Kota Kinabalu International Airport serves the capital of Sabah state on the island of Borneo, approximately 8 km from the city center.
It is Malaysia's second-busiest airport and the main access point to Mount Kinabalu, the jungles of Borneo and the coral archipelagos of the Sulu Sea.
How to get to Kota Kinabalu International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to BKI
Parking near Kota Kinabalu International Airport
A multi-story parking structure is located adjacent to the terminal building.
The rates are in line with Malaysian standards.
How to get to Kota Kinabalu from BKI
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Major car rental companies have counters in the arrivals area, useful for exploring Sabah independently.
Bring your license, passport, and credit card; remember that driving in Malaysia is on the left.
Hotels near Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Tanjung Aru
About 1.7 km and a 10-minute drive from the airport; taxi or Grab are the most convenient options, with no need to cross through the city centre.
Best for: Travellers who want the beach and the sunset over the Sulu Sea just minutes from the terminals.
- Tanjung Aru beach and its sunsets just steps from the hotel
- Quick access to the terminals, handy for evening flights or short layovers
- Few independent restaurants outside the resort: a taxi is needed for the city's nightlife
- The old town and the Gaya Street waterfront remain a 15-20 minute drive away
City centre and the waterfront
About 10 km and 15-25 minutes by car from the airport (up to 30-35 at peak times); taxi or Grab, or a local bus taking about 25 minutes for 5 ringgit.
Best for: Travellers who want restaurants, night markets and boat departures to the islands within walking distance, with the airport 15-25 minutes away.
- Gaya Street, the Filipino Market night markets and the Esplanade within walking distance of waterfront hotels
- The jetty and agencies for day trips to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in the same area
- Traffic towards the airport worsens during the morning and evening rush hours
- Busy, noisy streets behind the waterfront, away from the sea-view rooms
Recommended hotels
- Hilton Kota Kinabalu In the Asia City district, near the waterfront: Centre Point a 9-minute walk away and the Esplanade 11; strong scores for cleanliness and location in recent reviews. View availability
- Hyatt Regency Kinabalu A waterfront hotel in the heart of the city, with views over the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park; shopping mall, restaurants, markets and the ferry jetty all within walking distance. View availability
1Borneo and Inanam
About 15 km and a 20-minute drive from the airport, north of the old town; a taxi or Grab is always needed, with no direct walking link to the waterfront.
Best for: Travellers who want a large shopping mall directly connected to the hotel and are happy to stay further from the waterfront.
- 1Borneo Hypermall, with a cinema, supermarket and dozens of shops, directly connected to the hotel
- Quieter and less touristy than the city waterfront
- Mixed reviews on service and basic amenities compared with other hotels in the city
- Far from both the sea and the old town: every outing requires a taxi
Pantai Dalit and Rasa Ria
About 30 km north of Kota Kinabalu, a 40-minute drive from the airport; the resort offers a private transfer, or taxi or Grab for those who prefer to travel independently.
Best for: Those seeking an isolated beach resort, away from city traffic, perhaps with a day set aside for the nature reserve with orangutans.
- The private Pantai Dalit beach and a nature reserve with orangutans on the same property
- Away from city traffic and noise, ideal for a stay of pure relaxation
- A 40-minute drive from the airport, and just as long from the city centre, for every trip
- Some recent reviews point to parts of the property in need of renovation
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is modern and appropriately sized for the country's second major hub.
Those traveling on international flights should allow 2.5 to 3 hours of buffer time.
Map of Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is Kota Kinabalu a good base for Mount Kinabalu?
Yes, it is the most common base for organising the climb or excursions to Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia, about 2 hours by car from the airport.
Q. How does the taxi system at the airport work?
A coupon system with a fixed fare (about 30 ringgit for downtown), to be bought at the counter in the arrivals area; the Grab app is often a cheaper alternative.
Q. Is Kota Kinabalu a good spot for diving?
Yes, it is the base for reaching the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and the more remote archipelagos of the Sulu Sea, famous for their marine biodiversity.
Q. Is Kota Kinabalu known for its sunsets?
Yes, the city's waterfront looks directly out over the South China Sea and the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, offering sunsets often ranked among the most spectacular in Southeast Asia, a classic moment to enjoy at the restaurants and bars overlooking the water.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
