Quick Answer
The best way to get from Labuan Chimney (a historic landmark in
Labuan) to Labuan Airport (LBU) is by taxi or Grab.
Total travel time: 5–10 minutes |
Total cost: 8–15 MYR ($1.84–$3.45) |
No transfer needed – door-to-door service.
For budget travellers, Bus Route 1 costs only 1–2 MYR ($0.23–$0.46) but runs
infrequently (every 60–90 minutes). If you are heading to mainland Sabah after your flight,
the ferry + train combination is available via Menumbok.
Train & Ferry Combination: Labuan to Sabah Mainland
Labuan Island does not have a railway system. However, if you are continuing your journey beyond Labuan Airport – for example to Kota Kinabalu or Beaufort – you can combine a short taxi ride with a ferry and Malaysia's ETS (Electric Train Service) or Sabah State Railway. This option is not suitable for reaching Labuan Airport itself, but is valuable for onward travel.
Recommended route for onward train travel:
- Labuan Chimney → Labuan Ferry Terminal – Taxi, 5 min, ~5 MYR ($1.15).
- Labuan Ferry Terminal → Menumbok Ferry Terminal – Ferry, 30–45 min, 10–15 MYR ($2.30–$3.45). Multiple departures daily.
- Menumbok → Beaufort – Local bus or taxi, 20 min, ~8 MYR ($1.84).
- Beaufort → Kota Kinabalu (KK) – Sabah State Railway, 2–3 hours, 10–20 MYR ($2.30–$4.60).
Train Types on Sabah State Railway
The Sabah State Railway operates diesel multiple units (DMUs) on the Beaufort–Kota Kinabalu line. There are two classes:
| Class | Features | Fare (Beaufort → KK) | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Class | Non-air-conditioned, wooden seats, local experience | 10–12 MYR ($2.30–$2.76) | 2.5–3 hours |
| Air-conditioned Class | AC, comfortable seats, limited daily runs | 18–20 MYR ($4.14–$4.60) | 2–2.5 hours |
Note: The Sabah railway is not a high-speed Shinkansen. Maximum speed is around 80 km/h. For a faster connection between Kota Kinabalu and Beaufort, consider a shared minivan (30–40 MYR / $6.90–$9.20) instead.
Extra tip: If you plan to use the train extensively in Peninsular Malaysia, the ETS Platinum offers modern AC carriages at 140 km/h. However, this requires a flight from Labuan to Kuala Lumpur first. KTMB official site →
Domestic Flights from Labuan Airport (LBU)
Labuan Airport (LBU) is a domestic airport with flights to Kota Kinabalu (BKI) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL). This section covers both how to get from Labuan Chimney to the airport and what flight options you have once you arrive.
From Labuan Chimney to Labuan Airport – Pre-Flight Transfer
| Mode | Time | Cost (MYR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 5–10 min | 10–15 | $2.30–$3.45 |
| Grab | 5–10 min | 8–12 | $1.84–$2.76 |
| Bus Route 1 | 15–20 min | 1–2 | $0.23–$0.46 |
| Private transfer | 5–10 min | 15–25 | $3.45–$5.75 |
Flight Destinations & Airlines
As of 2025, MASwings and AirAsia operate from Labuan Airport.
| Airline | Destination | Flight Time | Typical Fare (one-way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MASwings | Kota Kinabalu (BKI) | 35 min | 80–150 MYR ($18.40–$34.50) |
| AirAsia | Kuala Lumpur (KUL) | 2 h 40 min | 120–250 MYR ($27.60–$57.50) |
Hidden time alert: Add 30 minutes for check-in and 20 minutes for security at Labuan Airport. The terminal is small, but for peace of mind, arrive 1.5 hours before domestic departure. Malaysia Airports official site →
Which Airport? BKI vs KUL
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) is the better choice for connections to Sabah & Sarawak or short stopovers. Kuala Lumpur (KUL) is ideal for international connections and Peninsular Malaysia. From BKI, you can take a taxi (~30 MYR / $6.90) or bus (~5 MYR / $1.15) to downtown KK. From KUL, the KLIA Ekspres train (55 MYR / $12.65) or bus (15 MYR / $3.45) takes you to KL Sentral.
Public Bus (Route 1) – The Budget Option
Labuan's Bus Route 1 connects the main areas of the island, including a stop near Labuan Chimney and Labuan Airport. It is the cheapest way to travel between these two points, but schedule reliability is a challenge.
