Canggu to Ubud by Scooter: Route, Riding Time & Stops

Canggu to Ubud is one of the most popular rides in Bali — surf town to rice-terrace town in about an hour and a half. It’s very doable on a scooter if you pick the right time and know what to expect. Here’s the practical guide.
How long does it take?
About 1 to 1.5 hours for roughly 30–35 km, depending on your exact start point and traffic. Early mornings can be faster; late afternoons can be much slower. For other riding times, see Bali scooter travel times.
Best time to ride
- Leave Canggu before 8 am — lighter traffic, cooler air, and you reach Ubud before the tour buses.
- Avoid returning between 4 and 7 pm, when the roads into Canggu are at their worst.
- Rainy season: Ubud often gets afternoon storms. Plan to head back by 2–3 pm, or wait out the rain in a café.

The route
Google Maps will typically take you east through Kerobokan or the back roads around Sempidi and Mengwi, then via Sibang and Mas or Sayan into Ubud. The main roads are busier but straightforward; the back roads are prettier but narrower, with more turns. Download offline maps before you go — see navigating Bali by scooter.
Stops along the way
- Rice fields around Mengwi and Sayan — pull over safely for photos.
- Taman Ayun temple in Mengwi, a short detour.
- Tegenungan waterfall, south of Ubud — combine with the ride in. More in Bali waterfalls by scooter.
- Mas and Celuk craft villages for woodcarving and silver.
Parking in Ubud
Central Ubud has one-way loops and busy streets around the market and Monkey Forest. Use paid parking (around IDR 2–5k for a scooter) or the parking at the sights, and walk around the centre. See scooter parking in Bali.
Which scooter?
Any scooter can do it solo. For two people and a day of exploring the hills around Ubud, a Vario, NMAX or PCX makes the ride easier. See best scooter to rent in Bali.
Moving to Ubud? Ride one-way
If you’re moving from Canggu to a villa in Ubud, send your luggage by car and ride the scooter — or arrange a one-way rental. See one-way scooter rental. Or get a bike delivered in Ubud: scooter rental Ubud.
Safety reminders
- Helmet on, strapped.
- Licence and IDP with you — checkpoints are common in South Bali.
- Take it slow through villages: dogs, kids and ceremonies.
Book a bike
Get a scooter delivered to your Canggu villa from the SiapPergi catalogue — two helmets and a raincoat included, pay after checking the bike. Or see scooter rental Canggu.
Ready to ride? Compare daily, weekly & monthly rates on our Bali scooter rental page — delivered to your hotel or villa in 34 areas.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to ride a scooter from Canggu to Ubud?
About 1 to 1.5 hours for roughly 30–35 km, depending on traffic.
What is the best time to ride from Canggu to Ubud?
Leave before 8 am and avoid returning between 4 and 7 pm, when traffic into Canggu is worst.
Is it safe to ride a scooter from Canggu to Ubud?
For confident riders, yes. Wear a helmet, avoid rush hour, and slow down through villages.
Where do I park a scooter in Ubud?
Use paid parking areas or the parking at sights — around IDR 2–5k — and walk around the centre.