Tawau to Kota Kinabalu bus with Tung Ma Express

Thu 27 Nov
+ Add return
Tung Ma Express
Sairah Express
OPTISJAYA EXPRESS
TransTedar Express
National Express
1,000+ travel companies
Tung Ma Express
Sairah Express
OPTISJAYA EXPRESS
TransTedar Express
National Express
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu

Showing times and prices for 27 Nov

Cheapest price

£15

Average price

£15

Fastest journey

11 h 8 m

Average duration

11 h 8 m

Buses per day

6

Distance

278 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Tawau 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 Tawau to Kota Kinabalu will cost around £15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £15.

Fast coaches

Of the 6 buses that leave Tawau for Kota Kinabalu every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These 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 .

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 ExpressSABARIAH EXPRESS
19:3011h08
Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
06:38Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)
£151One-way
0 changes
Sairah ExpressSAIRAH EXPRESS
19:3011h08
Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
06:38Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)
£151One-way
0 changes
TransTedar ExpressTRANSTEDAR EXPRESS
19:3011h08
Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
06:38Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)
£151One-way
0 changes
Tung Ma ExpressTUNG MA EXPRESS
20:0011h08
Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
07:08Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)
£151One-way
0 changes
OPTISJAYA EXPRESSOPTISJAYA EXPRESS
20:0011h08
Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
07:08Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)
£151One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and flight for Tawau to Kota Kinabalu

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £14. 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 coach costs an average of £14, and a flight costs an average of £17.

Distance: 278 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Flight

£15

Average Price

Cheapest

£40

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*

Tung Ma Express

Most popular bus company

AirAsia

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Tawau to Kota Kinabalu bus times

The table below shows live departures for Tawau to Kota Kinabalu coaches for today, Wednesday 26 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 19:55
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
ESB_1183_TUNG_MATUNG MA EXPRESS23:30 Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
11h08
10:38 Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)0 changesdirect
Thursday 27 November
ESB_524_SABARIAH_EXPRESSSABARIAH EXPRESS11:30 Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
11h08
22:38 Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)0 changesdirect
ESB_103_SAIRAH_EXPRESSSAIRAH EXPRESS11:30 Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
11h08
22:38 Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)0 changesdirect
ESB_237_TRANSTEDAR_EXPRESSTRANSTEDAR EXPRESS11:30 Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
11h08
22:38 Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)0 changesdirect
ESB_1183_TUNG_MATUNG MA EXPRESS12:00 Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
11h08
23:08 Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)0 changesdirect
ESB_83_OPTISJAYA_EXPRESSOPTISJAYA EXPRESS12:00 Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
11h08
23:08 Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam)0 changesdirect

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 coach or flight

Compare coach 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.

Thu
27 Nov
Fri
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
Sun
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu

MalaysiaMalaysia
MalaysiaMalaysia
Icon of bus

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 £14 if you book in advance.

There are 6 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 07:00, the last at 20:00. The fastest coach covers the 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
Distance
278 km
Average bus duration
11h 8m
Cheapest ticket price
£14
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

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 £14. 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
£15
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
£14
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
£15
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
£15
OPTISJAYA EXPRESS frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Tawau to Kota Kinabalu coach

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

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu can start from as little as £14 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Tawau to Kota Kinabalu is £15; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The coach time to Kota Kinabalu from Tawau is on average 11 h 8 min   for the 172 mile long journey, but the time it takes to go to Kota Kinabalu from Tawau by coach can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu leaves at 07: 00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu leaves at 20: 00.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu without having to change trains with Tung Ma Express, Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS or TransTedar Express. There are 6 direct coaches from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
Take the Tawau to Kota Kinabalu coach with Tung Ma Express, Sairah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS or TransTedar Express. However, it's always good to check out all possible coach companies for the route from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.

Passengers board the coach 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 coach at Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam), located 6.1 miles (9.9 km) away from the city centre.

The cheapest month to travel from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu by coach is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Tawau and Kota Kinabalu including taking a coach or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach 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 coach from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu for coach companies Tung Ma Express, Sairah Express and TransTedar Express.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

    • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu:
    • 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.
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach 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 coach from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.
    You can reserve your seat on the coach from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu with the following coach companies: Tung Ma Express, Sairah Express and TransTedar Express
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in Tawau and Kota Kinabalu

    Tawau
    Kota Kinabalu
    The major coach 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.
    Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    address
    Address
    Jalan Tawau Lama, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
    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 transport options for Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)
    • Bus: Local 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

    Return coaches from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau
    Tickets and more information for coaches to Tawau
    Tickets and more information for coaches to Kota Kinabalu
    HomeCoachesBuses in MalaysiaCoach tickets to Kota Kinabalu Tawau to Kota Kinabalu bus

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