How to Get From Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

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3h 30mFastest

$75From

Written by Ela · Reviewed by Kate·

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Map showing route from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu - 1,624 km

Kuala Lumpur → Kota Kinabalu1,624 km

Kota Kinabalu is Sabah's coastal capital, over on Borneo. Mount Kinabalu, island diving and sunset seafood markets bring most people here. The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu takes 3 hours 30 minutes, with fares from $75 (305 MYR).

DISTANCE

Distance from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu are about 1,624 km (1,009 miles) apart — roughly the distance you cover by air. The trip takes around 3h 30m.

Travelling the other way?Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur→

How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu?

The flight is the only suitable way for travellers to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu. The journey takes around 3h 30m, and ticket prices start from $75 (305 MYR).

Flightfrom$75305 MYR3h 30m·Via KL International Airport·incl. transfers

Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu by Flight

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

30m – 1h · $3 (12 MYR)

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 $3 (12 MYR).

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

Step 2: Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu by Flight

2h 30m · $71 (285 MYR)

Air Asia normally offers the cheapest fares from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, with ticket prices from $71 (285 MYR). 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

30m · $1.20 (5 MYR)

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 $1.20 (5 MYR). 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 $7.40 (30 MYR).

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 $8.90 (36 MYR).

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

Check Private Transfers with Klook

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ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

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.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, roughly 1,624 kilometres (1,009 miles) apart. Flights are usually the cheapest way to go here, and if you're lucky with timing you might find a ticket for even less. The quickest trip takes 3h 30m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu?

The distance from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is 1,624 kilometres (1,009 miles).

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.

About the Authors

Ela

Senior Travel Writer

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.

KateReviewer

Travel Writer & Digital Nomad

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.

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