Komuter Train from Alor Setar to Penang (Komuter train Alor Setar ke Penang)

Penang – General Information about the Destination

Penang is an island state in Malaysia, located off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It’s known for its historical buildings, diverse cultures, and beautiful beaches. George Town, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its unique architecture and multicultural heritage.

Important landmarks in Penang include Kek Lok Si Temple, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, and Fort Cornwallis. Penang is also famous for its food, offering a variety of local dishes like Penang Laksa and nasi kandar. The island’s combination of cultural, historical, and culinary attractions makes it a popular destination for tourism in Malaysia.

Information about the Route (Alor Setar – Penang)

The travel route from Alor Setar to Penang includes two stages: 

• KTM Komuter train from Alor Setar to Butterworth;
• Ferry from Butterworth to Penang.

KTM Komuter Alor Setar – Butterworth

Trains from Alor Setar to Butterworth operate on the Padang Besar – Butterworth rail line. The journey involves stops at seven stations, namely Kobah, Gurun, Sungai Petani, Tasek Gelugor, Bukit Mertajam, and Bukit Tengah, before reaching the final destination, Butterworth. The trip is approximately 95 kilometers long and typically takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, whether traveling on a weekday or during the weekend. Tickets are available for purchase at the stations, and it’s not possible to buy them in advance for KTM Komuter services.

See also: Komuter Train from Penang to Alor Setar

Schedule of KTM Komuter Alor Setar – Penang

(Jadual Komuter Alor Setar ke Penang)

The trains from Alor Setar to Butterworth run 18 times a day, both on weekdays and weekends. On weekdays, the first train departs from Alor Setar at 06:03 in the morning, and the last train leaves at 22:18 in the evening. This schedule is the same on weekends, with the first train departing at 06:03 and the last one at 22:18.

Download the current schedule.

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Ferry from Butterworth to Penang (George Town)

For those traveling from Butterworth to Penang (George Town), the Rapid Ferry service is a convenient option. This ferry sets sail from the Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal in Butterworth. If you’re coming from the Butterworth Railway Station, it’s a brief 15-minute walk to the terminal, but a free shuttle bus is also available for added convenience.

Taking the ferry, you’ll find yourself in George Town in just 15 to 20 minutes. The service operates frequently, with a ferry departing every 20 to 30 minutes. Do note, however, there’s a short pause in the service for cleaning purposes. For early risers and those with morning plans, the first ferry departs at 6:30 a.m. And for those returning or traveling late, the last ferry is available at 8:30 p.m.

The ticket pricing is affordable: MYR 1.20 for adults and MYR 0.60 for children aged 5 to 12. If you’re traveling with children below 5, they can ride for free. Tickets are available for purchase right at the terminal.

Upon arrival in George Town, passengers will disembark at the Pengkalan Weld seafront road, a convenient starting point to explore the city’s attractions.

How to get to the city from the terminal?

After getting off the ferry at Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda, you will walk through a pathway that leads to the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal. This terminal is where you can find buses that go to many places in Penang. There is also a taxi stand located near the bus terminal. If you choose to take a taxi, you will need to agree on a price with the driver before the trip because taxis in Penang usually don’t use meters.

Getting around the island

Getting around Penang is convenient due to the variety of transportation options available. You can choose from trishaws, free shuttle buses, city buses, and taxis, or even walk within George Town and nearby areas. For distant attractions like the Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang National Park, public transport is accessible, but it’s advisable to check schedules and fares ahead of time.

Taxis are readily available, but it’s essential to negotiate and settle on a fare before starting your journey. E-hailing services like Grab offer a convenient alternative, allowing booking and payment directly through an app.

Rapid Penang operates the main public bus service, covering both the island and the mainland. A free bus service, the Central Area Transit (CAT), operates within George Town, using the KOMTAR Terminal as the central hub for buses traveling across Penang Island.

See also: Train from KL to Penang – How to get to Penang?

Departure Point – Alor Setar Railway Station

The Alor Setar railway station is located in Alor Setar, the capital city of Kedah. It serves both the KTM ETS and KTM Komuter Northern Sector services. Positioned just 15 minutes on foot from the city center, the station is easily accessible for passengers and visitors.

For passenger comfort, the station provides a digital information display board, a prayer room, an elevator, a ticket counter, a waiting area, and toilets.

How to get from Alor Setar Railway Station to Langkawi?

To get from Alor Setar Railway Station to Langkawi:

1. Take a taxi from Alor Setar Railway Station to Kuala Kedah Jetty. It’s about 13 km away and the taxi fare might cost around 20 MYR.
2. If you’re on a tight budget, you can walk to the city center bus stop from the railway station, which is 10-15 minutes away. From there, catch a local bus to Kuala Kedah Jetty.
3. Once at the Kuala Kedah Jetty, purchase a ferry ticket to Langkawi. The price is approximately 34.50 MYR for adults.
4. There are 5 ferry services daily, so you can choose the most convenient time for your trip to Langkawi Island.

KTM Komuter Butterworth Station

Butterworth Railway Station is located in Butterworth, Penang, and is the main transportation center for the area. The station is close to major roads, Federal Route 1 and the Butterworth Outer Ring Route (E17), making it easily accessible. It’s also near the Penang Sentral bus terminal and the Sultan Abdul Hamid Ferry Terminal, and there are covered walkways that connect these places, making it easy for passengers to switch from the train to a bus or ferry.

The station is on the West Coast Railway Line, and it has KTM ETS trains that go from Gemas to Butterworth. There are also KTM Komuter Line trains that go from Butterworth to Padang Besar at the Malaysia-Thailand border. From Padang Besar, passengers can travel to places in Thailand like Bangkok, Hat Yai, and Surat Thani.

The station has basic facilities like a waiting area, toilets, and a small shop where passengers can buy drinks and snacks. However, there are no restaurants or places to store luggage at the station. Tickets can be bought at two counters on the second floor of the station building.

Alternative – Buses from Alor Setar to Penang

If you’re considering a trip from Alor Setar to Penang, it’s essential to know that there are no direct bus routes serving this journey. The train serves as the exclusive public transportation method for traveling between these two locations.

About Komuter

KTM Komuter is a commuter train service in Malaysia, operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM). It connects various destinations within key areas like the Klang Valley, including Kuala Lumpur, and extends to some parts in the states of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Perak. Established in 1995, the service has been instrumental in facilitating local and suburban transportation, providing a reliable and efficient means of transit for daily commuters and travelers exploring the regions it serves.

Train Facilities

KTM Komuter trains are equipped with facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient journey for passengers. They offer designated coaches for women, priority seating for the elderly and disabled, and 24/7 CCTV surveillance for added security. The trains also accommodate bicycles, allowing cyclists to bring their bikes aboard. Additionally, essential facilities like ticket vending machines are available at the stations to facilitate easy purchase and validation of tickets for travelers.