Heading to Kota Bharu from Penang?
Great choice! This is a very different and beautiful part of Malaysia which is not as far away as it may seem. From Penang, it won’t take that long and you’ll soon be somewhere completely different. Kota Bharu has quite a different feel and is close to the gorgeous Perhentian Islands.
It may seem complicated to travel from Penang to Kota Bharu, but with direct buses and flights, it’s very straightforward.
Below, I describe exactly how to go from Penang to Kota Bharu whether you are looking for a flight from Penang to Kota Bharu, taking a Penang to Kota Bharu bus or looking to travel Penang to Kota Bharu by car.
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.
Contents
Map: Penang to Kota Bharu
The distance from Penang to Kota Bharu is 342 kilometres and it takes about 5 hours to drive. You can see the quickest route on the map below.
Summary: The Best Way To Travel From Penang To Kota Bharu
| Mode of transport | Duration | Best For? | Book |
| Flight | 5 hours | People who want an efficient way to get to Kota Bharu without sitting in a car for hours | Check here |
| Bus | 8 hours | People who want the cheapest option | Check here |
| Car | 5 hours | People who have easy access to a car or who like to stop along the way | Check here |
| Taxi | 5 hours | Small groups who wants the easiest and most straightforward way to get to Kota Bharu | Book here |
Option 1: Penang to Kota Bharu Flight
An easy way to get between these two cities is to fly. Direct flights are possible with Firefly and only take an hour. Flights start at about RM140.
On arrival in Kota Bharu, you are about 20 minutes from the city centre or a RM40 taxi drive.
Click here to check the latest timetables and prices now.
Option 2: Penang to Kota Bharu Bus
It’s easy to take a bus from Penang to Kota Bharu. Multiple bus lines run these a few times a day (morning and evening) and they take about 7.25 hours and cost around RM41.
Click here to see latest prices and times.
The return journey on a Kota Bharu to Penang bus also takes a similar time and leaves a few times a day.
Click here to see latest prices and times.
Option 3: Penang to Kota Bharu By Car
If you have your own car or have hired one, it’s easy to drive between these two cities. It takes about five hours which means it’s nearly as quick as flying once you take into account getting to and from airports and checking in.
This is a good option if you’d like the freedom and flexibility of travelling in your own car.
Option 4: Penang to Kota Bharu By Taxi
You can also hire a taxi between these two cities.
It’s the most comfortable and easiest way to travel between Penang and Kota Bharu. It will pick you up at your home or hotel and drop you off at your next hotel or at the ferry terminal to Perhentian Islands.
We can book a taxi for you with a reliable and safe local operator.
Click here for more information and prices.
Option 5: Penang to Kota Bharu Train?
There is no railway connection that is at all direct between Penang and Kota Bharu.
Technically, you could take a train from Butterworth to Gemas where you can change trains to get one to Wakaf Bharu for Kota Bharu. However, this is going to take substantially longer than a bus or flight between Penang and Kota Bharu which is what I recommend.
Click here to see timetables and prices now.
Want the Easiest (and BEST) Way to travel between Penang and Kota Bharu?
We can book a taxi for you from anywhere in Penang directly to your hotel in Kota Bharu or the ferry to Perhentian Islands for a great price.
You can pick your own departure time, relax and know everything will go to plan.
Kota Bharu To Penang
It’s just as straightforward to travel in the opposite direction from Kota Bharu to Penang.
Simply reverse the directions above.
So you can fly, bus, drive or taxi back.
Final Words
Getting between Penang and Kota Bharu is straightforward and easy meaning if you are thinking about travelling to this other part of Malaysia, do it! You won’t regret it.
Click here to read our full guide to Kota Bharu and here for our full guide to Penang.
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.
