- 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 Lahad Datu to Sandakan is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lahad Datu to Sandakan will cost around €9 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €9.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 1 buses from Lahad Datu to Sandakan, including 1 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct buses cover the 96 km distance in an average of 4 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 30 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest buses will take 4 h 30 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 Lahad Datu to Sandakan run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €7 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:15, the last at 21:30. The fastest bus covers the 59 miles (96 km) distance in 2h 30m.
Distance 59 miles (96 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price €7 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 2h 30m |
First bus 1:15 AM |
Last bus 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Lahad Datu to Sandakan.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Chin's Express | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €9 |
The table below shows live departures for Lahad Datu to Sandakan buses for today, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:00 AM Lahad Datu | 4h30 | 9:30 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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lahad Datu 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.

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