Route 1 Key Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Route | Labuan Town → Labuan Chimney → Labuan Airport → Pantai Batu Manikar |
| Frequency | Every 60–90 minutes (6:30 AM – 6:30 PM) |
| Fare (Chimney → Airport) | 1–2 MYR ($0.23–$0.46) |
| Travel Time | 15–20 minutes (stops may vary) |
| Bus Type | Standard public bus, no AC on some units |
How to Catch the Bus from Labuan Chimney
The bus stop is located on Jalan Tanjung Batu, about a 3-minute walk from the Labuan Chimney monument. Look for the blue-and-white bus with "Route 1" displayed. Wave to signal the driver to stop. Pay exact cash (coins preferred).
Day Bus vs "Night Bus"
Labuan does not have a dedicated night bus service. The last Route 1 bus departs Labuan Town around 6:00 PM and reaches the airport area by 6:20–6:30 PM. If your flight is after 7:00 PM or before 8:00 AM, you will need a taxi, Grab, or private transfer.
Tip for budget travellers: If your schedule aligns, the bus is unbeatable at just 1–2 MYR. But for most visitors, the time saved by taking a taxi (5 min vs 20 min) is well worth the extra 8–10 MYR.
Taxi, Grab & Private Transfer – Door-to-Door Convenience
For most travellers, taxi or Grab is the recommended way to get from Labuan Chimney to Labuan Airport. It is fast, affordable, and hassle-free. Private transfers are available for those who want a pre-booked, premium experience.
Comparison of Ride Options
| Service | Estimated Fare (MYR) | Estimated Fare (USD) | Booking Method | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Taxi | 10–15 | $2.30–$3.45 | Hail on street or taxi stand | Immediate need, no app required |
| Grab (car) | 8–12 | $1.84–$2.76 | Grab app (iOS/Android) | Best price, upfront fare |
| Grab (GrabCar Plus) | 14–18 | $3.22–$4.14 | Grab app | More legroom, newer cars |
| Hotel Shuttle / Private Transfer | 15–30 | $3.45–$6.90 | Pre-book via hotel / tour agent | Groups, family, guaranteed timing |
When to Choose Each Option
- Grab: Best value for solo travellers or couples. Fares are fixed and displayed upfront. Wait time is typically 3–7 minutes in Labuan.
- Standard Taxi: Readily available at Labuan Chimney area. Agree on the fare before starting the ride. Fixed fare to the airport is 15 MYR – no meter is used.
- Private Transfer: Ideal if you have heavy luggage, are travelling with young children, or need a specific pick-up time (e.g., 4:30 AM for an early flight). Expect to pay 20–30 MYR ($4.60–$6.90).
Extreme Cases – When Taxi is the Only Option
Between 10:00 PM and 5:30 AM, Grab drivers are scarce. In this window, a taxi (pre-arranged via phone) or hotel transfer is your only reliable choice. Night-time taxi fares may be 10–20% higher than daytime.
Accessibility: Labuan taxis are typically sedans. If you require a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, request a private transfer when booking. Grab Malaysia official →
Cost & Time Comparison – All Options at a Glance
Use this table to quickly compare every way of getting from Labuan Chimney to Labuan Airport. The best overall and cheapest options are highlighted.
| Mode | Travel Time | Cost (MYR) | Cost (USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Taxi (standard) | 5–10 min | 10–15 | $2.30–$3.45 | 0 | Best overall – speed + value |
| Grab (car) | 5–10 min | 8–12 | $1.84–$2.76 | 0 | Budget-conscious, app users |
| Private transfer | 5–10 min | 15–30 | $3.45–$6.90 | 0 | Families, early/late flights |
| 💰 Bus Route 1 | 15–20 min | 1–2 | $0.23–$0.46 | 0 | Cheapest – tight budgets |
| Walk | 40–50 min | 0 | $0 | 0 | No luggage, fit travellers |
| Bicycle (rental) | 12–18 min | 10–15 (rental/day) | $2.30–$3.45 | 0 | Eco-friendly, leisure |
JR Pass / Tourist Pass Note
JR Pass is not available in Malaysia. Malaysia has no rail pass for tourists comparable to Japan's JR Pass. For train travel on the Sabah State Railway, you simply buy a point-to-point ticket at the station. The fare from Beaufort to Kota Kinabalu is 10–20 MYR ($2.30–$4.60) – no pass needed.
Recommendation: For the Labuan Chimney → Labuan Airport journey, take a Grab or taxi. The 8–15 MYR cost is negligible compared to flight tickets, and the 5-minute ride saves you up to 40 minutes compared to walking or waiting for a bus.
