How to Get to Redang Island by Car (2026): Merang Jetty, Parking and Car Rental

In this guide:

• The honest truth: Redang Island is car-free
• The plan: rent on the mainland, drive to the jetty
• Merang Jetty vs Shahbandar Jetty
• How to reach the jetties
• Parking at the jetty
• Why a rental car makes sense
• Practical tips
• FAQ

Last updated: June 2026

The Honest Truth: Redang Island Is Car-Free

Just like the Perhentian Islands, Redang is a boat-access-only island and you do not drive around it as a visitor. Ferries reach Redang from the mainland, and once there you move between the jetty and your resort by resort transfer.

So a search for car rental for Redang really means a car for the mainland leg: getting from the airport or the city to the ferry jetty, and back again. This guide explains the routes, the jetties, and where the car fits in.

The Plan: Rent on the Mainland, Drive to the Jetty

The cleanest way to reach Redang with your own car:

1. Fly into Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu (TGG), which has direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Subang.
2. Pick up your rental car at or near the airport.
3. Drive to your chosen ferry jetty, either Merang Jetty or Shahbandar Jetty in Kuala Terengganu.
4. Park at the jetty and take the ferry across to Redang.
5. Collect your car on the way back for the rest of your trip.

Agtran can arrange a car in the Kuala Terengganu area so it is ready when you arrive, giving you a smooth drive to the jetty without relying on taxis.

Merang Jetty vs Shahbandar Jetty

There are two ferry points for Redang, and which you use often depends on your resort:

Merang Jetty is the closest point on the mainland to Redang, with a shorter ferry crossing of roughly 40 to 50 minutes and more frequent departures. It is about 30 to 40 minutes by road from Kuala Terengganu, and around 30 minutes from the airport. Many resorts run their own ferries from here as part of the package.

Shahbandar Jetty sits in the centre of Kuala Terengganu, close to the bus terminal and town attractions. It is convenient to reach, but the public ferry crossing to Redang is longer, around 1.5 to 2 hours.

If your resort includes a ferry transfer, check which jetty it departs from before you set your navigation.

How to Reach the Jetties

From Kuala Terengganu Airport (TGG): about 30 minutes to Merang Jetty, or roughly 20 to 25 minutes to Shahbandar Jetty in town. This is the easiest approach for most visitors.

From Kuala Terengganu city: about 40 minutes to Merang Jetty, following the signboards toward Merang, or a short drive to Shahbandar Jetty in the town centre.

From Kuala Lumpur: about 7 hours by road if you prefer to drive the whole way, though most visitors fly to Kuala Terengganu and rent there to save time.

One useful note: Merang should not be confused with Marang, a different town south of Kuala Terengganu. Set your navigation to "Merang Jetty" specifically.

Parking at the Jetty

You leave the car on the mainland while you are on the island. Both Merang Jetty and Shahbandar Jetty have paid car parks close to the ferry terminal, so you can park safely for the length of your stay and collect the vehicle when you return.

As always, do not leave valuables in the car, note your parking spot and operator, and keep your ticket for the return. A few days of jetty parking is inexpensive and means your car is waiting for you the moment you step off the ferry.

Why a Rental Car Makes Sense

Getting to the Redang jetties by public transport usually means a flight or coach to Kuala Terengganu, then a taxi or local bus to Merang. A rental car removes the last-leg hassle: you land, drive straight to your jetty, and the car is ready again when you return.

It also makes the wider trip easier. With your own vehicle you can combine Redang with Kuala Terengganu's markets and coastline, the drive out to Merang, or a longer east-coast route toward Besut and the Perhentian Islands. For families and groups carrying luggage and beach gear, that flexibility on the mainland is well worth it.

Practical Tips

Mind the monsoon. From roughly November to February, rough seas close many Redang resorts and ferry services. Aim for around April to September for the best weather and calm crossings.

Ferries leave in the morning. Most Redang ferries depart earlier in the day, so plan your drive to reach the jetty with time to spare, especially for a fixed resort transfer.

Confirm your jetty. Because resorts use different jetties, double-check whether your transfer leaves from Merang or Shahbandar before you drive.

Fuel up in Kuala Terengganu before heading to Merang, as options thin out closer to the jetty.

Frequently Asked Questions: Redang by Car

Plan Your Redang Trip with a Rental Car from Agtran

Redang is car-free, but reaching the ferry jetty is far easier with your own car. Pick up near Kuala Terengganu, drive to Merang or Shahbandar Jetty at your own pace, park, and take the ferry across.

Rent a car in Terengganu, set your pickup details, and you are ready for the drive to the jetty and the rest of your east-coast trip.