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Transportation Guide

Getting Around Brunei 2025

Navigate Brunei like a local with our transportation guide.

Brunei Darussalam, the Abode of Peace, is a small but wealthy sultanate on the island of Borneo. This pristine nation offers a unique blend of opulent Islamic architecture, pristine rainforests, and traditional water villages alongside modern luxury.

Transportation Overview

Quick comparison of transport options in Brunei.

🚌

Public Transit

Availability: ★★☆☆☆

Purple bus network covers main areas but runs only 6:30am-6pm and is infrequent (30-60 min gaps). Not suitable for flexible sightseeing.

🚕

Taxis

Availability: ★★★☆☆

Dart app is the best option — cheaper than taxis, English-speaking drivers, easily bookable. Street taxis are scarce.

🚗

Car Rental

Recommended: ★★★★☆

Car rental is highly recommended for exploring beyond BSB. Brunei's roads are excellent, fuel is incredibly cheap, and rental cars provide access to all districts.

🚶

Walking

Suitable: ★★★☆☆

BSB city centre is walkable between key attractions. However, Brunei's tropical heat and humidity make walking in midday uncomfortable. Drive or take Dart for distances over 1km.

Getting There

How to arrive in Brunei.

✈️ By Air

Airport

Brunei International Airport

BWN

Transfer options: Taxi - $25-30 BND (15 minutes), Dart app - $20-25 BND, Purple Line buses (23, 24, 34, 36, 38) - $1 BND (30 minutes), Hotel shuttle - varies by hotel, Car rental - available at airport

Airport Transfer Options

🚕 Taxi

Taxi - $25-30 BND (15 minutes)

Metered taxis available curbside at arrivals. Fixed airport surcharge of $3 BND applies.

🚐 Shared Shuttle

Dart app - $20-25 BND

Download Dart ride-hailing app before arrival for cheaper fares than street taxis.

🚌 Public Bus

Purple Line buses (23, 24, 34, 36, 38) - $1 BND (30 minutes)

Cheapest option runs to BSB city centre. Buses operate 6:30am-6pm only.

🚗 Private Transfer

$60-100 BND pre-booked

Hotel shuttle or private transfer bookable through all major hotels. Include meet-and-greet service.

🚗

Complete Transportation Guide

Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.

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Local Transportation

Getting around within Brunei.

🚌 Buses

Purple bus network operates throughout Bandar Seri Begawan and surrounding areas. Fare: $1 BND per journey regardless of distance. Routes operate 6:30am-6pm. Main routes include 01 (circular city), 20 (Gadong), 23/24/34/38 (Airport). Buses are air-conditioned but infrequent (every 30-60 minutes).

🛺 Local Alternatives

Dart ride-hailing app, water taxi (for Kampong Ayer), metered taxis, car rental

Taxis & Rideshare

On-demand transport options.

Taxi

Regular Taxis

Metered taxis available. Base fare: $3.50 BND for first km/minute, then $0.20 BND per 250m or 15 seconds. Airport surcharge: $3 BND. Taxis are not abundant — best to use Dart app.

Typical fare: $5-15 BND average city ride within BSB
App

Ride-Hailing Apps

['Dart']

Dart

Taxi Safety Tips

  • Use official taxis or verified ride-hailing apps
  • Agree on fare before starting or ensure meter is running
  • Have your destination written down in local language
  • Keep small bills for payment - drivers may not have change
  • Share your ride details with someone if traveling alone at night

Intercity Travel

Getting between cities and regions.

Bus

Long-Distance Buses

Limited intercity bus service. Main routes connect Bandar Seri Begawan to Seria ($5 BND, 2 hours), Kuala Belait ($6 BND, 2.5 hours), and Tutong ($3 BND, 45 minutes).

Shared

Shared Taxis/Minivans

Shared taxis to Miri (Malaysia) from BSB terminal at $25-30 BND per person.

Air

Domestic Flights

No domestic flights. Speedboat to Temburong District: $8 BND each way from Sungai Kianggeh jetty.

Private

Private Car/Driver

Car hire from $50 BND/day. Private transfers to Miri available from $80-100 BND.

Driving in Brunei

Information for self-driving travelers.

Recommended?

Generally not recommended

Driving Side

Right-hand traffic

License Required

International Driving Permit recommended

Road Conditions

Varies by region. Main highways usually good, rural roads may be poor.

Driving Considerations

  • Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
  • Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
  • Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
  • Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
  • Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)

Transportation Tips

Essential advice for getting around.

💡

Download the Dart app before arriving in Brunei — it's the most practical transport option for tourists and often cheaper than taxis.

💡

Rent a car for day trips to Tutong, Seria, and coastal areas — public transport to these areas is infrequent and inflexible.

💡

Water taxis in Kampong Ayer charge $1 BND per person for a crossing; negotiate a rate for hourly village exploration (BND 20-30/hour).

💡

The Purple bus BND 1 flat fare is excellent value for getting from airport to city centre if your accommodation is served.

💡

Brunei's fuel is subsidized at around $0.31 BND/litre — one of the cheapest in the world. Car rental is extremely affordable to run.

💡

Brunei drives on the left — same as UK, Australia, Malaysia. International Driving Permit required for car rental.

Useful Apps

Dart

Brunei's main ride-hailing app (similar to Grab). Available on iOS and Android. Best transport option for most visitors.

Google Maps

Works well for Brunei navigation. Shows bus routes and walking directions for BSB and surrounding areas.

Navigate Brunei Like a Local

Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.

Download Transport Guide