How to Get from Redang Island to Sultan Mahmud Airport

This is the most popular and recommended way to reach Sultan Mahmud Airport from Redang Island. It combines a speedboat ride from the island to the mainland with a short taxi journey to the airport. Most resort guests use this method, and it can be arranged directly through your accommodation.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Speedboat from Redang Island → Merang Jetty (or Shahbandar Jetty)
   Boats depart from the island's main jetty (near the resort area) to either Merang Jetty (closer to the airport, ~30 min drive) or Shahbandar Jetty in Kuala Terengganu city (~15 min drive to airport). Most resorts use Merang Jetty. Journey time: 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes.
2. Taxi from Merang Jetty → Sultan Mahmud Airport
   Metered taxis and pre-booked cars are available at the jetty. The drive to the airport takes 30–40 minutes via the Jerangau–Jabor highway. Fixed price from Merang Jetty to TGG is around RM 40–60 (USD 9–13).

Time & Cost Summary

Segment	Time	Cost (RM)	Cost (USD)
Speedboat (Redang → Merang)	1 hr – 1 hr 15 min	RM 40–60 (shared)	USD 9–13
Taxi (Merang → TGG)	30–40 min	RM 40–60	USD 9–13
Total (per person, shared)	1.5 – 2 hr	RM 50–80	USD 11–18

💡 Tip: Many resorts offer a combined boat + taxi package for around RM 80–120 per person (USD 18–27). This is often the most hassle-free option, as the resort coordinates the timing with your flight.

Boat Schedules & Booking

Boats from Redang Island to Merang Jetty typically run between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with most resorts scheduling one or two daily departures. Morning boats (7:00–8:00 AM) are common for guests catching early flights. Afternoon boats (12:00–2:00 PM) serve later departures. Always confirm your boat time with your resort at least 24 hours in advance.

Booking platforms: You can book boat transfers through Redang Island official site or directly with your resort. Third-party agents like Klook and KKDay also offer combined packages.

Pros & Cons

• ✅ Pros: Fast, reliable, easy to arrange, works for most flight times, moderate cost.
• ⚠️ Cons: Can be crowded during peak season (May–September), limited luggage space on some boats, last-minute taxi availability can be tight.

Verdict: For 90% of travellers, this is the best choice. It's the standard option used by virtually all Redang resorts.

If you're travelling on a shoestring budget, the boat + bus combination is the cheapest way to reach Sultan Mahmud Airport. However, it requires more time, patience, and a willingness to navigate public transport.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Boat from Redang Island → Shahbandar Jetty (Kuala Terengganu)
   Unlike the Merang Jetty route, budget travellers should take a boat to Shahbandar Jetty, which is located in the heart of Kuala Terengganu city. This jetty is close to the main bus terminal. Boat time: 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes. Cost: ~RM 30–40 (USD 7–9).
2. Walk or short taxi to Kuala Terengganu Bus Terminal
   Shahbandar Jetty is about 1.5 km from the bus terminal – a 15-minute walk or a RM 5–8 taxi ride (USD 1–2).
3. Local bus to Sultan Mahmud Airport
   From the terminal, take Bus 441 or 442 (operated by MyBAS). These buses run every 30–60 minutes from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM. The journey to the airport takes 25–40 minutes and costs RM 2–5 (USD 0.50–1.20).

Time & Cost Summary

Segment	Time	Cost (RM)	Cost (USD)
Boat (Redang → Shahbandar)	1 hr – 1 hr 30 min	RM 30–40	USD 7–9
Walk/taxi to bus terminal	10–15 min	RM 0–8	USD 0–2
Bus (terminal → TGG)	25–40 min	RM 2–5	USD 0.50–1.20
Total (per person)	2.5 – 4 hr	RM 35–50	USD 8–12

Important Notes

• ⏰ Time buffer: This option is unpredictable. Buses can be delayed, and boat schedules may not align perfectly. Allow at least 4–5 hours before your flight.
• 🧳 Luggage: Public buses have limited luggage space. A small backpack or duffel is fine, but large suitcases are cumbersome.
• 🌙 Night arrival: If your flight arrives late or you're departing early, this option may not be available – buses stop running around 8:00 PM.

