Heading from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu? Or going from Kota Bharu to KL? And not sure exactly how to make the trip?
Don’t worry because you are in the right place as in this Kuala Lumpur – Kota Bharu guide we are going to cover exactly how you can make this trip including all the different transport options.
Kota Bharu is an interesting place to visit which is quite different to Kuala Lumpur. It’s also not far from the gorgeous Perhentian Islands, so you’ll find plenty to do in this part of the world.
Below, I describe exactly how to get to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur whether you are looking for a flight from KL to Kota Bharu, a Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu bus, a Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu train or going from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu by car. No matter which mode of transport you decide to take, all are pretty straight forward.
I also describe the reverse journey from Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur.
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Contents
Map: KL to Kota Bharu
The distance from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu is 440 kilometres, and it takes about six and half hours to drive (although this can vary greatly depending on time of the day and traffic).
The following map shows you the fastest journey.
Summary Of Best Way To Go From Kuala Lumpur To Kota Bharu
The fastest way is to take a Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu flight. It can be very affordable in sales making it a cheap alternative as well. Click here to see the latest flight prices. A private taxi also works well.
Otherwise, the bus from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu is the next best option for a more affordable and direct trip.
| Mode of transport | Duration | Best For? | Book |
| Flight | 5 hours | People who want an efficient way to get to Kota Bharu | Check here |
| Bus | 10.5 hours | People who want the cheapest option | Check here |
| Train | 16.5 hours | Train enthusiasts only | Check here |
| Car | 6.5 hours | People who have easy access to a car or who like to stop along the way | Check here |
| Taxi | 6.5 hours | Small groups who wants the easiest and most straightforward way to get to Kota Bharu | Check here |
There are more details on each option below.
Option 1: Flight From Kuala Lumpur To Kota Bharu
The quickest way to make the journey is by taking one of the flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu. There are two major airports in Kuala Lumpur, and both offer affordable flights to Kota Bharu. No matter which airport you leave from, a KL to Kota Bharu flight takes about an hour.
Sultan Abdul Azziz Shah Airport (SZB) is a little closer to the city centre, but it also offers fewer flights. If you want to use this airport for your Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bahru trip, you can choose between Batik Air and Firefly Airlines. Prices vary, but you should be able to book a one-way flight out of this airport starting from RM 140.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is about an hour drive from the city centre and can be reached by taxi for about RM75. There are also buses and trains to get here (more details here)
If you want to depart from this airport for your KL to Kota Bahru trip, options include AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines. A flight ticket from KUL to Kota Bharu is very cheap at this airport, and prices can start around RM 40 for a one-way trip.
You’ll need to spend a few more RM to cover your taxi ride from Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) in Kota Bharu to your accommodation.
Your KL to KB flight should be relatively affordable even without a discount, so if you’re asked to pay more than RM 150 for a one-way flight, consider looking for a better deal.
Click here to see the prices for your dates.
Option 2: Bus From KL To Kota Bharu
There are many reasons why travellers choose to take the bus to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur rather than fly. The bus to Kota Bahru is slow, taking around 9.5 hours, but if you’re looking to take your time and see more of the Malaysian countryside, this might be the perfect option for you.
You can catch a KL to Kota Bharu bus at pretty much any time, which makes this an excellent option for spontaneous trips. There are multiple busses an hour throughout the day, and the last night bus usually departs between 9 and 11 p.m.
Tickets cost around RM 41 depending on the bus line and the time of departure.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices.
Option 3: Train From KL To Kota Bharu
The train is another option that can provide travellers with an up-close-and-personal experience of a country’s landscapes and small villages. The train from Gemas to Kota Bharu is considered one of the best journeys in Southeast Asia and is known as the jungle train.
There is no direct KL to Kota Bharu train, so to begin your trip from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu by train, you’ll first need to go to the KL Sentral Train Station, and catch the train to a small town called Gemas. This journey takes around 2.5 hours and costs around RM 31.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices.
