Short answer: No, there's no Uber or Grab in Brunei. The only ride-hailing app in the country is a homegrown one called Dart — and if you're visiting Brunei, you'll want it installed before you land.
I'm currently in Bandar Seri Begawan, and figuring out transport was the first real challenge of this trip. Here's everything I learned about using Dart: how it works, how much rides actually cost, and the quirks nobody warns you about.
Why You Need a Ride-Hailing App in Brunei
Brunei is one of the most car-dependent countries on earth. Nearly everyone owns a vehicle, which means:
- Almost no taxis cruising the streets — you can't just hail one
- Public buses are limited and stop running by early evening
- No trains, no metro
Unless you rent a car, Dart is effectively your only practical way to get around as a visitor.
What Is Dart?
Dart launched in 2017 and is Brunei's only ride-hailing platform. It's a local company, and even the country's registered taxis use it to find passengers. The app offers two main services:
- Dart Car — private drivers, fixed fares agreed upfront (like UberX)
- Dart Taxi — registered metered taxis booked through the app
How to Set Up Dart
- Download "Dart Rider" from the App Store or Google Play (free)
- Create an account
- Register a phone number so drivers can reach you — a local SIM helps, but Wi-Fi worked for me in a pinch
Setup takes about five minutes.
How to Book a Ride
If you've used Uber or Grab, this will feel familiar:
- Set your pickup point
- Set your destination
- Review the fare estimate and confirm
- Wait for your driver — check the plate number before hopping in
⚠️ The One Quirk That Will Trip You Up
Dart's map works backwards from what you might expect: you move the map, not the pin. It's easy to accidentally set your drop-off a street away from where you meant. Double-check the address text before confirming — I learned this the hard way.
How Much Do Rides Cost in Brunei?
Dart Car (private drivers): Fixed fares based on distance and time, usually cheaper than taxis. Expect roughly BND 5–10 (USD 4–7) for short trips around Bandar Seri Begawan.
Dart Taxi (metered):
- Base fare: BND 3.50 for the first kilometre or minute
- Then BND 0.20 per 250 metres or 15 seconds
- BND 3 surcharge for airport trips
- Extra surcharge applies for travel between districts
Payment: Cash (Brunei dollars) or in-app credit topped up with a credit/debit card. As a visitor, cash is the simplest option — carry small notes.
Tip: Singapore dollars are accepted 1:1 in Brunei, so leftover SGD works too.
Using Dart from Brunei International Airport
Dart works at the airport, but pickups happen at a designated ride-hailing area a short walk from the arrivals exit. If you can't find it, ask airport staff. Metered taxis are also available directly at arrivals if you'd rather not wait.
My Honest Experience
- The app is a bit rough around the edges — it occasionally lags or crashes, and the UI isn't as polished as Uber
- But it works — in my experience, drivers typically arrived within 3 minutes on a good day and up to 10 minutes at worst
- Drivers were consistently friendly; a couple gave me genuinely useful local tips
- Book with a little time to spare during peak hours or outside the capital
Quick Reference
- App: Dart (Brunei's only ride-hailing app)
- Typical city fare: BND 5–10 (~USD 4–7)
- Typical wait time: 3–10 minutes
- Payment: Cash or in-app credit
- Coverage: Best in Bandar Seri Begawan; limited elsewhere
- Watch out for: Map-moves-not-pin UI; longer waits off-peak
Final Verdict
Download Dart before you arrive in Brunei. It's not the slickest app you'll ever use, but it solves the single biggest logistical headache of visiting this country. Between Dart and a bit of walking, I've had no trouble getting everywhere I wanted in BSB.
Fares and app details accurate as of July 2026.