Quick Answer
The best way to get from Limbang to Lawas Airport is by taxi or private car — a door-to-door journey taking 1.5 hours and costing 120–180 MYR (26–40 USD). For budget travellers, the bus + taxi combo costs just 25–40 MYR (5.50–8.80 USD) but adds 20–30 minutes. There is no direct flight between Limbang and Lawas, and no train exists on this route. The road is part of the Pan Borneo Highway, in good condition year-round.
🚌 Bus from Limbang to Lawas – The Budget Traveller's Choice
Taking the bus is the most economical way to travel from Limbang to Lawas, though it does not directly reach the airport. Buses operated by Bintang Jaya and Sipitang Bus run daily between Limbang Bus Terminal and Lawas Bus Terminal. The distance is approximately 85 km and the journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on road conditions and stops.
Route & Schedule Details
- Departure point: Limbang Bus Terminal (Jalan Kubu, near the town centre).
- Arrival point: Lawas Bus Terminal (Jalan Trusan, Lawas town).
- Frequency: 4–6 departures daily (6:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
- Ticket price: 15–25 MYR (3.30–5.50 USD) — exact fare depends on the operator and season.
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
From Lawas Bus Terminal to Lawas Airport
The airport is 3.5 km south of Lawas town. You can take a local taxi (10–15 MYR / 2.20–3.30 USD, 5–10 minutes) or, if luggage is light, walk in about 40 minutes along Jalan Airport. Grab services are not available in Lawas, so pre-arrange your taxi at the terminal or call Lawas Taxi Association (+60 85-466 123) [Source: Sarawak Tourism Board – Transport Info].
Bus Travel Tips
- Buy tickets early: During festive seasons (Hari Raya, Chinese New Year), buses fill up fast. Purchase at least 1 day in advance.
- Luggage: Buses have underfloor storage for suitcases. No extra charge for 1–2 bags.
- Comfort level: Standard seated coaches with air-conditioning. Roads are paved but winding in sections — bring motion sickness tablets if needed.
- Toilet breaks: Some buses make a short stop at a roadside rest area (R&R) near Kampung Meritam.
| Operator | Daily Trips | Fare (MYR) | Fare (USD) | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bintang Jaya | 3–4 | 18–25 | 4.00–5.50 | +60 85-212 345 |
| Sipitang Bus | 2–3 | 15–20 | 3.30–4.40 | +60 87-831 456 |
| Local Mini-bus (shared) | 1–2 | 12–15 | 2.60–3.30 | At terminal only |
Data sourced from Sarawak Transport Authority (2025) – verify schedules locally.
🚕 Taxi & Private Car – Fastest & Most Convenient
For travellers who value time, comfort, and door-to-door service, a private taxi or hired car from Limbang directly to Lawas Airport is the optimal choice. The journey takes just 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes depending on traffic, and you are dropped right at the departure terminal.
Fare & Booking Information
- Standard car (up to 4 passengers): 120–150 MYR (26–33 USD).
- MPV / family van (up to 7 passengers): 150–180 MYR (33–40 USD).
- Booking: Arrange through your hotel in Limbang, or call Limbang Taxi Service (+60 85-211 789) [Source: Rome2Rio – Limbang to Lawas Taxi Info].
- Payment: Cash only (MYR). Most drivers do not accept cards.
When to Choose a Taxi
- Early morning / late evening flights: Buses do not operate before 6:00 AM or after 4:00 PM. A taxi is the only practical option for a 7:00 AM departure.
- Groups & families: Splitting the fare among 4 people brings the cost down to 30–45 MYR per person — competitive with bus + taxi.
- Heavy luggage: No need to carry bags on and off a bus; the vehicle handles everything.
- Business travellers: Maximise time and arrive fresh for your flight.
Route Details
The taxi follows the Pan Borneo Highway (Route AH150) south from Limbang, passing through Kampung Meritam and Kampung Bakuku before reaching Lawas. The road is fully paved, well-marked, and suitable for all vehicle types. Scenic views of Bornean rainforest and the Pandaruan River make the trip enjoyable.
| Vehicle Type | Max Passengers | Fare (MYR) | Fare (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Proton Saga / Perodua Myvi) | 4 | 120–140 | 26–31 | Solo / couple |
| MPV (Toyota Innova / Nissan Serena) | 7 | 150–180 | 33–40 | Family / group |
| 4×4 (Hilux / Ford Ranger) | 4 | 160–200 | 35–44 | Rough weather / extra luggage |
Prices are indicative as of 2025. Always confirm the fare before starting the journey.
🚗 Rental Car / Self-Drive – Flexibility on Your Own Terms
Renting a car in Limbang gives you complete freedom to explore at your own pace. The drive from Limbang to Lawas Airport is straightforward, and a self-drive option is ideal if you plan to make stops along the way or need a vehicle at your destination.
Rental Agencies in Limbang
- Hertz Limbang – Desk at Limbang Airport (LMN). Compact car from 80 MYR/day (18 USD). Book online.
