How to Get from Ubud to Sanur: A Complete Guide
If you are thinking of visiting Sanur for a day trip or moving there for a few days, there are a few ways to get there from Ubud. It really depends on how much you are carrying and your budget.
I’ve tried different ways and I can report back that the best way is definitely by car (I’ll give you a few options below). That’s because it’s comfortable and there is AC!
The other way to get from Ubud to Sanur is by scooter, you could either rent one or call Grab. I normally get a scooter when I’m running short of time and I’m only carrying a backpack with me!
Are you ready?
Let’s go!
How Far is Sanur from Ubud?
The distance between Ubud and Sanur is approximately 25 kilometres, which makes it a fairly short journey by Bali standards. Typically, the trip takes around 45 minutes to an hour by car, depending on traffic. If you’re lucky and travelling at a less busy time, you might get there faster.
By scooter is definitely faster because you can easily squeeze in around the traffic. It generally takes me 45 minutes by scooter when I leave Ubud around 7am or earlier. Another good time to travel is after dinner so around 8,30 PM.
As you can see, because it doesn’t take too long, you can totally only spend one day in Sanur and come back to Ubud after dinner!
The road between Ubud and Sanur takes you through a mix of local villages, temples, and rice fields. So it’s quite a nice route until you get to Denpasar which is a lot busier and more city-like.
Is Public Transport an Option?
Public transportation in Bali is fairly limited and it operates on a limited schedule. Check out the best options on 12Go to see if any of the public options would work for you!
I will talk about local buses later in this blog post 😉
Best Ways To Get From Ubud To Sanur
Overview:
| Option | Price | Why I Recommend It |
|---|---|---|
|
Private Driver 👉 Book your driver now |
$20 | Super comfortable, safe, and perfect for solo travel with luggage. Easy to book and you can read reviews in advance! |
|
Rent a Scooter 👉 Check scooter rental prices |
$3–5 | A great way to explore freely — ideal if you’re confident riding and travelling light. BikAgo even delivers to your place! |
|
Grab or Gojek 👉 Open Gojek app |
$5–20 | Fast and convenient, especially if you’re travelling light. Choose a car for comfort or scooter taxi for speed and budget. |
|
Local Shuttle Bus 👉 Check schedules on 12Go |
$3 | Cheapest option and fully air-conditioned. Just check departure times in advance and be mindful of luggage limits. |
1. Private Driver
This is how I always choose to go to Sanur from Ubud because it’s comfortable, there is air conditioner and I can carry my luggage comfortably!
👉 You can book your driver via Klook.com, this platform is widely used in Bali and you can check previous reviews too! This is perfect, especially when travelling alone!
I also love chatting to the drivers (and people working at supermarkets!) – so if you are a people person, you will enjoy having a driver!
But unless you initiate the chat, the driver doesn’t really say anything, so if you’re an introvert, you’re still ok!
2. Rent a Scooter: Explore at Your Own Pace
If you’re up for a little adventure, renting a scooter is a fantastic way to travel from Ubud to Sanur. The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic, and renting a scooter allows you to travel at your own pace. Plus, you’ll have the freedom to make stops along the way and explore parts of Bali that you might otherwise miss.
Scooter rentals are widely available in Ubud, with prices ranging from 50,000 to 80,000 IDR per day (about $3 to $5 USD). Just make sure to carry your international driving license and wear a helmet for safety.
👉 BikAgo is the best place to get your scooter, they can also deliver it wherever you are!
Renting a scooter is ideal for solo travellers or couples with light luggage. If you don’t feel confident driving, make sure you take a few driving classes first – I would recommend Safe Riding Bali for this.
3. Book a Grab!
An alternative would be to call a Grab or Gojek. These are the best apps that allow you to book a scooter taxi directly from your phone, and it’s typically faster than a car during peak traffic. If you’re travelling light, this option is ideal.
Make sure to select the XL option for scooters if you want more room or are carrying a small bag. For a scooter taxi, you can expect to pay around IDR 80,000 (approximately $5) depending on demand and time of the day.
However, if you have luggage or prefer a more comfortable ride, you can easily order a car taxi through the same apps, Expect to pay between 250,000 to 300,000 IDR (around $16 to $20) for a car taxi, with prices varying based on demand and time of day.
However, on Grab or Gojek you won’t have access to reviews about the service, so if you want to book a car, 👉 the private driver is still the best option!
4. Local buses
For those looking to save money, taking a bus from Ubud to Sanur is one of the most affordable options. Several companies operate daily buses between Ubud and Sanur, with tickets costing around 50,000 IDR (about $3), making it a budget-friendly choice.
There are direct bus services, which means no need for transfers. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the specific bus service. These buses typically depart from Ubud’s main terminal or from designated stops in town and arrive at Sanur’s bus terminal.
👉 Perama Bus is one of the best bus companies out there! You can also go all the way to the airport with the same company.
How to Book a Bus Ticket
Booking a bus ticket is easy. You can either book online in advance or purchase your ticket directly at the terminal. It’s a good idea to check the bus schedules ahead of time, as these services operate daily, but at fixed times. Buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, which is amazing.
