Butterworth – General Information
Butterworth is a town situated in the state of Penang, Malaysia, renowned for its role as a transportation hub. Being the main gateway to Penang Island, Butterworth is a strategically located town that connects the mainland and the island with a narrow strait.
Apart from its transportation services, Butterworth has much to offer to visitors. St. Mark’s Church, with its stunning British colonial architecture, is one of the town’s popular landmarks. For food lovers, there are several hawker centers to explore, offering a variety of traditional Malay, Chinese, and Indian dishes. Visitors can also enjoy a day out at the Penang Bird Park, which is home to over 300 species of birds or indulge in some shopping at the Sunway Carnival Mall, a famous shopping center in the area.
Information about the Route: Train from Butterworth to KL
The Southbound Train service from Butterworth to KL Sentral features Gold and Platinum class trains. The Gold class trains offer a journey as short as 4 hours and 25 minutes, while the Platinum class can make the trip in approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Ticket prices (harga tiket Butterworth ke KL Sentral) for the Gold class start from RM57.00, and for the Platinum class, they begin at RM74.00. Travelers can purchase tickets either through the website or at the ticket counter at the station, providing convenience for different preferences.
You can also travel by bus. Be sure to check out the alternative options for trains at the end of this article.
Schedule of ETS Trains: Butterworth – KL Sentral
(Jadual ETS Butterworth ke KL Sentral)
The train service from Butterworth to KL Sentral runs six times a day. The earliest train departs at 5:15, and the last train of the day leaves at 18:45.
Download the current schedule.
DownloadDeparture Point – Butterworth Station
Butterworth Railway Station, located in the town of Butterworth, Penang, is an important transportation hub for both Seberang Perai and Penang Island. Passengers can easily reach the station through Federal Route 1 and Butterworth Outer Ring Route (E17). The station’s prime location near the Penang Sentral bus terminal and the Sultan Abdul Hamid Ferry Terminal, both connected by covered pedestrian walkways, allows passengers to transfer easily from the ferry from George Town.
The station serves as a transit point for travelers on the West Coast Railway Line, with KTM ETS trains running from Gemas to Butterworth. Additionally, the station provides connections to the KTM Komuter Line, offering service from Butterworth to Padang Besar, the northernmost town in Malaysia bordering Thailand. From there, travelers can transfer to Thailand Railway Services for onward travel to Bangkok or other popular destinations such as Hat Yai and Surat Thani.
See also: ETS train from KL Sentral to Butterworth
Though basic, the Butterworth Train Station offers an indoor waiting area, toilets, and a small shop for drinks and snacks. However, there are no restaurants or luggage offices available at this station. For ticket purchases, two ticket counters are located on the 2nd floor of the building.
Butterworth Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Butterworth,
Jalan Bagan Dalam,12000 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Butterworth Station Contact Number: 04-3312796
Arrival Point – KL Sentral and Kuala Lumpur Station
Travelers who plan to take the train from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur have two options for their arrival point.
KL Sentral Station
The first option is KL Sentral Station, located southwest of Kuala Lumpur City, serving as the primary departure point. This modern transportation hub offers convenient access to various parts of the city, intercity and international destinations, and major modes of transportation.
The ETS departs from Level Two of the Transit Concourse at KL Sentral Station, where travelers can find the ETS Ticket Counter, waiting area, and amenities such as retail outlets, a food court, and a parking lot.
See also: Trains from Ipoh to Butterworth
KL Sentral Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
KL Sentral Contact Number: 03-22798741
Kuala Lumpur Station
The second option is Kuala Lumpur Station, situated at Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. This station features beautiful colonial-style architecture dating back to the early 1900s and serves KTM Intercity trains, providing a more affordable travel option compared to the ETS trains. Kuala Lumpur Station also offers amenities such as food outlets, a parking lot, and a convenience store.
Kuala Lumpur Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50621 Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Station Contact Number: 03-22671200
Alternative – Buses from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur
For those considering a bus trip from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur, the typical route involves taking a bus from Butterworth to KL Sentral or TBS. This journey generally takes about 5 to 9 hours, although travel time may be extended due to traffic conditions.
It’s important to note that Malaysian buses do not have onboard toilets due to legal regulations. Nevertheless, there is a planned restroom stop at a gas station along the route, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for passengers.
Check the current bus schedule.
Check on 12go.comAbout ETS
ETS, Malaysia’s high-speed Electric Train Service operated by KTMB, connects major cities with swift and comfortable rail travel, reaching speeds of up to 140 km/h. The service offers Platinum, Gold, and Silver classes, with Platinum being the premium, fastest service with limited stops, Gold providing a balance of speed and stop frequency, and Silver being the most economical, stopping at nearly all stations.
Ticket pricing varies by class, travel distance, and time, with discounts for seniors, students, and disabled persons. Amenities across all classes include comfortable seating, air conditioning, power outlets, and luggage space. Additional facilities like a prayer room, a bistro for food and beverages, special seats for elderly and disabled passengers, and LCD screens for travel information ensure a convenient journey for all travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Butterworth to KL?
The cheapest way to get from Butterworth to KL is by taking the bus. There are several bus companies that operate daily between Butterworth and KL, and the fares are generally more affordable than train services. Ticket prices start at around MYR 30, and the journey time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it usually takes around 5-6 hours to travel between the two cities by bus.
What is the fastest way to get from Butterworth to KL?
The fastest way to get from Butterworth to KL is by taking a flight from Penang International Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The flight time is approximately 1 hour, and there are several airlines that offer daily flights between the two airports. Alternatively, taking the ETS train from Butterworth to KL Sentral is also a relatively fast option, with a travel time of around 4 hours.
How far is it from Butterworth to KL Sentral?
The distance between Butterworth and KL Sentral is approximately 350 kilometers.