Kota Kinabalu Airport Transfers (BKI)

Welcome to the Land Below the Wind. Arriving in Sabah opens the door to ancient rainforests, majestic mountains, and vibrant coral reefs. This guide covers the essentials of Kota Kinabalu airport transportation options and the airport facilities, so you can begin your Borneo adventure without delay.

BKI Airport Overview

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is located in the district of Kepayan, incredibly close to the city center, just 8 km (5 miles) south. The proximity means you can be at your hotel or watching a sunset on the beach within 15 minutes of leaving the airport.
Unlike in previous years, where operations were split, all commercial flights now operate out of Terminal 1 (T1). This modern glass-and-steel facility handles all international and domestic flights (Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air, Scoot, etc.).

Note: The old Terminal 2 is no longer used for commercial passenger flights.

Kota Kinabalu Airport Lounge Options

If you have a wait before your flight or want to escape the busy departure hall:
 

• Plaza Premium Lounge: Located in the International Departures area (Level 3). It offers comfortable seating, hot food, and shower facilities—perfect for refreshing after a humid day in Borneo.
   
• Travel Club Lounge: Available in both Domestic and International departure areas.
   
• Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge: Located in the Domestic departures wing, offering premium service for Business Class and Enrich members.
   

Parking at Kota Kinabalu Airport

For those driving themselves, the airport provides a large open-air car park located directly in front of the terminal building. It offers over 1,000 parking bays for short-term and long-term stays. Since the lot is on a single level and close to the entrance, dragging luggage from your car to the check-in counters is manageable.

Hotels near Kota Kinabalu Airport

If you have a very late arrival or an early morning departure, staying near the runway is a smart choice:
 

• Napzone by Plaza Premium: Located inside the terminal, this capsule hotel offers compact sleeping pods for transit passengers.
   
• Shangri-La Tanjung Aru: A luxury resort just minutes away, famous for its sunset bar and extensive facilities.
   
• The Aeropod: A mixed-development area just opposite the airport that houses several boutique hotels and apartments.
   

Transportation Options From/To BKI Airport

While the airport is close to the city, public transport options are limited. There is no train service, and buses can be infrequent and difficult to navigate with heavy luggage or climbing gear.

TravelThru Airport Transfer Service 

After landing in the tropical heat, you deserve a seamless connection to your hotel. Our private airport transfer services in Kota Kinabalu are dedicated to ensuring your convenience. When you book your ride with us, you skip the humidity and the queues at the taxi counters.

Your professional driver monitors your flight arrival time and meets you in the arrivals hall. We assist with your luggage and guide you to your pre-cooled vehicle. Our fixed pricing model protects you from price surges during peak hours or heavy rain. You can secure your airport rides on our website by selecting the vehicle size that fits your group, ensuring a stress-free start to your holiday.
 

Other Transportation Alternatives

• Airport Taxi Transfers: You must purchase a fixed-price coupon from the counter on the Arrivals level before exiting the building. Prices are based on zones.

• Grab (E-hailing): Very popular in Sabah. There is a designated pick-up point at the far end of the Arrivals level (near Gate 5). During rain or peak hours, finding a driver can take time, and surge pricing applies.
   
• Airport Bus: There is a shuttle bus that runs to the city center (Padang Merdeka), but schedules can be irregular.

Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is a coastal city that perfectly balances nature and urban life.
 

• Tanjung Aru Beach: Visit this beach near the airport for what locals claim is one of the best sunsets in the world.
   
• Tunku Abdul Rahman Park: Take a 15-minute boat ride from the city jetty to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Manukan or Sapi Island.
   
• Filipino Market: Explore this bustling waterfront market famous for fresh seafood, pearls, and local handicrafts.
   
• Kota Kinabalu City Mosque: Check out the amazing "Floating Mosque," which sits beautifully on a man-made lagoon.

How to Get Around Kota Kinabalu

TravelThru Chauffeur Service

To explore the countryside comfortably, our chauffeur service is ideal. We provide local drivers who know the winding roads to Kundasang and Ranau. You can book a car for a day trip to see the Rafflesia flowers, the Poring Hot Springs, or the Desa Dairy Farm. You enjoy the scenic drive through the Crocker Range while we handle the navigation and parking.
 

Other Options

Renting a car is a common way to explore Sabah if you are confident driving on mountain roads. Within the city center, walking is possible, but the tropical weather often makes air-conditioned transport preferable. Alternatively, E-hailing services are widely used for short trips around town, such as to restaurants and shopping malls.