The cheapest and fastest coaches from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu
Cheapest price
$17
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
5 h 59 m
Average duration
7 h 30 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
222 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only $17.
Of the 4 buses that leave Sandakan for Kota Kinabalu every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 222 km distance in an average of 7 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 59 m .
The slowest buses will take 9 h 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.








Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of $15, and a flight costs an average of $15.
Distance: 222 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|
$18 Average Price Cheapest | $165 Average Price |
7h 30m Average total duration 7h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu coaches for tomorrow, Friday, 20 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:01 am Sandakan | 5h59 | 6:00 am Kota Kinabalu | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 12:00 pm Sandakan | 9h00 | 9:00 pm Kota Kinabalu | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 4:01 pm Sandakan | 5h59 | 10:00 pm Kota Kinabalu | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:00 pm Sandakan | 9h00 | 5:00 am Kota Kinabalu | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu by coach or flight
Compare coach 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.
21 Mar
22 Mar
23 Mar
24 Mar
25 Mar
26 Mar
27 Mar
28 Mar
29 Mar
30 Mar
31 Mar
01 Apr
02 Apr
03 Apr
Why should you book Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu coaches with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Sida Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Sida Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Amin Jaya or Sri Mutiara Luxury Express to find the best option for your trip from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu.
- 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 Sida Express with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Rome2rio or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Amin Jaya or Sri Mutiara Luxury Express to find the best option for your trip from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu
Buses from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 if you book in advance.
There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:01, the last at 20:00. The fastest coach covers the 222 km distance in 5h 59m.
Distance 222 km |
Average bus duration 7h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 59m |
First bus 00:01 |
Last bus 20:00 |
Bus providers: Sida Express, Amin Jaya, Sri Mutiara Luxury Express from Sandakan to Kota KinabaluYou can travel by bus between Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu with Sida Express, Amin Jaya, Sri Mutiara Luxury Express for as low as $15. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Sida Express
Amin Jaya
Sri Mutiara Luxury Express
FAQs: Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Kota Kinabalu, 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.
- 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.
More options for your journey from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

