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The cheapest and fastest buses from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu
Showing times and prices for Mar 01
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$22
Fastest journey
11 h 8 m
Average duration
11 h 8 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
278 km
Cheap tickets
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 $22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Tawau for Kota Kinabalu on Sun, Mar 01, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Mar 01 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, Mar 01 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.
11:30PM11h08
Tawau10:38AMKota Kinabalu
$201One-way
0 transfers
12:00PM11h08
Tawau11:08PMKota Kinabalu
$241One-way
0 transfers
11:30PM11h08
Tawau10:38AMKota Kinabalu
$201One-way
0 transfers
12:00PM11h08
Tawau11:08PMKota Kinabalu
$241One-way
0 transfers
Travel 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 $20. 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 $20, and a flight costs an average of $15.
Distance: 172 miles (278 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$22 Average price Cheapest | $46 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 Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Sairah Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 06:38PM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator TransTedar Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:38AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Sabariah Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:38AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Sairah Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:38AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Tung Ma Express | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 07:08AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator OPTISJAYA EXPRESS | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 07:08AM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Live departures
Tawau to Kota Kinabalu bus times
The table below shows live departures for Tawau to Kota Kinabalu buses for today, Friday, February 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 7:31 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 SABARIAH EXPRESS | 11:30 AM Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah) | 11h08 | 10:38 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| SAIRAH EXPRESS | 11:30 AM Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah) | 11h08 | 10:38 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 0 transfersDirect | |
 TRANSTEDAR EXPRESS | 11:30 AM Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah) | 11h08 | 10:38 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| TUNG MA EXPRESS | 12:00 PM Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah) | 11h08 | 11:08 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 0 transfersDirect | |
 OPTISJAYA EXPRESS | 12:00 PM Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah) | 11h08 | 11:08 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 0 transfersDirect |
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.
Sat
Feb 28
Feb 28
Sun
Mar 01
Mar 01
Mon
Mar 02
Mar 02
Tue
Mar 03
Mar 03
Wed
Mar 04
Mar 04
Thu
Mar 05
Mar 05
Fri
Mar 06
Mar 06
Why should you book Tawau to Kota Kinabalu buses with Omio?
Tung Ma Express as well as Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS, TransTedar Express and more offer buses services from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Tung Ma Express tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Tung Ma Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Tung Ma Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS or TransTedar Express to find the best option for your trip from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.
- 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 Tung Ma Express with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu
MalaysiaMalaysia
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 $20 (€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 $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 11h 8m |
First bus 07:00 |
Last bus 20:00 |
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: 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 $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
$20 (€16)
Sairah Express frequency
2 a day
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.
Tung Ma Express
About
Established in 1993 in Malaysia, operates from Terminal Bus Sri Indah with 44-seater double-deck express buses featuring air conditioning, TV sets, reclining seats, spacious legroom, and seat belts. Luggage is included in the fare with excess and bulky luggage allowed for an additional fee. Onboard facilities include free WiFi, USB plugs, food options, seat reservations, and onboard bathrooms. Pets and bikes are not permitted.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 8m
Cheapest Price
$21 (€17)
Tung Ma Express frequency
2 a day
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
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
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
$20 (€16)
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
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
$21 (€17)
OPTISJAYA EXPRESS frequency
1 a day
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu can start from as little as $20 (€16) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Tawau to Kota Kinabalu 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 Tawau to Kota Kinabalu 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 Tawau to Kota Kinabalu leaves at 7:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu leaves at 8:00 PM.
Yes, there are 6 direct buses a day from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu with Tung Ma Express, Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS, TransTedar Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu, you can count on Tung Ma Express, Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS, TransTedar Express for the best way to get you to Kota Kinabalu. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Tawau and Kota Kinabalu and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Tawau , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah) . When arriving in Kota Kinabalu , you can end your journey in bus stations like Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam), Ranau, Kundasang, Ranau, Sandakan, Jalan Checkpoint, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Telupid, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Sandakan .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah), which is located around 12 away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam), located 4 away from the city centre.
A trip to Kota Kinabalu from Tawau 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 Tawau to Kota Kinabalu is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Tawau and Kota Kinabalu including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu:
- Sairah Express
- Wheelchair access available
- assistance for boarding and alighting can be arranged upon request.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu for bus company TransTedar Express, Sairah Express, Tung Ma Express.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.
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 Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu:
- TransTedar Express
- Luggage included in fare
- specific size/type not provided.
- Sairah Express
- Luggage included in fare
- specific size/type not provided.
- Tung Ma Express
- Luggage included in fare
- specific size/type not provided.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu:
- Tung Ma Express
- Excess luggage and bulky luggage allowed for an additional fee
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu with the following bus company: TransTedar Express, Sairah Express, Tung Ma Express
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu
Tawau
Kota Kinabalu
The major bus station for departures 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 from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Distance to city center
12 km
Car 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
The major bus station for arrivals 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 to Kota Kinabalu from Tawau.
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Distance to city center
4 kmCar 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
More options for your journey from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Kota Kinabalu and Tawau
Most popular bus connections to Kota Kinabalu
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