, my transportation tips when you are next visiting Canggu Bali. Remember you can walk as well. The roads aren’t great, but they’re a more viable option than they used to be. So slap on sunscreen & slap on a hat and pound the new pavements as well.
Next, read my post on the Best Restaurants in Canggu in 2025.
Happy travelling.
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