- Must visit
Agnes Keith House
Former home of Agnes Keith with period displays on colonial-era life, local history, and the writer's time in Sandakan.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan 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 Sandakan will cost around $13 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $13.
On Fri, Nov 13, we found 4 buses from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, including 4 direct services.
On Fri, Nov 13 the direct buses cover the 222 km distance in an average of 7 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 25 m .
On Fri, Nov 13 the slowest buses will take 7 h 25 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.
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Buses from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:01, the last at 20:00. The fastest bus covers the 137 miles (222 km) distance in 5h 30m.
Distance 137 miles (222 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 30m |
First bus 12:01 AM |
Last bus 8:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator TungMa Nai Luk | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Sida Express | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator Sida Express | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Sida Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator TungMa Nai Luk | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Sida Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator TungMa Nai Luk | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator TungMa Nai Luk | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator TungMa Nai Luk | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator TungMa Nai Luk | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Sida Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Sri Mutiara Luxury Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator TungMa Nai Luk | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 03:25AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Sida Express | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 03:25AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator TungMa Nai Luk | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Amin Jaya | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
The table below shows live departures for Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan buses for tomorrow, Friday, November 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SIDA EXPRESS | 8:00 AM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 7h25 | 3:25 PM Sandakan | 0 transfersDirect | |
SIDA EXPRESS | 10:00 AM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 7h25 | 5:25 PM Sandakan | 0 transfersDirect | |
SIDA EXPRESS | 2:00 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 7h25 | 9:25 PM Sandakan | 0 transfersDirect | |
SIDA EXPRESS | 8:00 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 7h25 | 3:25 AM Sandakan | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Sandakan — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sandakan trip today.
Former home of Agnes Keith with period displays on colonial-era life, local history, and the writer's time in Sandakan.
Nature park with a canopy walk, botanical displays, birdwatching, and well-kept forest trails near Sepilok.
Small heritage museum in a restored house presenting Sandakan's prewar port history and multicultural community.
Nature park with a canopy walk, botanical displays, birdwatching, and well-kept forest trails near Sepilok.
Historic hill area known for restored colonial houses, old stairways, and trails linking key heritage sites and viewpoints.
Central waterfront area for sunsets, harbor views, and an easy walk near shops, jetties, and local city life.
Fresh Sabah prawns stir-fried in a thick sweet-savory butter sauce with curry leaves. A Sandakan seafood favorite thanks to the town's access to excellent shellfish.
Live grouper, snapper or pomfret simply steamed with ginger and soy, highlighting Sandakan's very fresh catch from the Sulu Sea and local seafood culture.
Tiger prawns grilled or cooked with garlic, chili or butter. Sandakan is especially known in Sabah for large, sweet prawns landed nearby.
Well-known hilltop restaurant in a heritage-style house serving Malaysian and Western dishes with harbor views and a calm garden atmosphere.
Casual seafood restaurant known for fresh prawns, fish and crab dishes. Popular for hearty local-style cooking in a relaxed setting.
Rooftop dining spot with sunset views, seafood, grilled dishes and drinks. A lively option for dinner with a more polished atmosphere.
Budget-friendly for Malaysia; rooms, local meals, and taxis usually cost less than in Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu.
Tipping is not expected. Restaurants may add a service charge. Round up small change for taxis or cafes, or leave 5-10% for very good service.
Official public transport app
Sandakan Airport, Sandakan -> Sandakan Town Centre, Sandakan
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Sandakan.
Omio simplifies your travel planning across Southeast Asia by bringing together over 1,000 trusted travel companies on one comprehensive platform. Whether you're booking local trains, long-distance buses, or ferry tickets, Omio lets you compare options, prices, and schedules instantly to find the perfect journey for your needs. With convenient mobile tickets delivered straight to your phone and real-time travel updates keeping you informed every step of the way, you can travel with confidence knowing that dedicated customer support is always available when you need it. From discovering trending destinations to seamlessly connecting different modes of transport, Omio transforms complex multi-leg journeys into simple, stress-free bookings that let you focus on exploring incredible destinations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Pros: The bus journey from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan offers excellent value at approximately RM40-50 per ticket for the 5-6 hour journey. Most operators provide generous luggage allowances without additional fees. Buses typically feature air conditioning, reclining seats, and some even offer Wi-Fi and USB charging ports. Services run from early morning (around 7:30 AM) until late afternoon (4:00 PM), with terminals conveniently located in both city centers.
Cons: The mountainous route can extend journey times, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Delays are common during peak holiday periods and weekends. Service quality varies significantly between operators, with some buses having dated interiors and limited legroom. The infrequent departures (typically 3-4 daily) require advance booking, especially during high season, and the lack of evening departures limits flexibility for travelers.
Sandakan offers visitors a diverse range of attractions centered around its rich wildlife and cultural heritage. Travelers can observe orangutans at the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre or visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre nearby. Nature enthusiasts should explore the Kinabatangan River for wildlife cruises showcasing proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and exotic birds. The city's historical significance is preserved at the Sandakan Memorial Park, commemorating WWII prisoners of war. Culinary adventurers can sample fresh seafood at the waterfront or experience local flavors at the central market. Agnes Keith House provides insight into colonial history, while the vibrant Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple offers panoramic views of Sandakan Bay.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan 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 Sandakan, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan buses use the Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) to Sandakan station pair. Use this guide to compare Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan 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.
Sandakan is 2 km from Sandakan city centre. Public transport options include:
Sandakan has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Local food stalls and small restaurants nearby
ATMs are aTM machines available inside terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Sandakan.
Available at Sandakan: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sandakan: Wheelchair accessible.
Check bus stations information for Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need