The cheapest and fastest buses from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
Cheapest price
€10
Average price
€11
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
7 h 2 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
222 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan will cost around €11 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €10.
Of the 5 buses that leave Kota Kinabalu for Sandakan on Wed, Jul 22, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 the direct buses cover the 222 km distance in an average of 7 h 2 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest buses will take 7 h 25 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.
SIDA EXPRESS8:00 AM7h25Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)3:25 PMSandakan€101One-way0 transfers
SIDA EXPRESS2:00 PM7h25Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)9:25 PMSandakan€101One-way0 transfers
SIDA EXPRESS11:00 AM7h25Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)6:25 PMSandakan€101One-way0 transfers
SIDA EXPRESS8:00 PM7h25Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)3:25 AMSandakan€101One-way0 transfers
Economy(2+2)8:00 PM5h30Kota Kinabalu1:30 AMSandakan€131One-way0 transfers
Economy(2+2)8:00 PM5h30Kota Kinabalu1:30 AMSandakan€131One-way0 transfers
SIDA EXPRESS8:00 AM7h25Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)3:25 PMSandakan€101One-way0 transfers
SIDA EXPRESS2:00 PM7h25Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)9:25 PMSandakan€101One-way0 transfers
SIDA EXPRESS11:00 AM7h25Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)6:25 PMSandakan€101One-way0 transfers
SIDA EXPRESS8:00 PM7h25Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam)3:25 AMSandakan€101One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €10. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €10, and a flight costs an average of €12.
Distance: 222 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
€13 Average price Cheapest | €138 Average price |
7h 1m Average total duration 6h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 46m Average total duration Fastest 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan bus times
The table below shows live departures for Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SIDA EXPRESS | 8:00 AM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 7h25 | 3:25 PM Sandakan | 0 transfersDirect | |
SIDA EXPRESS | 11:00 AM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 7h25 | 6:25 PM Sandakan | 0 transfersDirect | |
SIDA EXPRESS | 2:00 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 7h25 | 9:25 PM Sandakan | 0 transfersDirect | |
Economy(2+2) | 8:00 PM Kota Kinabalu | 5h30 | 1:30 AM Sandakan | 0 transfersDirect | |
SIDA EXPRESS | 8:00 PM Kota Kinabalu (Bus Terminal Inanam) | 7h25 | 3:25 AM Sandakan | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan by bus or flight
Compare bus 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.
Jul 22
Jul 23
Jul 24
Jul 25
Jul 26
Jul 27
Jul 28
Jul 29
Jul 30
Jul 31
Aug 01
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Aug 06
Aug 07
Aug 08
Aug 09
Aug 10
Aug 11
Why should you book Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs TungMa Nai Luk?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for TungMa Nai Luk, but also compare tickets for the likes of Sida Express, Amin Jaya or Sri Mutiara Luxury Express to find the best option for your trip from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.
- 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 TungMa Nai Luk with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus or Busbud?
- Official reseller: TungMa Nai Luk tickets can only be bought on Omio or TungMa Nai Luk's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for TungMa Nai Luk tickets. Checkmybus or Busbud do not sell TungMa Nai Luk tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
Buses from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €10 if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:01, the last at 20:00. The fastest bus covers the 222 km distance in 5h 30m.
Distance 222 km |
Average bus duration 6h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price €10 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 30m |
First bus 12:01 AM |
Last bus 8:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Bus providers: TungMa Nai Luk, Sida Express, Amin Jaya, Sri Mutiara Luxury Express from Kota Kinabalu to SandakanYou can travel by bus between Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan with TungMa Nai Luk, Sida Express, Amin Jaya, Sri Mutiara Luxury Express for as low as €10. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Sida Express
Amin Jaya
Sri Mutiara Luxury Express
TungMa Nai Luk
FAQs: Bus from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sandakan, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Amin Jaya
- Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and time before departure.
- Sri Mutiara Luxury Express
- Cancellation policies vary
- please refer to your ticket terms and conditions.
- TungMa Nai Luk
- Luggage included in fare
- specific size/type not provided.
- Amin Jaya
- One piece of standard luggage is included.
- Sri Mutiara Luxury Express
- One standard piece of luggage is included per passenger.
- Amin Jaya
- Additional luggage may be allowed for an extra fee.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
Most Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan buses use the Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) to Sandakan station pair. Use this guide to compare Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Kota Kinabalu station do buses to Sandakan leave from?
Getting to Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) from Kota Kinabalu city centre
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) is 4 km from Kota Kinabalu city centre. Public transport options include:
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) bus station facilities and services
Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Food stalls and small restaurants available within terminal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available. ATMs are aTM machines available in terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam): Wheelchair accessible.
Which Sandakan station do buses from Kota Kinabalu arrive at?
Getting to Sandakan from Sandakan city centre
Sandakan is 2 km from Sandakan city centre. Public transport options include:
Sandakan bus station facilities and services
Sandakan has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Local food stalls and small restaurants nearby
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are aTM machines available inside terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sandakan.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sandakan: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sandakan: Wheelchair accessible.
More options for your journey from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
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