Exploring Sarawak and wondering how to get from Sibu to Miri? We can help!
Miri and Sibu are both major population centres and transport hubs on your way across Sarawak, so it’s not surprising that you may find yourself travelling between these cities. Both offer natural attractions, museums and more to help you appreciate Sarawak and are gateways to some amazing experiences, like Mulu National Park and exploring the rivers of Borneo.
While it’s not far to Miri from Sibu, this journey can seem complicated – at least until you take it step-by-step. It’s actually quite straightforward with many people taking this trip every day. They are both transportation hubs, and you have a few choices of how to travel.
Below, I break down exactly how to go from Sibu to Miri so you know exactly what you need to do, when, whether you are looking for a Sibu to Miri bus or a flight from Sibu to Miri. This way, you will be in exploring more fun things as quick as possible!
I also describe the reverse journey from Miri to Sibu.
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Sibu Miri Map
The Sibu to Miri distance is around 402 kilometres and the driving time is around 5 hours and 45 minutes. Of course, the exact distance from Sibu to Miri depends on the route you take and the driving time is dependent on traffic and road conditions.
There are a lot of roadworks at the moment on this route which can slow things down.
BEST OPTION: How To Go From Sibu To Miri
The quickest and best option for travelling from Sibu to Miri is to take a flight.
The cheapest option is to take a bus.
Here’s a summary of your options:
| Mode of transport | Duration | Best For? | Book |
| Flight | 3.5 hours | People who want the quickest option | Book here |
| Bus | 8.75 hours | People who want the cheapest option | Book here |
| Car | 5.75 hours | People who are happy to hire a car or who like to stop along the way | Book here |
| Taxi | 5.75 hours | Anyone who wants the easiest and most straightforward way to travel overland between Sibu and Miri |
Option 1: Sibu To Miri Flight
It’s possible to fly from Sibu to Miri. There are generally four flights a day, spread throughout the day, ran by MASWings, Malaysia Airlines regional carrier.
Flights only take an hour and are quick and easy. Ticket prices start at RM225.
If you wish to fly AirAsia Sibu to Miri, you’ll have to take connecting flights as they don’t fly this route direct.
Sibu Airport is about 23 kilometres and a half hour drive from the centre of Sibu. You can take a Grab taxi.
On arrival at Miri, the airport is about ten kilometres from the centre and takes around 20 minutes to reach. Again, you can take a Grab taxi.
Click here to see the prices for your dates.
Option 2: Sibu To Miri Bus
Taking a Sibu Miri bus is another good option, particularly for budget travellers.
The travel time from Sibu to Miri by bus is about 7.5 hours and tickets start from RM45.
Buses generally only run in the morning and then again in the evening and night. Bus lines include Freesia Express, EVA Express, Lanang Express and Sungei Merah Express.
Don’t expect the buses here to be as nice as the ones in Peninsular Malaysia. They are nowhere near as luxurious and can be quite bumpy.
I travelled on Lanang Express and the first few rows of seats were the best with bigger seats, more space and only three seats across the row. Further back, they change to four seats across the road.
It was clean and comfortable enough, but my seat recline didn’t work.
On the upside, they didn’t stop nearly as much as in peninsular Malaysia. People hopped on and off at the side of the road except in Bintulu. There were only two rest stops too.
I recommend you book your tickets in advance so you don’t miss out on your preferred time. There can be a long gap between buses.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices now.
In Sibu, the bus station is about 3.5 kilometres from the centre and a 10 minute Grab taxi ride. The bus station in Miri is about 5 kilometres and a ten-minute Grab taxi ride from the centre.
Option 3: Sibu-Miri By Car
As stated above, travelling from Sibu to Miri by car takes around 5.75 hours and is around 402 kilometres.
You can drive the major AH150 highway the whole way or save a little time and turn off the AH150 towards Niah on the 4114 after Bintulu. Niah Caves (near here) can be a great place to stop along the way as well.
The main AH150 highway has a lot of roadworks happening currently.
Click here to read more about driving in Malaysia or click here to see car rental prices.
Option 4: Sibu To Miri By Taxi
If you don’t want to hire your own car, taking a private taxi from Sibu to Miri can be the way to go. Then all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the scenery.
The problem with this option is finding a safe and reliable local operator to take you there for a good price. Asking your hotel in either city or a local travel agent is a good place to start.
Miri To Sibu
If you are travelling the reverse journey from Miri to Sibu instead, don’t worry. It’s just as straightforward. I recommend you read the options above as you simply have to reverse them for your Miri Sibu journey.
For flights, you can take a MASwing Miri to Sibu flight. This is the only carrier who flies this route direct. It takes an hour and generally runs four times a day.
If you want to fly AirAsia Miri to Sibu, you’ll have to take connecting flights so it’s often not cheaper to fly a budget carrier.
Click here to see the latest flight prices and times.
You can also take buses from Miri to Sibu. These take about 7.75 hours and depart throughout the day. Bus lines include Freesia Express, EVA Express, Lanang Express and Sungei Merah Express.
Tickets start at RM54.
Click here to see the bus timetables and prices.
You can also drive or take a taxi between Miri and Sibu. This takes about 5.75 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. The distance from Miri to Sibu is about 402 kilometres.
Final Words
Sibu and Miri are major population centres and transport hubs in Sarawak, so any big exploration of this state will likely mean passing through both of these places. This makes travelling between the two places easy.
Direct flights are recommended as the best option. Budget travellers will prefer the longer, but cheaper buses. Taxis and hiring a car and driving are also solid options. You can’t go wrong!
I hope you found this guide to how to travel from Sibu to Miri useful. Check out all the best things to do in Miri here and all the best hotels here. You can find our complete travel guide to Sibu here and Miri here. You can also read about how to get from Sibu to Kuching here or from Miri to Brunei 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!
