Asia > 🇧🇳 Brunei
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Brunei can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Brunei; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Brunei?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Brunei?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Brunei
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|
Should You Rent a Car in Brunei? 🚗🌿
Brunei is a tiny, peaceful nation on the island of Borneo, known for its lush rainforests, opulent mosques, and quiet roads. It’s a place where calm and nature take center stage. Because the country is compact and public transport is limited, many travellers wonder: should you rent a car in Brunei? Let’s explore your options clearly.
🕌 When You Don’t Need a Car
If you plan to stay mainly in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, you can explore without renting a vehicle. The city is small and easy to navigate using taxis or water taxis.
✅ Good No-Car Situations
| Area or Activity | Why You Can Skip the Car | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Bandar Seri Begawan | Main attractions are close | Taxi or ride-hailing |
| Water villages (Kampong Ayer) | Access only by boat | Water taxi |
| Guided rainforest tours | Transport included | Tour vehicle or boat |
| Short stays | Easy to see highlights in a day | Taxi |
➡ If your trip focuses on the capital, mosques, and river tours, a car is not necessary.
🚗 When Renting a Car Makes Sense
Beyond the capital, public transport becomes very limited. A rental car offers freedom and flexibility, especially if you want to explore rainforest parks, beaches, and rural scenery.
✅ Benefits of Renting a Car
| Advantage | What You Can Experience |
|---|---|
| Total independence | Create your own schedule |
| Scenic drives | Visit Empire Beach, Jerudong Park |
| Nature access | Reach Ulu Temburong (with boat combo) |
| Comfortable travel | Move easily in Brunei’s hot and humid climate |
🌿 Top Places Easier with a Car
| Destination | Travel Highlight | From Bandar Seri Begawan |
|---|---|---|
| Jerudong Park | Theme park and beach area | 20 minutes |
| Empire Hotel Beach | Scenic coastal views | 25 minutes |
| Muara Beach | Local weekend getaway | 30 minutes |
| Tutong District | Countryside and lakes | 1 hour |
➡ A car lets you explore the quiet, pristine side of Brunei without relying on limited buses.
🚦 Driving in Brunei – What to Expect
-
You drive on the left-hand side
-
Roads are smooth, quiet, and well-maintained
-
Traffic is light compared to neighbouring countries
-
Parking is widely available and usually free
-
Fuel prices are low
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Option | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxis | Short city trips | Reliable but limited supply |
| Water taxis | Kampong Ayer villages | Essential for river areas |
| Tour vehicles | Rainforest excursions | Transport included |
| Buses | Budget option | Limited routes and schedules |
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Traveller Type | Car Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Capital city visitor | ❌ No | Easy to explore on foot and by taxi |
| Short stopover traveller | ❌ No | One or two days is manageable without a car |
| Nature explorer | ✅ Yes | National parks require flexible access |
| Coastal and countryside visitor | ✅ Yes | Beaches and rural areas sit far apart |
| Family traveller | ✅ Yes | A car adds comfort and convenience |
✨ Final Takeaway
So, should you rent a car in Brunei?
👉 Yes, if you want to explore beyond the capital and discover Brunei’s beaches, countryside, and rainforest regions at your own pace.
👉 No, if you plan to stay mainly in Bandar Seri Begawan and rely on taxis or guided tours.