Verdict: Only recommended for budget backpackers with flexible schedules and light luggage. For most travellers, the extra RM 30–50 for a taxi is well worth the convenience.

Private transfers and resort-arranged packages are the most hassle-free way to get from Redang Island to Sultan Mahmud Airport. Everything is pre-arranged: your boat departure, a private car waiting at the jetty, and direct transfer to the airport. This is ideal for families, groups, or anyone who values comfort and time certainty.

Resort-Arranged Transfer Packages

Most resorts on Redang Island (e.g., Redang Beach Resort, Laguna Redang, The Taaras) offer a combined boat + car transfer to the airport. Prices typically range from RM 80–150 per person (USD 18–34) depending on the resort and whether the transfer is shared or private.

Resort / Provider	Package Includes	Price (RM/person)	Price (USD/person)
Laguna Redang	Speedboat + shared taxi	RM 95–120	USD 21–27
The Taaras Beach Resort	Speedboat + private car	RM 130–160	USD 29–36
Redang Beach Resort	Speedboat + shared van	RM 70–90	USD 16–20
Private agent (e.g., Redang Transfer)	Speedboat + private taxi	RM 100–140	USD 22–31

Private Car Charter

If you're not booking through a resort, you can arrange a private taxi or car charter to meet you at Merang Jetty. Prices for a private car (up to 4 passengers) from Merang Jetty to TGG are around RM 60–90 (USD 13–20). For larger groups, a van or MPV costs RM 100–150 (USD 22–34). Pre-booking via Grab (Malaysia's ride-hailing app) or local taxi companies is recommended.

Pros & Cons

• ✅ Pros: Door-to-door, no waiting, luggage handled, guaranteed seat, ideal for early/late flights.
• ⚠️ Cons: More expensive than DIY options, limited flexibility if you want to stop along the way.

Verdict: If your budget allows, this is the most stress-free option. Perfect for families, couples, and anyone with a tight flight connection.

While there are no flights from Redang Island to Sultan Mahmud Airport (the distance is only ~50 km), the airport itself is a key regional hub. If you're flying out of TGG to another Malaysian destination or internationally, here's what you need to know.

Domestic Destinations from TGG

Airline	Destination	Flight Time	Approx. Fare (RM)	Approx. Fare (USD)
Malaysia Airlines	Kuala Lumpur (KUL)	55 min	RM 120–250	USD 27–56
AirAsia	Kuala Lumpur (KUL)	55 min	RM 80–180	USD 18–40
Firefly	Penang (PEN)	1 hr 15 min	RM 100–220	USD 22–49
Malaysia Airlines	Johor Bahru (JHB)	1 hr 5 min	RM 150–280	USD 34–63

Getting to the Airport from the Island

Since you're coming from Redang Island, you'll need to factor in the boat + road transfer time to TGG. For a 10:00 AM flight, you should aim to leave the island by 6:00–6:30 AM at the latest. Most resorts offer early boat departures specifically for flight connections.

Airport Facilities

Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) is a modern regional airport with:

• Free Wi-Fi, ATM, and currency exchange
• Small retail shop and café (limited options – eat before arriving)
• Car rental desks: Avis, Hertz, and local providers
• Taxi counters: Fixed-rate taxis to Kuala Terengganu city (~RM 25–35 / USD 6–8)

💡 Tip: If you have a long layover at TGG, the Kuala Terengganu Chinatown and Drawbridge are only 15 minutes away by taxi. Leave your luggage at the airport bag storage (RM 10–15 / USD 2–3 per day) and explore the city.

There is no train that connects Redang Island or Merang Jetty directly to Sultan Mahmud Airport. However, Kuala Terengganu Railway Station (Stesen Keretapi Kuala Terengganu) is located about 15–20 minutes by taxi from the airport and offers ETS (Electric Train Service) to several major cities. This is useful if you're planning to continue your journey after reaching the mainland.

ETS Services from Kuala Terengganu

Route	Train Type	Journey Time	Fare (RM)	Fare (USD)
Kuala Terengganu → Gemas (connection to KL)	ETS Platinum / Gold	5–6 hours	RM 60–110	USD 13–25
Kuala Terengganu → Kuala Lumpur (via Gemas)	ETS Platinum	7–8 hours*	RM 80–150	USD 18–34
Kuala Terengganu → Johor Bahru (via Gemas)	ETS Gold	8–10 hours*	RM 95–170	USD 21–38

* Includes transfer time at Gemas station. Direct services are limited.

