- Must visit
Sabah State Museum
State museum complex covering Sabah history, culture and natural heritage. A practical first stop for understanding the region beyond the city.
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu will cost around £12 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £11.
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 8 buses from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu, including 8 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 271 km distance in an average of 8 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 48 m .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 48 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.
SAIRAH EXPRESS
|
| ||||||||||||
SAIRAH EXPRESS
|
| ||||||||||||
AMIN JAYA EXPRESS
|
| ||||||||||||
SABARIAH EXPRESS
|
| ||||||||||||
AMIN JAYA EXPRESS
|
| ||||||||||||
SAIRAH EXPRESS
|
| ||||||||||||
SAIRAH EXPRESS
|
| ||||||||||||
DYANA EXPRESS
|
| ||||||||||||
AMIN JAYA EXPRESS
|
| ||||||||||||
SABARIAH EXPRESS
|
| ||||||||||||
Buses from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu run on average 8 times per day, taking around 8h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £10 if you book in advance.
There are 8 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 07:00, the last at 21:45. The fastest coach covers the 271 km distance in 8h 30m.
Distance 271 km |
Average bus duration 8h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 8h 30m |
First bus 7:00 |
Last bus 21:45 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 Kota Kinabalu.
The table below shows live departures for Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu coaches for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SABARIAH EXPRESS | 21:30 Lahad Datu | 8h48 | 6:18 Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 0 changesdirect | |
SAIRAH EXPRESS | 21:30 Lahad Datu | 8h48 | 6:18 Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 0 changesdirect | |
SRI MUTIARA EXPRESS | 21:30 Lahad Datu | 8h48 | 6:18 Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 0 changesdirect | |
AMIN JAYA EXPRESS | 21:45 Lahad Datu | 8h48 | 6:33 Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 2 November | |||||
SAIRAH EXPRESS | 9:30 Lahad Datu | 8h48 | 18:18 Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 0 changesdirect | |
SABARIAH EXPRESS | 9:30 Lahad Datu | 8h48 | 18:18 Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 0 changesdirect | |
AMIN JAYA EXPRESS | 9:45 Lahad Datu | 8h48 | 18:33 Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 0 changesdirect | |
SABARIAH EXPRESS | 16:30 Lahad Datu | 8h48 | 1:18 Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 0 changesdirect | |
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 Kota Kinabalu — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kota Kinabalu trip today.
State museum complex covering Sabah history, culture and natural heritage. A practical first stop for understanding the region beyond the city.
Local heritage gallery inside Wisma Budaya with cultural displays and artworks. Useful for a quick introduction to Sabah traditions and craft.
Compact museum with interactive science displays suitable for families. Visit for hands-on exhibits and an easy indoor break from the heat.
Popular waterfront promenade with sea views, boats and sunset scenes. A classic evening walk for breezes, people-watching and city atmosphere.
Rooftop viewpoint and signal hill area overlooking the city and islands. A quick, rewarding stop for panoramic views, especially near sunset.
Seafront park and jogging area beside the city centre. Visit for sunset views, open lawns and a relaxed local atmosphere near the water.
Fresh marinated raw fish in lime juice with chilli, ginger and shallots. A Sabah coastal staple prized for its bright, clean flavours.
Springy egg noodles tossed with barbecued char siu, roast pork or seafood. A beloved Sabah hawker dish with Chinese local roots.
Beef noodle soup with mixed cuts, broth and noodles, commonly eaten for breakfast or lunch in Kota Kinabalu and across Sabah.
Refined dining restaurant serving contemporary dishes with Bornean ingredients and polished service in an elegant hotel setting.
Casual local restaurant known for fresh seafood, especially butter prawns and fish dishes, in a lively city setting.
Popular waterfront venue for grilled seafood, shellfish and local-style sharing plates with sunset views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Budget-friendly by Malaysian standards for travellers: affordable hotels, low-cost local meals and cheap e-hailing, though islands and upscale stays cost more.
Tipping is not expected. Some restaurants add a service charge. Round up small café bills, and for taxis or e-hailing, rounding up the fare is appreciated but optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Kota Kinabalu, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu buses use the Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) station pair. Use this guide to compare Lahad Datu and Kota Kinabalu bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Lahad Datu is 7 km from Lahad Datu city centre. Public transport options include:
Lahad Datu has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Local food stalls and small eateries nearby
ATMs are aTM available near terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Lahad Datu.
Available at Lahad Datu: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lahad Datu: Basic ramps available.
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) is 4 km from Kota Kinabalu city centre. Public transport options include:
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food stalls and small restaurants available within terminal
Free Wi-Fi available. ATMs are aTM machines available in terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam).
Available at Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam): Wheelchair accessible.
Check bus stations information for Lahad Datu and Kota Kinabalu, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need