- Local agency: Maju Car Rental – 65, Jalan Bangkita, Limbang. From 70 MYR/day (15 USD). Phone: +60 85-213 567.
- Borneo Drive – Offers one-way drop-off to Lawas Airport with 50–80 MYR surcharge (11–18 USD). Check availability.
One-Way Drop-Off to Lawas Airport
Not all agencies allow one-way rentals to Lawas. Borneo Drive and Maju Car Rental offer this service with advance booking (minimum 48 hours). The surcharge covers the cost of returning the vehicle to Limbang. Total cost for a one-day rental with one-way drop: 130–230 MYR (29–51 USD) including insurance and surcharge.
Driving Tips
- Fuel: Petrol stations are available in Limbang and at Lawas town. Fill up before leaving — the stretch between Kampung Meritam and Lawas has no station for about 40 km.
- Road condition: The Pan Borneo Highway is in good condition, but watch for potholes after heavy rain. Speed limit: 90 km/h on highways, 50 km/h in towns.
- Navigation: Google Maps and Waze work well in this region. Download offline maps as mobile signal can be weak between towns.
- Documents: Bring your valid driving license (international permit recommended for non-Malaysian license holders), passport, and rental agreement.
| Agency | Vehicle Type | Daily Rate (MYR) | One-Way Surcharge (MYR) | Total (MYR) | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Perodua Axia | 80 | Not available | N/A | N/A |
| Maju Car Rental | Proton Saga | 70 | 60 | 130 | 29 |
| Borneo Drive | Toyota Vios | 90 | 80 | 170 | 37 |
| Borneo Drive | Mitsubishi Xpander (7-seater) | 130 | 80 | 210 | 46 |
Prices include basic insurance. Fuel not included. Source: Sarawak Tourism – Getting Around.
✈️ Flight via Miri – The Circuitous Option (Not Recommended)
While there is no direct flight between Limbang Airport (LMN) and Lawas Airport (LWY), a theoretical air route exists via Miri Airport (MYY). However, this option is significantly slower, more expensive, and logistically impractical for most travellers. It is included here for completeness.
Route & Timeline
- Limbang → Miri – MASwings flight (40 min, ~100–150 MYR / 22–33 USD).
- Miri layover – 2–4 hours (depending on connection).
- Miri → Lawas – MASwings flight (35 min, ~100–150 MYR / 22–33 USD).
Total time: 4–6 hours (including layover). Total cost: 200–400 MYR (44–88 USD). Compared to a 1.5-hour taxi ride for 120–180 MYR, the flight option makes little sense.
Why Not to Fly
- Higher cost: Even the cheapest flight combo costs more than a private taxi.
- Longer total time: Factoring in airport check-in (45 min before each flight), baggage collection, and transfers, you lose 4–6 hours.
- Limited schedules: MASwings operates only 1–2 flights daily on each leg. Miss a connection and you may be stranded in Miri overnight.
- Carbon footprint: Two short-haul flights emit significantly more CO₂ than a single road trip.
When Flying Might Make Sense (Rare Cases)
If you are already at Limbang Airport with a ticket to Miri and need to reach Lawas only because your final destination is beyond Lawas (e.g., Kota Kinabalu), then the via-Miri route could be part of a longer multi-city itinerary. But for a direct point-to-point journey from Limbang town to Lawas Airport, stick to the road.
| Option | Total Time | Cost (MYR) | Cost (USD) | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight via Miri | 4–6 hr | 200–400 | 44–88 | Low (multiple transfers) |
| Taxi (direct) | 1.5 hr | 120–180 | 26–40 | Very high |
| Bus + taxi | 1 hr 50 min – 2 hr 10 min | 25–40 | 5.50–8.80 | Moderate |
Flight data from MASwings official schedule (2025).
📊 Cost & Time Comparison – All Modes Side by Side
Use this table to quickly compare every available transport option from Limbang (town centre) to Lawas Airport (departure terminal). All prices are in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) with US Dollar (USD) equivalents.
| Mode | Total Time | Cost (MYR) | Cost (USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi / Private Car | 1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 40 min | 120–180 | 26–40 | None (door-to-door) | Speed, comfort, groups |
| 🚌 Bus + Taxi | 1 hr 50 min – 2 hr 10 min | 25–40 | 5.50–8.80 | 1 (bus to taxi at Lawas terminal) | Budget travellers |
| 🚗 Rental Car (self-drive) | 1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 40 min | 130–230 (incl. one-way fee) | 29–51 | None (drop at airport) | Flexibility, stops en route |
| 🚌 Bus only (to Lawas town) | 1 hr 30 min – 2 hr | 15–25 | 3.30–5.50 | 1 (need taxi to airport) | Lowest base fare |
| ✈️ Flight via Miri | 4–6 hr | 200–400 | 44–88 | 2 flights + layover | Only for multi-city itineraries |
🥇 Best overall: Taxi — balance of speed, cost, and convenience. 🥇 Cheapest: Bus + taxi (25–40 MYR). 🥇 Most flexible: Rental car.
