If you’re planning a trip, let us share the 4 best ways and tips to get to Kota Bharu safely.
We’ve listed 4 ways to reach Kota Bharu in various ways, by land and by air.
Each of these journeys has its own timing and approach, so choose according to the type of trip and who you’re travelling with.
Most of the transport options below take a long time, except for flying, so choose well!
Driving
If you’re driving your own vehicle, plan your trip so you arrive in time to check in to your hotel around 2 pm. For the return journey, plan your desired arrival time.
These suggested routes help highway and federal road users avoid congestion in certain places or during the holiday and festive seasons.
Here are some alternative routes you can use:
According to JKR Malaysia (Public Works Department), for those heading to Kelantan, one route you can take is Kuala Lumpur - Mempaga - Raub - Sungai Koyan - Padang Tengku - Gua Musang - Kuala Krai - Machang - Kota Bharu.
Besides that route, JKR Malaysia notes that travellers can also take the route from Kuala Lumpur - Ipoh - Gerik - Jeli - Tanah Merah - Kota Bharu.
KTMB (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad)
For those who love adventure and a long, leisurely journey, you can try taking the train to get to Kota Bharu. Here’s how, with the latest info:
KTM KL Sentral Station > Gemas Station
If you’re coming from within Selangor or Kuala Lumpur, you can begin your journey from KL Sentral Station, as this is where the transit to Gemas Station starts. There’s no specific ticket; you can only use a token, a KTM Card or a Touch ‘n Go Card.
Gemas > Wakaf Bharu
If you’re from Melaka or Negeri Sembilan, you can head straight to Gemas Station. Start the journey from KTM ETS Gemas to Wakaf Bharu Station (or Tumpat Station, the last station on the East Coast). The one-way journey takes about 11 hours 55 minutes. Ticket prices vary by berth position and can be bought on the KTM website/app.
Rental Car or Grab or Walking
So once you’ve arrived, you’ll definitely need other transport, so you can find either a rental car to make your planning easier, use the Grab app or any e-hailing service, or you can simply walk, because the centre of Kota Bharu is full of shops within walking distance.
Domestic Flights
A short, quick journey for those who want to spend more time in Kota Bharu: you can choose to fly directly to Kota Bharu from your destination. Buy your tickets early to get the best prices.
Sultan Ismail Petra Airport
To save travel time to Kelantan, especially from KL, Johor, Penang or Sabah, you can use the flight services of AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly or Malindo.
From Kuala Lumpur, the flight only takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Fast and time-saving!
Rental Car or Grab or Walking
Just like with train travellers, make sure you find a rental car service, use the Grab app or e-hailing, or walk in certain places throughout your time in Kota Bharu.
Jungle Train
From Johor - Negeri Sembilan - Pahang - Kelantan. Along the journey you can take in the beautiful scenery of mountains and forests.
“The Jungle Train”. A train journey complete with sleeping berths, also known as a ‘sleeper train’. You can try this way for a ‘free carbon footprint’ trip from Dabong, Kelantan to Kluang, Johor.
It takes 12 hours, with the captivating sound of an old train!
Choose and plan your journey to Kota Bharu safely and enjoyably, as it will all add its own value to your holiday in Kota Bharu.
Don’t forget to book your accommodation or homestay with Salaam Suites.
