Transportation in Kuta

Although Kuta is a large bustling resort, getting around is relatively straightforward and much of it can be done on foot. Minibuses are the main mode of public transport but services are erratic and virtually nonexistent after dark. Most visitors rely on metered taxis for short journeys in town which are cheap and in abundant supply everywhere.

Phone bookings can be made with Bluebird Taxi (tel: +62 (0)361 701111) or Ramayana Taxi (tel: +62 (0)362 765303).  Larger hotel resorts often lay on free transport for guests to and from central Kuta. Longer trips to other towns and resorts across Bali are well served by numerous tourist shuttle buses from Kuta. 

Airport
Bali’s international airport is known as Denpasar but is in fact located just south of Kuta, a 10-minute taxi ride away. The airport is well served by domestic and international airlines with several flights a day from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok. Low cost carriers such as Air Asia and Jetstar fly daily to Bali and prices are very competitive. There are also numerous daily flights from Australia.

Direct domestic routes to Bali include Jakarta, Surabaya and Lombok. The most convenient way into Kuta from the airport is by pre paid airport taxi and fares are rp50,000-rp60,000 to most parts of town. A cheaper option is to simply walk 500 metres to the main gates and flag down a metered taxi from the main road. Fares are at least 50 per cent less.

Walking
Getting around on foot in Kuta can actually be a quicker option than taxis for certain short journeys. The town has a complex network of confusing one way systems and traffic is notoriously heavy at all times of the day. There are many tiny back lanes which offer time saving short cuts for pedestrians.

Motorcycle taxis
These winding lanes are also served by motorcycle taxis known as ‘ojek‘. Single passengers ride pillion and fares are no more than rp10,000 for any journey in central Kuta. It is also cheap and easy to rent your own motorcycle in Kuta but thoroughly check the condition as some bikes are very poorly maintained. More on safety in Bali.

Taxis
There is no escaping the constant offers of transport from the numerous taxi touts who hang on every street corner. The majority are polite and professional with generally well maintained vehicles. Always agree a price beforehand and bargain hard as the opening price is sure to be grossly inflated. Good deals can be had for a full day charter if you wish to get out and explore the island. A decent air con vehicle with driver should cost between rp300,000-rp400,000 for eight hours.

Bus
Tourist shuttle bus services can be booked at hundreds of travel kiosks and hotels in the resort and offer a cheap and convenient day out at other popular spots such as Sanur, Ubud and Nusa Dua. As a general guide expect to pay around a third of the equivalent journey by taxi. Buses usually depart from the relevant tour operators’ offices but for a small extra fee hotel pickups are usually possible. Perama Tour (Jalan Legian no39, Kuta tel: +62 (0)361 751551) is the most well known operator with the most comprehensive service.

Disabled travellers
Kuta like most other towns in Bali has poor accessibility for disabled travellers. Local people are extremely helpful but pavements are in poor condition and full of potholes. Transport options are also limited for wheelchair users and any travel plans will need to be reserved well in advance. There are some very good private operators with modern adapted vehicles and most hotels should be able to assist with your needs and make bookings on your behalf. More on health in Bali.

Costs of holidays in Bali
Kuta day trips and excursions
Transportation in Legian

Transportation in Phnom Penh
Transport in Singapore