How to Get from Miri to Lawas Airport

Flying is by far the quickest and most hassle-free way to travel from Miri to Lawas. The route is operated exclusively by MASwings, the rural air service arm of Malaysia Airlines. The flight connects Miri Airport (MYY) and Lawas Airport (LWY) with a direct flight time of just 30–35 minutes.

Flight Details & Schedule

• Airline: MASwings (MHW / code-share with Malaysia Airlines).
• Aircraft: ATR 72-500 (turboprop, 72 seats).
• Frequency: 1–2 flights per day, usually in the morning and early afternoon. Check the latest schedule on the MASwings website.
• Estimated Price: RM 150–250 (USD 32–54) one-way, including taxes and baggage.
• Baggage Allowance: 20 kg checked luggage + 7 kg cabin bag.

Miri Airport (MYY) — Departure Guide

• Location: About 10 km south of Miri city centre. Taxi fare from downtown Miri is ~RM 25–35 (USD 5–8).
• Check-in: Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure for domestic flights.
• Facilities: Small terminal with basic cafes, free WiFi, and a duty-free shop.

Lawas Airport (LWY) — Arrival Guide

• Location: 2 km from Lawas town centre. A short 5-minute taxi ride costs ~RM 10–15 (USD 2–3).
• Facilities: Very small terminal with a waiting area and a taxi stand. No ATM inside — withdraw cash in Miri beforehand.
• Onward Connections: From Lawas town you can take a bus or taxi to Limbang, Sundar, or further into Sabah (Sipitang, Beaufort).

Total Door-to-Door Time: Flight vs Road

Segment	Flight	Bus / Car
City centre → Airport	15–20 min	—
Check-in & security	45–60 min	—
Flight time	30–35 min	—
Baggage claim & taxi	15–20 min	—
Total (city centre → Lawas town)	~2 hours	3.5–5 hours
Estimated Cost (per person)	RM 150–250	RM 30–80

Source: MASwings official schedule & Google Maps. Prices are approximate and subject to change.

Why Flying is the Best Choice for Most Travelers

• Speed: 30 minutes vs 4+ hours by road.
• No border crossing: Avoid Brunei immigration entirely.
• Reliability: Flight delays are rare; road traffic and immigration queues can be unpredictable.
• Scenic views: The approach into Lawas offers stunning views of the Lawas River and coastal mangroves.

There is no train service between Miri and Lawas. The only land route connects these two Sarawak towns via Brunei, which means you will cross international borders twice. This section covers bus and self-driving options in detail.

🚍 Option A: Bus from Miri to Lawas (via Brunei)

• Bus Company: Biaramas and BusAsia operate daily services.
• Route: Miri (Bintang Megamall Bus Terminal) → Kuala Belait (Brunei) → Seria (Brunei) → Kuala Lurah/Tedungan (immigration) → Limbang → Lawas.
• Duration: 4–5 hours, depending on border queue times.
• Price: RM 30–50 (USD 6–11) one-way.
• Departures: 2–3 per day (morning, midday, and sometimes a late afternoon bus).
• Baggage: One medium suitcase + one carry-on. Extra luggage may incur a small fee.

Step-by-Step: Miri to Lawas by Bus

1. Buy your ticket at the Bintang Megamall Bus Terminal or online via the operator’s website. Booking 1 day in advance is recommended, especially during school holidays.
2. Board the bus and head toward the Brunei border at Sungai Tujoh (exit Malaysia).
3. Immigration (Malaysia exit): All passengers get off, present passport, get stamped out. ~15–20 min.
4. Immigration (Brunei entry): At Kuala Belait checkpoint, present passport for Brunei entry stamp. ~15–20 min.
5. Continue through Brunei — the bus will pass through Seria and Bandar Seri Begawan suburbs.
6. Brunei exit & Malaysia re-entry: At Tedungan/Kuala Lurah checkpoint, get stamped out of Brunei and into Malaysia (Sarawak). ~20–30 min.
7. Arrive at Lawas Bus Terminal (located near the Lawas Market). A short taxi ride to Lawas Airport costs ~RM 10–15 (USD 2–3).

🚗 Option B: Self-Drive Miri → Lawas (via Brunei)

• Distance: ~210 km (130 miles) from Miri city centre to Lawas town.
• Driving Time: 3–4 hours (including border crossings).
• Fuel Cost: ~RM 30–40 (USD 6–9) for a standard sedan.
• Route: Miri → Sungai Tujoh (Brunei border) → Kuala Belait → Seria → Bandar Seri Begawah → Tedungan (exit Brunei) → Limbang → Lawas.
• Required Documents: Passport, vehicle registration (geran), and international driving permit (IDP) or a valid Brunei driving license for non-Malaysian drivers. Malaysian drivers can use their MyKad for border crossing but must carry the vehicle grant.

Self-Drive Tips & Warnings

• Brunei has strict traffic laws: Speed limits are strictly enforced; use of seatbelts is mandatory; using a phone while driving is illegal.
• Border crossing times: The Sungai Tujoh and Tedungan checkpoints are open 06:00–22:00 daily. Plan to cross before 20:00 to avoid being stuck.
• Road condition: The Brunei section is well-paved. The Limbang–Lawas road is mostly two-lane with some uneven patches. Drive carefully at night.
• Rest stops: Petrol stations are available in Kuala Belait, Seria, and Limbang. Food stalls are plentiful along the way.

