Malaysia

How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

Travel the 620 kilometre (385 miles) distance from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu 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 Kota Kinabalu?

Kota Kinabalu (KK) is a vibrant coastal city on Malaysia’s Borneo island. Although fast-growing, it also boasts a colourful history, making it a beautiful mix of progress and heritage. We recommend a sweep of the Atkinson Clock Tower, Sabah State Museum, Double Six Monument, and the waterfront City Mosque to truly appreciate the city. In the evening, explore the night market for some great finds.

But don’t stop there! The real adventure lies on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu. Here you’ll find pristine beaches, lush jungles, and Southeast Asia’s highest peak (Mount Kinabalu). If you’re planning on a hike, make sure to reserve a slot early because only 185 people are allowed to start their climb daily. The hike itself takes at least two days.

How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu?

The flight is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 620 kilometre (385 miles) from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu. The journey takes around 3 hours 30 minutes, and ticket prices start from 305 MYR ($75).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Flight

3h 30m

From 305 MYR ($75)

Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu by Flight

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

Costs: 305 MYR ($75)

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

Costs: 305 MYR ($75)

Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu depart from KL International Airport.

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

Step 1: Kuala Lumpur City Centre to KL International Airport

Duration: 30m – 1hr

Costs: 12 MYR ($3)

Duration: 30m – 1hr

Costs: 12 MYR ($3)

First, you’ll need to travel from KL city centre to Kuala Lumpur Int’l Airport (KLIA). You can take a train (30 minutes), a bus (1 hour), or a taxi (1 hour). Fares start from 12 MYR ($3).

For more details, check out our page on Kuala Lumpur Airport.

Step 2: Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu by Flight

Duration: 2.5 hours

Costs: 285 MYR ($71)

Duration: 2.5 hours

Costs: 285 MYR ($71)

Air Asia normally offers the cheapest fares from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, with ticket prices from 285 MYR ($71). Other carriers you can choose from are Malaysia Airlines and Malindo Air. A flight takes about 2.5 hours.

Check Flights with Skyscanner

Step 3: Kota Kinabalu Airport to City Centre

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 5 MYR ($1.20)

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 5 MYR ($1.20)

From Kota Kinabalu Airport to the city centre, you can take either a bus or a taxi.

Airport buses depart every hour from 07:30 to 20:30, with tickets from 5 MYR ($1.20). It takes you up to Merdeka Square where you can easily hop on another form of transport to your hotel, if necessary.

A more convenient option is to take a taxi. Prepaid taxis are available at the airport, just pay your fixed fare at the booth and then show your coupon to the taxi driver. This way, you won’t have to worry about being overcharged. Taxi fares from the airport to the city centre start from 30 MYR ($7.40).

If you want your taxi to be ready as soon as you arrive at the airport, you can also pre-book one with Klook. Their rates start from 36 MYR ($8.90).

Travel time from the airport to KK city centre takes 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Check Private Transfers with Klook

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu. 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 Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

What is the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu?

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

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

The fastest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is by flight and takes 3 hours 30 minutes.

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

The cheapest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is by flight with ticket costs starting from 305 MYR ($75).

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.