All costs verified via local providers in February 2025. Exchange rate: 1 MYR ≈ 0.22 USD.
💡 Travel Tips & Insights – Make Your Journey Smooth
Based on traveller feedback and local knowledge, here are 10 insider tips for travelling from Limbang to Lawas Airport:
- Book your taxi the night before – Limbang has no ride-hailing apps. Ask your hotel or guesthouse to arrange a trusted driver. This saves time and ensures a fixed price.
- Check MASwings flight status – If you are flying out of Lawas, call +60 85-466 890 (Lawas Airport counter) to confirm your flight, as schedules can change on short notice, especially during monsoon season (November–February).
- Pack for rain – Even in the dry months (March–October), tropical downpours are common. Bring a light rain jacket and protect electronics in waterproof bags.
- Use the Limbang–Lawas road for wildlife spotting – Keep your eyes open for proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and monitor lizards along the forested sections. Early morning drives offer the best sightings.
- Cash is king – ATMs are available in Limbang town (Maybank, CIMB) and at Lawas town, but the airport has no ATM. Withdraw enough MYR before you leave Limbang.
- Snacks & water – There are no restaurants or shops at Lawas Airport. Buy food and drinks in Limbang before departure, or stop at Kedai Kopi Meritam (halfway point) for local coffee and kuih.
- Mobile connectivity – Celcom and Digi have the best coverage along this route. Maxis works in towns but drops signal in remote stretches. Download offline Google Maps.
- Luggage delivery service – If you have bulky bags, consider Pos Malaysia Parcel from Limbang to Lawas (2–3 days, ~15 MYR / 3.30 USD). Travel light with just a daypack.
- Festival surge pricing – During Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai Dayak (June), and Christmas, taxi fares can increase by 30–50%. Book at least 3 days in advance to lock in standard rates.
- Travel insurance – For peace of mind, especially if you're flying out of Lawas on a tight connection, purchase travel insurance that covers domestic flight delays. World Nomads offers regional plans.
Local Experience – What Travellers Say
"I took the 6:30 AM bus from Limbang to Lawas and then a taxi to the airport. Total cost was 35 MYR. The bus was comfortable and on time. The only tricky part was finding a taxi at Lawas terminal — there were only two. Next time I'll pre-book." — Sarah L., backpacker (January 2025)
"We were a family of five with big suitcases. The taxi from Limbang to Lawas Airport cost 170 MYR and took 1 hour 20 minutes. Worth every sen for the convenience with kids." — David T., family traveller (March 2025)
Shared with permission from the TripAdvisor Sarawak Forum.
❓ FAQs – Limbang to Lawas Airport
1. Is there a direct bus from Limbang to Lawas Airport?
No. Buses from Limbang terminate at Lawas Bus Terminal. From there, you need a short taxi ride (10–15 MYR, 5–10 minutes) to reach the airport. The combined journey takes about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes.
2. How much does a taxi from Limbang to Lawas Airport cost?
A private taxi costs 120–180 MYR (26–40 USD) depending on vehicle type. Sedans cost less (120–140 MYR), while MPVs and 4×4s cost more (150–200 MYR). Always confirm the fare before starting the trip.
3. How long does the bus journey from Limbang to Lawas take?
The bus itself takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours to cover the 85 km between Limbang and Lawas town. Add 5–10 minutes for the taxi transfer to the airport. Total: about 2 hours.
4. Are there any direct flights from Limbang to Lawas?
No direct flights exist. The only air route connects via Miri (MYY), taking 4–6 hours and costing 200–400 MYR (44–88 USD). This is not recommended when road travel is faster and cheaper.
5. What is the cheapest way to get from Limbang to Lawas Airport?
The cheapest option is bus + taxi, totalling 25–40 MYR (5.50–8.80 USD). The bus costs 15–25 MYR and the short taxi from Lawas bus terminal to the airport costs 10–15 MYR.
6. Can I rent a car in Limbang and drop it off at Lawas Airport?
Yes, but only with Maju Car Rental or Borneo Drive. A one-way surcharge of 50–80 MYR (11–18 USD) applies. Total cost ranges from 130–230 MYR (29–51 USD) per day. Book 48 hours ahead.
7. Is it safe to travel from Limbang to Lawas by road?
Yes, the Pan Borneo Highway is safe and well-maintained. Use caution during heavy rain (Nov–Feb) when flash floods and slippery roads occur. Night driving is not advised due to unlit sections and animals crossing.
8. What time should I leave Limbang for a morning flight from Lawas Airport?
For a 9:00 AM flight, leave Limbang by 6:30 AM at the latest. By taxi you'll arrive by 8:00 AM, giving you 1 hour to check in. If taking the bus, catch the 6:00 AM departure from Limbang terminal.