Malaysia

How to get from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur

Travel the 620 kilometre (385 miles) distance from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur with the best transport options available. We’ll guide you through the duration, cost, and comfort of each option — and show you where to book your tickets.

Written by Ela - Senior Travel WriterReviewed by Kate - Travel Writer & Digital Nomad

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Why visit Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur (KL) is Malaysia’s capital, a vibrant mix of skyscrapers, Asian-European architecture, large shopping districts, and flavourful cuisine. The busy city can be quite overwhelming, but it’s all about finding your rhythm in Kuala Lumpur’s beautiful chaos.

The Petronas Towers — the tallest twin towers in the world — are the city’s most iconic attraction. But there’s so much more to see in Kuala Lumpur. The old KL Railway Station, KL Tower, Bukit Bintang, and Jalan Alor are all must-visits. And if you have more time, the colourful Batu Caves is just 30 minutes away from the city.

How to get from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur?

The flight is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 620 kilometre (385 miles) from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur. The journey takes around 4 hours 30 minutes, and ticket prices start from 245 MYR ($58).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Flight

4h 30m

From 245 MYR ($58)

Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur by Flight

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

Costs: 245 MYR ($58)

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

Costs: 245 MYR ($58)

Including taxi transfers to and from the airports, a flight from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur takes around 4 hours 30 minutes.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Step 1: Kota Kinabalu City Centre to Kuala Lumpur

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 5 MYR ($1.20)

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 5 MYR ($1.20)

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 ($1.20). 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 ($8.50).

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 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Check Private Transfers with Klook

Step 2: Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur by Flight

Duration: 2.5 hours

Costs: 225 MYR ($54)

Duration: 2.5 hours

Costs: 225 MYR ($54)

A flight from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur takes around 2.5 hours.

Airfares start from 225 MYR ($54) 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.

Check Flights with Skyscanner

Step 3: Kuala Lumpur Airport to City Centre

Duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour

Costs: 12 MYR ($2.80)

Duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour

Costs: 12 MYR ($2.80)

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 ($2.80).

Visit our page on Kuala Lumpur Airport for more info.

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

Frequently Asked Questions about Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur

What is the distance from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur?

The distance from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur is 620 kilometre (385 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur?

The fastest way to get from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur is by flight and takes 4 hours 30 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur?

The cheapest way to get from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur is by flight with ticket costs starting from 245 MYR ($58).

About the author(s)

Ela

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

Kate is a travel content creator, writer and founder of Stay Wild Travel, a tour company running group trips for women beyond your typical destinations. Her full-time travels have taken her to almost 60 countries, and she doesn’t intend to stop anytime soon.