- Recommended
Bukit Tengkorak Archaeological Heritage Site Museum
Small archaeology gallery at Bukit Tengkorak presenting excavated pottery and site history from one of Semporna’s key heritage areas.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$7
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$7
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 h 59 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 h 59 m
Buses on Sep 19
1
Distance
68 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lahad Datu to Semporna 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 Semporna will cost around $7 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $7.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 1 buses from Lahad Datu to Semporna, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 68 km distance in an average of 1 h 59 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 59 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 1 h 59 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.
Economy(2+2)
Economy(2+2)Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Lahad Datu to Semporna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $9 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 3h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $9, while a bus costs an average of $9.
Distance: 42 miles (68 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$9 Average price Cheapest | $7 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 30m Average total duration Fastest 3h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $9 (€7) compared to roughly $7 (€6) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-2.09 (€-1.71). The journey takes 3h 0m versus 2h 23m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Sri Mutiara Luxury Express | Departure Time 04:01AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 1h59 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator Sri Mutiara Luxury Express | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator Sri Mutiara Luxury Express | Departure Time 08:01PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 1h59 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $7 |
Compare bus 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.
Buses from Lahad Datu to Semporna run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $7 (€5) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:30, the last at 19:30. The fastest bus covers the 42 miles (68 km) distance in 1h 59m.
Distance 42 miles (68 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€5) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 1h 59m |
First bus 3:30 AM |
Last bus 7:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Discover the best of Semporna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Semporna trip today.
Small archaeology gallery at Bukit Tengkorak presenting excavated pottery and site history from one of Semporna’s key heritage areas.
Community-run seaweed museum on Sebangkat Island explaining local seaweed farming traditions, tools, and coastal livelihoods.
Local cultural gallery space associated with Bajau heritage displays and visitor interpretation around Semporna’s island communities.
Busy waterfront promenade and jetty area where boats depart for the islands, popular for walks, sunsets, and observing daily town life.
Forest reserve and headland area reached by boat, known for clear water, beaches, walking trails, and panoramic coastal scenery.
Town seafront area with views of boats and nearby islands, useful for a short evening stroll and casual local atmosphere.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lahad Datu to Semporna 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 Semporna, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need