Flight from Kuantan to Kota Bharu

Finding the best route from Kuantan to Kota Bharu is essential for both leisure and business travelers who favor speed, convenience, and comfort. Known for their unique charm, both cities attract visitors year-round, making flight connectivity a sought-after topic. On this page, you’ll discover everything you need to know about traveling from Kuantan to Kota Bharu by air, from flight options and airport information to alternative travel options and what to explore upon arrival. Trust Traveloka for a seamless booking experience, competitive fares, and the latest schedule updates.

Direct Flights

No direct flight available.

Layover Flights

Although there are no direct flights from Kuantan to Kota Bharu, several layover options ensure efficient connections between the two cities. Malaysia Airlines and Firefly offer popular routes, typically transiting through Kuala Lumpur or Subang.

• Route: Kuantan (Malaysia) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Kota Bharu (Malaysia)

  • Airlines: Malaysia Airlines
  • Total Flight Duration: 3h 15m
  • Aircraft: Boeing 737
  • Layover: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Layover for 1h 15m

• Route: Kuantan (Malaysia) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Kota Bharu (Malaysia)

  • Airlines: Malaysia Airlines
  • Total Flight Duration: 13h 25m
  • Aircraft: Boeing 737
  • Layover: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Layover for 11h 20m (overnight)

• Route: Kuantan (Malaysia) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Subang (Malaysia) → Kota Bharu (Malaysia)

  • Airlines: Malaysia Airlines, Firefly
  • Total Flight Duration: 6h 15m
  • Aircraft: Boeing 737, ATR 72
  • Layovers: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Layover for 4h 10m; Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB), Subang, Malaysia – Layover for 15m

Information about schedule and airline subject to change based on airline policy. Please check regularly at Traveloka App.

About Kuantan - Kuantan

Location

Kuantan, the capital of Pahang, sits on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Nestled alongside the South China Sea, it’s a vibrant city known for its beaches, markets, and a thriving industrial sector. The main airport serving Kuantan is Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport, strategically located approximately 15 kilometers southwest of the city center.

For more on departures and arrivals, visit Kuantan.

Airport Terminal

Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport features a single, integrated terminal building that accommodates both domestic and limited international flights. Its compact size ensures quick transfers and easy navigation for all passengers.

Transport to Airport

Travelers can access Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport by:

• Taxi: Widely available in the city. The journey from downtown Kuantan takes about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
• Car Rental: Several local and international agencies have desks at the airport and in the city.
• Ride-Sharing Services: App-based rides are widely used and convenient.
• Private Transfers: Pre-arranged transfers offer personalized service and luggage assistance.

Facilities

The airport offers:

• Check-in counters and baggage services
• Comfortable waiting lounges
• Retail shops and duty-free outlets
• Prayer rooms
• Food and beverage outlets, including cafes and local eateries
• ATMs and currency exchange
• Ample parking spaces
• Car rental booths
• Basic medical services

About Sultan Ismail Petra - Kota Bharu

Location

Sultan Ismail Petra Airport serves Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan state in northeastern Peninsular Malaysia. The airport is located in Pengkalan Chepa, just 10 kilometers from the city center, making it highly accessible for travelers.

Find more airport information at Sultan Ismail Petra.

Airport Terminal

This modern terminal handles all domestic arrivals and departures, with services for both scheduled and budget airlines. The layout is efficient, ensuring swift movement from check-in to boarding.

Transport From Airport

Options for getting from Sultan Ismail Petra Airport to Kota Bharu and beyond include:

• Taxi: Airport taxis have fixed fares to various parts of Kota Bharu and surrounding areas. The trip to the city center typically takes around 15–20 minutes.
• Car Rental: Onsite rental counters offer a range of vehicle types for different needs.
• Ride-Sharing Services: App-based options are becoming more widespread.
• Bus: Limited public buses operate on select routes, but schedules may vary.
• Hotel Shuttles: Some hotels provide complimentary pick-up and drop-off.

Facilities

Travelers benefit from:

• Efficient check-in and security screening
• Waiting lounges with ample seating
• Food stalls, snack bars, and small local restaurants
• Shops selling souvenirs, travel essentials, and local snacks
• Prayer rooms for Muslim travelers
• Ample car parking
• ATMs and currency exchange desks
• Wi-Fi access in most public areas
• Medical assistance points

FAQ Kuantan to Kota Bharu Flight

• How long does it take to fly from Kuantan to Kota Bharu?
  There are no direct flights between Kuantan and Kota Bharu. The fastest layover flight, including connection time, typically takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes.
• Which airlines operate the route from Kuantan to Kota Bharu?
  Malaysia Airlines primarily operates flights on this route, with some segments occasionally served by Firefly.
• Where are the common layovers for the Kuantan to Kota Bharu flight?
  Most flights transit through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), with some itineraries also including a layover at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) in Subang.
• Are overnight transits common on this route?
  Yes, some flights feature long overnight layovers, especially if you opt for the lowest fares or miss earlier connections.
• How far is Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport from Kuantan city center?
  The airport is approximately 15 kilometers from the city center, which is about a 20–30 minute drive.
• What transportation options are available from Kota Bharu Airport into the city?
  You can use taxis, car rentals, ride-sharing services, hotel shuttles, and limited public buses for transport from Sultan Ismail Petra Airport.
• Can I book connecting flights on a single ticket?
  Yes, Traveloka allows you to book your journeys, including layovers, conveniently on a single itinerary.
• Are checked baggage and meals included on this route?
  On Malaysia Airlines, checked baggage and complimentary onboard meals are typically included, but check your ticket details for specifics.

Other Ways to Travel From Kuantan to Kota Bharu

Besides flying, consider these alternative routes:

• By Bus: Intercity buses connect Kuantan to Kota Bharu, with travel time generally around 7–9 hours depending on traffic and stops.
• By Car: A self-drive road trip through the scenic East Coast takes approximately 6–8 hours, covering 330–350 kilometers.
• By Train: No direct train service connects these cities, but travelers can utilize partial rail routes or combine trains and buses via intermediate stops like Kuala Lipis or Gua Musang.
• By Private Transfer: Chartered vehicles or ride-sharing provide a door-to-door solution with flexible departure times.

Explore Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu is renowned for its rich Malay culture, historic sites, and vibrant local life. Make the most of your visit with these attractions and culinary delights.

Popular Destination in Kota Bharu

• Istana Jahar – A royal palace museum showcasing Kelantanese customs and heritage.
• Siti Khadijah Market – A bustling, colorful market famous for local produce, snacks, and textiles.
• Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Moonlight Beach) – A scenic coastal spot ideal for picnics and relaxation.
• Handicraft Village and Craft Museum – Explore traditional batik, silverwork, and local artistry.
• Kampung Kraftangan (Craft Village) – Experience firsthand demonstrations of Kelantan’s cultural crafts.

Popular Cuisine in Kota Bharu

• Nasi Kerabu – Fragrant blue rice served with herbs, coconut, and meat or fish.
• Ayam Percik – Charcoal-grilled chicken marinated in coconut-based sauce.
• Laksam – Rice flour noodles in a creamy, spicy fish gravy.
• Kuih Akok – Sweet, eggy Malay cakes unique to the region.
• Budu – Fermented anchovy sauce, a must-try local condiment served with ulam (herbs and vegetables).

Whether you’re traveling for business, family, or leisure, booking your Kuantan to Kota Bharu journey on Traveloka ensures efficiency and peace of mind. Plan ahead, explore more, and experience the warmth and heritage of Malaysia’s east coast with every trip.