Getting Around Brunei: A Guide To Getting Taxis

Brunei has a well-developed transportation system that includes traditional taxis and ride-hailing services. Taxis are a common mode of transportation in the country, especially in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. In this city, taxis can be found at taxi stands located at major shopping centres, hotels, and tourist attractions, and they can also be hailed on the street. Traditional taxis in Brunei are typically metered, with fares regulated by the government. There are also ride-hailing services available, such as Dart, which is the only ride-hailing app available in the country. This app offers car and motorcycle rides, as well as a shuttle service, and can be used to book future trips.

Taxi apps in Brunei

There are a few taxi apps that can be used in Brunei.

Dart

Dart is a local transport app that is available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. It can be used to book rides with partnered drivers and local taxis. The app is free to download and users can register an account with their phone number. Dart uses the smartphone's GPS and Geo-location function to confirm the user's pick-up point. The app also provides an estimated fare for the journey. Payment can be made in cash and a receipt will be sent via email.

Hannk

Hannk is a global taxi booking app that operates in Brunei Darussalam. It allows users to book taxis immediately or in advance and to pay through the app. The app also shows the nearest taxi to the user and tracks the position of the driver.

Traditional taxis

It is also possible to book a taxi in Brunei by calling +673 222 2214 or +673 222 6853. It is advisable to book in advance and arrange fares prior to the trip.

Taxi prices in Brunei

Metered Taxis

Taxis in Brunei are typically metered, with a base price of BND3.50 for the first minute or kilometre. After that, the price increases by BND0.20 for every additional 250 metres or 15 seconds, whichever comes first. There is a surcharge of BND3 for trips to and from the airport and an extra BND8 fee for travelling between the airport and the city centre or moving from one district to another.

Travellers should be aware that there are extra charges for excess baggage (more than two pieces) and for larger groups (more than four passengers) in a single taxi.

Water Taxis

Water taxis, or speed boats, are available in the capital to take you around the water village of Kampong Ayer. These rides usually cost between BND2 and BND5 but can be negotiated, particularly with a local to help bargain.

Ride-Booking Apps

The Dart app is a local ride-booking app that can be used in place of taxis. The app calculates fares based on distance and time of travel, and rides must be booked at least 30 minutes in advance.

Alternative Transport Options

The Franchise Bus (formerly the Purple Bus) is the cheapest way to get around town, with an average fare of just BND1 per ride. It operates six lines, each with a different coloured bus, and runs from 6 am until 8 pm.

For those who prefer to drive themselves, rental cars can be booked online prior to arrival in Brunei. Prices range from BND60 to BND100 per day, depending on the vehicle size.

Booking a taxi in Brunei

Traditional taxis

Taxis are a common mode of transport in Brunei, especially in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. There are a few ways to book a taxi in Brunei. One way is to call a taxi company directly. Some popular companies include:

• Darussalam Taxi (+673 239 2392)
• Qaf Taxi (+673 222 7999)
• Talian Taxi (+673 223 3444)

These companies offer 24-hour taxi services and can be booked in advance or on-demand.

Another way to book a traditional taxi is through the Dart app. This is a ride-hailing service, similar to Uber or Grab, that allows you to book a taxi through your smartphone. The app will display the estimated fare and driver's details, and you can pay through the app using a credit card or cash.

Traditional taxis can also be hailed from the street or from designated taxi stands located throughout the city, especially at major shopping centres, hotels, and tourist attractions.

Ride-hailing services

If you prefer a ride-hailing service, Dart is the only option available in Brunei. This app-based service offers car and motorcycle rides, as well as a shuttle service that functions as an on-demand bus. The Dart app allows you to book future trips, which is convenient for early-morning travel. It also offers a variety of vehicle options, including:

• Dart Car: Regular cars that can accommodate up to four passengers.
• Dart XL: Vehicles that can accommodate up to six passengers.
• Dart Around: Book vehicles and drivers by the hour, with unlimited stops. This option must be booked at least 30 minutes in advance.