Make sure you check their luggage limit so you know exactly what you can carry with you. They normally allow 2 suitcases, but double-check when you reserve your ticket!
Must-Visit Spots on the Way
If you decide to rent a scooter, there are a few spots worth checking out. One popular stop is the Tegenungan Waterfall, located just south of Ubud. It’s a beautiful waterfall where you can take a break, take some photos, and cool off.
Another fascinating site is Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), an ancient temple complex where you can explore intricate carvings and historical relics.
As you get closer to Sanur, you might also want to visit the Duta Orchid Garden, which showcases a variety of tropical flowers and plants.
Best Places To Stay in Sanur
Luxury options 👉 Andaz Bali
Medium range options 👉 Tandjung Sari Hotel
Low-range suggestions 👉 Kembali Lagi Guest House
Check out more places to stay in Sanur in this detailed blog post 🌟
FAQs on Sanur
1. Is Ubud more expensive than Sanur?
Generally, Ubud tends to be more expensive than Sanur, particularly when it comes to dining, accommodation, and activities.
Ubud’s popularity as a cultural hub and its abundance of upscale restaurants and boutique hotels contribute to higher prices. However, both areas offer options to suit various budgets, so it’s still possible to find affordable choices in both locations.
2. What does Sanur look like in the rainy season?
In the rainy season (November to March), Sanur experiences frequent short bursts of rain. The beaches may have higher waves, making swimming less ideal at times, but the atmosphere is peaceful with fewer tourists.
While temperatures remain warm and humid, accommodations are often available at lower rates. You can still enjoy cultural experiences and indoor activities during this quieter season.
3. What are the pros and cons of living in Ubud vs. Sanur in Bali?
Living in Ubud has its advantages, such as a rich cultural environment, artistic/spiritual community, and proximity to nature and wellness activities. However, it can be busier and more touristy, leading to higher living costs.
Sanur, on the other hand, offers a laid-back beach lifestyle with a more local feel, making it a great place to relax or try out water sports. It’s also a great base if you want to explore nearby islands (check out this blog post on day trips from Sanur!).
However, it may lack the cultural vibrancy found in Ubud. Ultimately, the choice between Ubud and Sanur depends on personal preferences regarding lifestyle, activities, and vibe!
4. Is Grab available in Sanur?
Yes, Grab operates in Sanur, making it easy for you to book rides or order food from local restaurants. The app is user-friendly, allowing you to choose between car and scooter taxis based on your preference.
Using Grab in Sanur can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. However, Sanur is very walkable so you would rarely need to book Grab!
Final Thoughts On How To Get From Ubud to Sanur
I would honestly book a private driver or a Grab scooter if you have no luggage and want to avoid traffic!
The bus would only be an option if you are really travelling on a budget and not mind if it would take a while to get there!
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
Related Blog Posts
- Best Day Trips From Sanur For Solo Travellers
- Guide To Best Restaurants in Sanur
- What do to in Sanur at Night
- Best Hotels in Sanur for Solo Travellers
- How To Get From The Airport To Sanur
- Getting from Ubud to Uluwatu: A Guide for Female Solo Travelers
- Best Ways To Get From Ubud To Amed
- How to Get from Bali Airport to Ubud: A Solo Traveller’s Guide
- How To Spend One Day In Sanur
- Bali and Gili Islands Itinerary: A Perfect 2 Weeks in Paradise
- The Ultimate 10-Day Bali Adventure: Your Perfect Itinerary
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✍️ Bali Travel Planning Guide 🌴
Before you start your unforgettable journey to Bali here are the essential tips every female solo traveller should know:
📱 Do I need an eSIM for Bali?
✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Get your Indonesia plan now
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Bali?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit (and yes, Bali belly is a thing!). I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!
💧Can you drink the water in Bali?
🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in Bali (I even brush my teeth with filtered water).
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Bali accommodations?
My go-to for Bali hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️
🐒 What’s the best way to book my Bali activities?
Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!
🛒 Will I find tampons in Bali?
Yes! However, they are hard to find! Get the guide with the list of sellers and Google Map here!
🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?
I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car, Klook is still your best bet. They have cars available to pick up right at the airport! For scooter rental in Bali, go to BikAgo.
🏄🏽 Where can I book surf camps or yoga retreats?
Booksurfcamps.com is the best for surf camps all over the world. Use Bookyogaretreats.com for the best yoga retreats in Bali and worldwide.
✈️ What’s the best site to book my flight?
Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next! If you will embark on a long flight and you love showering in between flights or just using the lounges in airports all over the world, check out Lounge Passes on Klook, GetYourGuide or get a lounge membership on Priority Pass!
🎫 Do I need a visa for Bali?
👍 Yes — US, UK, and EU passport holders can get the Visa On Arrival (Tourist Visa) valid for 30 days in Bali. Read more here)
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). The best debit card to use when travelling to Bali is Wise!
🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Bali is easy peasy! Rent your scooter on BikAgo. The alternative would be getting a scooter taxi using Grab or Gojek which are safe and cheap in major places like Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu. You can also book your private driver!
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