THE SHORT VERSION
Kota Bharu to Penang (George Town) at a glance.
- From
- Kota Bharu
- Road distance
- About 337 km
- Straight line
- 225 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~4 h 30 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Penang (George Town) to Kota Bharu →
Ready to travel from Kota Bharu to Penang (George Town)?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Kota Bharu
Kota Bharu is the capital of Kelantan in north-east Malaysia and the gateway to the Perhentian Islands and the Thai border. Buses run to Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru.
- Kota Bharu bus terminal
Central station for city, regional and some long-distance buses.
Arriving in Penang (George Town)
From Butterworth, ferries and buses cross to George Town.
- Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal
On the island, south of George Town. - Penang Sentral (Butterworth)
On the mainland, by the ferry terminal.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Check whether your bus ends on the island or at Butterworth.
KEEP GOING
From Penang (George Town), the road continues.
Other ways to reach Penang (George Town)
More buses from Kota Bharu
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Kota Bharu from Penang (George Town) by road?+
About 337 km by road (225 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Kota Bharu to Penang (George Town) take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 4 h 30 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Kota Bharu?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Kota Bharu include Kota Bharu bus terminal, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Penang (George Town) to Kota Bharu?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Penang (George Town) to Kota Bharu guide.
Where does the bus from Kota Bharu arrive in Penang (George Town)?+
It depends on the operator. In Penang (George Town), services use Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, Penang Sentral (Butterworth). From Butterworth, ferries and buses cross to George Town.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Penang (George Town)?+
From Butterworth, ferries and buses cross to George Town.
What kind of bus runs from Kota Bharu to Penang (George Town)?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Kota Bharu to Penang (George Town) bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Penang (George Town) by bus?+
Direct buses from Penang (George Town) include Ipoh, Hat Yai, Cameron Highlands (Tanah Rata), Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and more. See all connections on our Penang (George Town) bus page.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Kota Bharu → Penang (George Town) on 12GoFOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Kota Bharu to Penang (George Town) bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Kota Bharu (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: George Town (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →