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Trading the Petronas Towers for the palms and islands of Terengganu is a classic Malaysian transition. The route crosses the Titiwangsa Mountains from the west coast to the east coast, and the two main choices are a short flight or a long bus ride. Whether you are heading to the state capital, Kuala Terengganu, or to the jetties for the Perhentian and Redang islands decides which bus destination to book.
Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu by Flight
AirAsia flies direct from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Kuala Terengganu (TGG). The flight takes about 55 minutes, and the lowest fare is MYR 97 (about $24).[1] On most dates shown, the fares are about MYR 106 to MYR 155 (about $26 to $38), with much higher prices on some busy days (up to MYR 335, about $82).[1] On the sample date, departures are at 07:15, 11:15 and 17:05.[1]
If you are heading to the islands, remember that Kuala Terengganu is not the island jetty: Kuala Besut, the jetty for the Perhentian Islands, is a separate bus destination.[2]
Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu by Bus
Buses to the east coast leave from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur. Fares to Terengganu destinations from TBS are in nett ringgit and can change without notice:[2]
- Kuala Terengganu: RM 42.60 to RM 44.40 (about $10 to $11).[2]
- Jerteh and Kuala Besut: Jerteh RM 40 to RM 45 and Kuala Besut RM 44 to RM 48 (about $10 to $12). Kuala Besut is the jetty for the Perhentian Islands, which are a 30-minute boat ride away.[2][3]
- Marang: RM 44.40 (about $11).[2]
- Kuala Berang: RM 44 (about $11).[2]
Journey times vary by operator, so check the duration on your ticket. A light jacket in your hand luggage is a smart move on any long coach ride.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight to Kuala Terengganu[1] | From about $24, about $26 to $38 on most dates | About 55 minutes | High |
| Bus to Kuala Terengganu[2] | About $10 to $11 (RM 42.60 to RM 44.40) | Several hours, varies by operator | Medium |
Tips for Traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu
If you choose the bus, an overnight service lets you sleep through most of the journey and saves one night of accommodation, if one is available on your date.
Be mindful of the seasons. On Redang the monsoon season approaches toward the end of the year, when most tourist facilities remain shut and diving and boating are temporarily barred.[3] Check the situation on the island you are visiting before you book a trip during the monsoon.
For the Perhentian Islands, make sure your bus is going to Jerteh or Kuala Besut rather than to Kuala Terengganu.[2] Book in advance during public holidays and school breaks, when buses and flights fill up.
Timetable
| Flight Kuala Lumpur - Terengganu $ 19.40–56.36 1h | |
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| Bus Kuala Lumpur - Terengganu $ 5.46–13.45 4h 54m – 9h 30m | |
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| Bus Kuala Lumpur - Jerteh $ 9.06–13.45 7h 35m – 9h 15m | |
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| Bus Kuala Lumpur - Besut $ 9.06–13.45 7h 45m – 9h 36m | |
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| Bus Kuala Lumpur - Permaisuri $ 11.34 8h 51m | |
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| Bus Kuala Lumpur - Marang $ 7.65–10.96 6h 15m – 8h 40m | |
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| Bus Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Berang $ 10.88 5h 50m | |
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| Bus Kuala Lumpur - Kelantan $ 9.06–12.45 7h 40m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is normally the cheaper option. Bus fares from TBS run from about RM 40 to RM 48 (about $10 to $12) for Kuala Terengganu, Jerteh, Kuala Besut and Marang. The cheapest flight fare starts at about $24 (MYR 97).
The fastest way is to fly. AirAsia's direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu takes about 55 minutes.
The direct AirAsia flight takes about 55 minutes. A bus takes several hours, depending on the operator and the destination, so check the journey time on your ticket.
AirAsia flies direct between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Kuala Terengganu.
Buses to Terengganu leave from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), which has buses to Kuala Terengganu, Jerteh, Kuala Besut, Marang and other destinations in the state.
Book a bus to Jerteh or Kuala Besut. Kuala Besut is the jetty for the Perhentian Islands, which are a 30-minute boat ride away.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] AirAsia: Cheap Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS-BTS): East Coast Destinations. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Tourism Malaysia: 5 Most Beautiful Islands To Discover In Terengganu. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.