How to Get from Brunei to Lawas Airport

Best for: Travelers who value speed, flexibility, and door-to-door service. Ideal for families, groups of 3–4, or anyone with heavy luggage.

Driving from Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) to Lawas Airport is the most direct route. The distance is about 120 km, and the journey typically takes 2–2.5 hours including border crossing formalities. The route passes through the Kuala Lurah or Sungai Tujoh border checkpoint (both are open daily from 6:00 AM to midnight).

Step-by-Step Driving Directions

1. Start from BSB city center heading south on Jalan Tutong.
2. Reach the border at Kuala Lurah (about 30 minutes from BSB). Complete immigration and customs for both Brunei and Malaysia.
3. Enter Sarawak and continue on the main road towards Lawas town (approximately 60–70 km).
4. Pass through the small towns of Trusan and Sundar.
5. Arrive at Lawas town, then take the airport road (Jalan Lapangan Terbang) — about 5 km from town center.

💰 Estimated Costs (Car / Taxi)

Vehicle Type	Estimated Cost (BND)	Estimated Cost (USD)	Notes
Own car (fuel + toll)	BND 15–25	USD 11–18	Fuel only; no tolls on this route
Taxi (BSB → Lawas Airport)	BND 80–120	USD 59–89	Negotiate fixed price; confirm in advance
Ride-hailing (Dart / Grab)	BND 60–90	USD 44–67	Available from BSB; less common for cross-border

🛂 Border Crossing Tips

• Documents required: Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), vehicle registration card (for own car), and proof of insurance covering Malaysia.
• Insurance: Purchase a Malaysia Motor Insurance Cover Note at the border (approx. BND 15–25 for 1–2 weeks).
• Immigration queues: Peak hours are 7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM. Weekends and public holidays can be busier.
• COVID-19 / health checks: No longer required, but carry vaccination proof as a precaution.

✅ Pros & Cons

• Pros: Fastest (2–2.5 hrs total), flexible schedule, comfortable, can carry lots of luggage, no need to book in advance.
• Cons: Most expensive (if using taxi), need valid driving license and vehicle documents, border queues possible.

Source: Brunei Immigration Department | Malaysian Immigration Department

Best for: Backpackers, solo travelers, and budget-conscious tourists who don't mind a longer journey.

Several bus operators run daily services from Bandar Seri Begawan to Lawas town. From Lawas town, a short 5-minute taxi ride (or 15-minute walk) takes you to the airport. This is the cheapest way to reach Lawas Airport.

🚏 Bus Operators & Schedules

Operator	Route	Departures	Fare (BND)	Fare (USD)
PHLS Express	BSB → Lawas	7:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM	BND 10–12	USD 7–9
Bintang Jaya	BSB → Lawas	8:00 AM, 12:00 PM	BND 10–12	USD 7–9
Local minibus (shared)	BSB → Lawas	Irregular, mostly morning	BND 8–10	USD 6–7

⏱ Total Journey Time (Bus + Taxi to Airport)

• Bus BSB → Lawas town: 2.5–3.5 hours (depending on border queues and stops).
• Taxi Lawas town → Airport: 5–10 minutes (approx. BND 5–8 / USD 4–6).
• Total: Approximately 3–4 hours.

🎒 Practical Tips for Bus Travelers

• Book in advance during holidays and weekends — seats fill up fast.
• Arrive at the bus terminal at least 30 minutes early for immigration checks.
• Keep your passport handy — you'll need it for border checks at Kuala Lurah.
• Luggage: Buses have limited cargo space; large suitcases may incur a small extra fee (BND 2–5).
• No overnight buses — all services operate during daytime only.

✅ Pros & Cons

• Pros: Cheapest option (as low as BND 12 total), decent comfort, no driving stress, good for solo travelers.
• Cons: Longer travel time, fixed schedules, limited luggage space, need to take a taxi from town to airport.

Source: BusAsia – Cross-border bus schedules | Malaysia Ministry of Transport

Best for: Travelers who prefer air travel and are willing to accept a longer total journey time due to layovers. Useful if you're already planning to visit Miri.

Important: There is no direct flight from Brunei International Airport (BWN) to Lawas Airport (LWY). All air routes require a transit at Miri Airport (MYY). The flight from Brunei to Miri is only 45 minutes, but the layover and connection make the total time 3–5 hours — ironically longer than driving.

Flight Route Breakdown

Segment	Airline	Flight Time	Estimated Cost	Notes
BWN → MYY (Brunei → Miri)	Royal Brunei / AirAsia / MASwings	45 min	BND 80–150 (USD 59–111)	Multiple flights daily
MYY → LWY (Miri → Lawas)	MASwings	30–40 min	MYR 60–120 (USD 13–25)	2–3 flights daily; small turboprop
Total (including layover)	—	3–5 hours	BND 140–270 (USD 72–136)	Layover in Miri: 1–3 hours

⚠️ Hidden Time Costs of Flying

• Check-in at BWN: Arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure.
• Miri layover: Often 1–3 hours, depending on connection.
• Arrival at Lawas: Lawas Airport is tiny — baggage claim takes 5 minutes, but taxis are limited.
• Total door-to-door: Easily 5–7 hours from BSB city center to Lawas Airport if you fly.

