THE SHORT VERSION
Johor Bahru to Kota Kinabalu at a glance.
- From
- Johor Bahru
- Straight line
- 1455 km
- Return route
- Kota Kinabalu to Johor Bahru →
Ready to travel from Johor Bahru to Kota Kinabalu?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is the Malaysian city across the causeway from Singapore. Larkin Sentral is the main long-distance terminal; JB Sentral handles cross-border buses and trains.
- Larkin Sentral
The main long-distance terminal, for buses across Malaysia and to Hat Yai. - JB Sentral
By the causeway and railway station. Cross-border buses to Singapore.
Arriving in Kota Kinabalu
Use a taxi or ride-hail between Inanam and the city.
- North Bus Terminal (Inanam)
About 10 km north-east of the centre. Routes east, such as Sandakan, Tawau and Semporna. - South Bus Terminal
Jalan K.K. Bypass. Routes south.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Buses to Sandakan and Tawau pass the Kinabalu Park entrance.
KEEP GOING
From Kota Kinabalu, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Kota Kinabalu
More buses from Johor Bahru
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How long does the bus from Johor Bahru to Kota Kinabalu take?+
Journey times depend on the service and any boat connection. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Johor Bahru?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Johor Bahru include Larkin Sentral, JB Sentral, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Kota Kinabalu to Johor Bahru?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Kota Kinabalu to Johor Bahru guide.
Where does the bus from Johor Bahru arrive in Kota Kinabalu?+
It depends on the operator. In Kota Kinabalu, services use North Bus Terminal (Inanam), South Bus Terminal. Use a taxi or ride-hail between Inanam and the city.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Kota Kinabalu?+
Use a taxi or ride-hail between Inanam and the city.
What kind of bus runs from Johor Bahru to Kota Kinabalu?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Johor Bahru to Kota Kinabalu bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Kota Kinabalu by bus?+
Direct buses from Kota Kinabalu include Kundasang, Ranau, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Tawau and more. See all connections on our Kota Kinabalu bus page.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Johor Bahru → Kota Kinabalu on 12GoFOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Johor Bahru to Kota Kinabalu bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Johor Bahru (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Kota Kinabalu (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →