Getting Around Brunei: Transport Guide for Travellers

Getting around Brunei is easiest with a mix of taxis/ride‑hailing, limited public buses, and hotel or private airport transfers. Public transport is basic, so most travellers rely on cars, especially in Bandar Seri Begawan. Staying connected with a Hello eSIM makes ride‑hailing, maps, and translation much smoother.

Brunei is small and compact, with most sights clustered around Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), the capital. Outside the city, distances are short but services can be sparse, so planning your Brunei transport in advance saves time and money. For airport transfers, expect to pay around BND 25–35 (about USD 18–26) by taxi into central BSB in 2026, while buses are cheaper but infrequent.

There’s no metro or train network, and buses stop early, typically by early evening. Because of this, taxis, ride‑hailing apps, and rental cars are the most practical options for many visitors. Fuel is heavily subsidised and relatively cheap, making driving cost‑effective if you’re comfortable with left‑hand traffic and local rules. With offline‑friendly maps plus always‑on data from a Hello eSIM, you can navigate, call a cab, or check bus times even when signs and information are limited.

The quickest and most reliable Brunei airport transfer into Bandar Seri Begawan is by taxi or pre‑booked car, costing around BND 25–35 to the city centre in 2026. There is a cheaper public bus, but service is limited and not ideal for late‑night or tight connections.

Brunei International Airport (BWN) sits about 8–10 km from downtown Bandar Seri Begawan, so travel time is only 15–20 minutes by car in normal traffic. Official airport taxis operate on a fixed price basis; you’ll usually see a fare board near the taxi stand outside arrivals. As of 2026, typical one‑way prices are:

• BWN → central BSB hotels: BND 25–35
• BWN → Gadong / Kiulap area: roughly BND 30–40

Taxis don’t use meters, so confirm the fare before getting in. Pre‑booked transfers via hotels or travel agencies cost slightly more (often BND 35–50), but include meet‑and‑greet and can be helpful if you arrive late at night when taxis are scarce.

Public bus Route 23 historically connected the airport to the city for around BND 1 in cash, but schedules can be irregular and services generally finish by early evening. If you’re arriving with luggage, children, or on a late flight, it’s safer to budget for a taxi or private transfer.

To book a ride‑hailing car on arrival, you’ll need mobile data. Many travellers buy and activate a Hello eSIM before landing, so they can order a car the moment they clear immigration without hunting for airport Wi‑Fi or a SIM counter.

Brunei public transport is limited to a small bus network in Bandar Seri Begawan, with no metro or train system, so buses are useful for budget travellers but not reliable enough to be your only way of getting around Brunei. Most visitors mix buses with taxis or ride‑hailing.

BSB’s bus network centres on the Jalan Cator Bus Terminal near the waterfront. Colour‑coded buses fan out to suburbs like Gadong, Kiulap and the airport. Single fares are cheap—typically BND 1 per ride in 2026, payable in cash directly to the driver. There’s no contactless payment or tourist pass system; you simply pay per journey.

Key things to know:

• Operating hours: Roughly 6:00–18:00; buses rarely run at night.
• Frequency: Many routes run only every 30–60 minutes and can be delayed.
• Comfort: Buses are basic but generally safe; air‑conditioning varies.

Because Brunei’s population is under 500,000 (Brunei Government data) and car ownership is high, public buses mainly serve locals without cars rather than tourists. Routes can change and printed timetables are scarce, so having online maps and recent info helps enormously.

If you’re staying near central BSB and planning short daytime trips—say, from the city to Gadong’s malls—buses can be a fun local experience, and the low fare keeps your daily transport budget under BND 5–6. For anything time‑sensitive, like catching a flight or tour, consider taxis or ride‑hailing instead, and treat buses as a bonus rather than a backbone.

The most convenient way of getting around Brunei’s capital is by a mix of taxis, ride‑hailing apps, and water taxis across Kampong Ayer, with most city rides costing between BND 8–20 in 2026. Because services are dispersed, having mobile data for apps and maps is hugely helpful.

Brunei has a small fleet of conventional taxis, mostly based around major hotels, the airport, and shopping areas. They usually charge fixed fares, often in the BND 8–20 range for short hops within Bandar Seri Begawan. It’s common to agree the price before departing, as meters aren’t always used.

Ride‑hailing coverage can change, but local and regional apps often operate in BSB and are handy when street taxis are scarce, especially in residential areas. You’ll need:

• A local phone number or email
• Mobile data to request and track rides
• Cash or card, depending on the app’s payment options

Across the river, Kampong Ayer—the famous stilt village—is best reached by water taxi. Expect to pay:

• BND 1–2 per person for a simple crossing
• BND 20–30 for a 30–40 minute private river tour in 2026

Water taxis don’t have meters, so negotiate beforehand and clarify if the price is per boat or per person.

