Arau – General Information about the Destination
Arau is a town located in the state of Perlis in northern Peninsular Malaysia, about 30 km from the Thailand border. It serves as the royal town and administrative center for Perlis state. Arau is home to Malaysia’s smallest royal palace, the Istana Arau, residence of the Raja of Perlis.
While not a major tourist destination, Arau offers a serene small-town feel and proximity to natural areas like Perlis State Park (40 km). The town is a transportation hub for northern Malaysia, with a bus terminal and train station connecting Arau to other cities. Local landmarks include the Snake and Reptile Farm and the Bukit Keteri Recreational Forest. Arau provides a gateway to northern Malaysia with its rich royal heritage and access to untouched nature.
Information about the Route (KTM Butterworth to Arau)
Passengers can take a train from KTM Butterworth to Arau using the Butterworth – Padang Besar rail line. The journey covers a distance of around 135 kilometers and includes 10 stations between the starting and ending points. The travel time remains constant at 1 hour and 30 minutes, whether it’s a weekday or weekend. Tickets can be purchased at the stations, but please note that advanced ticket booking is not available for KTM Komuter trains. Stations along the route include Bukit Tengah, Bukit Mertajam, Tasek Gelugor, Sungai Petani, Gurun, Kobah, Alor Setar, Anak Bukit, Kodiang, and Arau.
Schedule of KTM Komuter Butterworth – Arau
(Jadual Komuter Butterworth to Arau)
The train service from Butterworth to Arau runs 18 times a day both on weekdays and weekends. The first train departs at 05:20 in the morning, and the last train leaves at 21:35 in the evening, both on weekdays and weekends.
Download the current schedule.
DownloadSee also: Komuter train from Arau to Butterworth
Departure Point – Butterworth Station
Butterworth Railway Station is located in Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia. Adjacent to the Sultan Abdul Hamid Ferry Terminal and Penang Sentral bus station, the railway station offers direct access to George Town on Penang Island through ferry services across the channel.
Butterworth Station is the starting point of the KTM Komuter railway line that goes to Padang Besar on the Malaysia-Thailand border. From Padang Besar, passengers can transfer to Thailand’s State Railway system for journeys to Bangkok and other parts of southern Thailand. The station is also connected to the West Coast Railway Line, with KTM Intercity and KTM ETS train operating between Gemas and Butterworth.
For passenger convenience, Butterworth Station provides an indoor waiting area, restrooms, and a convenience store. However, it does not have restaurant services or luggage storage options. Tickets can be purchased from two counters on the second floor of the station building.
Butterworth Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Butterworth,
Jalan Bagan Dalam,12000 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Butterworth Station Contact number: 04-3312796
Arrival Point – Arau Station
The Arau Railway Station, located in Perlis, Malaysia, serves as the second-to-last stop for KTM trains and the final stop for ETS trains before reaching Padang Besar at the Malaysia-Thailand border. Situated in the town of Arau, the station is close to local attractions such as the Arau Royal Palace, which is a 14-minute walk away. The station provides several facilities for passengers, including parking, public toilets, amenities for the disabled, a lift, an information board, and ticket counters. For special events, a VIP room can be booked in advance.
Travelers can reach the Arau Railway Station using ETS train services from Kuala Lumpur and other stations. The train ride from KL Sentral to the Arau Railway Station takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes. For transportation within Arau, taxis are more common due to the limited bus services. A taxi ride from the station to Kuala Perlis, which is the starting point for trips to Langkawi Island, takes approximately 20 minutes.
See also: Komuter train from Arau to Bukit Mertajam
Arau Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Arau,
Jalan Stesyen, 02600 Arau, Perlis
Arau Station Contact Number: 04-9861225
About Komuter
KTM Komuter is a commuter rail service in Malaysia, managed and operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM). Primarily serving the bustling Klang Valley region surrounding Kuala Lumpur, this service also extends its reach to areas of Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Penang. Designed as an electric multiple-unit train, KTM Komuter is renowned for its regularity and affordability, making it a popular choice among daily commuters. This commuter service is an integral part of Malaysia’s broader rail transport system, which encompasses KTM Intercity trains and the dedicated KLIA Ekspres airport link.
Train Facilities
KTM Komuter trains prioritize passenger comfort and safety. They offer a Ladies’ Coach and exclusive seating areas at KL Sentral, ensuring a secure environment for women passengers. The trains also feature priority seating for the elderly and disabled, promoting inclusivity and convenience. Additionally, 24/7 CCTV surveillance is implemented on the trains, further enhancing passenger security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Butterworth to Arau?
The fastest way to get from Butterworth to Arau is by train, which typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Alternatively, by car, it can take from 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
How far is it from Butterworth to Arau?
The distance from Butterworth to Arau is approximately around 135 kilometers by road. However, the actual distance may vary slightly depending on the specific route you choose to travel.
Are there any trains that travel directly from Butterworth to Arau?
Yes, there are trains that travel directly from Butterworth to Arau. They operate on the Butterworth – Padang Besar rail line, which connects Butterworth to Arau and continues on to Padang Besar, near the Malaysia-Thailand border.