Car Rental in Brunei (2026) - Driving Guide & Best Rates
Explore Brunei with ease by renting a car-discover hidden beaches, top attractions, and safe, convenient travel across this serene Southeast Asian gem.
Driving Requirements
Visitors may drive on a valid foreign license for up to 3 months from the date of entry. After 3 months, conversion to a Brunei license is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English.
The legal minimum driving age in Brunei is 18 years. However, rental companies typically set their own minimum age requirements, commonly ranging from 21 to 25 years, with additional fees for drivers under 25.
Third-party liability insurance is legally required for all vehicles in Brunei. Rental companies typically include this basic coverage but may offer additional collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection as optional upgrades.
Rental companies universally require a credit card for security deposit, typically holding funds ranging from BND 200-500 depending on vehicle class. Debit cards are generally not accepted for the deposit, though policies vary by provider.
Brunei drives on the left side of the road. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas and 80-100 km/h on highways. Right turns on red lights are prohibited unless specifically indicated by a green arrow. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
Helpful Tips
Pick up at BWN airport for the widest fleet and 24-hour desks. City branches in Bandar Seri Begawan save the B$5 airport surcharge but close by 5 p.m. on Fridays.
Walk-around inspection is mandatory, photograph every panel and the fuel gauge, because some Brunei desks still use paper forms and later scratches can be charged.
Google Maps works offline for all main roads and kampongs. If your rental lacks built-in GPS, download the map before leaving the terminal to avoid roaming charges.
All stations sell RON 95 and 97 petrol. Choose full-to-full since prepaid fuel is rarely offered, and fill up before returning because downtown stations close earlier on Sundays.
Parking is free almost everywhere except the Yayasan and Times Square blocks in Bandar Seri Begawan (B$1 per hour); hotels provide free overnight bays, but curb-side spots in Gadong fill up after 7 p.m.
Driving Warnings
Right turns on red are prohibited everywhere in Brunei unless a green arrow is displayed. Doing so at any signal, including the Gadong traffic lights, carries an on-the-spot fine.
During sudden equatorial downpours the highway between Bandar Seri Begawan and Muara can flood within minutes, reduce speed and avoid the left lane near the Sungai Kebun bridge where water pools deepest.
Speed cameras are active 24/7 on the dual-carriageway sections of Jalan Tutong and the Jerudong corridor. Exceeding the posted 80 km/h limit triggers automatic fines mailed to the vehicle owner.
Friday prayer rush occurs from 11:30, 13:30 when traffic backs up for kilometres around the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the main mosque access roads; non-Muslim drivers should plan alternate routes or expect delays.