Travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI): What you need to know
Start your journey at one of Kuala Lumpur's main airports, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) or Subang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB). Explore your options for booking a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) departing from either of these.
Around 2 hours 35 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport flight.
Kota Kinabalu International Airport is located in Kota Kinabalu. The city's timezone is UTC+8 — the same as Kuala Lumpur.
You can choose from 202 direct weekly services between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). This is the most popular route when departing from Kuala Lumpur.
To ensure you get on your flight from Kuala Lumpur to BKI, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Travelling during a peak time such as August? Public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer queues at security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) offers an easy route to your destination. Nonstop flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) can be booked from this terminal.
At KUL, you'll find a good selection of airlines that offer direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, including:
AirAsia is the airline most travellers choose for flights from KUL to BKI.
Among carriers operating on this route, Malaysia Airlines has the best track record for timely arrivals.
Travelling from central Kuala Lumpur to KUL takes about 40 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a taxi, you'll cover the 56 kilometres in 55 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a leisurely start to your travels? Stay near Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport or prefer not to feel hurried, these hotels are the answer:
59% of flights leaving from Kuala Lumpur International Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
Subang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)
You can book a direct Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) plane ticket with departures from Subang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB). Work out whether leaving from SZB works best for your plans.
Batik Air Malaysia has direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to BKI departing from SZB. Book your favourite seat and reach your destination in a single hop.
BatikAir Malaysia is the most frequently booked airline flying from SZB to BKI.
SZB is around 19 kilometres from central Kuala Lumpur. It'll take you 30 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 45 minutes.
Start your holiday early with an extra night away from home. Before your Kuala Lumpur to BKI flight, unwind in one of these hotels close to Subang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport:
72% of all departures from Subang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport meet their expected arrival time.
About Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
If you have a late flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these options near BKI:
Booking your vehicle around one week ahead of your Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport flight can help you get the lowest rate.
Getting from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) to central Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu International Airport is roughly 8 kilometres from central Kota Kinabalu. The time it takes to get there by car hire or taxi depends on the time of day. Do a little research before your trip.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey of roughly 35 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
Currently, $53 is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is $101. Remember fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
To score cheap flights from Kuala Lumpur to BKI, book your ticket 11 months before your departure date.
April is when you're most likely to find a fantastic deal on a Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport ticket. If you want to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
Be the first to know about deals for plane tickets from Kuala Lumpur to BKI by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Save on your flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport by using filters. Choose your ideal times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
It's time to decide your travel dates for your flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). February is the most popular month to visit Kota Kinabalu. If a slower pace sounds more appealing, go in December.
When booking your Kuala Lumpur to BKI plane ticket, consider what kind of weather you prefer. May is the warmest month in Kota Kinabalu, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC to 31ºC.
February sees temperatures of between 23ºC and 29ºC. Search for cheap tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Kota Kinabalu
Start your Kota Kinabalu trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA) are a couple of top attractions to put on your Kota Kinabalu itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Manukan Island.
Explore more of Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu has plenty going for it, but there are so many other parts of Malaysia just waiting to be discovered. About 225 kilometres east of Kota Kinabalu, a visit to Sandakan will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with leading sights like Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok and Sandakan Rainforest Park.
Tawau is another standout destination in Malaysia and is around 274 kilometres southeast of Kota Kinabalu. No trip is complete without experiencing Hot Springs Tawau, Teck Guan Cocoa Museum and Batu payung.
