- Recommended
Danum Valley Field Centre Interpretive Gallery
Visitor gallery introducing the Danum Valley landscape, wildlife, and conservation work. Useful for understanding the region before nature trips inland.
Cheapest price on Oct 15
$15
Average ticket price on Oct 15
$15
Fastest journey on Oct 15
8 h 37 m
Average journey duration on Oct 15
8 h 37 m
Buses on Oct 15
1
Distance
271 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu will cost around $15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $15.
On Thu, Oct 15, we found 1 buses from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu, including 1 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 15 the direct buses cover the 271 km distance in an average of 8 h 37 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 37 m .
On Thu, Oct 15 the slowest buses will take 8 h 37 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Buses from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu run on average 12 times per day, taking around 8h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $6 (€5) if you book in advance.
There are 12 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:00, the last at 21:59. The fastest bus covers the 168 miles (271 km) distance in 2h 52m.
Distance 168 miles (271 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 (€5) |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 12 |
Fastest bus 2h 52m |
First bus 7:00 AM |
Last bus 9:59 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu) | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 03:37PM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Sabariah Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 04:07PM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Amin Jaya Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 04:07PM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Sairah Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 04:07PM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Sabariah Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 08:07PM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Sri Mutiara Luxury Express | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu) | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 08:37PM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Sabariah Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 10:07PM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Dyana Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 04:07AM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator OPTISJAYA EXPRESS | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 04:07AM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator TransTedar Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 04:07AM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Sairah Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 04:07AM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Sri Mutiara Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 04:07AM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Sabariah Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 10:22PM | Duration 2h52 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator Amin Jaya Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 04:07AM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Sri Mutiara Luxury Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu) | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 04:37AM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
The table below shows live departures for Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu buses for today, Wednesday, October 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DYANA EXPRESS | 7:30 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 8h37 | 4:07 AM Lahad Datu | 0 transfersDirect | |
SABARIAH EXPRESS | 7:30 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 8h37 | 4:07 AM Lahad Datu | 0 transfersDirect | |
TRANSTEDAR EXPRESS | 7:30 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 8h37 | 4:07 AM Lahad Datu | 0 transfersDirect | |
Economy(2+2) | 7:30 PM Kota Kinabalu | 8h00 | 3:30 AM Lahad Datu | 0 transfersDirect | |
SRI MUTIARA EXPRESS | 7:30 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 8h37 | 4:07 AM Lahad Datu | 0 transfersDirect | |
SAIRAH EXPRESS | 7:30 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 8h37 | 4:07 AM Lahad Datu | 0 transfersDirect | |
OPTISJAYA EXPRESS | 7:30 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 8h37 | 4:07 AM Lahad Datu | 0 transfersDirect | |
AMIN JAYA EXPRESS | 7:30 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 8h37 | 4:07 AM Lahad Datu | 0 transfersDirect | |
TUNGMA EXPRESS (KOTA KINABALU) | 8:00 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 8h37 | 4:37 AM Lahad Datu | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Lahad Datu — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lahad Datu trip today.
Visitor gallery introducing the Danum Valley landscape, wildlife, and conservation work. Useful for understanding the region before nature trips inland.
Small interpretive space at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge presenting local biodiversity and forest research. Best for visitors staying in the Danum Valley area.
Educational display area connected to Tabin wildlife experiences, with exhibits on local species and habitat protection. A practical stop for eco-travelers.
Large conservation area near Lahad Datu with rainforest scenery, wildlife, and guided trails. A standout natural area for visitors interested in Borneo nature.
Wildlife reserve area known for forest drives, birdlife, and mud volcano visits. It is a strong choice for travelers seeking nature close to Lahad Datu.
The main gateway to the district and a popular base for wildlife trips. Busy streets, shops, and local life make it the most practical area to explore on foot.
Yellow egg noodles tossed in a tangy tomato sauce with char siu and greens. A Sabah Chinese staple widely eaten in east coast towns like Lahad Datu.
Fresh Sabah fish, often grouper or snapper, simmered in a sharp tamarind broth with tomatoes and okra. Coastal and comforting, it reflects local seafood cooking.
A Bajau and Suluk style grilled fish marinated with turmeric and spices, then cooked over charcoal. Popular across Sabah for its smoky, simple coastal flavour.
Casual local chain coffee shop known for Sabah-style noodles, toast and milk tea. Reliable for breakfast and everyday local dishes.
Casual seafood spot focused on fresh local catch, stir-fries and Chinese-style dishes. Popular for group meals and dinner.
Busy halal restaurant serving grilled fish, rice dishes and Malaysian favourites in a simple family-friendly setting.
Lahad Datu is budget-friendly for Malaysia. Local meals and simple hotels are cheap, but tourist lodges and island trips can raise daily costs.
Tipping is not expected. Round up small bills in cafes or taxis, and leave 5-10% in restaurants only for notably good service if no service charge is added.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Lahad Datu, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu buses use the Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) to Lahad Datu station pair. Use this guide to compare Kota Kinabalu and Lahad Datu bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) is 4 km from Kota Kinabalu city centre. Public transport options include:
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food stalls and small restaurants available within terminal
Free Wi-Fi available. ATMs are aTM machines available in terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam).
Available at Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam): Wheelchair accessible.
Lahad Datu is 7 km from Lahad Datu city centre. Public transport options include:
Lahad Datu has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Local food stalls and small eateries nearby
ATMs are aTM available near terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Lahad Datu.
Available at Lahad Datu: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lahad Datu: Basic ramps available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need