Because taxis and ride‑hailing rely on live location and messaging, many travellers use an eSIM from Hello to stay online from the moment they land. It keeps GPS accurate for pickups and lets you share your location with friends via the Hello app’s trip planning and expense splitting features.

Driving in Brunei is straightforward on modern, well‑maintained roads, and renting a car is often the most flexible way to explore beyond Bandar Seri Begawan, especially since public transport is limited and taxis are concentrated in the capital. Visitors can usually drive with their home licence plus an International Driving Permit.

Brunei follows left‑hand traffic, similar to Malaysia and Singapore. Main highways—like the coastal road connecting Brunei’s districts—are in good condition and generally uncongested outside peak hours. Speed limits are typically 60 km/h in urban areas and 80–100 km/h on highways, with frequent speed cameras.

Car rental is available at Brunei International Airport and in BSB through international and local agencies. Typical 2026 prices:

• Compact car: BND 60–90 per day
• SUV/MPV: BND 90–150 per day

Fuel is subsidised and comparatively cheap—around BND 0.60–0.80 per litre in 2026, which keeps driving costs low for day trips. Parking in central BSB is usually metered but inexpensive; expect around BND 0.50–1 per hour in many areas.

Most travellers can drive using their home country licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) for visits of up to 90 days, but always check the latest rules with your rental agency or embassy before arrival. Seatbelts are mandatory, drink‑driving laws are strict, and roadside police checks are possible.

Offline maps help, but a Hello eSIM gives you real‑time navigation, traffic updates, and fuel station searches, which is especially useful if you’re driving to remote beaches or forest reserves where signage is minimal.

Because Brunei is small and has no domestic trains, inter‑city travel is mostly by road, with buses, shared taxis, and private cars linking Bandar Seri Begawan to other districts and neighbouring Malaysian Borneo cities like Miri and Limbang. Travel times are short, but border formalities add a layer of logistics.

Within Brunei, you’ll travel between the main districts—Brunei‑Muara (BSB), Tutong, Belait (Kuala Belait, Seria), and Temburong—by car or bus. Local bus companies run medium‑distance services, but schedules change and services can be sparse, so many visitors opt for private transfers or self‑drive.

A popular regional route is Bandar Seri Begawan ↔ Miri (Sarawak, Malaysia). In 2026, you can expect:

• Travel time: 3–4 hours by road, including border stops
• Cost: around BND 25–40 by shared minivan or cross‑border bus; more for private transfers

Similarly, BSB–Limbang services exist via the border crossings, but you’ll transit in and out of Bruneian territory multiple times due to the enclave layout of Brunei and Malaysian Sarawak. According to Tourism Malaysia, overland crossings in Borneo remain a key route for regional travellers.

Here’s a rough comparison of common inter‑city options from BSB:

Route	Mode	Time (2026)	Typical Cost (one‑way)
BSB → Kuala Belait	Bus/Car	2–2.5 hrs	BND 10–20 (bus), 40–80 (private)
BSB → Temburong (bridge)	Car/Taxi	45–60 mins	BND 20–40 (taxi)
BSB → Miri (Malaysia)	Bus/Minivan	3–4 hrs	BND 25–40

Always carry your passport, check visa rules for Malaysia, and allow buffer time for border queues—especially on weekends and holidays when local cross‑border traffic spikes.

For most visitors, Brunei transport feels safe, calm, and manageable, but planning ahead is key because buses are limited and night‑time options are thin. Budget around BND 15–40 per day for getting around Brunei, depending on how often you use taxis or ride‑hailing.

Is Brunei safe to get around?
Yes. Brunei consistently reports low crime rates, and the US State Department currently ranks it as a relatively low‑risk destination in Southeast Asia. Public areas, buses, and taxis are generally safe; normal urban precautions—keeping valuables close, using licensed taxis—are sufficient.

How much should I budget for daily transport?
If you mainly walk and use buses, BND 5–8 per day is enough in 2026. Add occasional taxis or ride‑hailing and you’re looking at BND 15–25. Heavy use of private transfers or rental cars might push that to BND 30–40+ per day.

Can I rely only on public transport?
For central Bandar Seri Begawan sightseeing, you can get by with buses, walking, and water taxis, but for evenings, airport trips, or out‑of‑town attractions, you’ll want taxis, ride‑hailing, or a rental car. Remember that buses generally stop by early evening.

Do I need mobile data to get around?
It’s not mandatory, but it helps a lot. Live maps, ride‑hailing, and translation apps make up for scarce on‑street information. Many travellers use Hello eSIM for Brunei for instant data on arrival, then track taxi costs and split trip expenses with friends using Hello’s built‑in budget and expense tools.

Where can I learn more about Brunei?
Check the main Brunei travel guide for attractions, budgets, and cultural tips, and browse Hello eSIM for Brunei when you’re ready to sort out connectivity and start planning your routes.