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Getting from Tawau Airport to Town

Tawau Airport (TWU) is approximately 30 minutes away from Tawau town. To make the journey, you have three options: taxi, transfer, or bus. 

Tawau Airport taxis are popular with travelers given that they are available 24/7 and provide a door-to-door service. Tawau Airport transfers provide similar direct journeys but without the taxi queue. 

Finally, the airport bus operated by Kasah Transport departs four times per day. This is the least convenient method but also the cheapest.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Tawau 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 €9.50 30min 24/7
Airport bus €4 40min 08:00–16:00
Welcome Airport Transfer €39 30min 24/7

How to get from Tawau Airport to Tawau Town by taxi

Taking a Tawau Airport taxi from Tawau Airport to Tawau Town is one of the best options for travelers. Not only are taxis available all year round at all hours, but they also provide a comfortable door-to-door service from the airport to your hotel. The journey shouldn’t take longer than 30 minutes in normal traffic conditions.

Taxi fare from Tawau Airport to Tawau Town

Though most Tawau taxis calculate their fares using a taximeter, airport taxis are a little different. They have set prices to various location in and around Tawau Town. You can expect your taxi fare from Tawau Airport to Tawau Town to cost between €9 (MYR 40) and €9.50 (MYR 45) depending on your destination. You need to prepay your fare at the taxi desk in the airport Arrivals Hall. Then, take your coupon to the taxi queue and wait for an avaialble taxi.

Cost

€9.50 (MYR 45)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Prices will vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Tawau Airport (TWU).

Where do I get a taxi from?

The taxi queue is outside of the main terminal building at Tawau Airport. Fortunately, the airport isn’t that large and you’ll see the taxi stand immediately as you leave exit the Arrivals Hall.

Convenience

Taxis are far more convenient than taking a bus from Tawau Airport to Tawau Town. You won’t have to worry about carrying your luggage or squeezing onto a cramped, stuffy bus. Furthermore, a taxi will drop you to the door of your hotel within just 30 minutes.

Editor’s Note

Wheelchair-accessible taxis are hard to find at Tawau Airport. It’s best to arrange for specialized transport ahead of time or report to the airport information desk for assistance.

Useful Tips

The fixed fare includes all charges including luggage.
Tips are not expected by Tawau taxi drivers.
Most Tawau Airport taxis only carry up to four passengers. If you require a larger vehicle, it’s best to book a transfer in advance.
Tawau Airport taxis are cash only unless you book online with Welcome Pickups, in which case you can pay online.
Though most taxi drivers in Tawau speak English, we recommend writing down your destination’s address to help ease communication.

How to get from Tawau Airport to Tawau Town by bus

If you’d rather take public transport, the only option you have is the bus. Run by Kasah Transport, the bus from Tawau Airport to town departs four times per day: 08:00, 10:30, 14:30 and 16:30. It takes around 40 minutes to get to Sabindu Square in central Tawau.

How much is a bus from Tawau Airport to Tawau Town?

Tickets for the bus cost €2 (MYR 10) per adult and €1 (MYR 5) per child. You can purchase your ticket from the transport desk, right next to the airport taxi desk in the Arrivals Hall. Bus tickets are first come, first served and you can’t buy one in advance.

Cost

€2 (MYR 10)

Trip Duration

40 Min.

Buses are available 7 days a week.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Buses depart at 08:00, 10:30, 14:30 and 16:30 daily.

Where do I get a bus from?

Buses depart from immediately outside the terminal building. They are relatively small but have seating for everyone. Ask airport staff for guidance if you’re struggling to find the stop as there are many buses departing from Tawau Airport that go to neighboring cities.

Convenience

The Tawau Airport to Tawau Town bus is the least convenient method. The limited timetable and longer journey time lead to a more tiresome trip after a long flight. You could be waiting for a couple of hours for the next available bus depending on when your flight lands. The bus could also be crowded and stuffy during the busy tourist season. Furthermore, once you reach Tawau Town, you’ll need to find additional transport to get to your destination.

Editor’s Note

There are no buses available before 08:00 or after 16:00. If your flight arrives outside of these times, it’s best to take a taxi or pre-book an airport transfer.

