Flight From Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Traveling from the vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu to the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur is one of Malaysia’s most popular domestic routes. Whether you’re planning a business trip, a family holiday, or a city adventure, this comprehensive flight route guide from Traveloka will help you compare airlines, understand airport facilities, and discover alternative travel options. Plus, find all the details you need to make your journey seamless—from ticket booking to exploring Kuala Lumpur.

Direct Flights

Heading from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport is incredibly convenient thanks to robust connections and efficient air travel. Here’s a detailed look at the direct flight options:

1. Airline: Batik Air

• Average Flight Duration: 2h 30m
• Aircraft Used: Boeing 737

Batik Air, formerly known as Malindo Air, is a full-service Malaysian airline operating multiple daily direct flights between Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. As a hybrid carrier, Batik Air combines affordable fares with select premium services. Its Boeing 737 fleet is tailored for medium-haul journeys, ensuring a comfortable experience for both leisure and business travelers. Passengers can expect in-flight entertainment and a choice of seating options depending on fare class.

2. Airline: AirAsia

• Average Flight Duration: 2h 30m
• Aircraft Used: Airbus A320, Airbus A320neo

AirAsia needs little introduction as Asia’s leading low-cost carrier. This airline operates one of the highest frequencies for the Kota Kinabalu–Kuala Lumpur route, using the efficient and modern Airbus A320 and A320neo. AirAsia is renowned for budget-friendly fares, punctual performance, and optional add-on services. While the standard offering is no-frills, passengers can customize their journey with seats, meals, baggage, or priority boarding.

3. Airline: Malaysia Airlines

• Average Flight Duration: 2h 40m to 2h 35m
• Aircraft Used: Boeing 737

Malaysia Airlines, the national flag carrier, provides a premium direct flight service from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur, utilizing Boeing 737 aircraft. The onboard experience includes complimentary meals, drinks, and checked luggage as part of the fare. Travelers can enjoy the comfort of spacious seating and attentive service synonymous with Malaysia Airlines.

Aircraft Overview

The most common aircraft models on this route include:

• Boeing 737
• Airbus A320
• Airbus A320neo

Each is designed for efficiency and passenger comfort on short to medium-haul flights, offering reliable and swift connections between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.

Layover Flights

There are currently no layover flights available from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur for the airlines and schedules covered here.

Information about schedule and airline subject to change based on airline policy. Please check regularly at Traveloka App.

About Kota Kinabalu International Airport - Kota Kinabalu

Location

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is strategically situated approximately 8 kilometers southwest of Kota Kinabalu city center in Sabah, East Malaysia. Its proximity to popular hotels, shopping malls, and city attractions makes it the principal gateway for international and domestic travelers visiting Sabah and Borneo.

Airport Terminal

The airport consists of two terminals:

• Terminal 1: The main terminal for all international and most domestic flights, equipped with comprehensive facilities.
• Terminal 2: Formerly served low-cost carriers but is currently used mainly for charters and general aviation.

Passengers flying to Kuala Lumpur will primarily use Terminal 1, a modern facility with efficient passenger handling and streamlined services.

Transport to Airport

Travelers can access Kota Kinabalu International Airport via several convenient modes:

• Taxi: Readily available, with a journey from the city center typically taking around 15–20 minutes.
• E-Hailing: Popular ride-sharing services operate extensively in Kota Kinabalu.
• Car: Onsite parking is available for both short and long durations.
• Bus: Public buses and airport shuttle services connect the city to the airport at regular intervals.

For more details, visit Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

Facilities

Kota Kinabalu International Airport offers a range of facilities, including:

• Restaurants, cafés, and snack bars
• Retail shops and duty-free outlets
• Currency exchange and ATM services
• Comfortable lounge areas
• Free Wi-Fi in selected areas
• Car rental counters
• Prayer rooms (Surau)
• Baggage handling and lost-and-found services
• Medical assistance

These amenities ensure travelers enjoy a pleasant pre-flight or layover experience.

About Kuala Lumpur International Airport - Kuala Lumpur

Location

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is located about 45 kilometers south of central Kuala Lumpur, in the Sepang district of Selangor. As Malaysia’s primary international arrival and departure point, it serves millions of passengers annually from around the world.

Airport Terminal

KUL comprises two main terminals:

• KLIA Terminal 1: The main terminal serving Malaysia Airlines, international carriers, and premium flights.
• KLIA Terminal 2 (KLIA2): Dedicated to low-cost airlines like AirAsia.

Each terminal is equipped with comprehensive passenger services, clear signage, and inter-terminal transfer options, allowing easy movement regardless of your airline.