Bus vs Self-Drive: Quick Comparison

Factor	Bus	Self-Drive
Cost (per person)	RM 30–50	RM 30–40 (shared among passengers)
Duration	4–5 h	3–4 h
Comfort	Moderate (AC bus, limited legroom)	High (you control the AC & stops)
Flexibility	Fixed schedule	Fully flexible
Border hassle	Moderate (queue with other passengers)	Same process, but you drive through
Best for	Solo travelers, budget backpackers	Families, small groups, adventure seekers

Sources: Biaramas Bus schedule, Google Maps, Brunei Immigration Department.

If you value privacy, comfort, and zero waiting time, a taxi or private transfer from Miri to Lawas is an option — but it comes at a significant premium. This is generally not recommended for budget-conscious travelers, but can be worthwhile for families with young children, large groups, or those with heavy luggage.

Taxi from Miri to Lawas

• Price: RM 250–400 (USD 54–86) one-way for the entire vehicle (up to 4 passengers).
• Duration: 3–4 hours (same as self-drive, including border crossings).
• Booking: Arrange via your hotel in Miri or through local taxi apps like Grab (limited coverage in Lawas).
• Note: The taxi driver will handle the border paperwork, but you still need to present your own passport.

Private Transfer Services

• Price: RM 350–550 (USD 75–118) depending on vehicle type (sedan, MPV, or 4×4).
• Providers: Local operators like Borneo Taxis and Sarawak Private Car offer pre-booked transfers.
• Inclusions: Door-to-door service, help with luggage, air-conditioning, and sometimes a water bottle.
• Best for: Business travelers, late-night arrivals (if flight lands after 18:00), or travelers with mobility issues.

When to Choose Taxi / Private Transfer

• You arrive in Miri late and the last bus has already departed.
• You are traveling with infants or elderly who need frequent stops.
• You have oversized luggage (sports equipment, musical instruments, etc.).
• You are a group of 3–4 people — splitting the cost makes it competitive with flying.

Price data based on quotes from local operators as of 2025. Always confirm the fare before booking.

Use this table to quickly compare all available transport modes. Bold rows highlight the best options for different needs.

Mode	Total Time (door-to-door)	Cost (per person)	Border Crossing	Comfort	Best For
✈️ Flight (MASwings)	~2 hours	RM 150–250 (USD 32–54)	No	★★★★★	Most travelers — speed & convenience
🚌 Bus (via Brunei)	4–5 hours	RM 30–50 (USD 6–11)	Yes (2 checkpoints)	★★★☆☆	Budget backpackers, solo travelers
🚗 Self-Drive	3–4 hours	RM 30–40 (USD 6–9) + vehicle costs	Yes (2 checkpoints)	★★★★☆	Families, small groups, road-trip lovers
🚕 Taxi / Private Transfer	3–4 hours	RM 250–550 (USD 54–118) per vehicle	Yes (2 checkpoints)	★★★★★	Groups, late arrivals, premium comfort

Where to Book Your Tickets

• Flight: Book directly on MASwings website or via AirAsia (code-share).
• Bus: Tickets available at Bintang Megamall Bus Terminal (Miri) or through BusAsia.
• Taxi / Private Transfer: Arrange with your hotel or via Grab (Miri area).

💡 Best Value Pick: If you book the flight at least 2 weeks in advance, you can often secure a seat for RM 120–150 (USD 26–32) — barely more than the bus fare, but saving you 3+ hours.

Based on feedback from frequent travelers and local insights, here are practical tips to make your Miri → Lawas trip easier, cheaper, and more enjoyable.

🛄 Baggage & Luggage Tips

• Pack light if flying: MASwings’ ATR 72 has limited overhead space. If you have more than 20 kg, consider shipping extra luggage via Pos Malaysia or DHL to Lawas.
• Use the “Takkyubin” style service: While not as common as in Japan, some hotels in Miri can arrange baggage forwarding to Lawas hotels through GD Express or City-Link. Ask at your hotel front desk.
• Keep valuables in your carry-on: If taking the bus, your luggage goes in the underbelly — keep passport, cash, and electronics with you.

🛂 Immigration & Border Crossing Tips

• Passport validity: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages for Brunei entry/exit stamps.
• Brunei visa: Most nationalities get a 14- or 30-day visa on arrival at the Brunei border. Check with the Brunei Immigration Department if you are from a non-exempt country.
• Don’t forget your exit stamp: When leaving Brunei, ensure you get stamped OUT. Missing this can cause problems when you try to re-enter Malaysia.

⏰ Timing & Peak Season Tips

• Avoid Friday midday: Brunei has a strict Friday prayer break from 12:00–14:00 — many border offices and shops close. Time your crossing outside this window.
• School holidays (March, June, September, December): Buses can be fully booked. Reserve your seat at least 3 days in advance.
• Morning departure is best: Take the earliest bus or flight to avoid afternoon thunderstorms (common in Lawas from April to October).

🌿 What to Do in Lawas

• Lawas town: Visit the Lawas Market (fresh produce, local snacks) and Lawas River for a relaxing walk.
• Outdoor attractions: Bukit Batu Lawas (hiking), Sundar Waterfront, and Pulau Burung (bird island) are within 30 minutes of the airport.
• Eat local: Try Laksa Lawas (spicy coconut noodle soup) and Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) at the town food court.