By Air

Malaysia Airlines operates daily directflights from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kelantan. The airport is situated in Pengkalan Chepa, about 20 minutes from Kota Bharu. From all other major destinations in the country, visitors can arrange for connecting flights to Kelantan. The budget carrier, AirAsia flies daily to Kelantan from the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), situated 20km away from the KLIA Main Terminal Building.

Self-Drive

There is an excellent network of roads linking major towns in Peninsular Malaysia to Kelantan. Kota Bharu is situated about 474km from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city.

From Kuala Lumpur, the overland route takes one eastward along the Karak Highway to Kuantan in Pahang. The drive takes about three hours. From Kuantan, Kota Bharu can be reached in another 41/2 hours. The inland route to Kota Bharu turns off the Karak Highway at Bentong and proceeds northwards to Raub and then to Gua Musang and Machang, before reaching Kota Bharu. An alternative route exits the Karak Highway at Temerloh and passes through Jerantut, Benta and Gua Musang en route to Kota Bharu.

By Coach

There are daily scheduled air-conditioned express bus services from Kuala Lumpur to most towns in Kelantan such as Kota Bharu, Gua Musang, Rantau Panjang, Pengkalan Kubor and Tumpat. Visitors can board the bus at Hentian Putra, in Jalan Tun Ismail (near the Putra World Trade Centre or PWTC). Both regular and VIP air-conditioned coaches are available. Visitors must be prepared to spend at least five to seven hours on the road. For this reason, some visitors prefer to travel overnight. Tickets must be purchased early during festive seasons and school holidays.

By Rail

Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) or Malayan Railway provides daily rail services to Kelantan. Visitors from Kuala Lumpur can board the Express Wau train at the KL Sentral Station in Kuala Lumpur. The train provides access to Gua Musang, Dabong, Kuala Krai, Tanah Merah, Pasir Mas, Wakaf Baru and Tumpat. Express Wau departs Kuala Lumpur at 8.30pm daily. The estimated time of arrival in Tumpat is at 10.25am the following day.

Visitors from Johor, as well as Singapore (Malaysia’s southern neighbour), can board the Express Timuran. This train departs Singapore at 6.15pm and arrives in Tumpat at 905am the following day. It also connects the stations mentioned above.

Entry via Border Towns

Visitors from Thailand can drive into Kelantan via the three border towns. The main entry point is Golok Bridge or Jambatan Muhibbah (Bridge of Harmony). It connects Sungai Golok in Thailand to Rantau Panjang. Ferry and boat services are available from Tak Bal in Thailand to Pengkalan Kubor. The ferry is for both passengers and vehicles. A short boat ride connects visitors from Bukit Tar in Thailand to Bukit Bunga. The border crossing at Rantau Panjang is open from 6.00am-10.00pm. The other crossings are open from 6.00am - 7.00pm (Malaysian time).

There are several ways to explore this state. Visitors can self-drive along the scenic country routes, travel by the local train or even take a river cruise.

Car Rentals

Car rentals are ideal if you are travelling with your family, or if you are going outside of Kota Bharu to places such as Gua Musang. It is also ideal for shopping enthusiasts who wish to make large purchases at the border towns. Car rental agencies are situated at the airport.

Airport Taxis

Operating from the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, these taxis provide services to various places in Kelantan. The fare is based on the distance and geographical zones. Visitors are advised to make their bookings early.

Bus Service

The local bus station is situated nearby Kampung Kraftangan (Handicraft Village). The buses here ply various parts of Kota Bharu. The Jalan Bandar Bus Station provides service to other towns outside of Kota Bharu. Outstation buses are available at the Jalan Hamzah Bus Terminal and SKMK Langgar Bus Terminal. Buses here connect Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur and most towns in Malaysia such as Putrajaya, Shah Alam, Penang, Alor Star, Johor Bahru as well as Singapore.

Local Train

The Keretapi Tanah Melayu’s local train service operates within the Kelantan state. It connects Tumpat (at the border of Thailand) to Gua Musang (in south Kelantan). Major stations along the way are Wakaf Bharu, Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah, Kuala Krai, Manik Urai, Bukit Abu, Dabong, Kemubu, Bertam Baru and Limau Kasturi. The train service begins as early as 3.05am from Tumpat. The early morning and afternoon trains are especially crowded with school children.

Trishaw Rides

Explore and enjoy Kota Bharu in a unique and unconventional way! Trishaws offer the opportunity to watch the kaleidoscope of activities that unfold along the streets. Trishaws are usually concentrated at the Pasar Siti Khadijah area and its vicinity. Visitors are advised to agree on the price before beginning their journey.