Tawau to Kota Kinabalu bus with Tung Ma Express

Wed 15 Jul
+ Add return
Tung Ma Express
Sairah Express
TransTedar Express
Sabariah Express
OPTISJAYA EXPRESS
2,000+ travel companies
Tung Ma Express
Sairah Express
TransTedar Express
Sabariah Express
OPTISJAYA EXPRESS
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu

Showing times and prices for 15 Jul

Cheapest price

£15

Average price

£15

Fastest journey

11 h 8 m

Average duration

11 h 8 m

Buses per day

7

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 7 buses that leave Tawau for Kota Kinabalu every day 7 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.

  • Tung Ma ExpressTUNG MA EXPRESS
    20:0011h08
    Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)
    7:08Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)
    £151One-way
    0 changes
  • Sabariah ExpressSABARIAH EXPRESS
    19:3011h08
    Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)
    6:38Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)
    £151One-way
    0 changes
  • Tung Ma ExpressTUNG MA EXPRESS
    7:3011h08
    Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)
    18:38Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)
    £151One-way
    0 changes
  • Sairah ExpressSAIRAH EXPRESS
    19:3011h08
    Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)
    6:38Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)
    £151One-way
    0 changes
  • Sairah ExpressSAIRAH EXPRESS
    7:3011h08
    Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)
    18:38Kota Kinabalu (Bus 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 £15. 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 £15, and a flight costs an average of £15.

Distance: 278 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Flight

£17

Average Price

Cheapest

£68

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 tomorrow, Wednesday 15 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Tung Ma ExpressTUNG MA EXPRESS7:30 Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)
11h08
18:38 Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)0 changesdirect
Sairah ExpressSAIRAH EXPRESS7:30 Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)
11h08
18:38 Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)0 changesdirect
Sairah ExpressSAIRAH EXPRESS19:30 Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)
11h08
6:38 Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)0 changesdirect
Sabariah ExpressSABARIAH EXPRESS19:30 Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)
11h08
6:38 Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)0 changesdirect
TransTedar ExpressTRANSTEDAR EXPRESS19:30 Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)
11h08
6:38 Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)0 changesdirect
Tung Ma ExpressTUNG MA EXPRESS20:00 Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)
11h08
7:08 Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)0 changesdirect
OPTISJAYA EXPRESSOPTISJAYA EXPRESS20:00 Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah)
11h08
7:08 Kota Kinabalu (Bus 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.

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15 Jul
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Why should you book Tawau to Kota Kinabalu coaches with Omio?

Tung Ma Express as well as Sairah Express, TransTedar Express, Sabariah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS and more offer coaches 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, TransTedar Express, Sabariah Express or OPTISJAYA 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
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 £15 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
£15
Buses per day
6
Direct buses
6
Fastest bus
11h 8m
First bus
7:00
Last bus
20:00
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sun
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, TransTedar Express, Sabariah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS from Tawau to Kota KinabaluYou can travel by bus between Tawau to Kota Kinabalu with Tung Ma Express, Sairah Express, TransTedar Express, Sabariah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS for as low as £15. 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
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
£15
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
£16
Luggage included
Luggage included in fare; specific size/type not provided.
Amenities on board the bus
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets

Sabariah Express

About
Established in 1995 in Malaysia, operates from Inanam Bus Terminal, Kota Kinabalu. The fleet consists of Executive VIP coaches with 32 to 41 spacious and clean seats. Night buses are not available. Luggage is included in the fare, with excess and bulky luggage allowed for an additional fee. Free onboard WiFi is available, but there are no USB plugs. Pets and bikes are not permitted. Food options are offered onboard, and seat reservations along with bathrooms ensure a comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 8m
Cheapest Price
£17
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
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 £15 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Tawau to Kota Kinabalu is £17; 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 coach from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu is 11h 8m to travel the 278 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu leaves at 7:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu leaves at 20:00.
Yes, there are 6 direct coaches a day from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu with OPTISJAYA EXPRESS. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu, you can count on Tung Ma Express, Sairah Express, TransTedar Express, Sabariah Express, OPTISJAYA EXPRESS for the best way to get you to Kota Kinabalu. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Tawau and Kota Kinabalu and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Tawau , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah) . When arriving in Kota Kinabalu , you can end your route in coach stations like Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam), Ranau, Ranau, Kundasang, Telupid, Sandakan, Jalan Checkpoint, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Sandakan.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Tawau (Bus Terminal Sri Indah), which is located around 12 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach 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 coach 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 coach and 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 company Sairah Express, Sabariah Express, Tung Ma Express, TransTedar Express.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach 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.
No, there is no 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:
  • 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 coach ticket from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu:
  • Sabariah Express
    • Excess luggage and bulky luggage allowed for an additional fee
  • 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 company: Sairah Express, Sabariah Express, Tung Ma Express, 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

Most Tawau to Kota Kinabalu buses use the Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) to Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) station pair. Use this guide to compare Tawau and Kota Kinabalu bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Tawau
Arrival bus stations in Kota Kinabalu

Which Tawau station do buses to Kota Kinabalu leave from?

Buses from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu leave from Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah). The station is 13 km from Tawau city centre at Jalan Tawau Lama, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia.
Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah)Jalan Tawau Lama, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, MalaysiaWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) from Tawau city centre

Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) is 12 km from Tawau city centre. Public transport options include:

BusLocal city buses and intercity buses

Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) bus station facilities and services

Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Local food stalls and small restaurants inside terminal

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi available. ATMs are aTM machines available inside terminal.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Tawau (Terminal Bus Sri Indah): Basic ramps available.

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

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