Jadual Kereta Api Sabah 2026: Sabah Train Timetable, Fares & Stations
How does the Sabah train work?
Sabah's railway, run by the Sabah State Railway Department (JKNS), runs from Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu to Beaufort (Main Line, 85 km) and on through the Padas Gorge to Tenom (Gorge Line, 49 km). Bernama reported in December 2025 that the morning train leaves Tanjung Aru at 7:45am. Fares are 5 sen per km, from 40 sen to RM7.20 for adults. Tickets are bought in cash at the station counter on the day.
Times we can confirm
| Train | Departs | Arrives | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanjung Aru → Beaufort (morning) | 7:45am (counter opens 7am), as reported Dec 2025 | Beaufort about 10am | Bernama, 12 Dec 2025 |
JKNS shows its full timetable through an app on its website, which we could not read on 10 October 2026, and no other source we trust lists the return trains or the Beaufort–Tenom times. We are confirming them with JKNS and will add them here. Until then, check the official JKNS timetable or ask at Tanjung Aru station. The head office line (088-279 300) had a "under maintenance" notice on its website in August 2026.
Fares
- Fares are worked out at 5 sen per kilometre.
- Adult one-way fares run from 40 sen to RM7.20; child fares from 20 sen to RM3.75 (Malay Mail, 26 April 2026).
- Bernama reported in December 2025 that fares have not changed since 1989.
- A fare review was about 90% complete in April 2026, with the final decision for the state Cabinet. No new fares had been announced as at 10 October 2026.
Stations
JKNS lists 15 stations on two lines (checked 10 October 2026).
Main Line · 85 km
- Sembulan
- Tanjung Aru
- Putatan
- Kinarut
- Kawang
- Papar
- Kimanis
- Bongawan
- Membakut
- Beaufort
Gorge Line · 49 km
- Beaufort
- Saliwangan
- Halogilat
- Rayoh
- Pangi
- Tenom
Six new halts between Sembulan and Kinarut (Lok Kawi, Tombovo, Meruntum, Bukit Vor, Petagas and Petagas War Memorial) were announced to open in October 2026 (The Star, 22 August 2026). We have not yet confirmed that they are open or which trains stop there.
Buying tickets
- Commuter trains: buy at the station counter on the day you travel. Sales start 30–60 minutes before departure, and the official ticket page asks for cash.
- Cashless: planned for June 2026 but not confirmed as running. Bring cash.
- Tourist trains: booked online at eticket.sabahrailway.my.
Tourist trains
- Train to Muara Sungai Benoni: Saturdays, RM100 per person (food not included), from Tanjung Aru. See the North Borneo Railway page for times.
- Chartered hybrid steam train: for groups, Tanjung Aru to Papar and back. JKNS says its steam locomotives are not operating at present.
- More tourist trips are listed on the JKNS e-ticket site.
Ringkasan (BM)
Kereta api Sabah dikendalikan oleh Jabatan Keretapi Negeri Sabah (JKNS), dari Tanjung Aru ke Beaufort (Laluan Utama, 85 km) dan dari Beaufort ke Tenom melalui Gaung Padas (49 km). Menurut Bernama (Disember 2025), kereta api pagi bertolak dari Tanjung Aru pada 7.45 pagi. Tambang dikira 5 sen sekilometer, iaitu 40 sen hingga RM7.20 untuk dewasa. Tiket dibeli secara tunai di kaunter stesen pada hari perjalanan. Waktu kereta api balik sedang disahkan.
FAQ
Q What time does the train leave Tanjung Aru?
Bernama reported in December 2025 that the morning train to Beaufort leaves Tanjung Aru at 7:45am, the ticket counter opens at 7am and the train reaches Beaufort at about 10am. Check the official JKNS timetable before you go.
Q Berapa tambang kereta api Sabah?
Tambang dikira 5 sen sekilometer: dewasa 40 sen hingga RM7.20, kanak-kanak 20 sen hingga RM3.75 sehala (Malay Mail, April 2026). Tanya tambang tepat di kaunter stesen.
Q Is there a direct train from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom?
The line runs in two parts: the Main Line from Tanjung Aru to Beaufort and the Gorge Line from Beaufort to Tenom through the Padas Gorge. Plan to change trains at Beaufort.
Q Can I pay by card or e-wallet?
Not confirmed. The state said in April 2026 that commuter trains would go cashless by June 2026, but the official ticket page still said cash at the counter when we checked (10 October 2026). Bring cash.
Sources & References 8 sources
Last verified: 10 October 2026
Official
- JKNS: Jadual Keretapi (timetable) Official timetable and ticket rules
- JKNS: Laluan & Stesen (routes and stations) 15 stations; Main Line 85 km, Gorge Line 49 km
- JKNS e-ticket (tourist trains) Online booking for tourist services
- JKNS: Train to Muara Sungai Benoni Saturday tourist train, RM100
- JKNS: Hubungi Kami Phone and email
News
- Bernama: Tanjung Aru–Beaufort train (12 Dec 2025) 7:45am morning departure; fares unchanged since 1989
- Malay Mail: Sabah rail to go cashless by June (26 Apr 2026) Fare rate 5 sen/km, fare range
- The Star: six new railway halts to open in October (22 Aug 2026) Announced new halts between Sembulan and Kinarut