Transfer Options from Kota Kinabalu Airport to Downtown

Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of the Sabah state in Malaysia. Known for its lush tropical rainforest, stunning beaches and rich culture, this city is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the unique Malaysian way of life.

To get from Kota Kinabalu airport to downtown, you have two options; taxi or bus. Taking a Kota Kinabalu airport taxi will take just 15 minutes to reach the city centre and will cost a set price of €6.50 (RM 30). Taking the public bus is a little cheaper, at €1 (RM 5) a ticket, but it will take around 25 minutes to reach downtown.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Kota Kinabalu at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€6.50	15min	24/7
Bus	€2	25min	07:30–20:15

How to get from Kota Kinabalu Airport to Downtown by Taxi

The quickest and easiest way to get from Kota Kinabalu airport to downtown is by taking a taxi. The journey time is just 15 minutes and the Kota Kinabalu airport to downtown taxi fare is set at €6.50 (RM 30).

What's the Kota Kinabalu Airport to Downtown taxi fare?

The local Kota Kinabalu airport to downtown taxi fare is a set price of €6.50 (RM 30). You can purchase a pre-paid ticket from the kiosk inside the airport and then present this to your driver.

Cost

€6.50 (RM 30)

Trip Duration

15 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Kota Kinabalu Airport.

Where do I find a taxi at Kota Kinabalu Airport?

Taxis are readily available outside of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Kota Kinabalu airport. You can find them just outside of Level 1 in the arrivals hall.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Kota Kinabalu airport to downtown is easily the most convenient way to travel. You won’t have to wait in the hot sun for public transport and a taxi will take you directly to the door of your hotel in just 15 minutes.

Editor’s Note

The Kota Kinabalu airport to downtown taxi fare is very affordable, and you can split it between 4 people, which makes it even cheaper.

Useful Tips

The cost of a Kota Kinabalu airport taxi is for up to 4 people.

Tipping your driver isn't expected.

Be sure to purchase a pre-paid ticket before getting into your taxi.

How to get from Kota Kinabalu Airport to Downtown by Bus

If you’re looking for an even cheaper way to get from Kota Kinabalu airport to downtown, taking the bus could be a good option. The cost of a ticket is just €1 (RM 5), but the journey time is a little slow at 25 minutes.

How much is the bus from Kota Kinabalu Airport to Downtown?

The cost of a one-way ticket on the bus from Kota Kinabalu airport to downtown is just €1 (RM 5). You must pay the driver in exact change when you get on the bus.

Cost

€1 (RM 5)

Trip Duration

25 Min.

*There's a waiting time of up to 30 minutes for the bus.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The bus runs from 07:30 to 20:15.

Where do I find the bus at Kota Kinabalu Airport?

Buses leave from both Terminals 1 and 2 at Kota Kinabalu airport. Look out for the bus heading to Kota Kinabalu Downtown, it will be written on the windshield.

Convenience

Although it’s the cheapest transfer option from Kota Kinabalu Airport to downtown, taking the bus isn’t the most convenient. You will have up to a 30-minute wait for the bus to arrive and once you reach the city centre, you will need to find alternate transport to your hotel, which adds cost and time to your journey.

Editor’s Note

If you're travelling in a group of 4 people, you can split the cost of a private taxi for almost the same cost as the bus and benefit from the added comfort.

Useful Tips

Be sure to bring change to pay for your bus ticket.

There's very limited luggage storage on the bus, so it’s best to travel light.

The buses can fill very quickly, try to arrive early to secure a seat.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

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20 minute gap between transfers
Regular Car Sanitisation
Contactless ride
Sanitiser in every car

How do I get from Kota Kinabalu airport to downtown?

There are two transfer options from Kota Kinabalu airport to downtown; taxi or bus. Taking a Kota Kinabalu airport taxi will cost €6.50 (RM 30) and take 15 minutes, while the bus will cost just €1 (RM 5) per traveller, but will take 25 minutes to reach downtown.

What's the cost of a taxi from Kota Kinabalu airport to downtown?

The Kota Kinabalu airport to downtown taxi fare is a set €6.50 (RM 30). You can purchase a pre-paid ticket from the kiosk in the arrivals hall and then present this to your driver.

Is there a bus from Kota Kinabalu airport to downtown?

Yes, there’s a bus that runs from Kota Kinabalu airport to downtown from 07:30 to 20:15 daily. The journey time is 25 minutes and the cost of a one-way ticket is €1 (RM 5).

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