How to get from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur (KL) is the bustling capital of Malaysia, a vibrant city coloured by skyscrapers, age-old mosques, verdant parks, busy markets, and amazing nightlife. For a bird’s eye view some 1,000 feet above the ground, visit the KL Tower Observatory. The Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world, is another iconic sight. We recommend viewing from KLCC at night for a superb light show before heading to Jalan Alor for a tasty food trip.
If you have extra time, Batu Caves is also worth a visit. This 400-million-year-old limestone hill houses a series of cave temples and is located about 10 kms from Kuala Lumpur city centre.
Flight from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur
There is only 1 way to travel the 1,620 km distance from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur and that is by flight. Fares, including transfers, start from 244 MYR ($54.00). Combined travel time takes about 4 hours.
Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur by Flight
Including taxi transfers to and from the airports, a flight from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur takes around 4 hours.
Step 1: Kota Kinabalu City Centre to Kuala Lumpur
Kota Kinabalu Airport is located some 10 km from the city centre and you can reach it by either bus or taxi.
Buses are parked at Merdeka Square, which is just a few minutes walk from the famous Gaya Street. You can get a ticket at the terminal counter for 5 MYR ($1.10). Airport buses depart every hour from 7:30 to 20:30.
If you prefer a private ride, we recommend booking a taxi online beforehand via Klook. They provide spacious cars with trusted drivers from 36 MYR ($8.00).
Check Private Transfers with Klook
You can also hail a taxi from the street or book one through Grab.
Travel time from Kota Kinabalu city centre to the airport takes between 30 – 40 minutes depending on traffic.
Step 2: Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur by Flight
A flight from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur takes around 2.5 hours.
Airfares start from 227 MYR ($50.00) if you book a flight with Air Asia. Malaysia Airlines and Malindo Air are also available, but they are normally too expensive.
Flights depart from Kota Kinabalu Airport and arrive at Kuala Lumpur Airport.
Step 3: Kuala Lumpur Airport to City Centre
From Kuala Lumpur Airport, you have 3 options to reach the city centre: by train (30 minutes), by bus (1 hour), and by taxi (1 hour). All are pretty convenient, so it all depends on your available time and budget. Fares start from 12 MYR ($2.60).
Visit our page on Kuala Lumpur Airport for more info.
Routes from Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur to Perhentian Islands
Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands
Most popular routes in Malaysia
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.
