Bus
Cheapest, widely available, direct routes
Flight
Fastest, direct flights, most convenient
Private car/taxi
Door-to-door, flexible timing
Train + ferry
Indirect route, multiple transfers
Quick answer: The main transport options from Penang to Kota Bharu are bus/minivan, direct flight, or private car/taxi. There is no direct train connection. The bus is the budget-friendly route, the flight is the fastest, and a taxi/car offers the most comfort and flexibility. You can book tickets or car to Kota Bharu from Penang in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 350 km between Penang and Kota Bharu
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/minivan ~7 hours | Flight ~1 hour | Private car/taxi ~5 hours
- 💰 Price range: Bus/minivan ~$9‑11 per person | Flight ~$50‑100 per person | Private car/taxi ~$140‑180 per vehicle
- 🚍 Best for budget: Bus/minivan
- ✈️ Fastest option: Direct flight from Penang to Kota Bharu
- 🚕 Most flexible: Private car/taxi (ideal for groups or tailored stops)
Last updated in April 2026
From Penang to Kota Bharu you can travel by bus, flight, or taxi
The distance from Penang to Kota Bharu is about 350 km. You can travel by tourist bus, direct flight, or private taxi. There is no direct railway connection between these cities.
The cheapest option is the tourist bus, with tickets from $9–11 and a travel time of about 7 hours. Direct flights take only 1 hour and usually cost $50–100 per person. Book bus tickets or flights online in advance for the best prices.
Private taxis from Penang to Kota Bharu take about 5 hours and cost around $140–180 per vehicle. This option is ideal for travelers seeking a direct and comfortable transfer.
Kota Bharu is the capital of Kelantan and a popular gateway to the Perhentian Islands. You can also travel onward to Kuala Lumpur or visit Redang Island.
| Transfer Mode – Penang to Kota Bharu: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 7 hours | $9–11/pp |
| Plane (direct flights) | 1 hour | $50–100/pp |
| Private Taxi / Car | 5 hours | $140–180/car |
How to get from Penang to Kota Bharu?
1. BUS from Penang to Kota Bharu
👉 Bus travel is the cheapest and most common way to get from Penang to Kota Bharu.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those looking for a direct route
- ✔️ Duration: ~7 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $9–11 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (standard long-distance buses with seating)
- ✅ Best option: Choose operators like Ekspres Perdana, Queen Express or Transnasional
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance as schedules are limited and check departure terminals carefully.
Traveling by bus is the cheapest way to get from Penang to Kota Bharu. There is no direct train on this route, so most travelers choose one of the daily bus services.
Bus tickets cost about $9–11 per person. Companies such as Ekspres Mutiara, Ekspres Perdana, Permata Utara, Transnasional, and Queen Express operate modern air-conditioned coaches.
Buses depart from Terminal Bus Sungai Nibong or Penang Sentral (Butterworth) and arrive at Kota Bharu Bus Terminal, Terminal Lembah Sireh, or Pasir Tumboh SMK Long Gafar.
The journey takes about 7 hours, depending on traffic and scheduled stops. Bus tickets can be booked online in advance.
| Bus Company | Departs in Penang | Arrival – Kota Bharu | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permata Utara | 22:00 | 05:04 | From $10.00/pp |
| Permata Utara | 22:00 | 05:04 | From $10.00/pp |
| Permata Utara | 10:00 | 17:04 | From $10.00/pp |
| Transnas. | 10:00 | 16:41 | From $9.00/pp |
| Ekspres Mutiara | 09:00 | 15:54 | From $9.00/pp |
| Ekspres Mutiara | 21:00 | 03:54 | From $9.00/pp |
| Ekspres Perdana | 09:00 | 15:54 | From $9.00/pp |
| Ekspres Perdana | 20:30 | 03:24 | From $9.00/pp |
| Ekspres Perdana | 21:00 | 03:54 | From $9.00/pp |
| Queen Express | 21:00 | 03:54 | From $9.00/pp |
2. FLIGHTS from Penang to Kota Bharu
👉 Flights are the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Penang to Kota Bharu.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and prefer air travel
- ✔️ Total duration: ~4–5 hours (including airport transfers and waiting time)
- ✔️ Price: about $50–100 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight with modern aircraft)
- ✅ Best option: Choose airlines like AirAsia, Firefly or Malaysia Airlines
- 💡 Tip: Book flights online in advance and check availability, as direct connections may be limited.
A direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Penang to Kota Bharu. Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Firefly operate flights on this route, although direct departures are limited.
Flights operate from Penang International Airport to Sultan Ismail Petra Airport. If direct flights are unavailable, you can also travel via Kuala Lumpur.
A direct flight takes about 1 hour, while the total travel time, including airport transfers, is around 4–5 hours. Connecting flights usually take longer.
Flight prices range from $50–100 per person and can be booked online in advance. Early booking gives you the best choice of direct flights and fares.
3. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Penang to Kota Bharu
👉 Private taxi or car with driver is a comfortable but more expensive way to travel from Penang to Kota Bharu.
- ✔️ Good for: groups or travelers seeking direct door-to-door transport
- ✔️ Duration: ~5–6 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $140–200 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (private cars with air-conditioning and driver)
- ✅ Best option: Arrange a private transfer in advance with a reliable local provider
- 💡 Tip: Share the cost among passengers and confirm availability early, as options may be limited.
An alternative and more expensive transfer option from Penang to Kota Bharu is a private car/taxi transfer with a driver. This can be the most expensive transport option and is best pre-arranged in Penang. A private chauffeur driven car from Penang to Kota Bharu can take around 5-6 hours and cost around $140-200/car depending on the type of car you choose.
A private car/taxi transfer to Kota Bharu from Penang is a more convenient option than traveling by bus. However, private transfer between these places may be more limited, so it is better to first look for a suitable transport operator in Penang and take this option as an alternative.
This transfer option is not suitable for low-cost travelers, as it is usually the most expensive transport option. However, if you are traveling in a group of several people, for example, you can book a car for several people and then calculate the fare per individual.
BOOK your HOTEL in Kota Bharu ➜
❓ FAQ – Travel from Penang to Kota Bharu
How to book bus tickets or flights from Penang to Kota Bharu?
Book bus tickets and flights online at 12go.asia ➜. Compare schedules, prices, and travel options in one place.
How long does it take to travel from Penang to Kota Bharu?
Bus: about 7 hours. Flight: about 1 hour. Private taxi: around 5–6 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Penang to Kota Bharu?
Bus: $9–11. Flight: $50–100. Private taxi: about $140–200 per vehicle.
What is the distance from Penang to Kota Bharu?
The distance is about 350 km by road or about 300 km by direct flight.
Is there a direct train from Penang to Kota Bharu?
No. There is no direct train. See the Malaysia Railway Map for available rail routes.
Can you travel by train from Penang to Kota Bharu?
Yes, via Butterworth and Kuala Lumpur, but the journey is long with multiple transfers.
What is the best way to get from Penang to Kota Bharu?
A direct flight is the fastest option, taking about 1 hour. The bus is the best budget alternative.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Penang to Kota Bharu?
The tourist bus is the cheapest option, with fares starting at about $9 per person.
Where can you travel from Penang?
You can also travel to Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, or Kuala Terengganu.
Where to stay in Kota Bharu?
Choose from budget guesthouses and modern hotels. Book your hotel in Kota Bharu.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Penang in Malaysia:
If you’re planning your next trip from Penang, here are other popular routes in Malaysia:
These are the most popular travel routes from Penang for visitors exploring Malaysia.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Penang to Kota Bharu
Traveling from Penang to Kota Bharu covers about 350 km. You can travel by tourist bus, direct flight, or private taxi. There is no direct train on this route.
- Choose the Bus to Save Money: The cheapest option with fares from about $9 per person.
- Fly for the Fastest Journey: Direct flights take only about 1 hour.
- Book Early: Direct flights and bus tickets can sell out during holidays.
- Travel Overnight: Night buses help you save time and one night’s accommodation.
- Plan Your Island Transfer: Kota Bharu is the main gateway to the Perhentian Islands.
- Pack Snacks and Water: The bus journey takes around 7 hours with limited stops.
Tip: Bus tickets, flights, and private transfers from Penang to Kota Bharu can be searched and booked online in advance.