Tawau to Sandakan bus

Sat, May 16
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FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
Costa Verde
2,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
Costa Verde
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare flight and bus for Tawau to Sandakan

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Tawau to Sandakan among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a flight costs an average of $67.

Distance: 111 miles (180 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Flight
Driving

$19

Average price

Cheapest

$298

Average price

$15

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 51m

Average total duration

6h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

40m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

5h 20m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Tawau to Sandakan is a bus with an average price of $19 (€15).

This is compared to other travel options from Tawau to Sandakan:

A bus is $280 (€226) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Tawau to Sandakan costing on average $298 (€241).

The fastest way to travel from Tawau to Sandakan is by flight with an average journey time of 40m.

Other travel options to Sandakan take longer:

Bus takes on average 6h 21m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Tawau and Sandakan including taking a flight and bus.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Tawau to Sandakan among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.

Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Tawau to Sandakan Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Sida Express
Departure Time
12:00AM
Arrival Time
06:21AM
Duration
6h21
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$19

Compare prices and tickets Tawau to Sandakan by flight or bus

Compare flight and 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.

Sat
May 16
Sun
May 17
Mon
May 18
Tue
May 19
Wed
May 20
Thu
May 21
Fri
May 22

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Tawau to Sandakan

MalaysiaMalaysia
MalaysiaMalaysia
Icon of bus

Buses from Tawau to Sandakan run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) if you book in advance.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:30, the last at 10:00. The fastest bus covers the 111 miles (180 km) distance in 6h 21m.

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
Distance
111 miles (180 km)
Average bus duration
6h 21m
Cheapest ticket price
$19 (€15)
Buses per day
1
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
6h 21m
First bus
7:30 AM
Last bus
10:00 AM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
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

FAQs: Bus from Tawau to Sandakan

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tawau 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Tawau to Sandakan can start from as little as $19 (€15) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Tawau to Sandakan 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 average journey time by bus from Tawau to Sandakan is 6h 21m to travel the 111 miles (180 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 Sandakan leaves at 7:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Tawau to Sandakan leaves at 10:00 AM.
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 Sandakan, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Sandakan from Tawau is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 21m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Tawau to Sandakan is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Tawau and Sandakan including taking a flight and bus.
No, the bus from Tawau to Sandakan has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Tawau to Sandakan.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Tawau to Sandakan.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Tawau to Sandakan.
No, luggage for the bus from Tawau to Sandakan needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Tawau to Sandakan.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Tawau to Sandakan.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Tawau to Sandakan.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Tawau to Sandakan.
Since neither Tawau nor Sandakan are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of Malaysia and Malaysia. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Tawau to Sandakan among Omio's users.
The currency used in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Travelers often find it convenient to use cards for most transactions, especially in urban areas, but carrying some cash is advisable for smaller vendors and rural locations where card acceptance may be limited.
In Sandakan, travelers should be cautious of petty theft and keep an eye on their belongings, especially in crowded areas and markets. Avoid accepting unsolicited offers for tours or transportation to prevent scams. It's advisable to use licensed operators for boat trips and wildlife tours. Travelers should also be aware of local wildlife and follow safety guidelines when visiting natural attractions.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Tawau to Sandakan

Tawau
Sandakan
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 Sandakan.
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
12 km
carConnection
Car connection
Jalan Tawau Lama
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi available
Parking
Parking
  • Available in front of terminal
Dining
Dining
  • Local food stalls and small restaurants inside terminal
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available at designated taxi stand
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Basic ramps available
WC
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 Tawau

More options for your journey from Tawau to Sandakan

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

Most popular bus connections to Sandakan

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