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The cheapest and fastest buses from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau
Showing times and prices for Nov 06
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$19
Fastest journey
11 h 8 m
Average duration
11 h 8 m
Buses per day
6
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 $19 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Fast buses
Of the 6 buses that leave Kota Kinabalu for Tawau on Thu, Nov 06, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 06 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 Thu, Nov 06 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.
OPTISJAYA EXPRESS07:30PM11h08
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)06:38AMTawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
$191One-way
0 transfers
SAIRAH EXPRESS08:00AM11h08
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)07:08PMTawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
$191One-way
0 transfers
TUNGMA EXPRESS (KOTA KINABALU)08:00PM11h08
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)07:08AMTawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
$191One-way
0 transfers
TUNGMA EXPRESS (KOTA KINABALU)07:00AM11h08
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)06:08PMTawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
$191One-way
0 transfers
TRANSTEDAR EXPRESS08:00PM11h08
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)07:08AMTawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
$191One-way
0 transfers
OPTISJAYA EXPRESS07:30PM11h08
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)06:38AMTawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
$191One-way
0 transfers
SAIRAH EXPRESS08:00AM11h08
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)07:08PMTawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
$191One-way
0 transfers
TUNGMA EXPRESS (KOTA KINABALU)08:00PM11h08
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)07:08AMTawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
$191One-way
0 transfers
TUNGMA EXPRESS (KOTA KINABALU)07:00AM11h08
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)06:08PMTawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
$191One-way
0 transfers
TRANSTEDAR EXPRESS08:00PM11h08
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)07:08AMTawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
$191One-way
0 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 €15. 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 €15, and a flight costs an average of €14.
Distance: 172 miles (278 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
€15 Average price Cheapest | €48 Average price |
11h 38m Average total duration 11h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
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 Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Sairah Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 07:08PM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator OPTISJAYA EXPRESS | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:38AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator TransTedar Express | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 07:08AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu) | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 07:08AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Sairah Express | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 07:08AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Live departures
Kota Kinabalu to Tawau bus times
The table below shows live departures for Kota Kinabalu to Tawau buses for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 3:55 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPTISJAYA EXPRESS | 11:30 AM Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) | 11h08 | 10:38 PM Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| TUNGMA EXPRESS (KOTA KINABALU) | 12:00 PM Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) | 11h08 | 11:08 PM Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| TRANSTEDAR EXPRESS | 12:00 PM Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) | 11h08 | 11:08 PM Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| SAIRAH EXPRESS | 12:00 PM Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) | 11h08 | 11:08 PM Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| TUNGMA EXPRESS (KOTA KINABALU) | 11:00 PM Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) | 11h08 | 10:08 AM Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| SAIRAH EXPRESS | 12:00 AM Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) | 11h08 | 11:08 AM Tawau (Terminal Bus 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.
Thu
Nov 06
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Fri
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Sat
Nov 08
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Nov 10
Tue
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Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Nov 12
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau
MalaysiaMalaysia
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 $17 (€14)
Distance 172 miles (278 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 11h 8m |
First bus 07:00 |
Last bus 20:00 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau start from as low as $18 (€15) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $19 (€15) depending on the train type and class.
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 $17 (€14)
Bus providers: TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu), Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS, TransTedar Express from Kota Kinabalu to TawauYou can travel by bus between Kota Kinabalu to Tawau with TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu), Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS, TransTedar Express for as low as $17 (€14). 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
$18 (€15)
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
$18 (€15)
Luggage included
Luggage included in fare; specific size/type not provided.
Amenities on board the bus
Food sold onboard
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
$19 (€15)
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
$18 (€15)
OPTISJAYA EXPRESS frequency
1 a day
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 $18 (€15) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Kota Kinabalu to Tawau is $19 (€15); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time to Tawau from Kota Kinabalu is on average 11 h 8 min for the 172 mile (278 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go between Kota Kinabalu and Tawau by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau leaves at 7: 00AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau leaves at 8: 00PM.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau without having to change trains with TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu), Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS or TransTedar Express. There are 5 direct buses from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the best Kota Kinabalu to Tawau bus to purchase, you can travel safely and comfortably with TungMa Express (Kota Kinabalu), Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS or TransTedar Express. However, it's always good to check all possible bus providers with services from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau to compare what amenities they may offer.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam), which is located around 6.1 miles (9.9 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah), located 10.7 miles (17.3 km) away from the city centre.
The cheapest month to travel from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau by bus is March.
You have options as you can travel from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau 2 different ways: bus or 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 providers Sairah Express and TransTedar Express.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
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.
- Sairah Express
- Luggage included in fare; specific size/type not provided.
- TransTedar 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:
- 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 companies: Sairah Express and TransTedar 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.
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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