Exploring Sarawak and wondering how to get from Sibu to Kuching? We can help!
Sibu and Kuching are major population centres in Sarawak as well as transportation hubs. They are entry points to some amazing attractions in Sarawak and, if you are staying for long in this state, you are likely to visit both.
Now while it’s not far from Sibu to Kuching, this journey can seem complicated – at least until you take it step-by-step. It’s actually quite straightforward with many people taking this journey every day.
Below, I break down exactly how to get to Kuching from Sibu so you know exactly what you need to do, when, whether you are looking for a Sibu to Kuching bus, a Sibu to Kuching ferry or an AirAsia flight Kuching to Sibu option. This way, you will be exploring more of Sarawak as quick as possible!
I also describe the reverse journey from Kuching to Sibu.
Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist. We’ll help you get ready for your trip!
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.
Contents
Map: Sibu-Kuching
The Sibu to Kuching distance is around 400 kilometres by road and it takes about 5.25 hours to drive this.
The road is not that direct so a Sibu Kuching flight or express boat takes a much shorter path.
BEST OPTION: How To Get From Sibu To Kuching
The quickest and best option for travelling from Sibu to Kuching is to take a flight.
The cheapest options are to take a bus or a ferry.
Here’s a summary of your options:
| Mode of transport | Duration | Best For? | Book |
| Flight | 3.25 hours | People who like the quickest option | Book here |
| Bus | 9.25 hours | People who want one of the cheapest options that’s also quite comfortable and easy to book | Book here |
| Ferry | 6 hours | People who want the cheapest option | Book here |
| Car | 5.25 hours | People who are happy to hire a car or who like to stop along the way | Book here |
| Taxi | 5.25 hours | Anyone who wants the easiest and most straightforward way to get between Sibu and Kuching by land |
Option 1: Sibu To Kuching Flight
Flying from Sibu to Kuching is a great option. Flights only take 40 minutes and leave throughout the day.
The only airline to fly this route is AirAsia. The Kuching to Sibu AirAsia flight price starts at around RM105. Buying tickets in advance is the best way to get a great price. Note that they were very strict on baggage weight and weighed everyone with a case for hand luggage.
There is no MAS Sibu to Kuching flight and Malaysia Airlines doesn’t fly this either. Unless you want to waste time taking connecting flights, AirAsia is your only option.
Sibu Airport is about 21 kilometres and 30 minutes from the centre of Sibu. Taking a Grab taxi is the best way to go. On arrival in Kuching, the airport is about 10 kilometres and 20 minutes from the centre via Grab taxi.
Click here to see the prices and schedules for your dates.
Option 2: Bus Sibu To Kuching
Budget travellers should consider taking a Sibu to Kuching bus. Bus lines that run this route include Freesia Express, EVA Express, Lanang Express and Sungei Merah Express.
Buses take about 7.75 hours and tickets start at M60. The Sibu to Kuching bus schedule has buses mostly running in the morning and evening.
I recommend you book your tickets in advance to ensure you get the bus time that you want. There can be a long wait between buses.
Buses here are not luxurious like in peninsular Malaysia and the ride can be quite bumpy at times. I took a Lanang Express bus and the first few rows were great with three seats across and more space. However, further back, it was smaller seats, four across, and the recline didn’t work on my seat.
Click here to see if the latest timetables and prices now.
The upside is that the buses don’t stop as much as in peninsular Malaysia.
In Sibu, the bus terminal is about four kilometres and 10 minutes by taxi from the centre of town.
The bus terminal on arrival in Kuching is near the airport and is about 11 kilometres and 20 minutes from the centre of Kuching.
Option 3: Sibu To Kuching By Ferry
Another great option for travelling overland is the express Sibu to Kuching ferry. This boat runs from the Express Ferry Terminal (Terminal Penumpang Sibu) in Sibu. This terminal is centrally located by the river in Sibu.
The express boat Sibu to Kuching schedule is simple – 11:30am daily. Tickets cost around RM55, so this is slightly cheaper than the bus. However, it is not that comfortable.
It arrives in Kuching at the Kuching Passenger Terminal Express Boat. This is about a ten minute drive to the centre of Kuching.
This ferry is run by Ekspress Bahagia and takes about five hours.
It’s not currently possible to buy tickets online, but you can check if they have resumed selling them again online here when you are reading this.
I recommend you go to the ticket offices at the ferry terminal the day before to get a ticket. You should arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before departure.
Option 4: Sibu Kuching By Car
As stated above, it takes about 5.25 hours and 400 kilometres to drive between these two cities.
This is a major highway, and it is not difficult to drive yourself. The AH150 can take you the whole way.
Click here to read more about driving in Malaysia or click here to see car rental prices.
Option 5: Sibu To Kuching By Taxi
Taking a taxi from Sibu to Kuching is a great way to travel. It only takes about 5.25 hours and you won’t have to worry about local traffic rules or hiring a car. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the journey.
The tough part about taking a taxi is finding one that wants to take you. Starting with your hotels in both places is a great way to start as well as local travel agencies.
Expect hiring a taxi to be the most expensive option here though.
Kuching To Sibu
If you want to know how to get from Kuching to Sibu instead, don’t worry. It’s just as easy as the reverse journey. Simply pick the option above that most appeals to you and do it in reverse. All the same options apply to travelling Kuching Sibu.
If you want to take a Kuching to Sibu flight, this is also 40 minutes and runs regularly throughout the day. AirAsia is the only airline that flights this route. Prices start at around RM105.
Click here for the Kuching to Sibu flight schedule and prices.
A budget option is to take a bus from Kuching to Sibu. These buses take nearly 8 hours and run every few hours throughout the day.
Click here for the latest bus Kuching to Sibu options and prices.
Another budget option is to take the express Kuching to Sibu boat. This departs at 8:30am daily at Kuching Passenger Terminal Express Boat. It’s best to go the day before to buy your ticket. This express boat takes about 5 hours.
You can also hire a car or taxi to make this journey.
Final Words
That’s it! The answer to how to go from Sibu to Kuching (or Kuching to Sibu) is straightforward. Take a flight, bus, ferry, taxi or drive.
It’s not possible to pick a wrong answer as all are easy.
If you have the budget, I recommend you fly. If you are travelling on a low budget, I recommend the bus. It is only slightly more than the ferry and more comfortable. if you want to save money, take the ferry.
I hope you found this guide to how to travel from Sibu to Kuching useful. Check out all the top places to visit in Kuching here and all the best hotels here. You can find our complete travel guide to Kuching here and Sibu 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!
