Getting Around Brunei
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use taxis or Grab for Bandar Seri Begawan. Rural: Rent a car for Temburong and Belait districts. Water Crossings: Ferries for Kampong Ayer. For convenience, book airport transfers from Brunei Airport to your destination.
Train Travel
No Rail Network
Brunei has no passenger train system; rely on buses and domestic flights for inter-district travel with efficient road connections.
Cost: BSB to Seria BND10-20, journeys under 2 hours via bus on main highways.
Tickets: Buy via bus terminals or apps like Grab for shared rides. Cash or card accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM for less traffic and easier boarding.
Bus Passes
Public bus cards offer unlimited rides in BSB for BND5/day or BND20/week, ideal for multiple short trips.
Best For: Urban exploration over several days, savings for 5+ rides in the capital.
Where to Buy: Bus stations, convenience stores, or official apps with instant top-up.
Domestic Flights
Royal Brunei Airlines connects BSB to Labi and coastal areas, short hops for remote districts.
Booking: Reserve via airline app for best prices, discounts up to 30% for locals.
Main Hubs: Brunei International Airport (BWN) handles all domestic routes efficiently.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Temburong and rural areas. Compare rental prices from BND50-80/day at Brunei Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international permit recommended), credit card, minimum age 21.
Insurance: Full coverage advised, often included; check for flood protection in rainy season.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 110 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal on main roads; Temburong Bridge free for now, watch for future fees.
Priority: Yield to roundabouts, right-of-way at unmarked junctions; strict no-alcohol laws.
Parking: Free in most areas, paid zones BND1-2/hour in BSB center.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations widespread at BND0.53/liter for subsidized petrol, same for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, download offline maps for remote areas.
Traffic: Light overall, but congestion in BSB during prayer times and evenings.
Urban Transport
Public Buses
Basic network in Bandar Seri Begawan, single ticket BND1, day pass BND4, 10-journey card BND8.
Validation: Pay exact cash to driver upon boarding, no change given; routes limited to main areas.
Apps: Brunei Darussalam Transport app for schedules, real-time updates, and route planning.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing in parks and hotels, BND5-10/day with stations in BSB and Jerudong.
Routes: Flat terrain ideal for cycling, dedicated paths along waterfront and parks.
Tours: Eco-bike tours available in Ulu Temburong National Park, guided with safety gear.
Water Taxis & Ferries
Speedboats for Kampong Ayer villages, BND2-5 per ride; Temburong ferry BND5-10 round-trip.
Tickets: Buy at jetties or use contactless; services run 6 AM-10 PM daily.
Temburong Bridge: New road link reduces ferry need, but boats still popular for views.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near waterfront in BSB for easy access, Gadong area for shopping and transport.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for peak seasons (June-Aug) and major events like Sultan's Birthday.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for humid weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for halal food options, prayer rooms, and proximity to mosques before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 4G/5G coverage in urban areas, 4G in most rural spots including Temburong.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from BND7 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
DST and Progresif offer prepaid SIMs from BND10-20 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, malls, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for BND20, 10GB for BND35, unlimited for BND50/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi available in hotels, malls, cafes, and public spaces like mosques.
Public Hotspots: Airports and major parks offer free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-80 Mbps) in BSB, reliable for streaming and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Brunei Darussalam Time (BNT), UTC+8, no daylight saving time observed.
- Airport Transfers: Brunei International Airport (BWN) 10km from city center, taxi BND20 (15 min), or book private transfer for BND30-50.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airport and bus terminals (BND5-10/day) in major areas.
- Accessibility: Buses and taxis wheelchair-friendly in cities, some rural paths limited by terrain.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed in taxis (extra fee BND10), check accommodation for Islamic compliance.
- Bike Transport: Bikes can be carried on buses for BND2, rentals include transport options.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Brunei
Brunei International Airport (BWN) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Brunei International Airport (BWN): Primary international gateway, 10km north of BSB with taxi connections.
Support Airports: Anduki Airport (Seria) for oilfield flights, limited domestic use.
Nearby Options: Miri Airport (Malaysia) 200km away, bus or flight to BSB for regional access.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for peak travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and taking short flight to BWN for savings.
Budget Airlines
AirAsia, Scoot, and Malindo Air serve BWN with Southeast Asian connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and immigration time when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee BND1-3, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels and malls, cash preferred in rural spots.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay common in cities, Apple Pay and Google Pay supported widely.
- Cash: Essential for taxis, markets, and small vendors, keep BND50-100 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary in Islamic culture, service included; small gratuity for exceptional help.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor exchanges.