Butterworth – General Information about the Destination
Butterworth is a city located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in the state of Penang. It sits on the mainland opposite Penang Island, with the two connected by ferry services across the Penang Strait. Butterworth serves as the main transportation hub for northern Malaysia, home to the Butterworth railway station and ferry terminal.
The city is a popular jumping-off point for exploring Penang Island, known for its mix of cultural sights, beaches, and street food. Mainland Butterworth also has its share of attractions like the Bird Park and Butterworth Outer Ring Road Maritime Museum. The city center features colonial architecture and Chinese shophouses, while the outskirts are home to shopping malls and markets selling local produce. Butterworth is also considered Malaysia’s noodle capital, with specialty dishes like mee jawa, prawn mee, and laksa.
Information about the Route (Ipoh – Butterworth)
If you’re looking to travel from Ipoh to Butterworth by train, you have two options to choose from: the ETS train and the KTM Komuter train.
Ipoh to Butterworth by ETS Train
On the Northbound Train line from Ipoh to Butterworth, passengers have the option to travel on Gold or Platinum trains. The journey duration is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes for the Gold class and 1 hour and 40 minutes for the Platinum class.
Ticket prices (harga tiket Ipoh ke Butterworth) for the Gold class begin at RM 30.00, while Platinum class tickets start from RM 38.00. Tickets can be purchased either online or at the station’s ticket counter.
The trains stop at various stations along the route, including Sungai Siput, Kuala Kangsar, Padang Rengas, Taiping, Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Nibong Tebal, and Bukit Mertajam, before reaching the final destination of Butterworth.
See also: ETS Train from Butterworth to Ipoh
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: Ipoh – Butterworth
(Jadual ETS Ipoh ke Butterworth)
Trains from Ipoh to Butterworth run six times a day. The first train departs at 10:34 in the morning, and the last one leaves at 22:41 in the evening.
Download the current ETS schedule.
DownloadIpoh – Butterworth by KTM Komuter
Trains from Ipoh to Butterworth stop at 12 stations along the Ipoh – Butterworth railway line. The journey typically takes around 2 hours, regardless of whether it’s a weekday or weekend. Tickets for this route can be bought directly at the stations, as advance booking is not available for KTM Komuter services.
Schedule of KTM Komuter Ipoh – Butterworth
(Jadual Komuter Ipoh ke Butterworth)
The Ipoh – Butterworth train operates 10 times a day, covering both weekdays and weekends. The schedule starts with the earliest train at 4:40 and ends with the last one departing at 18:35.
Download the current KTM schedule.
DownloadDeparture Point – Ipoh Railway Station
The Ipoh railway station opened in 1917 in Perak, Malaysia, is a heritage building designed by Arthur Benison Hubback. It’s a key hub for KTM ETS services and freight operations, with four of its nine tracks electrified for passenger trains.
The station, near the city’s administrative centers, underwent modernization in the 2000s, maintaining its historical features. The station complex includes the Majestic Hotel, part of the original structure.
In front of the station is Ipoh Station Square, an open plaza that doubles as a heritage trail starting point. The square also hosts a cenotaph honoring the local military service members lost in past conflicts. Despite renovations, the station has preserved its historical character, including an Ipoh tree symbolic of the city’s heritage.
See also: ETS Train from Ipoh to Alor Setar
Ipoh Station
Stesen Keretapi Ipoh,
Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab
30000 Ipoh, Perak 30100
Contact number: 05-2547987
Arrival Point – Butterworth Railway Station
Butterworth Railway Station is located in Penang, Malaysia, adjacent to the ferry terminal and bus station, providing travelers with access to George Town. The station is a key part of the KTM Komuter line that extends to Padang Besar and offers connections to the railway network in Thailand. It also serves as a stop for the KTM Intercity and ETS services that operate on the West Coast Railway Line, connecting Gemas and Butterworth.
The station includes an indoor waiting area, restrooms, and a convenience store for passengers’ needs. It does not feature restaurants or luggage storage facilities. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket counters located on the second floor of the station.
Butterworth Station
Stesen Keretapi Butterworth,
Jalan Bagan Dalam,12000 Butterworth,
Pulau Pinang
Contact number: 04-3312796
Alternative – Buses from Ipoh to Butterworth
For those contemplating a bus journey from Ipoh to Butterworth, the usual route involves taking a bus directly from Ipoh to Butterworth. This journey typically takes between 2 to 3 hours and 30 minutes, with variations possible due to traffic conditions.
It’s essential to note that Malaysian buses do not have onboard toilets due to legal regulations. However, to ensure passenger comfort, a planned restroom stop at a gas station along the route is provided, offering travelers a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Check the current bus schedule.
Check on 12go.comAbout ETS
ETS, which stands for Electric Train Service, is Malaysia’s quickest train on standard gauge tracks and can go as fast as 140 km/h. It travels on the West Coast Line that stretches from Gemas all the way up to Padang Besar at the border with Thailand. There are three types of service you can choose from: Platinum, Gold, and Silver. The Platinum trains, also called “EP”, are the speediest because they only stop at the big stations. The Gold trains make a few more stops, and the Silver ones are the most budget-friendly, stopping at many stations along their path.
The ETS train includes a variety of facilities aimed at providing a comfortable journey for passengers. Coach C houses a prayer room and a bistro offering food and beverages. Luggage racks are available in Coaches A and F for storing personal items. Coach D is equipped with designated seating for elderly and disabled passengers, located near facilities that are accessible for those with disabilities. For information during the journey, LCD screens are installed throughout the train, displaying travel details.
See also: ETS Train from Gemas to Kuala Lumpur
About Komuter
KTM Komuter, established in 1995, is a commuter rail service in Malaysia that serves Kuala Lumpur, its suburbs in the Klang Valley, and expanded its reach to the northern states in 2015. It is designed to improve the commuting experience with several facilities. These include a Ladies’ Coach for female passengers, priority seating for elderly and disabled passengers, 24/7 CCTV surveillance for security, and the ability to transport bicycles on the trains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Ipoh to Butterworth?
The quickest way to get from Ipoh to Butterworth is typically by the ETS (Electric Train Service) train, with travel times ranging from 1 hour and 40 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. This is often faster than driving, as travel by car can take between 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours and 40 minutes, depending on the traffic and route.
How far is it from Ipoh to Butterworth?
The distance from Ipoh to Butterworth is about 140 to 155 kilometers when traveling by car, and this can vary a bit depending on the exact locations you’re starting from and going to within both Ipoh and Butterworth.
Are there any trains that travel directly from Ipoh to Butterworth?
Yes, there are direct trains that travel from Ipoh to Butterworth. These are the ETS (Electric Train Service) Northbound Trains and Komuter Utara Trains.