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How to Get to Bandar Seri Begawan

How to Get to Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Travel Guide

Airport & Airlines

Brunei International Airport BWN

BWN is the country's sole international airport. It sits approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Bandar Seri Begawan's city center. Its single terminal handles all international and domestic flights.

Airlines & Routes

  • Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) is the national carrier.
  • Operates direct flights to many provincial and a few international destinations.
  • Other airlines include AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Cebu Pacific.

Global Connections

Typical routes include direct flights from Singapore, Kl, London, Dubai, Melbourne, Seoul, Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Kota Kinabalu city.

Major Hubs

  • London Heathrow (LHR) has direct flights via Royal Brunei Airlines.
  • Dubai International (DXB) also has direct flights via Royal Brunei Airlines.
  • Other major global hubs often use Singapore (SIN) or Kuala Lumpur (KUL) as connection points.

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices may increase during peak holiday seasons (Eid al-Fitr, breaks from school) and drier months (Feb-Apr).

Booking Tips

Booking booking flights early, especially with Royal Brunei Airlines, is recommended to secure better rates.

Airport Facilities

Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, currency exchange, ATMs, car rental counters, and Wi-Fi are available.

Airport Transfers

Taxi Options

  • Metered taxis are available.
  • A flat rate of BND 25 (approx. USD 18.50) applies from airport to city.
  • Find the taxicab counter in the arrivals hall.
  • Bookings from DiscoverCars.com.

Other Transfers

  • The Dart ride-sharing app is available; generally lower rates.
  • Some hotels offer complimentary airport transfer services.
  • Public buses (Line 23, 24, 36, 38) connect airport to city; BND 1 fare.
  • Download Dart app before arrival for convenience.

Flight Resources

Flight Deals

Dollar Flight Club offers discounted fares.

Price Comparison

Skyscanner for finding best flight prices.

Air Passenger Rights

AirHelp assists with compensation for issues with your flight.

Border & Overland

Malaysian Borders

Brunei shares land borders with the Malaysian state of Sarawak. This provides for overland transport links.

Crossings

  • Sungai Tujoh: Connects Kuala Belait (Brunei) with Miri (Sarawak, Malaysia).
  • Labu: Connects Temburong District (Brunei) with Limbang (Sarawak, Malaysia).
  • Immigration and customs procedures are generally straightforward.

Intercity Travel

Brunei Darussalam does not possess any train services. Travel between cities within Brunei mainly occurs with a private car or shared vans.

International Buses

  • Bus companies like Sipitang Express operate routes to Miri.
  • Jesselton Express operates directions to Kota Kinabalu city.
  • These present a method to combine your Brunei trip with further Borneo exploration.

Self-Driving Details

To rent a car, you must have a valid national driving license along with an International Driving Permit (IDP). The minimum driving age is typically 18.

Driving Rules

  • Drive on the left side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
  • Speed limits: 80-100 km/h (highways), 50 km/h (urban areas).

Road Conditions

Roads in and around Bandar Seri Begawan are generally well-maintained. Outside the capital, conditions can vary, though primary routes remain good.

Safety Tips

  • Heavy traffic during peak hours in Bandar Seri Begawan.
  • Driving in rural areas or during heavy rain can be challenging.
  • Localized flooding can occur in some low-areas at low elevation.

Rental Caveats

  • Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less frequent for tourists.
  • Generally not recommended due to traffic flow.
  • Lack of dedicated motorcycle infrastructure.
  • These alternatives is sometimes less safe for visitors.
  • Some exclusive renters might offer them, but wariness is advised.
  • Unregulated rentals may carry higher risks.

Water Journeys

Ferry Services

Ferry services connect Brunei with Labuan, Malaysia. Labuan is a Malaysian duty-free island, offering opportunities for day trips or onward travel.

Terminal & Route

  • Ferries depart from Serasa Ferry Terminal.
  • Located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Bandar Seri Begawan.
  • Standard immigration and customs procedures apply.

River Transport

Water taxis, locally known as "perahu," are common for navigating Kampong Ayer and for short excursions across the Brunei River.

Local Waterways

  • Small, open boats offer an authentic and efficient way of seeing the water village.
  • Readily available along the riverfront.
  • You can also arrange longer boat tours on the river to see mangroves and wildlife.

Immigration at Ports

Standard immigration and customs procedures at Serasa Ferry Terminal and Muara Port. Have your documents ready.

Muara Cruise Port

Muara Port serves as Brunei's main port. It occasionally receives cruise ships. Passengers arrange shore outings from here.

Terminal Connections

Taxis are accessible upon arrival at ferry/cruise terminals. The Dart app can also book rides from these locations.

Departure Protocols

Exit & Taxes

Brunei International Airport does not levy specific exit fees or taxes on departing passengers beyond what is typically included in your airfare. Your ticket price generally includes all government fees.

Departure Timing

  • Arrive at BWN at least 2-3 hours before scheduled international flight.
  • This allows ample time for check-in.
  • Security screening and immigration processes are generally efficient.

Airport Amenities

The airport offers various facilities for departing travelers as it does for arrivals. These amenities make your waiting time more comfortable.

Available Services

  • Restaurants and cafes for dining.
  • Duty-free buying last-minute purchases.
  • Currency exchange services plus lounges are also available.

Rental Car Drop-off

Airport Returns

Car hire companies often have dedicated drop-off points at Brunei International Airport for your convenience.

Fuel Policy

Confirm the fuel policy (full-to-full, etc.) with your the rental agency upon pickup to avoid extra charges.

Vehicle Inspection

Allow sufficient time for vehicle inspection upon return to conclude the process smoothly.

Smooth Exit Note

Reconfirm flight details and transfer arrangements well in advance to make sure it's a smooth departure from Bandar Seri Begawan.