Quick Answer
The best overall way to travel from Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) to Pengkalan Kubur ferry terminal is a combination of a taxi to Kota Bharu city and a pre-booked bus or taxi for the final leg. The total journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and costs between RM 60 to RM 100 (USD 13-22) depending on your choice of service. The cheapest option is using local buses with a total cost of under RM 20 (USD 4.50), but it involves multiple changes and can take over 3 hours. There is no direct transport from the airport.
The Key Challenge: No Direct Route
Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) is located near Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan state. The Pengkalan Kubur ferry terminal to Thailand (for Taba) is about 30-40 kilometers northwest. The primary challenge for travelers is that no single public transport service connects these two points directly. Your journey will always involve at least two stages:
- Stage 1: Get from KBR Airport to Kota Bharu city center (or its main bus station).
- Stage 2: Get from Kota Bharu to Pengkalan Kubur ferry terminal.
Understanding this two-leg journey is crucial for planning your time and budget effectively. The following sections break down each option for both stages.
Stage 1: Getting from KBR Airport to Kota Bharu City
Upon exiting arrivals at KBR, you have two main choices to reach the city, which is your gateway to Pengkalan Kubur.
Option A: Airport Taxi (Most Common)
Official airport taxis operate on a fixed coupon system. Buy a coupon at the taxi counter inside the terminal before exiting. This avoids price negotiation.
| Destination in Kota Bharu | Fixed Fare (Approx.) | Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Center (e.g., Jalan Temenggong) | RM 25 - 30 | 20-30 min | Best for connecting to local buses. |
| Kota Bharu Central Bus Station (Hentian Bas) | RM 20 - 25 | 15-25 min | Direct link to Pengkalan Kubur buses. |
| Hotel (specify location) | RM 25 - 35 | 20-35 min | Fare varies by zone. |
Pro Tip: If you are a group of 3-4, the per-person cost of a taxi becomes very reasonable for the convenience.
Option B: Public Bus (Budget Choice)
A local public bus (look for buses labeled "Bandar Kota Bharu") stops on the main road outside the airport. It is infrequent (every 45-90 minutes).
- Cost: RM 2-3 per person.
- Drop-off Point: Usually terminates in the city center, not directly at the main bus station. You may need a short walk or another local taxi (RM 5-8) to reach the bus station for Stage 2.
- Best For: Solo travelers on a tight budget without heavy luggage, arriving during daylight hours.
Stage 2: Kota Bharu to Pengkalan Kubur by Bus
Once in Kota Bharu, head to the Kota Bharu Central Bus Station (Hentian Bas Kota Bharu). Buses to Pengkalan Kubur depart from here.
Local/Express Bus Services
Companies like Perdana Express and Sri Cemerlang operate this route.
| Bus Type | Frequency | Travel Time | Fare | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Bus | Every 60-90 mins (7AM-6PM) | ~60 mins | RM 5-7 | Makes local stops. Basic comfort. |
| Express Bus | Less frequent | ~45 mins | RM 8-10 | Fewer stops. More comfortable seats. |
Critical Advice:
- Buy tickets at the counter inside the bus station, not from touts.
- Confirm the bus goes all the way to "Pengkalan Kubur Jetty" or "Terminal Feri". Some may stop at the town center, requiring a short walk (10-15 mins) or motorcycle taxi to the actual ferry terminal.
- Buses do not run late into the evening. The last departure is usually around 6:00 PM.