Transport From Airport

Getting from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the city and beyond is convenient and varied:

• Train: The KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit provide rapid, non-stop and commuter train services to KL Sentral in about 30 minutes.
• Taxi: Taxis and limousines are available with coupon-based and meter-based fares.
• Bus: Various airport buses connect KUL with Kuala Lumpur and neighboring cities.
• Car Rental: Multiple rental companies operate from both terminals.
• Ride-Hailing: Services like Grab can be booked via mobile apps for flexible city transfers.

For more information, visit Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Facilities

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is renowned for its world-class amenities, including:

• Extensive shopping and dining options
• 24-hour currency exchange and ATMs
• Premium airport lounges
• Free Wi-Fi throughout terminals
• Children’s play zones and family rooms
• Prayer rooms and meditation spaces
• Business facilities and meeting rooms
• Medical clinics and pharmacies
• Baggage storage and porter services

These services ensure a comfortable experience for flying passengers and those awaiting arrivals.

FAQ Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur Flight

• How long does a direct flight from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur take? The average direct flight duration is about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Which airlines operate direct flights between Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur? Leading carriers include Batik Air, AirAsia, and Malaysia Airlines.
• What types of aircraft are used on this route? Airlines deploy Boeing 737, Airbus A320, and Airbus A320neo models.
• How far is Kota Kinabalu International Airport from the city center? The airport is approximately 8 kilometers from downtown Kota Kinabalu.
• Which terminal should I use at Kuala Lumpur International Airport? It depends on your carrier: Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air operate from KLIA Terminal 1, while AirAsia operates from KLIA2.
• Are meals provided on these flights? Malaysia Airlines includes meals as part of the fare; Batik Air and AirAsia may offer meals as part of a bundled fare or for purchase.
• Is online check-in available for these flights? Yes, most airlines flying this route offer online check-in through their websites or mobile apps.
• Can I find early morning or late-night flights between Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur? Yes, with multiple daily departures, flights are available throughout the day.

Other Ways to Travel From Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur

While flying is by far the fastest and most convenient method, it’s possible to travel between Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur via a combination of land and sea, though it is significantly slower and less practical for most travelers.

• Ferry + Bus/Train: You could take a ferry from Kota Kinabalu to Labuan, continue by ferry to Brunei or Sarawak, and then make your way by bus through the Malaysian states of Sarawak to Brunei and then cross into Peninsular Malaysia. This route involves multiple border crossings and is highly time-consuming, often taking several days.
• Road Drive: Driving overland would require traversing Brunei and Sarawak, then shipping a vehicle by ferry to Peninsular Malaysia. This is a complex and expensive undertaking, usually reserved for logistics purposes and not recommended for casual travel.
• Sea Freight: There are no regular direct passenger ships between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, but shipping logistics and cargo routes may exist.

Overall, air travel is vastly superior in speed and convenience, taking 2.5 hours versus up to several days by land and sea.

Explore Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s cosmopolitan capital, is a vibrant destination with a blend of modern and traditional attractions, world-class shopping, dynamic food scenes, and cultural hotspots.

Popular Destinations in Kuala Lumpur

• Petronas Twin Towers: The iconic twin skyscrapers are the centerpiece of KL’s skyline, featuring skybridge access, an observation deck, and a stylish shopping mall beneath.
• Batu Caves: A spectacular limestone hill with cave temples, famous for its colossal golden statue of Lord Murugan and a steep climb dotted with colorful steps.
• Bukit Bintang: Kuala Lumpur’s premier shopping and entertainment district, packed with malls, street markets, nightclubs, and vibrant eateries.
• KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur): One of the world’s tallest telecommunications towers, offering panoramic views, a revolving restaurant, and adventure activities like the Sky Box.
• Thean Hou Temple: A strikingly beautiful Chinese temple atop Robson Hill, known for its intricate architecture and scenic views of the city.

Popular Cuisine in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a haven for food lovers, blending Malay, Chinese, Indian, and international tastes. Don’t miss these must-try dishes:

• Nasi Lemak: Often regarded as Malaysia’s national dish, this fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk is served with spicy sambal, anchovies, peanuts, and boiled eggs.
• Char Kway Teow: Flat rice noodles stir-fried with prawns, eggs, bean sprouts, and Chinese sausage in a smoky, savory sauce.
• Roti Canai: Flaky, crispy Indian flatbread typically served with dhal or spicy curry.
• Satay: Grilled skewers of marinated meat—often chicken or beef—served with a rich peanut sauce and rice cakes.
• Hokkien Mee: Stir-fried thick noodles in a dark soy sauce, cooked with pork, squid, and crispy pork lard, popular in KL’s hawker centers.

For seamless booking and the latest fares, reserve your flights via Traveloka on the Kota Kinabalu International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport pages.

Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or family, a direct flight from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur is the most efficient and enjoyable way to connect two of Malaysia’s greatest cities. Book with Traveloka for the best choice of airlines, transparent prices, and worry-free travel.