Traveler Tips & Local Insights – Labuan Chimney to Labuan Airport
Based on feedback from frequent travellers and local drivers, here are pro tips to make your transfer smoother.
🚕 Luggage & Takkyubin (Baggage Delivery)
Labuan does not have a Takkyubin (luggage delivery) service like Japan. You must carry your bags yourself. If you have heavy luggage:
- Use Grab or taxi – the driver will help load bags.
- Avoid the bus if you have more than one large suitcase (limited storage).
- Hotel concierge can arrange a private transfer for oversized luggage.
🕐 Peak Season & Booking Advice
During Malaysian school holidays, Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Christmas, Labuan Airport can be surprisingly busy. The security queue may take 15–25 minutes instead of the usual 5–10.
- Depart Labuan Chimney 2 hours before your flight during peak periods.
- Pre-book your taxi via the hotel or a local agent to avoid surge pricing.
- Grab fares can increase by 1.5× to 2× during peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM, 4:00–7:00 PM).
🗺️ Navigating Labuan Chimney Area
Labuan Chimney is a well-known landmark on Jalan Tanjung Batu. Most taxi and Grab drivers know it. If you are using the bus, look for the "Labuan Chimney" signboard on the main road. There is a small souvenir stall and a cafe nearby if you need to wait.
🌡️ Weather Consideration
Labuan has a tropical rainforest climate – hot and humid all year. Walking 3.5 km to the airport is uncomfortable in the midday heat (32–34 °C / 90–93 °F). Even the bus can be stuffy if the AC isn't working. A taxi with AC is well worth the 10 MYR.
🔁 Connecting to Other Transport
If you are flying into Labuan and heading to Labuan Chimney first, the same options apply in reverse. The airport taxi counter offers fixed fares – 15 MYR to Labuan Chimney – no haggling needed.
FAQs: Labuan Chimney to Labuan Airport
Is there a direct bus from Labuan Chimney to Labuan Airport?
Yes, Labuan Bus Route 1 passes near Labuan Chimney and stops at Labuan Airport. The journey takes about 15–20 minutes and costs 1–2 MYR ($0.23–$0.46). However, buses run only once every 60–90 minutes, so timing is limited. The last bus passes the airport around 6:20 PM.
How much does a taxi cost from Labuan Chimney to Labuan Airport?
A standard taxi ride costs between 10 and 15 MYR ($2.30–$3.45). The journey takes approximately 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Fares are fixed from the airport taxi counter; no surge pricing applies.
Can I use Grab from Labuan Chimney to the airport?
Yes, Grab is widely available in Labuan. A ride from Labuan Chimney to Labuan Airport typically costs 8–12 MYR ($1.84–$2.76) and takes 5–10 minutes. Grab offers upfront pricing and is often slightly cheaper than a standard taxi. Just ensure you have a data connection or use the airport's free Wi-Fi.
Is there a train from Labuan Chimney to Labuan Airport?
No, there is no train service on Labuan Island. The most practical ways to reach Labuan Airport from Labuan Chimney are by taxi, Grab, or bus. For travellers heading to mainland Sabah, a ferry + train combination is possible via the Menumbok ferry terminal, but that is for onward travel – not for reaching the airport.
What is the fastest way from Labuan Chimney to Labuan Airport?
The fastest way is by taxi or Grab, taking just 5–10 minutes. A private transfer or hotel shuttle is equally fast. The bus takes 15–20 minutes but has irregular schedules. Walking takes 40–50 minutes and is not recommended with luggage or in hot weather.
How early should I leave Labuan Chimney for a flight from Labuan Airport?
For domestic flights (e.g. to Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur), we recommend leaving Labuan Chimney at least 1.5 hours before departure. This allows 10 minutes for the taxi ride, 30 minutes for check-in, and 20 minutes for security. For international flights, allow 2.5 hours. During peak season, add 30 extra minutes.
Are there night buses from Labuan Chimney to the airport?
No, Labuan's public bus service operates only from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. For late-night or early-morning flights, you must take a taxi, Grab, or private transfer. Night-time taxi fares may be 10–20% higher than daytime rates. Pre-booking is recommended for departures before 6:00 AM.
Can I walk from Labuan Chimney to Labuan Airport?
Walking is possible but not recommended. The distance is approximately 3.5 km along roads with limited footpaths. It takes about 40–50 minutes on foot, which is impractical with luggage and in Labuan's tropical heat (32–34 °C / 90–93 °F). A taxi or Grab (8–15 MYR) is far more comfortable and takes just 5–10 minutes.