Bukit Mertajam – General Information about the Destination
Bukit Mertajam, situated in the northeastern part of Penang State, Malaysia, serves as the administrative capital for the Seberang Perai district. Originally a rural village primarily focused on agriculture, it has transformed into a thriving small city.
One of its notable features is the St. Anne’s Church, known for its colonial-era architecture. Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy the serene Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest. In the evenings, the town comes alive with a bustling night market offering a variety of street food and locally grown produce.
Bukit Mertajam plays an important role as a transportation hub in northern Peninsular Malaysia, with well-established bus routes connecting it to other cities and a train station linking Butterworth and Padang Besar.
Information about the Route (KTM Arau to Bukit Mertajam)
The train line that links Arau and Bukit Mertajam is called the Padang Besar – Butterworth line, and it comprises a total of 8 stations. These stations, in order of travel, include Kodiang, Anak Bukit, Alor Setar, Kobah, Gurun, Sungai Petani, Tasek Gelugor, and finally, Bukit Mertajam.
The distance covered between Arau and Bukit Mertajam by train is approximately 150 kilometers. The fastest journey duration for this route remains consistent at about 1 hour and 20 minutes, whether it’s a weekday or a weekend.
It’s important to note that tickets for this train route can only be purchased at the stations, as online or advance ticket booking options are not available.
See also: Komuter train from Arau to Butterworth
Schedule of KTM Komuter Arau – Bukit Mertajam
(Jadual Komuter Arau to Bukit Mertajam)
The train service between Arau and Bukit Mertajam is available consistently throughout the week. There are a total of 18 train runs each day on both weekdays and weekends. The first train departs at 05:39 AM, providing an early option for travelers. The last train of the day leaves at 21:54 (9:54 PM), ensuring travel options into the evening.
Download the current schedule.
DownloadDeparture Point – Arau Railway Station
The Arau Railway Station, located in Perlis, Malaysia, serves as the second-to-last stop for KTM and the final stop for ETS trains before reaching Padang Besar on the Malaysia-Thailand border. Situated in the royal town of Arau, visitors can explore attractions like the famous Arau Royal Palace, a short 14-minute walk from the station.
The station offers a range of facilities, including parking, public toilets, disabled-friendly amenities, a lift, an information board, and ticket counters. For special occasions, there’s a VIP room available upon request.
Travelers can reach Arau Railway Station via ETS train services from Kuala Lumpur and other stations. The journey from KL Sentral to Arau Railway Station takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes. For those within Arau, taxis are recommended over limited bus services, and a taxi ride to nearby Kuala Perlis, a gateway to Langkawi Island, takes about 20 minutes by car.
See also: Komuter Train from Alor Setar to Bukit Mertajam
Arau Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Arau,
Jalan Stesyen, 02600 Arau, Perlis
Arau Station Contact number: 04-9861225
Arrival Point – Bukit Mertajam Railway Station
Bukit Mertajam Railway Station is situated in Permatang Rawa within the town of Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia. It serves as a stop on the KTM Komuter Northern Sector main line, connecting Butterworth and Padang Besar, as well as the branch line from Butterworth to Padang Rengas.
The station is conveniently located, being just a 30-minute walk or a 4-minute drive from the heart of Bukit Mertajam town. Additionally, it is easily accessible via the Rapid Penang 801 bus departing from the Bukit Mertajam bus terminal.
Bukit Mertajam Station offers several facilities to enhance the travel experience, including a ticket counter, a prayer room, a convenience store, restrooms, a waiting area, ample parking space, and vending machines.
Bukit Mertajam Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Bukit Mertajam, 2916 Jalan Padang Lalang
14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Bukit Mertajam Contact number: 04-5392660
About Komuter
KTM Komuter is a commuter rail service in Malaysia, serving Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley suburbs since 1995. In 2015, it expanded to northern states, including Perak, Pulau Pinang, Kedah, and Perlis, offering more routes and transportation options to passengers in the north.
Train Facilities
KTM Komuter trains prioritize passenger comfort and safety with designated Ladies’ Coaches and exclusive seating areas at KL Sentral platforms for women. There are also priority seats for elderly and disabled passengers, ensuring accessibility. To enhance security, 24/7 CCTV surveillance is in operation, creating a safe travel environment for all passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Arau to Bukit Mertajam?
The fastest way to get from Arau to Bukit Mertajam is typically by KTM Komuter, which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Traveling by car, on the other hand, takes around 2 hours, making the train a quicker option for this route.
However, please keep in mind that actual travel times may vary depending on factors like traffic conditions and the specific train schedule, so it’s advisable to check the latest information before your trip.
How far is it from Arau to Bukit Mertajam?
The distance from Arau to Bukit Mertajam is approximately 150 kilometers (about 93 miles). This distance can vary slightly depending on the specific route taken.
Are there any trains that travel directly from Arau to Bukit Mertajam?
Yes, there are direct trains that travel from Arau to Bukit Mertajam on the “Padang Besar – Butterworth” rail line, which is a part of the KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) network.