How to Get to Kota Bharu. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to KBR

Airport & Flights

Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) is the main airport serving Kota Bharu, located about 10 km north of the city center. It handles domestic flights mainly within Peninsular Malaysia.

Airlines & Routes

Skyscanner or Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.
AirAsia: Frequent daily flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Johor Bahru (JHB), Penang (PEN).
Firefly (Malaysia Airlines subsidiary): Flights from Subang Airport (SZB) in Selangor and Penang (PEN).

Airport Facilities & Transfers

KBR is a small to medium-sized airport with basic but sufficient facilities including ATMs, cafes, shops, car rental counters, and public Wi-Fi.

Getting to the City

Taxi: Fixed-rate taxi coupons available at airport counter (RM 20-30 to city center).
Ride-sharing (Grab): Widely available, often cheaper (RM 15-25 to city center). Use airport Wi-Fi to book.
Rental Car: Counters for Avis, Hertz, and local agencies. DiscoverCars.com for competitive rates.

International Flights

No direct international flights to KBR. International travelers fly into Kuala Lumpur (KUL) or Penang (PEN), then take a domestic connecting flight.

Seasonal Prices

Flight prices are higher during Malaysian public holidays, school holidays, and the peak dry season (May-September). Lower prices during Northeast Monsoon (Nov-Feb).

Airport Amenities

KBR has ATMs, limited currency exchange, cafes, snack bars, basic retail shops, and prayer rooms. Sufficient for domestic travelers.

Land Transportation

Train Services KTM Berhad

Jungle Railway: Scenic line from Gemas through interior rainforests to Tumpat (north of Kota Bharu).
Closest station: Wakaf Bharu Station, 6 km from city center (RM 10-15 taxi/Grab to city).
Connections from Wakaf Bharu to Gua Musang and Gemas. From Gemas, connect to ETS for Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.
Book tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Express bus services connect Kota Bharu to major cities across Peninsular Malaysia.
Main terminal: Terminal Bas Ekspres Kota Bharu (city center).
Direct buses to Kuala Lumpur (TBS), Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuantan.
Travel duration: Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu typically 7-9 hours. Overnight buses are available.

Driving & Border Crossings

Self-Driving

Requires valid national driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP). Minimum age for rental usually 21-23. Book car in advance via DiscoverCars.com or local agencies at KBR.

Road Conditions

Major roads and highways are well-maintained. City roads can be congested. During monsoon (Nov-Feb), some roads may flood. Drive on the left side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory.

Border Crossing Thailand

Main border points: Rantau Panjang (to Sungai Kolok) and Pengkalan Kubor (to Tak Bai). For tourists, ensure appropriate visa for Thailand if entering. Crossings can be busy.

Sea/River Arrivals

Island Access from Nearby Jetties

Kota Bharu is not a major direct port for international passenger ferries or cruise ships. Sea travel is useful for accessing nearby islands south of Kota Bharu.

Main Jettties

Kuala Besut Jetty: ~1.5 hours south of Kota Bharu, main gateway for speedboats to Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian Besar/Kecil).
Merang Jetty: Further south (~2.5 hours from Kota Bharu), gateway to Kapas Island.
Boat services operate strictly during the dry season (March/April to October) and cease during Northeast Monsoon.

River Transportation

River transportation within Kota Bharu city is limited for tourist purposes. The Kelantan River is mainly used by local fishermen and for some cargo transport.

Local River Use

No regular tourist boat services or water taxis within the city itself.
Some informal boat trips might be arranged with local fishermen for river exploration.
Immigration procedures are not applicable for direct international passenger arrivals in Kota Bharu.

No Exit Fees

Malaysia does not impose specific exit fees or taxes on travelers departing the country via air, land, or sea. Any applicable airport taxes are included in your ticket.

Departure Timing

For domestic flights from KBR, arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. For bus/train, arrive 30 minutes before. Double-check departure times.

Airport Facilities

KBR offers basic waiting areas, cafes, snack bars, and limited retail shops for last-minute souvenirs or necessities.

Local Transportation

Public Transportation

Kota Bharu's public transportation system is mainly bus-based, without metro or tram networks.

Buses

Local bus network within Kota Bharu and to nearby towns.
Comprehensive digital route maps are generally not available. Ask locals for directions.
Fares are paid in cash directly to the driver (RM 1-5). Have small notes ready.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services, especially Grab, are convenient for getting around Kota Bharu.

Grab & Taxis

Grab: Dominant and recommended ride-sharing app. Transparent pricing, cashless options.
Taxis: Red and white. Can be hailed or found at stands. Drivers may prefer fixed fares; negotiate or confirm meter use. Cash payment.
Airport/station taxi arrangements: Grab offers direct pick-up/drop-off.

Rental Options

Car Rentals

Requires valid national driver's license, IDP, passport, credit card for deposit. Minimum age 21-23. Book in advance. DiscoverCars.com for options.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Less common for tourists. Requires valid motorcycle license (endorsed on IDP). Wear a Helmet. For experienced riders only due to traffic conditions.

Bicycle Rentals

No city-wide sharing programs. Some guesthouses offer rentals. Limited dedicated lanes. Cycling on main roads can be hazardous due to traffic.

Transportation Insight

For most tourists, Grab services are a more convenient and often safer option than local buses for getting around Kota Bharu, especially given limited English signage and infrequent schedules for buses.

How to Get to Kota Bharu