Useful Tips

Tickets for children are half price.
You can only purchase bus tickets from the transport kiosk in the Tawau Airport Arrials Hall.
Storage space for luggage is limited on board.
Local buses are not well-air conditioned so they can be uncomfortable in high heat.

How to get from Tawau Airport to Tawau Town by private transfer

The best way to get from Tawau Airport to Tawau Town is to take a private transfer. By booking a Tawau Airport transfer in advance, you can relax knowing that your transport will be waiting for you as soon as you land.

If you secure your airport transfer with a trusted, international provider like Welcome Pickups, you also benefit from extra perks like:

  • Meet and greets
  • Trained English-speaking drivers
  • Flight monitoring
  • Guaranteed fixed fares
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Flexible cancellation

We’ve designed our comprehensive service with travelers like you in mind. With everything booked and paid for ahead of time, all you need to do when you arrive at Tawau Airport is jump into your private transfer and enjoy your ride to your destination.

How much is a private transfer from Tawau Airport to town?

One of the most useful things about pre-booking a Tawau Airport transfer is that you’ll receive a fixed quote and pay for your ride ahead of time. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about having the cash ready in MYR on the day. 

We price our airport transfers depending on the size. Our set fares for a transfer from Tawau Airport to Tawau Town are as follows: 

  • Sedan (up to 3 passengers): €39 
  • Minivan (up to 8 passengers): €59
  • Minibus (up to 12 passengers): €78

Booking is simple via our online portal or mobile app (App Store || Google Play). Simply put in your details such as your contact email, flight information, and vehicle request and we’ll generate a fixed quote for you. The quote is all-inclusive and not subject to change. That means, that even if your transfer gets stuck in traffic, you won’t pay any surcharges. To secure your booking, follow the instructions to pay online and leave the rest to us.

Cost

€39

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*Booking your private transfer from TWU Airport in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Private transfer are available 24/7 from Tawau Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

If you book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups, your friendly, professional English-speaking driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall. They’ll be holding a sign with your name on it to help you identify them. After welcoming you to Tawau, they can assist you with your luggage as they guide you to your pre-selected vehicle.

Convenience

Taking a Tawau Airport transfer is the best way to get from Tawau Airport to Tawau Town. Not only do you get the convenience of a door-to-door service, but you’ll also get to skip the taxi desk and taxi rank queues. Instead, you can save time while receiving a top-quality, reliable service from a trained professional driver. Plus, our 24/7 customer service is readily available to support you if needed — a luxury you wouldn’t get with a typical local taxi.

Editor’s Note

Your driver would be delighted to give you a complimentary mini tour of Tawau to help you make the most of your trip.

Useful Tips

We offer a wide range of vehicles from 3-seater sedans to 12-seater minibuses.
You are welcome to tip your driver via the mobile app if you’re pleased with your service.
A few days before you're due to fly, you will receive an email including your driver's name, details, and vehicle information so that you know what to expect on the day.
If you need a baby seat or booster, you can request one during the booking process.
We allow up to 60 minutes of complimentary waiting time after you land to give you enough time to get through passport control and baggage reclaim.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Tawau. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more

Prices

DAYTIME
€39.0
NIGHTTIME
€47.0
Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Tawau Airport to Tawau Town?

There are three ways of getting from Tawau Airport to Tawau Town: taxi, transfer, or bus. Taxis and transfers are the simplest way to complete your journey. That way you won’t have to navigate public transport. The bus only runs four times a day from Tawau Airport and costs €2 (MYR 10) per adult and €1 (MYR 5) per child.

How much is a taxi from Tawau Airport to Tawau Town?

The set price for a taxi from Tawau Airport to town is €9.50 (MYR 45). You can purchase a ticket from the taxi desk in the Arrivals Hall.

How much is a taxi from Tawau Airport?

Taxis from Tawau Airport operate with a fixed fare system. Simply go to the taxi desk in the Arrivals Hall and tell them your destination. The cost should be between €9 (MYR 40) and €9.50 (MYR 45). 

What is the easiest way to get to Tawau town?

The easiest way to get from Tawau Airport to town is to take a taxi or an airport transfer. Taxis are available 24/7, but if you want added convenience and professionalism, booking a Tawau Airport transfer in advance is the best option.

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