🛩️ About Lawas Airport (LWY)

• Runway length: 1,000 m — serves only STOL aircraft (De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter).
• No international flights — exclusively domestic (Miri, Kota Kinabalu).
• No car rental desk — you must pre-arrange transport or take a taxi.
• Very limited facilities: small waiting area, no restaurant, basic restrooms.

✅ Pros & Cons

• Pros: Short actual flight times, comfortable, good if you're already flying into Miri.
• Cons: Longer total travel time than driving, expensive (especially with two tickets), layover in Miri, limited flight frequency, no direct connection.

Source: MASwings official website | Royal Brunei Airlines

Best for: Business travelers, VIPs, families with young children, elderly travelers, or anyone needing a guaranteed schedule and premium comfort.

Private transfer services offer door-to-door convenience from your hotel in Brunei directly to Lawas Airport. Unlike a regular taxi, these services are booked in advance, often include meet-and-greet, and provide larger vehicles (SUV, MPV, or minibus) for groups.

🚙 Private Transfer Options

Vehicle Type	Capacity	Price (BND)	Price (USD)	Special Features
Standard Sedan	3 passengers + luggage	BND 100–130	USD 74–96	AC, free water, airport drop-off
SUV / MPV	6 passengers + luggage	BND 140–170	USD 104–126	More space, child seats available
Minibus (8–12 seats)	8–12 passengers	BND 180–230	USD 133–170	Ideal for tour groups or sports teams

📦 What's Included

• ✔ Hotel/airport pickup in Brunei
• ✔ Assistance with border formalities
• ✔ Direct drop-off at Lawas Airport terminal
• ✔ Bottled water and snacks
• ✔ 24/7 customer support

✅ Pros & Cons

• Pros: Highest comfort level, guaranteed schedule, no waiting, suitable for groups, includes border assistance.
• Cons: Most expensive option, requires advance booking (24–48 hours), may be overkill for solo travelers.

Source: Brunei Taxi & Transfer Services | Borneo Tour – Private Charter

Use this table to quickly compare every transport option from Brunei to Lawas Airport. The best overall and cheapest options are highlighted.

Transport Mode	⏱ Total Time	💰 Cost (BND)	💰 Cost (USD)	🚦 Transfers	🎒 Best For
🚗 Private Car / Taxi ⭐ Best Overall	2–2.5 hrs	BND 80–120	USD 59–89	None (direct)	Speed & convenience
🚌 Cross-Border Bus + Taxi	3–4 hrs	BND 12–18	USD 9–13	1 (bus → taxi)	Budget travel
🚌 Bus Only 🏆 Cheapest	3.5–4 hrs	BND 10–15	USD 7–11	1 (bus → walk/taxi)	Ultra-budget
✈️ Flight via Miri	3–5 hrs (excl. airport waiting)	BND 140–270	USD 72–136	1 (transit in Miri)	Air enthusiasts / multi-city trips
🚐 Private Transfer	2–2.5 hrs	BND 100–230	USD 74–170	None (direct)	Premium comfort / groups

🏆 Winner for most travelers: Private car or taxi — fastest, direct, and reasonably priced for 2+ people.
🏆 Winner for solo / budget travelers: Cross-border bus — unbeatable price, reliable, and easy.

Source: Data compiled from Google Maps | BusAsia | Numbeo Cost of Living

Real-world advice from frequent travelers on the Brunei–Lawas route to help you avoid common pitfalls.

🛄 Luggage & Baggage

• Takkyubin (luggage delivery) not available on this route — you must carry your bags with you.
• Bus luggage limit: Most buses allow 1 large suitcase + 1 carry-on. Extra bags cost BND 2–5 each.
• If driving: No luggage restrictions — a major advantage for families or those with sports equipment.

🕐 Border Timing Tips

• Avoid peak hours: 7:00–9:00 AM (morning rush) and 4:30–6:30 PM (evening return). Midday crossings are fastest.
• Weekend warning: Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings can be busy with cross-border shoppers.
• Public holidays: Both Brunei and Malaysia public holidays cause heavier traffic — plan extra 30–60 minutes.

🌤 Weather & Road Conditions

• Rainy season (Nov–Feb): Roads can be slippery; visibility may reduce. Drive carefully.
• Road quality: The Brunei–Lawas road is generally good, but some sections in Sarawak have potholes. Drive defensively.
• No streetlights on rural sections — avoid driving after dark if you're unfamiliar with the route.

📱 Useful Apps & Contacts

• Dart (Brunei ride-hailing): Works for booking taxis within Brunei, but cross-border trips must be negotiated directly with the driver.
• Grab (Malaysia): Available in Lawas town for local trips (airport transfers).
• Emergency numbers: Malaysia — 999 (police/ambulance); Brunei — 991 (ambulance), 993 (police).

🍽 Food & Rest Stops

• Before border: Grab coffee or snacks at the Kuala Lurah food court (limited options).
• After border (Sarawak side): Stop at Trusan town for local Malay food — try nasi lemak or roti canai.
• At Lawas Airport: No restaurant — only a small vending machine. Eat before you arrive.

Source: Lonely Planet – Brunei | TripAdvisor – Brunei Travel Forum