Brunei Darussalam, a peaceful and wealthy sultanate on the island of Borneo, is known for high living standards and well-maintained infrastructure. But when it comes to public transportation, Brunei’s approach reflects both its compact size and population distribution. With relatively low urban density outside the capital, most travel revolves around private cars, limited bus services, taxis, and a small aviation sector. Sea transport plays a role in coastal movement and fishing communities, though it is informal compared to major ferry networks in neighboring countries. In 2025, Brunei continues to explore how to balance convenience, sustainability, and economic viability in its transport systems.
Land Transportation: Roads, Buses, and Private Mobility
Road Networks and Private Cars
Brunei’s road network is well-paved, safe, and less congested than in larger Southeast Asian capitals. Highways and arterial roads connect the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, with other major towns such as Kuala Belait, Seria, Tutong, and Muara. Because the country’s population is relatively small — just over 460,000 — and suburban sprawl is limited, private cars remain the dominant mode of transport.
According to local commuter Ahmad Rosli, who lives in Gadong and works in Bandar Seri Begawan, “I drive to work every day because the buses are too infrequent for my schedule. Here, owning a car is almost a necessity unless you live right in the city center.”
Fuel prices in Brunei are among the lowest in the region, further encouraging personal vehicle use. Road quality is generally high, with frequent maintenance and well-marked signage, making driving comfortable even in heavier rain.
Public Bus Services
Brunei’s public bus system operates a limited number of fixed routes, primarily between major population centers. The main operators provide services linking Bandar Seri Begawan to nearby hubs, with schedules geared toward weekday commuters.
Ridership is modest compared to busier Asian countries. Buses run on fixed routes with scheduled stops, but service frequency can be low, and weekend or off-peak trips may be sparse. As a result, many Bruneians consider buses a secondary option — useful for students, seniors, or residents without access to a car, but not a mainstream commuting mode for the broader population.
Community member Nur Fatin, a university student in the capital, explains how she uses the buses: “I take the bus to campus because I don’t have a car yet. It’s okay, but sometimes I wait longer than I expect, especially if the bus is late.”This captures the experience of many users: reliable but less frequent than desired.
Sea Transportation: Coastal Routes and Water Mobility
Ferries and Water Transport
Brunei’s coastal waters are part of everyday life for fishing communities and small island visits, but formal passenger ferry services are not as developed as in archipelagic neighbors. Coastal transport tends to be informal, serving local needs rather than regular intercity commuting.
In areas like Kuala Belait and Seria, smaller boats connect riverine and coastal communities, particularly where road access is limited. These water routes are essential to local economies and community interconnectivity, even if they do not operate on strict published schedules.
Fisherman and boat operator Hasan Ali notes, “People depend on these boats for travel when the road takes too long or the destination is closer by water. It’s part of life here, even if it’s not like a ferry service in bigger countries.”
For tourism, occasional private tours by boat allow visitors to explore Brunei’s beaches, mangroves, and offshore islands. These services are niche and seasonal, catering to small groups rather than wide public demand.
Air Transportation: Domestic Reach and Regional Links
Brunei International Airport
Air travel provides Brunei with vital links to major global and regional hubs. Brunei International Airport (BWN) in Berakas is the nation’s primary gateway for international and occasional regional flights. Carriers such as the national airline operate routes to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, and other Southeast Asian cities, connecting Brunei to essential business and tourism corridors.
Because Brunei lacks domestic flights — the country is simply too small to justify internal air services — most flights from BWN are international. As passenger volumes recover from pandemic disruptions, air services have steadily increased, supporting both tourism and expatriate travel.
Frequent flyer and expatriate resident Michael Tan says, “Brunei’s airport is compact and efficient. I can get to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur in just a couple of hours, which makes it easy for work and leisure trips.”
Infrastructure and Growth
Airport facilities have been upgraded in recent years to handle modern aircraft and passenger expectations. For Brunei, maintaining international connectivity — rather than domestic flights — remains a priority, given its geographical context.
Integration, Innovation, and the Future
Ride-Hailing and Digital Services
While public bus service is limited, technology helps fill gaps. Ride-hailing services such as Grab operate widely in urban areas, offering convenient taxi-style transport on demand. Motorbike taxis have not yet reached the scale seen in some neighboring countries, but car-based ride services are popular for both short city trips and longer journeys between towns.
Mobile apps and digital payment systems make it easy for riders to book and pay without cash, a convenience appreciated by locals and visitors alike.
Sustainability Goals
Brunei has expressed interest in reducing carbon emissions in transportation through initiatives such as promoting electric vehicles (EVs) and cleaner public transport options. While EV adoption is still emerging and charging infrastructure is limited, pilot projects and subsidies signal a future shift toward greener mobility.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its strengths — safe roads, well-maintained infrastructure, and smooth intercity travel — Brunei’s public transportation system faces a few challenges:
- Low bus frequency:Public transport schedules are often too infrequent to attract consistent ridership from a broad population base.
- Car dependency:High private car use, driven by affordable fuel and limited transit alternatives, reduces demand for public transport improvements.
- Limited sea services:Coastal and river transport are important locally but lack structured ferry networks seen in archipelagic nations.
- Small domestic air market:Brunei’s size means no internal flights, and international airlines must compete for limited routes.
Nonetheless, the country’s economic stability and strong governance provide a solid foundation for future transport planning. By focusing on multimodal integration, digital ticketing, and sustainable mobility strategies, Brunei can continue to improve public access and travel options.
What It Means for People
For everyday residents, transportation is a balance of convenience and choice. Private vehicles remain the most common way to travel, but buses and ride-hailing services offer alternatives — especially for students, seniors, and those without cars. Coastal boat transport supports local communities, and international flights connect people rapidly beyond national borders.
As student Nur Fatin puts it, “I like using the bus when I can, but I wish there were more frequent schedules so I never have to wait long.” That simple wish points to an opportunity: by building on its strong infrastructure foundation and embracing innovation, Brunei can make getting around even easier, greener and more inclusive for generations to come.
