Brunei – Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

How taxis work in Brunei, and whether they are safe and reliable for expats

Brunei’s taxi network operates on a metered system, with an initial charge of BND 3.50 covering the first minute or kilometre. Beyond that, the fare climbs by BND 0.20 for each additional 250 metres or 15 seconds, whichever is reached first. Unlike major metropolitan cities where flagging down a cab on any corner is straightforward, finding a taxi on Brunei’s streets requires some patience — the fleet is simply not large enough to be a reliable street-hailing option.

High rates of private car ownership mean the overall demand for taxis is modest, and many of the drivers who do operate have gravitated towards the Dart platform rather than cruising for passengers. As a result, expats who depend on street hailing alone are likely to be left waiting, and alternative arrangements are strongly advisable.

Several surcharges apply beyond the base meter rate. Trips to or from the airport carry an additional BND 3, while travel between different administrative districts attracts an extra BND 8. Passengers with more than two items of luggage, or groups of more than four people, will also face supplementary charges.

From a safety and regulatory standpoint, taxis in Brunei are trustworthy. Fare structures are set by the government, and all drivers must hold the relevant licences. One important cost factor to keep in mind is that rides taken between 18:00 and 06:00 are subject to a 50% surcharge, making after-dark journeys noticeably pricier than daytime equivalents.

Which ride-hailing apps work in Brunei, and how to use them

Those expecting to open Grab or Uber upon arrival in Brunei will be in for a surprise — neither platform is active here. Travellers accustomed to Grab’s near-universal presence across Southeast Asia will need to adjust their expectations quickly. The only app-based transport solution in the country is Dart, a locally founded company that launched in 2017 and has since grown to offer a range of transport and logistics services across the Sultanate.

Think of Dart as Brunei’s equivalent of Grab or Uber. It offers bookings through a smartphone app, competitive fares relative to traditional taxis, and the convenience of cashless payment options. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms and can be downloaded for free through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store — ideally before you travel.

Setting up Dart is straightforward: download the app, register an account with your email address, and add a phone number through which drivers can reach you. The app relies on your phone’s GPS to pinpoint your location; you can adjust the pick-up marker and leave a note to help drivers locate you precisely.

An important point for those arriving on data-only SIM cards: the initial account verification requires a one-off SMS code, so completing registration before leaving home is advisable. Once your account is active, drivers typically communicate through WhatsApp to iron out any pick-up details.

Dart offers several service tiers beyond a basic car ride. Dart Around lets you hire a vehicle and driver by the hour with unlimited stops, although bookings must be made at least 30 minutes ahead. Dart Shuttle operates as an on-demand bus service running between fixed points within defined zones — a journey within the same zone costs BND 1, while crossing into a different zone costs BND 2. Note that Dart Shuttle runs as a separate application from the core Dart platform.

Dart Car coverage is strongest within the Brunei-Muara district, which encompasses the capital. Service in outer areas including Tutong, Belait, and Temburong is more patchy, and expats living or working in those regions should confirm current availability directly through dartbrunei.com.

Where to find taxis and book rides in the capital and major expat areas of Brunei

While arriving passengers at the airport can usually find a taxi without difficulty, and major hotels and shopping centres tend to have cabs stationed nearby, flagging one down from the roadside elsewhere in the country is largely a matter of luck. Taxis position themselves where demand is most predictable — not on random stretches of road.

In Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city and the focal point of expat life, the most dependable approach is to book through Dart or to head to a designated taxi rank at a prominent hotel or commercial complex such as The Mall, Times Square, or Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. The waterfront area at Yayasan in central BSB (BS8811) is another recognised spot where taxis can typically be found.

Dart can also be used for trips from Brunei International Airport into the city, though passengers must make their way to the designated ride-hailing zone, which is a short walk from the arrivals exit. If you are unsure where this is, airport staff can point you in the right direction. For those who prefer a conventional taxi, metered cabs are stationed directly in the arrivals hall.

