Exploring Sarawak and wondering how to go from Miri to Bintulu? We can help!
Both these places should be on any Sarawak itinerary with some great national parks, markets and museums to explore.
While the Miri to Bintulu distance is not great, this journey can seem confusing– although it’s actually quite straightforward with many people taking this trip every day.
Below, I break up exactly how to get to Miri from Bintulu so you know exactly what you need to do, when, whether you are looking for a Miri to Bintulu bus or a flight from Miri to Bintulu. This way, you will spend as little time as possible working out your journey.
I also describe the reverse journey from Bintulu to Miri.
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Contents
Map: Miri To Bintulu
The following map shows the most direct overland journey between Miri and Bintulu.
The distance from Miri to Bintulu is about 200 kilometres. There are several ways to get from town to town, like taking a flight, taxi or the bus. You can also hire a car and drive which takes around three hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
BEST OPTION: How To Get From Miri To Bintulu
Here’s a summary of your options:
| Mode of transport | Duration | Best For? | Book |
| Flight | 3 hours | People who like the quickest option | Book here |
| Bus | 5 hours | People who want the cheapest option | Book here |
| Car | 3 hours | People who are happy to hire a car or who like to stop along the way | Book here |
Option 1: Miri To Bintulu Flight
Even though most flights out of Miri will take you to another Malaysian city or town first before flying to Bintulu, there is a daily direct flight.
MASWings flies early every morning from Miri to Bintulu taking 35 minutes. Flight prices start at RM230.
The Miri International Airport is located roughly around a 15-minute drive from the heart of the city. And when you touch down in Bintulu, you’ll be about 30 minutes out from the town centre.
By the time you add in these journey times and wait time at the airport, it is not much quicker than taking the bus.
Click here to see the prices for your dates.
Option 2: Miri To Bintulu Bus
As mentioned, we think the best option to get from Miri to Bintulu is by bus. There are two many companies offering services for this journey, Eva Express and Sungei Merah Express.
Expect the journey to take around four hours and tickets start at RM27. The buses are clean and comfortable, although don’t expect the luxury buses you find in peninsular (or west) Malaysia. These are more basic than that and the road can be bumpy.
You are likely to have a stop on the way to eat, get a drink and use the toilets. Otherwise, stops are short to pick up and drop off passengers only.
Buses leave at least five times a day depending on the day of the week from 7am to 3:30pm. I recommend you book ahead as they are not that frequent so it would be frustrating to miss out on your preferred time.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices.
Option 3: Miri To Bintulu By Car
Another way to get to Bintulu is by taking a private car, either by renting one or by booking a taxi. It’s just 200 kilometres away and should take you around three hours to complete the trip if you aren’t making any stops.
It’s a fairly simple drive, as you’ll be on a highway cruising along the coastline for most of it. There is a lot of roadworks on the main highway at the moment that look like they will be going for a long time yet which can slow things down.
This is also a great option if you want to stop along the way. I hired a car and stopped at both Niah Caves and Similajau National Park on the way. It made for a great day.
Click here to hire a car or click here to read more about driving in Malaysia.
For a taxi, it’s best to contact a local travel agency or ask at your hotel.
Bintulu To Miri
If you are travelling to Miri from Bintulu, you can choose between all the three above forms of transportation. Bintulu to Miri is a pretty easy travel day if you research your options.
Taking a bus is once again your best choice, since you don’t have to worry about renting a car and it’s typically cheaper than flying or taking a taxi, and it doesn’t take much longer at four hours.
Sungei Merah Express and Eva Express are the two bus lines. There are five+ buses that leave the terminal daily, just like the Miri to Bintulu route. However, buses stop running at midday on this route so be ready to go in the morning. I recommend you book your tickets in advance.
See bus timetables and ticket prices here.
If you plan on flying, there are 1-2 daily flights from Bintulu from Miri.
MASWings runs this service and it takes only 35 minutes. They depart in the afternoon/evening.
Further, taking a private vehicle is another alternative, and the drive and distance is the same as Miri to Bintulu at around three hours. You can look for hire cars here.
Final Words
It’s easy to get from Miri to Bintulu if you follow the instructions above. Whether you choose flying, taking a bus or renting a car or taxi, you can be at Bintulu within the day.
Taking a bus can be your best choice because of the frequency that the buses are leaving from Miri as well as the price and ease of booking. It also doesn’t take much longer than the other options.
However, driving and flying are also good options.
If you’re going the opposite way from Bintulu to Miri, there are the same options and it takes the same amount of time.
So, whatever you choose, you’ll be happy to know that this is a well-travelled route with alternatives that will suit whatever you need.
I hope you found this guide to how to travel from Miri to Bintulu useful. Find out all the top things to do in Bintulu here and the best hotels to stay in Bintulu here. You can find our complete travel guide to Miri here including the top things to do in Miri here and the best places to stay here.
You can also read about how to get from Sibu to Miri here.
Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!
