How to Get from Ipoh to Penang by Train and Ferry 

Penang – General Information about the Destination

Penang is an island state in Malaysia off the northwestern coast of the mainland. It is recognized for its historical structures, a blend of cultures, and scenic coastlines. The state capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its distinctive architecture and cultural diversity.

Key sites in Penang include the Kek Lok Si Temple, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, and Fort Cornwallis. The state is also well-known for its culinary scene, with local favorites such as Penang Laksa and nasi kandar. The island offers a rich mix of culture, history, and gastronomy, drawing tourists from across the globe.

Information about the Route (Ipoh – Butterworth – Penang)

The travel route from Ipoh to Penang includes two stages: 

You can also travel by bus. Be sure to check out the alternative options for trains at the end of this article.

Ipoh to Butterworth by Train

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 – Butterworth by ETS Train

The northbound train line from Ipoh to Butterworth operates Gold and Platinum class services. The journey duration is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes for Gold class and 1 hour and 40 minutes for Platinum class. Ticket prices start from RM30.00 for Gold class and RM38.00 for Platinum class. Tickets can be purchased either online or at the station’s ticket counter. The train makes stops at several stations along the way, including Sungai Siput, Kuala Kangsar, Padang Rengas, Taiping, Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Nibong Tebal, Bukit Mertajam, and terminates at Butterworth.

Schedule of ETS Train Ipoh to Butterworth

(Jadual ETS Ipoh ke Butterworth)

Trains from Ipoh to Butterworth run six times a day. The earliest train departs at 10:34 in the morning, and the last train leaves at 22:41 in the evening.

Download the current ETS schedule.

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See also: How to Get from Penang to Ipoh by Ferry and Train

Ipoh – Butterworth by KTM Komuter

Trains traveling from Ipoh to Butterworth make stops at 12 stations along the Ipoh – Butterworth railway line. The travel duration for this journey remains consistently around 2 hours, regardless of whether it is a weekday or weekend. Passengers can purchase tickets for this route directly at the stations, as advance booking is not offered 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 Komuter schedule.

Download

Ferry from Butterworth to Penang (George Town)

The Rapid Ferry service from Butterworth to Penang (George Town) departs from the Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal. A brief walk from the Butterworth Railway Station or a complimentary shuttle bus brings passengers to the terminal with ease.

The crossing to George Town takes 15 to 20 minutes, with ferries running every 20 to 30 minutes, except during a short interval for cleaning. The service schedule begins at 6:30 a.m. and the last ferry of the day is at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets cost MYR 1.20 for adults and MYR 0.60 for children aged 5 to 12, with no charge for children under 5. Purchases can be made at the terminal.

On arrival in George Town, passengers disembark on Pengkalan Weld, conveniently situated for exploring the city.

How to get to the city from the terminal?

Upon arriving at Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda after the ferry ride, you’ll follow a pathway that takes you directly to the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal. From this terminal, there is a range of bus services available to various locations throughout Penang. Additionally, a taxi stand is situated close to the bus terminal for those preferring a more direct route to their destination. It is important to negotiate and agree on the fare in advance with the taxi driver, as taxis in Penang typically operate without meters.

Getting around the Island

Transportation in Penang is varied, making it easy to navigate the island. Options include trishaws, free shuttle buses, city buses, taxis, and walking, especially within the confines of George Town and its surroundings. For visiting more remote sites like the Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang National Park, public transport is available, but it’s wise to look up the timetables and costs beforehand.

While taxis can be flagged down, agreeing on a price beforehand is necessary as they typically don’t use meters. For a more modern approach, e-hailing services such as Grab are operational, offering the ease of booking and paying through a smartphone app.

The primary bus service on the island and the mainland is provided by Rapid Penang. In George Town, there is also the Central Area Transit (CAT), a complimentary bus service that links various parts of the city, with buses running from the central KOMTAR Terminal to different locations on Penang Island.

See also: Komuter Train from Alor Setar to Penang 

Ipoh Railway Station

The Ipoh railway station, which opened in 1917 in Perak, Malaysia, is recognized for its design by Arthur Benison Hubback. It is an important center for KTM ETS services and manages freight with four electrified tracks for passenger use out of a total of nine.

Located near the administrative heart of the city, the station was modernized in the 2000s but still retains many of its original design elements. The complex includes the Majestic Hotel, which is part of the historical station structure.

In front of the station is Ipoh Station Square, a plaza that serves as a starting point for the city’s heritage trail. The square features a cenotaph dedicated to the memory of local military personnel who have died in historical conflicts. The station has maintained its historical look and feel, including the notable presence of an Ipoh tree, which is significant to the city’s history.

Butterworth Station

Butterworth Railway Station, situated in Penang, Malaysia, is conveniently next to the ferry terminal and a bus station, enabling easy travel to George Town. It’s an integral stop on the KTM Komuter Northern Sector line, reaching up to Padang Besar, and offers links to the railway system in Thailand. Additionally, the station accommodates the KTM Intercity and Electric Train Service (ETS) on the West Coast Railway Line, which runs between Gemas and Butterworth.

For passenger convenience, the station provides an indoor waiting area, restrooms, and a convenience store. However, it lacks restaurant facilities and luggage storage services. Travelers can purchase tickets from the counters on the station’s second floor.

Alternative – Bus from Ipoh to Penang

For travelers contemplating a bus journey from Ipoh to Penang, there are options to board a bus to either Penang or Butterworth. This trip generally spans between 2 to 3.5 hours, though the duration can extend based on traffic. It’s pertinent to remember that Malaysian buses lack onboard toilets due to regulatory mandates. However, to facilitate a smooth travel experience, a restroom break at a gas station is incorporated into the journey, ensuring both comfort and convenience for passengers.

Check the current bus schedule.

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About ETS

ETS is Malaysia’s fastest train service, with speeds up to 140 km/h on the West Coast Line from Gemas to Padang Besar. It offers Platinum, Gold, and Silver classes, with Platinum being the fastest and most expensive. Tickets can be bought online, at stations, or through agents, with discounts for some passengers. All trains have comfortable seating and amenities like power outlets and air conditioning.

Train Facilities

The ETS train offers various amenities, including a prayer room and food bistro in Coach C, luggage racks in Coaches A and F, and accessible seating near a handicap-friendly washroom in Coach D. LCD screens throughout provide travel information for passengers.

About Komuter

KTM Komuter is a commuter rail service in Malaysia that has been operating since 1995, connecting Kuala Lumpur with its surrounding suburbs in the Klang Valley. In 2015, the service expanded to include the northern states of Malaysia. The service offers various facilities aimed at improving the travel experience for all passengers. These facilities include a Ladies’ Coach for female passengers, priority seating for elderly and disabled passengers to ensure accessibility, 24/7 CCTV surveillance to enhance security on the trains, and the capability to accommodate bicycles, catering to the needs of cyclists.