Expats based in Seria or Kuala Belait — the oil-industry towns in Belait District where many energy-sector professionals are employed — will find both taxi and Dart availability considerably thinner than in the capital. In these locations, most expats either own a car or make use of employer-provided transport. Dart has ambitions to expand its Dart Car service beyond Brunei-Muara, but the current situation should be confirmed on the Dart website before placing too much reliance on it in outlying areas.

For those who prefer to book over the phone, Dart operates a support hotline at +673 838 3278. Bear in mind, however, that telephone bookings attract a BND 2 surcharge, whereas bookings placed directly through the app carry no additional fee.

How much a taxi or ride-hailing trip costs in Brunei

The metered taxi rate in Brunei starts at BND 3.50 for the first minute or kilometre, with BND 0.20 added for each subsequent 250 metres or 15 seconds. A BND 3 airport surcharge applies to relevant journeys, and travel between districts adds BND 8 to the total. Always cross-reference these figures with the official Land Transport Department (JPD) website and the Dart tariff page, as charges may be updated over time.

Based on general experience, Dart rides within Bandar Seri Begawan tend to begin at around BND 5 and rise with distance and journey time. Shorter city-centre hops will rarely exceed BND 7–8, though trips venturing outside BSB will cost more. These are illustrative figures rather than official quotes — the in-app fare estimate shown before you confirm a booking is the most reliable guide.

The 50% night surcharge — active between 18:00 and 06:00 — is worth factoring in for any evening plans. Dart’s published tariff information (last updated May 2024) also notes that additional surcharges may apply at peak, night, and late-night periods; consult the Dart tariff page for the most current breakdown.

By regional comparison, taxi travel in Brunei costs more than equivalent journeys in Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok. That said, this aligns with Brunei’s broader cost-of-living profile, which is higher than most of its Southeast Asian neighbours. Transport pricing, while not cheap, is proportionate to general living costs in the Sultanate.

For a complete list of fixed fares from the airport to various destinations across the country, refer to the information published by Brunei Tourism. Always confirm the current rates at the Brunei Tourism official website or discuss the fare directly with your driver before setting off.

Common scams and safety issues with taxis in Brunei that expats should know about

Brunei enjoys a reputation as one of the safest and most orderly countries in the region, and taxi-related fraud is far less prevalent here than in some of its more congested Southeast Asian neighbours. Even so, there are a handful of practical matters that expats should keep in mind.

Although metered taxis are standard, some drivers may propose an agreed flat rate instead. Variables such as the route, traffic, and passenger count can all influence this suggested price. If a driver quotes you a fixed amount, make sure you both agree on the figure before the journey begins to avoid any dispute upon arrival.

Booking through Dart largely sidesteps this issue, since the app presents a fare estimate that both parties accept before the ride commences. All Dart drivers are required to hold a standard driving licence alongside a Class 12 taxicab licence, and must complete Dart’s own training programme, which covers regulations and passenger service standards.

Dart’s built-in rating system creates a mutual accountability mechanism for both drivers and passengers. When using street-hailed taxis, confirm that the vehicle displays official JPD-regulated markings and a licensed number plate. Never board an unmarked private vehicle offering informal transport — these operate outside legal frameworks and carry no insurance protection.

Passengers with mobility or accessibility requirements should note that wheelchair-accessible taxis are difficult to find in Brunei, and anyone with specific needs would be wise to arrange transport well in advance and verify what is available before the day of travel.

How to pay for taxis and ride-hailing services in Brunei — cash, card, or app

Card payments are not widely accepted by Brunei taxi drivers, so carrying sufficient cash before boarding is essential. The local currency is the Brunei dollar (BND), and it is worth knowing that Singapore dollars are accepted at par across Brunei, which offers a convenient option for those transiting through Singapore before arrival.

Dart gives passengers a little more flexibility when it comes to payment. You can settle your fare in cash at the end of the journey, or draw on pre-loaded account credits. To use the credit option, top up your Dart wallet via debit or credit card within the app, then select your preferred payment method when placing a booking.

There is one important caveat to the credits system: Dart credits are non-refundable. If you load more than you ultimately spend, those funds cannot be retrieved. This is why many expats opt to pay in cash rather than risk overloading their account. The app also has a tendency to revert the payment selection to cash even when credits have been chosen, so always double-check which method is active before confirming your booking.

International Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards can generally be used to top up Dart credits, though this depends on your issuing bank’s overseas transaction settings. As a sensible precaution — particularly when you first arrive and have not yet set up a local bank account — keeping Brunei dollar cash on hand is strongly recommended.

Tipping is not an ingrained cultural expectation in Brunei. Small gestures of appreciation are unlikely to cause offence, but drivers will not anticipate them, and you should not feel obligated.

Alternatives to taxis and ride-hailing for getting around Brunei as an expat

Brunei’s sole public bus network, the Franchise Bus (formerly marketed as the Purple Bus), is the most affordable way to travel around the country, with a typical fare of BND 1 per journey. The system covers six colour-coded routes — the Eastern Line (royal blue) and the Northern Line (green) both serve Brunei International Airport. Services operate between 6 am and 8 pm, after which buses stop running entirely.

Route and timetable information is accessible through the TransportBN app, available on both iOS and Android. The network is modest compared to systems found in larger cities, and Brunei has no metro or light rail infrastructure. The 8 pm cut-off means that for any journey after that hour, a taxi or Dart ride is the only viable option.

A more distinctive mode of travel in the capital is the water taxi — speedboat operators who ferry passengers along the river and through the famous floating village of Kampong Ayer. Fares are typically negotiable and generally fall between BND 2 and BND 5. Beyond their practical value for crossing the river, these rides offer a genuinely atmospheric way to experience the heart of BSB.

Car rental appeals to many expats, especially those based in areas where public transport and Dart coverage are limited. Hiring a vehicle brings the freedom to travel on your own schedule without depending on return trips being available. Daily rental rates typically fall in the BND 60–100 range. Brunei follows left-hand traffic, road infrastructure is well maintained, and fuel costs are exceptionally low — regular petrol is priced below BND 0.50 per litre thanks to government subsidies tied to the country’s oil revenues. For expats settling in Brunei for the longer term, purchasing or leasing a private vehicle is by far the most convenient and widely adopted approach to daily transport.

What expats say about using taxis and ride-hailing services day-to-day in Brunei

Among expats living in Brunei, Dart has earned a broadly positive reputation as a dependable transport tool. Wait times can occasionally stretch, particularly in quieter areas or during off-peak hours, but the app consistently outperforms street hailing as a way to secure a ride. Drivers who accept bookings through the platform are generally punctual and tend to be warm and welcoming towards passengers.

Language is rarely a barrier — the majority of Dart drivers and taxi operators have a working command of both English and Malay, making communication easy for newcomers who have not yet picked up any of the local language. This practical advantage distinguishes Brunei from destinations where a language gap can make simple journeys stressful.

The Dart app itself is functional rather than polished. It does not match the slick interfaces of Uber or Grab, and users occasionally report crashes or glitches. Dart’s own documentation acknowledges that map coverage in the region has gaps, and the company suggests entering a nearby landmark or simpang (junction) number when an address is not found, then manually repositioning the pin on the map to the correct location. Getting to grips with Brunei’s address conventions — which lean heavily on simpang numbers rather than conventional street names — makes the whole process considerably smoother.

For airport transfers, Dart is a popular choice and performs well. The app’s advance booking feature is particularly valued for early-morning departures when finding a taxi on spec would be unreliable. Many expats pre-schedule airport runs rather than hoping a cab will materialise at the rank.

On the whole, expats find transport in Brunei manageable once the Dart app is configured and the local addressing system becomes familiar. The absence of Grab — which operates almost everywhere else in the region — takes a little getting used to, but Dart fills that role adequately for everyday city travel. Those living beyond BSB, or anyone who frequently needs transport late at night, typically conclude that having their own vehicle is not just convenient but effectively essential.

How do I book a ride using the Dart app in Brunei?

