The cheapest and fastest buses from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
11 h 8 m
Average duration
11 h 8 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
278 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 6 buses that leave Tawau for Kota Kinabalu on Thu, Nov 27, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 27 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 27 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.
SABARIAH EXPRESS
SAIRAH EXPRESS
TRANSTEDAR EXPRESS
TUNG MA EXPRESS
OPTISJAYA EXPRESS
SABARIAH EXPRESS
SAIRAH EXPRESS
TRANSTEDAR EXPRESS
TUNG MA EXPRESS
OPTISJAYA EXPRESSTravel Information
Compare bus and flight for Tawau to Kota Kinabalu
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €16, and a flight costs an average of €18.
Distance: 172 miles (278 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
€16 Average price Cheapest | €44 Average price |
11h 38m Average total duration 11h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration Fastest 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tawau to Kota Kinabalu Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Tung Ma Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 06:38PM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Sairah Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 06:38PM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator TransTedar Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:38AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Sabariah Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:38AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Sairah Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:38AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Tung Ma Express | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 07:08AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator OPTISJAYA EXPRESS | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 07:08AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Live departures
Tawau to Kota Kinabalu bus times
The table below shows live departures for Tawau to Kota Kinabalu buses for today, Wednesday, November 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TUNG MA EXPRESS | 11:30 PM Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) | 11h08 | 10:38 AM Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, November 27 | |||||
SABARIAH EXPRESS | 11:30 AM Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) | 11h08 | 10:38 PM Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) | 0 transfersDirect | |
SAIRAH EXPRESS | 11:30 AM Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) | 11h08 | 10:38 PM Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) | 0 transfersDirect | |
TRANSTEDAR EXPRESS | 11:30 AM Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) | 11h08 | 10:38 PM Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) | 0 transfersDirect | |
TUNG MA EXPRESS | 12:00 PM Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) | 11h08 | 11:08 PM Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) | 0 transfersDirect | |
OPTISJAYA EXPRESS | 12:00 PM Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) | 11h08 | 11:08 PM Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Tawau to Kota Kinabalu 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.
Nov 27
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
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Dec 03
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu
Buses from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu run on average 6 times per day, taking around 11h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) if you book in advance.
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.
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 07:00 |
Last bus 20:00 |
Bus providers: Tung Ma Express, Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS, TransTedar Express from Tawau to Kota KinabaluYou can travel by bus between Tawau to Kota Kinabalu with Tung Ma Express, Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS, TransTedar Express for as low as $19 (€16). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Sairah Express
Tung Ma Express
TransTedar Express
OPTISJAYA EXPRESS
FAQs: Bus from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu 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 Kota Kinabalu, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the bus most frequently from Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah), which is located around 10.7 miles (17.3 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam), located 6.1 miles (9.9 km) away from the city centre.
- Sairah Express
- Wheelchair access available
- Assistance for boarding and alighting can be arranged upon request.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- Tung Ma Express
- Luggage included in fare; specific size/type not provided.
- Sairah Express
- Luggage included in fare; specific size/type not provided.
- TransTedar Express
- Luggage included in fare; specific size/type not provided.
- Tung Ma Express
- Excess luggage and bulky luggage allowed for an additional fee
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi available
- Available in front of terminal
- Local food stalls and small restaurants inside terminal
- Available at designated taxi stand
- Basic ramps available
- Public toilets available
- Bus: Local city buses and intercity buses
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi available
- Free parking available for passengers
- Food stalls and small restaurants available within terminal
- Available at designated taxi stand
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public toilets available
- Bus: City buses and intercity buses
More options for your journey from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu
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