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The cheapest and fastest buses from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
11 h 8 m
Average duration
11 h 8 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
278 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau 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 Tawau will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Fast buses
Of the 7 buses that leave Kota Kinabalu for Tawau on Sun, Jun 21, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 278 km distance in an average of 11 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 8 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 11 h 8 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.
SAIRAH EXPRESS7:30 PM11h08Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)6:38 AMTawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)$201One-way0 transfers
SABARIAH EXPRESS7:30 PM11h08Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)6:38 AMTawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)$201One-way0 transfers
TRANSTEDAR EXPRESS7:30 PM11h08Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)6:38 AMTawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)$201One-way0 transfers- SAIRAH EXPRESS7:30 AM11h08Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)6:38 PMTawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)$201One-way0 transfers
TUNGMA EXPRESS (KOTA KINABALU)7:00 AM11h08Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)6:08 PMTawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)$201One-way0 transfers
- SAIRAH EXPRESS7:30 PM11h08Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)6:38 AMTawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)$201One-way0 transfers
- SABARIAH EXPRESS7:30 PM11h08Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)6:38 AMTawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)$201One-way0 transfers
- TRANSTEDAR EXPRESS7:30 PM11h08Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)6:38 AMTawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)$201One-way0 transfers
- SAIRAH EXPRESS7:30 AM11h08Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)6:38 PMTawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)$201One-way0 transfers
- TUNGMA EXPRESS (KOTA KINABALU)7:00 AM11h08Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)6:08 PMTawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)$201One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Kota Kinabalu to Tawau
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a flight costs an average of $15.
Distance: 172 miles (278 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$22 Average price Cheapest | $86 Average price | $21 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 38m Average total duration 11h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau is a bus with an average price of $22 (€18).
This is compared to other travel options from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau:
A bus is $64 (€52) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau costing on average $86 (€70).
The fastest way to travel from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau is by flight with an average journey time of 50m.
Other travel options to Tawau take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 8m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Kota Kinabalu and Tawau including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -4h -27m sooner (11h 8m by bus vs 7h 41m by car) and save roughly $-1.37 (€-1.12) compared to fuel and tolls ($22 (€18) vs $21 (€17)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by TransTedar Express.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Kota Kinabalu to Tawau Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu) | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 06:08PM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Sairah Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 06:38PM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator OPTISJAYA EXPRESS | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:38AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator TransTedar Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:38AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Sabariah Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:38AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Sairah Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:38AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu) | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 07:08AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Live departures
Kota Kinabalu to Tawau bus times
The table below shows live departures for Kota Kinabalu to Tawau buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TRANSTEDAR EXPRESS | 7:30 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 11h08 | 6:38 AM Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| SAIRAH EXPRESS | 7:30 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 11h08 | 6:38 AM Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| SABARIAH EXPRESS | 7:30 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 11h08 | 6:38 AM Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah) | 0 transfersDirect | |
 OPTISJAYA EXPRESS | 7:30 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 11h08 | 6:38 AM Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| TUNGMA EXPRESS (KOTA KINABALU) | 8:00 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 11h08 | 7:08 AM Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| TUNGMA EXPRESS (KOTA KINABALU) | 7:00 AM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 11h08 | 6:08 PM Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| SAIRAH EXPRESS | 7:30 AM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 11h08 | 6:38 PM Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Kota Kinabalu to Tawau by bus or flight
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Sun
Jun 21
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Why should you book Kota Kinabalu to Tawau buses with Omio?
TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu) as well as TransTedar Express, Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS, Sabariah Express and more offer buses services from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau.
Omio is the only official third party seller for TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu) tickets.
Why book with Omio vs TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu), but also compare tickets for the likes of TransTedar Express, Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS or Sabariah Express to find the best option for your trip from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu) with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau
MalaysiaMalaysia
Buses from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau run on average 6 times per day, taking around 11h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) but you can travel from only $15 (€12) by flight.
There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:00, the last at 20:00. The fastest bus covers the 172 miles (278 km) distance in 11h 8m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $15 (€12)
Distance 172 miles (278 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 11h 8m |
First bus 7:00 AM |
Last bus 8:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $15 (€12)
Bus providers: TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu), TransTedar Express, Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS, Sabariah Express from Kota Kinabalu to TawauYou can travel by bus between Kota Kinabalu to Tawau with TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu), TransTedar Express, Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS, Sabariah Express for as low as $15 (€12). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Sairah Express
About
Established in 2016 in Malaysia, operates high-class express buses with modern interiors and air conditioning. The main office is located at TB 4425 Block C Sabindo Square, Tun Hamdan Street, Tawau, Sabah. The service includes wheelchair access with assistance available upon request. Luggage is included in the fare. Free onboard WiFi and USB plugs are provided. Seat reservations and onboard bathrooms ensure a comfortable journey. Pets and bikes are not allowed.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 8m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€16)
Luggage included
Luggage included in fare; specific size/type not provided.
Amenities on board the bus
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
Accessibility
Wheelchair access available; assistance for boarding and alighting can be arranged upon request.