From Gemas, you need to catch another train to the Wakaf Bharu Station. This journey costs around RM 45 for the cheapest seats and takes about 11 hours.
As there is no Kota Bharu train station, after you arrive at the Wakaf Bharu Station, you’ll need to find a taxi to cover the 9.5-kilometre trip into Kota Bharu which should cost around RM 20.
Since the journey is 11.25 hours long, you’ll get to enjoy some nice views of the jungle no matter what time you depart.
This is by far the longest journey and the train has a horrible deparure time of 1:18am from Gemas station. It’s only recommended for train enthusiasts as the bus is easier, quicker and cheaper.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices.
Taking the train to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur can be an awesome experience for a slow-paced traveller. Trains often sell out, especially in the busy season. If experiencing the Jungle Train is important to you, be sure to make reservations well in advance.
Option 4: KL To Kota Bharu By Taxi
You can book a private taxi between Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu which is the easiest option.
You can be picked up anywhere in KL and dropped off anywhere in Kota Bharu (including at the ferry terminal to Perhentians). Your car will be air-conditioned and you’ll have a safe and reliable local driver if you book with our service.
You can book a private taxi in either direction for up to 7 people.
We can book it for you – click here for more information and the latest prices.
Option 5: KL To Kota Bharu By Car
Driving from KL to Kota Bharu in your own vehicle provides a level of freedom you won’t get with other types of transport. You’ll be free to stop for food, break for the toilet or to take a detour to check out an interesting landmark whenever the mood strikes you.
Of course, you’ll also have to deal with the stresses of the road, and you won’t be able to relax or nap along the way. There are positives and negatives to every option, but if you have your own vehicle, are familiar with the Malaysian roadways, or simply love to drive, this might be your best bet.
The distance from KL to Kota Bharu is 440 kilometres, and the journey takes around 6.5 hours if you don’t make too many stops and don’t get stuck in traffic when leaving Kuala Lumpur. Most travellers stop to rest for the night, separating the trip into two shorter drives.
To get to Kota Bharu by car, follow Karak Highway until you reach the town of Bentong, where you can merge onto Route 8. From there, continue to follow Route 8 until it reaches Kota Bharu. It’s a long but uncomplicated drive, and you’ll get to see plenty of interesting places along the way, including Lentang Forest Reserve.
Click here to book car hire now.
Want the Easiest (and BEST) Way to travel between Kota Bharu and Kuala Lumpur?
We can book a taxi for you from anywhere in Kuala Lumpur directly to your hotel in Kota Bharu or to the Perhentian Islands ferry for a great price.
You can pick your own departure time, relax and know everything will go to plan.
Kota Bharu To Kuala Lumpur
When it comes time to return, you can cover the distance from Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur using your choice of the same transportation options that were available going the other way.
If you want to book a flight from Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur, you’ll be departing from Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR). The AirAsia Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur flight is usually the cheapest. Malaysia Airlines and Firefly also offer flights from Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur.
If you book in advance, you can find a KB to KL flight for cheaper. The flight Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur takes approximately one hour.
Click here to see the prices for your dates.
Another easy option is to take your own private taxi back to KL. This door-to-door service will help you get back as easily as possible with nothing to worry about.
If you want a cheaper option, you can take the bus or the train. The Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur train follows the same route back and you’ll need to change trains in Gemas.
Taking the train from Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur might be a great option if you flew in and missed the chance to experience it.
Lastly, you can take the bus from Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur, which reverses the same route we mentioned earlier. The Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur bus is an affordable way to travel. You can catch the Kota Bharu to KL bus by heading to the Kota Bharu Bus Terminal.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices.
Final Words
Malaysia is set up for independent travel, making it a top destination for backpackers, midrange and luxury travellers.
Choose a flight for quick transport, the bus or train for a journey that’s slow but unforgettable, or a personal vehicle or taxi for the ultimate freedom.
No matter what you choose, you’ll be sure to make some great memories as you explore this lovely country.
Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now!
Click here to read our full guide to things to do in Kota Bharu. You can also find our full Kota Bahru travel guide here.
Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!
