City in Sarawak, Malaysia
Getting around Kuching
How to get around Kuching
Grab and taxis are the main ways around; the waterfront is walkable. Use buses or organised tours for Bako and Semenggoh.
Ways to get around Kuching
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Grab | About RM10–20 for 5 km | Most convenient; cheaper than taxis |
| City buses (Sarawak Transport) | About RM2–5 | Bus 1 runs to Bako terminal; infrequent |
| Free tambang river boats | About RM1–2 | Small boats across the Sarawak River to the old town |
Ride-hailing apps in Kuching
A 5 km ride costs about RM10–20 ($2.4–4.9).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Main app; cars and airport pickups |
- Taxis are scarce and often unmetered; use Grab. Longboats to Bako and river trips need a fixed price.
Arriving in Kuching
Kuching International (KCH)
Grab about RM20–30, 20 min; airport taxi coupon about RM30; local bus to city about RM3.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rare for visitors; traffic is calm but heat and rain make it unpleasant. Grab is easier.
- Driving: on the left. Visitors can drive on an English-language licence; otherwise carry an IDP. Scooters need a motorcycle-class licence.
- Onward travel in Malaysia: KTM's ETS electric trains link KL with Ipoh and Butterworth (for Penang); express buses go everywhere; cheap flights reach Penang, Langkawi and Borneo.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Kuching?
No. Use Grab instead.
What's the best way to get around Kuching?
Grab and taxis are the main ways around; the waterfront is walkable. Use buses or organised tours for Bako and Semenggoh.
How do I get from the airport to Kuching?
Grab about RM20–30, 20 min; airport taxi coupon about RM30; local bus to city about RM3.
Is Kuching walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Kuching
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Sources
- KTMB (Malaysian railways)
- AirAsia
- Sarawak Tourism Board
- Kuching International Airport (Malaysia Airports)
- Grab Malaysia
- Normah Medical Specialist Centre
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.