TransTedar Express
About
Established in 2005 in Malaysia, operates from Counter 13, Terminal Inanam Bus Station, Kota Kinabalu. The fleet includes sleeper coaches and various service classes (express, ordinary, second, and first class). Night buses are not available. Luggage is included in the fare. Additional luggage is not allowed. Free onboard WiFi and USB plugs are available. Pets and bikes are not permitted. Food options are offered onboard, with seat reservations and bathrooms available for a comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 8m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€15)
TransTedar Express frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Luggage included in fare; specific size/type not provided.
Amenities on board the bus
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
Sabariah Express
About
Established in 1995 in Malaysia, operates from Inanam Bus Terminal, Kota Kinabalu. The fleet consists of Executive VIP coaches with 32 to 41 spacious and clean seats. Night buses are not available. Luggage is included in the fare, with excess and bulky luggage allowed for an additional fee. Free onboard WiFi is available, but there are no USB plugs. Pets and bikes are not permitted. Food options are offered onboard, and seat reservations along with bathrooms ensure a comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 8m
Cheapest Price
$26 (€21)
Luggage included
Luggage included in fare; specific size/type not provided.
Additional luggage
Excess luggage and bulky luggage allowed for an additional fee
Amenities on board the bus
Seat reservation
Toilets
TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu)
About
Established in 1993 in Malaysia, operates 44-seater double-deck express buses from Terminal Bus Sri Indah in Tawau. The service includes luggage included with bulky luggage incurring an extra charge. Excess luggage is allowed for an additional fee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 8m
Cheapest Price
$23 (€19)
Luggage included
Luggage included; bulky luggage may incur an extra charge.
Additional luggage
Excess luggage and bulky luggage allowed for an additional fee
OPTISJAYA EXPRESS
About
Established in Malaysia, operates 30-seater single deck buses with fully air-conditioned, reclining seats and spacious leg space. The main bus station is Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS). Luggage is not included, and no additional luggage is allowed. There is no onboard WiFi, USB plugs, pets or bikes permitted. Food options are unavailable, and there are no seat reservations or onboard bathrooms.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 8m
Cheapest Price
$20 (€17)
FAQs: Bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau 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 Tawau, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau can start from as little as $19 (€16) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Kota Kinabalu to Tawau is $22 (€18) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau is 11h 8m to travel the 172 miles (278 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau leaves at 7:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau leaves at 8:00 PM.
Yes, there are 6 direct buses a day from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau with TransTedar Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau, you can count on TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu), TransTedar Express, Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS, Sabariah Express for the best way to get you to Tawau. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Kota Kinabalu and Tawau and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam), which is located around 2 miles (4 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah), located 12 away from the city centre.
A trip to Tawau from Kota Kinabalu is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 8m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Kota Kinabalu and Tawau including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau:
- Sairah Express
- Wheelchair access available
- assistance for boarding and alighting can be arranged upon request.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau for bus company TransTedar Express, Sairah Express, Sabariah Express.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau:
- TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu)
- Luggage included
- bulky luggage may incur an extra charge.
- TransTedar Express
- Luggage included in fare
- specific size/type not provided.
- Sairah Express
- Luggage included in fare
- specific size/type not provided.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau:
- Sabariah Express
- Excess luggage and bulky luggage allowed for an additional fee
- TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu)
- Excess luggage and bulky luggage allowed for an additional fee
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau with the following bus company: TransTedar Express, Sairah Express, Sabariah Express
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau.
Since neither Kota Kinabalu nor Tawau are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of Malaysia and Malaysia. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau among Omio's users.
The currency used in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Travelers often find it convenient to use cards for most transactions, especially in urban areas, but carrying some cash is advisable for smaller vendors and rural locations where card acceptance may be limited.
In Tawau, travelers should be cautious of petty theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded markets and public transport areas. It is advisable to avoid unlicensed taxi services and always agree on fares beforehand to prevent overcharging. Travelers should also be wary of unofficial tour operators offering deals that seem too good to be true, as these can sometimes lead to subpar experiences or safety risks. Staying in well-reviewed accommodations and using reputable transportation options helps ensure a safer visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau
Kota Kinabalu
Tawau
The major bus station for departures in Kota Kinabalu is Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) for your trip from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau.
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Distance to city center
4 km
Car connection
Jalan BantayanWifi
- Free Wi-Fi available
Parking
- Free parking available for passengers
Dining
- Food stalls and small restaurants available within terminal
Taxis
- Available at designated taxi stand
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
WC
- Public toilets available
Public transit options for Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)
- Bus: City buses and intercity buses
The major bus station for arrivals in Tawau is Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) for your trip to Tawau from Kota Kinabalu.
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Distance to city center
12 kmCar connection
Jalan Tawau LamaWifi
- Free Wi-Fi available
Parking
- Available in front of terminal
Dining
- Local food stalls and small restaurants inside terminal
Taxis
- Available at designated taxi stand
Accessibility
- Basic ramps available
WC
- Public toilets available
Public transit options for Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
- Bus: Local city buses and intercity buses
Most popular bus connections from Kota Kinabalu
More options for your journey from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Tawau and Kota Kinabalu
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