Follow these steps to book your first Dart ride in Brunei:

1. Download the Dart app — Search for “Dart Rider” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and install it for free. If you are on a data-only SIM, do this before you arrive in Brunei, as a one-off SMS verification is required during registration.
2. Create your account — Open the app and sign up using your email address and a valid phone number. New users may now sign up using email. Register the phone number where the driver can contact you via WhatsApp.
3. Set your pick-up point — The app uses your smartphone’s GPS and geolocation to help confirm your pick-up point. Tap on the marker and type a helpful note for the driver to find you, such as a nearby simpang number or landmark.
4. Enter your destination — Type the street address or closest landmark. If the address is not found, input a known nearby landmark or simpang number and manually drag the pin on the map to the intended destination.
5. Choose your service type — Select from Dart Car (private car at fixed price), Dart Taxi (licensed taxi at metered rate), Dart XL (group travel for up to 6 passengers), or Dart Around (hourly hire). An estimated fare will appear, and you can request an on-demand pick-up.
6. Select your payment method — Choose cash (Brunei dollars) or pre-loaded Dart credits. Be aware that even though the cash option may appear to be automatically selected, you still need to open the payment method drop-down and actively select cash.
7. Confirm and wait — Submit your booking and wait for a driver to accept. Once confirmed, drivers typically communicate via WhatsApp to clarify pick-up details.
8. Pay and rate — Pay the agreed fare on arrival at your destination. Use Dart’s built-in rating system to rate your driver — this helps maintain service quality for all users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Uber operate in Brunei?

Uber has no presence in Brunei, and the same applies to all other major international ride-hailing platforms. The only app-based transport option available in the country is Dart, a Bruneian platform accessible at dartbrunei.com. Downloading the app before you travel is recommended.

Does Grab work in Brunei?

Grab does not operate in Brunei. Unlike neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia, where it dominates the ride-hailing market, Grab has no service in the Sultanate. Expats relocating from those countries should install the Dart app rather than expecting Grab to be available.

How do I get from Brunei International Airport to the city centre by taxi?

Metered taxis are stationed in the arrivals hall at Brunei International Airport, with the standard BND 3 airport surcharge added to the metered fare. If you prefer Dart, make your way to the dedicated ride-hailing pickup zone, a short walk from the exit doors in arrivals. Airport personnel can direct you if needed. Dart also allows advance bookings through the app’s scheduled trip feature.

Is it safe to take a taxi or Dart ride alone at night in Brunei?

Brunei is widely regarded as one of the most secure countries in Southeast Asia, and solo night-time travel by taxi or Dart is considered safe. Keep in mind that a 50% surcharge is applied to all rides between 18:00 and 06:00, meaning evening journeys will cost noticeably more than those taken during the day. Booking through Dart, where your driver’s details are logged, offers an additional layer of reassurance.

What should I do if a taxi driver refuses to use the meter?

Brunei taxis are generally fitted with meters, but some drivers may suggest a flat fare as an alternative. You are within your rights to ask the driver to use the meter. If a fixed price is proposed, confirm the figure explicitly before the journey begins to avoid any disagreement upon arrival. Where there is any doubt, using Dart — where the fare is agreed upfront through the app — removes the uncertainty entirely.

How do I avoid being overcharged in a Brunei taxi?

Booking through Dart is the most effective safeguard, as the fare is presented and confirmed before your trip begins. For metered taxis, ensure the meter is switched on at the start of the journey. Familiarising yourself with the official rates listed on the Brunei Tourism website and the Dart tariff page will help you recognise a fair fare when you see one.

Can I pay by credit card in Brunei taxis?

Card payment is not a standard feature of Brunei’s taxi fleet, so carrying sufficient cash is essential for metered cab journeys. For Dart rides, you have the option of paying in cash or using pre-loaded wallet credits funded by a debit or credit card. Keeping Brunei dollar cash available as a fallback is always advisable, particularly in the early days before local banking arrangements are in place.

What is the best transport option for expats living outside Bandar Seri Begawan?

Dart Car coverage is primarily concentrated in the Brunei-Muara district, with expansion to other areas still in progress. In towns like Seria and Kuala Belait within Belait District, both taxi and Dart availability is limited. The majority of long-term expats in these locations choose to own or lease a personal vehicle, a practical decision given the exceptionally low cost of petrol — below BND 0.50 per litre — thanks to the country’s oil-wealth subsidies.