Airport taxis

When arriving at Brunei International Airport, you can find taxi ranks outside the Arrivals Hall at the pick-up points. It is recommended to book airport taxis in advance, and you can do so through the TaxiMatcher service. This service allows you to book a taxi to or from any airport in Brunei at a fixed price, which can save you up to 40% compared to conventional metered taxi fares.

Fares and pricing

Traditional taxis in Brunei are typically metered, with fares regulated by the government. The base price is BND3.50 for the first minute or kilometre, with an additional BND0.20 for every 250 metres or 15 seconds thereafter. There are also various surcharges, such as a BND3 fee for trips to and from the airport and an additional BND8 fee for travelling between the airport and the city centre or between districts.

Dart fares are calculated based on the distance and time of travel. According to one source, rides within Bandar Seri Begawan start at BND5 and rarely exceed BND7-8 for short journeys within the city.

Additional considerations

When taking a traditional taxi in Brunei, it is important to insist on paying the official metered rate to avoid being overcharged. It is also worth noting that there are additional charges for excess baggage and carrying more than four passengers per taxi.

When using the Dart app, be careful when selecting your pick-up and drop-off points. Move the map, not the arrow, to ensure your destination is accurate. Additionally, while the cash option may appear to be automatically selected, you still need to manually select it from the payment method drop-down menu.

Finally, if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or as a large group, consider booking a private car or VIP car through a service like TaxiMatcher to ensure a comfortable ride.

Traditional taxis in Brunei

Traditional taxis are a common mode of transportation in Brunei, especially in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. The country's taxis are typically metered, with fares regulated by the government.

You can hail a taxi from the street or find them at taxi stands located throughout the city, usually situated at major shopping centres, hotels, and tourist attractions. Some popular taxi stands in Bandar Seri Begawan are found outside the Arrivals Hall at the Brunei International Airport, and at the sprawling water village of Kampong Ayer.

Taxis in Brunei are easy to spot and can be identified by their distinctive colours. They are usually brightly coloured, with each line served by buses of a specific colour. The Eastern Line, for example, is served by royal blue buses, while the Northern Line is marked by green buses.

The base price for a taxi ride in Brunei is BND3.50 for the first minute or kilometre, with an additional BND0.20 charged for every subsequent 250 metres or 15 seconds, whichever comes first. There is also a surcharge of BND3 for travelling to and from the airport, and an extra BND8 for travelling between the airport and the city centre or moving from one district to another. It is important to note that there may be additional charges for excess baggage or carrying more than four passengers.

If you are travelling to Brunei, it is advisable to book your taxi in advance and agree on a fare before your trip. You can contact the following taxi companies to make bookings:

• Darussalam Taxi (+673 239 2392)
• Qaf Taxi (+673 222 7999)
• Talian Taxi (+673 223 3444)

These companies offer 24-hour services and can accommodate both advance bookings and on-demand requests.

Getting a taxi from the airport in Brunei

Taxi ranks at the airport

Taxi ranks are located outside the arrivals hall at the pick-up points at Brunei International Airport. It is easy to hail a taxi from the airport to your hotel.

Booking a taxi in advance

There are not many taxis in Brunei, so it is advisable to book a taxi in advance and arrange fares before your trip. You can book a taxi by calling +673 222 214 or +673 226 853. You can also use the local transport app Dart, which is Brunei's version of Uber or Grab.

Taxi fares

Taxis in Brunei are metered, with a base price of BND3.50 for the first minute or kilometre, and an additional BND0.20 for every 250 metres or 15 seconds (whichever comes first). There is also a surcharge of BND3 for trips to and from the airport, as well as an additional BND8 for travelling between the airport and the city centre. The estimated fare to Bandar Seri Begawan city centre is around BND$25.

Other options

If you want private transportation to and from the airport, you can book a transfer. through a company such as Taxi2Airport. Brunei also has a public bus service, with the Eastern Line (royal blue bus) and the Northern Line (green bus) passing through the international airport. The service runs from 6am to 8pm.

Frequently asked questions