The Kerinci valley is one of the more isolated tourist regions in Sumatra. The two practical access points are Padang on the west coast and Jambi on the east coast. From Padang the road is around 250 kilometres through the Bukit Barisan range and takes seven to ten hours by bus depending on landslides — a common occurrence in the rainy season. From Jambi the route is longer (around 12 hours).
There are short flights from Jakarta to Depati Parbo Airport just outside Sungai Penuh, operated by small carriers like Wings Air. Schedules are unreliable and weather cancellations are routine. Most independent travellers take the overnight VIP bus from Padang.