How to Connect from Redang Island to the Train Station

If you want to take the train after visiting Redang Island, here's the best sequence:

1. Boat from Redang Island → Shahbandar Jetty (Kuala Terengganu) – 1–1.5 hr
2. Taxi from Shahbandar Jetty → Kuala Terengganu Railway Station – 10–15 min, ~RM 8–12 (USD 2–3)
3. Board ETS train to your destination

Total island-to-train time: ~2–2.5 hours (excluding waiting).

Is the Train Worth It?

For most travellers heading to Kuala Lumpur or other cities, flying from TGG is faster and often cheaper than taking the train (flight: 55 min vs train: 7–8 hours). However, if you enjoy scenic journeys, the ETS train through the Malaysian countryside is a comfortable and unique experience. Book tickets via KTMB official site.

Use this table to compare every possible way from Redang Island to Sultan Mahmud Airport. Prices are per person for a single adult traveller in 2025.

Option	Total Time	Cost (RM)	Cost (USD)	Transfers	Best For
🏆 Boat + Taxi (shared)	1.5 – 2 hr	RM 50–80	USD 11–18	1 change	Most travellers (best value)
Boat + Private Transfer	1.5 – 2 hr	RM 100–160	USD 22–36	1 change	Families / groups / comfort
Resort Package (boat + car)	1.5 – 2.5 hr	RM 80–150	USD 18–34	1 change	Hassle-free, guaranteed seat
🚌 Boat + Bus (budget)	3 – 4 hr	RM 35–50	USD 8–12	2 changes	Backpackers (cheapest)
Boat + Taxi + Train	2 – 2.5 hr (to station only)	RM 50–80 (to station)	USD 11–18 (to station)	2 changes	Train enthusiasts / onward travel

💡 Bottom line: The Boat + Taxi (shared) option offers the best balance of speed, cost, and simplicity. If you're counting every ringgit, the Boat + Bus route is viable but requires time and patience.

These insider tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and make your journey from Redang Island to the airport smoother.

🚢 Boat Schedules & Booking

• Always confirm your boat departure 24 hours in advance. Schedules can change due to weather, especially during monsoon season (November–February).
• Morning boats are best for flights. Most resorts offer a 7:00–7:30 AM departure specifically for airport connections. If your flight is after 2:00 PM, you can take a later boat around 11:00 AM–12:00 PM.
• Book through your resort rather than a third party – the resort will coordinate directly with the boat operator and taxi driver.

🧳 Luggage & Baggage

• Speedboats have limited luggage space. Soft bags are better than hard-shell suitcases. Most operators allow 1 medium bag + 1 small bag per person. Extra luggage may cost RM 10–20 per piece.
• Use the luggage storage at the airport if you have a long wait. TGG's bag storage is open 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM, RM 10–15 per day.
• Consider shipping luggage via EasyShip or Pos Malaysia if you have heavy gear (dive equipment, etc.). Services from Redang Island are limited, but you can send bags from Kuala Terengganu to the airport.

⏰ Timing & Delays

• Leave the island at least 4–5 hours before your flight. This buffer accounts for boat delays, traffic, and check-in.
• Monsoon season (Nov–Feb) can cause rough seas and boat cancellations. If you're travelling during this period, allow an extra day buffer if possible.
• Peak season (May–Aug & holidays) means crowded boats and taxis. Book everything in advance.

💰 Money & Payment

• Cash is king for boat and taxi fares. Most boat operators and taxis accept only cash (Malaysian Ringgit). ATMs are available at Shahbandar Jetty and the airport.
• Grab (ride-hailing) works in Kuala Terengganu and at the airport, but availability at Merang Jetty is limited. Pre-book a taxi if you're arriving at Merang.
• Tipping is not expected in Malaysia, but rounding up the fare (e.g., RM 55 → RM 60) is appreciated.

🌐 Local Resources

• Tourism Malaysia – Official travel info
• Redang Island Official – Island guides & bookings
• Malaysia Meteorological Department – Check weather before boat departure