Public Transportation Guide to Brunei

Published on August 1, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Brunei, a small prosperous country located on the island of Borneo, offers a relatively limited but functional public transportation system. For expatriates settling in this country, understanding the available transportation options is essential for getting around efficiently on a daily basis. Here is a practical guide to public transportation in Brunei, with all the useful information to help you stay organized.

Colorful Buses Crossing the Capital

The main mode of public transportation in Brunei is the bus network. Once known as the “Purple Bus” due to their distinctive color, buses are now identified by different colors depending on the route:

• Blue line: serves the eastern part of the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan
• Green line: covers the northern part of the city
• Red line: connects the city center to residential areas
• Yellow line: operates in the southern part of the capital

These buses primarily serve the Brunei-Muara district, where the capital is located. The network includes around twenty routes operated by 5 private companies, with a fleet of approximately 105 buses.

Operating hours are generally from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The frequency of service varies by route but remains relatively limited, with often 30 minutes to 1 hour of waiting time between buses.

The main bus terminals are located in Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Belait, and Seria. Bus stops and shelters are also present along the routes throughout the city.

Rare but Practical Taxis for More Flexibility

Taxis are an alternative to buses, but their numbers are very limited in Brunei. There are only about fifty taxis in the entire country, operating mainly in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.

Unlike in other countries, taxis in Brunei are not equipped with meters. It is therefore recommended to negotiate the fare before departure. Prices are generally higher than in neighboring countries, reflecting the high cost of living in Brunei.

Taxis can be found at major hotels, shopping malls, and Brunei International Airport. It is also possible to hail one on the street, but this can prove difficult due to their low numbers.

For added convenience, it is advisable to book a taxi in advance through your hotel or by using the local DART app, Brunei’s equivalent of Uber.

Water Taxis for a Unique Experience

A unique feature of Brunei is its network of water taxis, locally known as “water taxis.” These small motorized boats provide a picturesque and practical means of transportation along the Brunei River and within the floating village of Kampong Ayer.

Water taxis can be hailed from the numerous jetties along the river. The most popular route connects the city center of Bandar Seri Begawan to the village of Kampong Ayer.

Fares are generally affordable, with short trips costing between 1 and 5 Brunei dollars (BND). However, it is recommended to negotiate the price before boarding.

This mode of transport not only offers a practical way to get around but also a unique experience, allowing you to admire the city from the river.

Transportation Budget for an Expatriate: Moderate Costs

For an expatriate living in Brunei, the monthly budget to set aside for public transportation remains relatively moderate compared to the overall cost of living in the country. Here is an estimate of monthly expenses:

• Monthly bus pass: approximately 20-25 BND ($15-19 USD)
• Occasional taxi rides: 50-100 BND ($37-74 USD) depending on frequency of use
• Water taxi usage: 20-30 BND ($15-22 USD) for regular trips

In total, a monthly budget of 100 to 150 BND ($74-111 USD) should be sufficient to cover an expatriate’s public transportation needs in Brunei.

It should be noted that many expatriates choose to buy or lease a car due to the limited coverage of public transportation. In that case, the monthly budget will be higher, including the cost of the vehicle, insurance, and fuel.

Practical Tips for Getting Around Efficiently

To optimize your travels on public transportation in Brunei, here are some useful tips:

• Download the TransportBN app to access real-time bus schedules and routes
• Prefer traveling outside of peak hours (7:00 AM-9:00 AM and 4:00 PM-6:00 PM) to avoid traffic congestion
• Always carry small change to pay for buses and water taxis
• For taxis, negotiate the fare before departure and prefer companies recommended by your hotel or company
• Explore carpooling options with other expatriates for regular commutes

Feel free to combine different modes of transportation to optimize your travels. For example, taking a bus and then a water taxi can be an efficient and cost-effective solution for certain trips.

In conclusion, although the public transportation system in Brunei is less developed than in some neighboring countries, it still offers viable options for getting around on a daily basis. With a little organization and flexibility, expatriates can easily adapt to this network and fully enjoy their stay in this fascinating country.