There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Bandar Seri Begawan into a quick city adventure. From BWN, the Taxi can get you into town in around 60 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of BWN:
- Can you legally enter Brunei? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the BND. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
The Best Way Into Bandar Seri Begawan from BWN
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | ~60 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~80 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Bandar Seri Begawan layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$9 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$24 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Storing Your Luggage at Brunei International Airport
Specific locker facilities at BWN aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Bandar Seri Begawan itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Things to Do During Your Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Bandar Seri Begawan, two standouts are:
- Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque — The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside.
- Kampong Ayer (Water Village) — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside BWN — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Royal Brunei SkyLounge
- Brunei International Airport Duty-Free
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Bandar Seri Begawan, local travelers recommend Aminah Arif Restaurant (Kiulap). If you have time for a second stop, Thien Thien Chicken Rice (Gadong) is another popular pick.
Back at BWN, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is the go-to. Marrybrown (Brunei International Airport) rounds out your in-terminal options.
Need a Nap? Options at BWN
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at BWN.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at BWN, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Bandar Seri Begawan itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Brunei that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Bandar Seri Begawan exploring the streets or relaxing at BWN, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.