Asia > 🇮🇩 Indonesia
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Indonesia can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Indonesia; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Indonesia?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Indonesia?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Indonesia
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Batam | BTH | |
| Denpasar | DPS | |
| Jakarta | CGK | |
| Lombok | LOP | |
| Nusantara | BPNn | |
| Palau | PLW | |
| Surabaya | SUB |
Should You Rent a Car in Indonesia? 🚗🌋
Indonesia is a vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands, known for its volcanoes, rainforests, temples, beaches, and unique cultures. Transport varies dramatically from island to island, which is why many travellers ask: should you rent a car in Indonesia? The answer depends entirely on which island you’re visiting and how confident you are navigating local roads and traffic conditions.
Indonesia is not a one-size-fits-all destination. While renting a car in Bali might offer freedom to explore beaches and rice terraces, driving in Jakarta is best avoided due to heavy congestion. Meanwhile, on islands like Java and Sumatra, trains and drivers-for-hire are often better options than self-driving.
🚶 When You Don’t Need a Car
Some parts of Indonesia are easier and more enjoyable to explore without hiring your own vehicle.
| Location / Region | Why a Car Isn’t Needed | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Jakarta | Extreme traffic congestion | Taxi, ride-hailing apps (Grab, Gojek) |
| Yogyakarta (Java) | Excellent train links to temples | Guided tour or driver-for-hire |
| Gili Islands | No cars allowed | Bicycle or horse cart |
| Komodo Islands | Boat-based excursions | Liveaboard or tour boat |
➡ Ideal for travellers who prefer guided experiences or plan to stay in one area.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is a Great Option
On certain islands, having a car offers independence and access to areas not well-served by public transport.
| Island / Region | Why Renting Helps | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bali | Access hidden beaches, temples, rice terraces | Most visitors hire a car with driver |
| Lombok | Scenic coastal driving, waterfalls | Roads are quieter than Bali |
| Sumatra | Remote national parks and lakes | 4×4 sometimes required |
| Flores | Access to volcano trails and villages | Self-drive possible but challenging |
In most cases, travellers hire a car with a driver, as local knowledge is essential and prices are affordable.
🚦 Driving in Indonesia – What to Expect
-
You drive on the left-hand side
-
Traffic can be chaotic, especially in urban areas
-
Road quality varies: highways in Java are excellent, but rural island roads may be steep or unpaved
-
Scooters and motorbikes dominate the road network
-
Navigation can be difficult without local knowledge
Car Rental Options
-
Major airports (Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan) offer international and local car rental companies
-
Most tourists choose a car with private driver
-
Self-drive is possible but requires an International Driving Permit (IDP)
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter rental | Solo travellers in Bali or Lombok | Most popular local option |
| Driver with car | Full-day excursions | Affordable and stress-free |
| Train (Java) | Long-distance travel | Comfortable and scenic |
| Domestic flights | Inter-island travel | Essential due to long distances |
| Ferries & speedboats | Island hopping | Frequent services between major islands |
🧭 Conclusion
Renting a car in Indonesia can be incredibly useful in places like Bali, Lombok, and Flores, where scenic drives and rural attractions are spread out. However, in major cities such as Jakarta or on islands where cars aren’t practical, it’s better to rely on drivers, tours, scooters, or public transport. The best choice depends on which island you’re visiting and whether you value independence and exploration or convenience and local guidance.
