Last checked: November 2026
Most visitors fly into Brunei International Airport (BWN) near the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Royal Brunei Airlines is the national carrier, and many travellers connect through hubs in Asia or the Middle East. Check your visa and E-Arrival Card before you book.
Which airport serves Brunei?
| Airport | Code | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Brunei International Airport | BWN | The only major international gateway, near Bandar Seri Begawan |
Brunei has one major international airport, so there’s no airport choice to make. If you’re combining Brunei with Malaysian Borneo, flying into Miri or Kota Kinabalu can make sense, but crossing by road or ferry is ground travel. See our guide to getting around Brunei for those routes.
Which airlines fly to Brunei?
Royal Brunei Airlines is the national carrier, and its own site lists routes such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Dubai. Other airlines that serve Bandar Seri Begawan include Singapore Airlines, AirAsia and Cebu Pacific, according to route data from May 2026. Schedules and routes change, so check the Royal Brunei Airlines website and your booking site for current options.
Flights from far away usually include a stopover. The World Travel Guide gives about 16 hours 30 minutes from London and about 25 hours from New York, both including a stopover. Treat these as rough guides, because exact times depend on your route.
How do you reach the city from the airport?
Brunei International Airport is close to the capital. Passengers can take a taxi or a bus outside the airport, though the buses reportedly run only in daylight hours. Rental car companies are usually in the city rather than at the airport. If you arrive late, ask your hotel to arrange a transfer, and check the taxi price before you set off. For taxis, buses and rental cars once you’re in the country, read our getting around guide.
What time zone is Brunei in?
Brunei uses Brunei Darussalam Time, UTC+8, and the US State Department says there is one time zone nationwide. It’s the same as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Booking tips
- Compare flights to Brunei with flights to Miri or Kota Kinabalu if you’re also visiting Borneo.
- Book early for mid-July and around National Day on 23 February.
- Check baggage rules, since long itineraries often involve several airlines.
- Choose a flexible fare if your rainforest plans depend on the weather.
- Check airport transfers, because late arrivals may have fewer bus options.
Common flight-planning mistakes
- Buying a ticket before checking whether your passport needs a visa.
- Landing late at night without a pre-arranged transfer.
- Leaving the E-Arrival Card until you reach the airport.
- Packing alcohol, a drone or a large amount of cash without checking the rules.
- Booking a tight connection on separate tickets for a long-haul itinerary.
Before You Fly: checklist
- Passport valid and meets the rule for your nationality.
- Visa or proof of visa exemption.
- E-Arrival Card completed and saved.
- Health declaration checked, if currently required.
- First hotel address saved.
- Alcohol declared and documented, if you bring any.
- Cash under 15,000 Brunei dollars, or declared as required.
- Drones registered, if you plan to fly one.
3 Quick Answers
Which airport should I fly into?
Brunei International Airport (BWN) is the main international gateway, so most flights land there.
Do I need a visa to fly to Brunei?
It depends on your passport. Check the official Brunei visa page before you book, and read our Brunei visa guide for tourists.
Do I need to fill in anything before landing?
Yes. Foreign nationals arriving by air must complete the E-Arrival Card before entering Brunei, according to the Brunei Tourism website. Save a screenshot of the confirmation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly through Brunei without entering the country?
Foreign nationals who only transit without passing immigration control don’t need to register. If you plan to leave the airport, normal entry rules apply, so check your visa status and complete the E-Arrival Card first.
Are there flight restrictions on what I bring?
Alcohol, drones and large amounts of cash have rules. Check the customs guidance in our visa guide and the official sources before you pack, and declare alcohol to customs on arrival.
Which airlines fly to Brunei?
Royal Brunei Airlines is the main carrier, and a few regional airlines also serve the airport. Routes change by season, so compare the airline sites and your booking platform for your dates before you decide.
When should I book flights for busy dates?
Book early for mid-July, when the Sultan’s birthday celebrations take place, and around National Day on 23 February. Flights and hotels can fill earlier than at other times of the year.
