How to Get from Ubud to Seminyak: Your Complete Guide
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After exploring Ubud’s temples, rice fields, and cafés, you’re probably ready for a change of pace by the beach. Seminyak offers a cool mix of beach clubs, boutique shopping, and top-notch dining. But how do you get there? Some travellers suggest renting a scooter, while others prefer a private driver for a smoother ride. I make this journey often, and it’s actually quite simple. Here’s everything you need to know on how to get from Ubud to Seminyak.
Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
Before you hit the road, make sure you’ve got everything covered. My Bali Travel Checklist has all the must-know tips for a smooth trip, from transport to packing essentials.
Distance Between Ubud And Semyniak
The distance between Ubud and Seminyak is approximately 30 kilometres, but due to Bali’s traffic conditions, the journey can take anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours by car or scooter.
To get there faster, it’s best to leave early in the morning, ideally before 9 AM, when the roads are less congested. Weekend mornings tend to have lighter traffic compared to weekdays, which are busier with local commuters. However, avoid travelling on Friday and Saturday evenings, as traffic heading to Seminyak for nightlife can slow you down significantly.
Options On How to Get from Ubud to Seminyak

Getting from Ubud to Seminyak is easy, but the best way to travel depends on your budget and whether you’re carrying luggage. Some options are faster and more convenient, while others are more affordable but take a bit longer.
If you’re travelling light, you’ll have more flexibility, whereas larger suitcases may limit your choices.
To help you decide, here’s an overview of the main transport options and what to expect on the journey:
#1 Book a private driver

Taking a taxi or hiring a private driver is the easiest and most comfortable way to travel from Ubud to Seminyak, especially if you have luggage.
👉 Check availability on Klook.com! This is the best place to book it from. You can check previous reviews on the site and have the flexibility of having a driver just for you. This means you can ask to make some stops on the way or take breaks!
You can also get a Grab, Bali’s ride-hailing app (similar to Uber but a lot cheaper!), which operates in Ubud. You can book a ride directly through the app.
Otherwise, you can ask your current hotel in Ubud to arrange a taxi for you, however, this solution is normally more expensive than Grab or a private driver!
Pricing and Timing:
The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Expect to pay between IDR 250,000 – 350,000 ($16 – $23).
#2 Rent a Scooter

For travellers who are comfortable riding a scooter, renting one offers flexibility and freedom. The ride can be long, but you can make stops along the way to rest or explore.
Where to Rent:
I recommend using BikAgo for scooter rentals. An N Max scooter is a great option for a steady and comfortable ride.
This company is reliable and affordable, plus they deliver the scooter wherever you are and you can drop it off anywhere you want.
It’s the perfect option when you’re on a tight itinerary because you have full flexibility! However, remember that if you are travelling with many suitcases, you need the car!
Pricing and Timing:
- Scooter rentals start from IDR 80,000 ($5) per day.
- The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Directions from Ubud to Seminyak:
- Start at Ubud and head south on Jalan Raya Pengosekan.
- Merge onto Jalan Raya Singapadu and continue towards Batuan.
- Follow the road south until you reach Bypass Ngurah Rai.
- Turn right onto Sunset Road.
- Continue on Sunset Road until you reach Seminyak.
#3 Small van for small groups
There’s no public transport between Ubud and Seminyak, so options like local buses or trains aren’t available.
While some shuttle services operate on this route, they usually require a minimum of three or four passengers, making them less convenient for solo travellers.
If you’re creating a group and want to check availability, 👉 12Go is a good platform to explore shuttle options.
#4 By Grab Scooter

For solo travellers without large luggage, Grab scooter is a budget-friendly and fast way to get from Ubud to Seminyak.
It’s much cheaper than a car and can navigate through traffic more easily.
However, the ride can be long and tiring, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with long scooter journeys.
Read more about Grab scooters on this detailed guide, there is everything you need to know before booking your first one!
Pricing and Timing:
A Grab scooter ride costs around IDR 80,000 – 150,000 ($5 – $10). The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
How to Book:
Simply open the Grab app, select “Bike,” enter your destination, and confirm your ride.
Remember to wear trainers for long rides like this. It’s a lot more comfortable for the soles of your feet and your ankles! I found that flip flops and flat sandals are the worst!
However you decide to get from Ubud to Seminyak, one thing that always gives me peace of mind is having SafetyWing Nomad Insurance.
It covers unexpected medical care abroad, travel delays and lost luggage, and I can pay month to month without being tied into a long plan.
I love that it works across different countries too, which is perfect if you are travelling through Asia.
I’ve partnered with SafetyWing to share Nomad Insurance, which I personally use when travelling.
Things to Do Along the Way

Regardless of how you travel, consider stopping at these spots between Ubud and Seminyak:
💦 Tegenungan Waterfall: A stunning waterfall located just south of Ubud. If you have time, stop here for a quick photo or a refreshing dip.
👹 The Ogoh Ogoh Bali Museum: This unique museum in Mengwi displays the giant, handcrafted statues used in Bali’s Nyepi (Day of Silence) celebrations. If you’re interested in Balinese culture and mythology, it’s a great place to see these impressive creations in detail!
🏖️ Sanur Beach: If you’re taking the bypass road, stop at Sanur Beach for a quick snack and walk by the sea before continuing to Seminyak.
Need to stock up on essentials in Bali? Finding tampons here isn’t always easy, but I’ve done the research for you. My Guide to Finding Tampons in Bali lists exactly where to buy them and what to expect!
Suggested Accommodations in Ubud and Seminyak
Places to Stay in Ubud:
➡️ If you’re still deciding where to stay, check out my guide on the best places to stay in Ubud for solo travellers
Places to Stay in Seminyak:
FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions

A taxi ride typically costs between IDR 250,000 – 350,000 ($16 – $23), depending on traffic and the time of day.
Yes, if you are comfortable riding for 1.5 to 2 hours. The roads are busy but manageable. Remember to travel before 9AM, it really makes a difference!
Yes, a day trip is possible. You’ll need to leave early in the morning and return in the evening, but there’s plenty of time to enjoy Seminyak’s beaches, restaurants, and shops.
My Recommendation
For the best balance between comfort and cost, I recommend taking a Grab taxi or renting a scooter.
While it may cost a bit more than a shuttle, you’ll have door-to-door service and won’t have to deal with multiple stops. And if you ride your own scooter, you’re 100% independent!
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
Related Blog Posts
- How to Get from Ubud to Sanur: A Complete Guide
- How to Get from Bali Airport to Ubud: A Solo Traveller’s Guide
- How to Get from Bali Airport to Canggu for Female Solo Travellers
- How to Get from Lovina to Ubud: Best Ways
- Things To Do In Ubud When It Rains
- 15 Things Homestays in Ubud Don’t Have
- Where To Stay In Ubud For Solo Travellers
- 10 Practical Ways to Save Money in Bali
- How to Prepare for the Day of Silence in Bali
✍️ 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!

