Penang: General Information about Destination
Penang, often called the “Pearl of the Orient,” is a vibrant mix of old and new. Its capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site where ornate Chinese shophouses, eclectic street art, and colonial buildings tell the story of the city’s rich history.
The island is also celebrated for its culinary scene, with locals and visitors alike drawn to the hawker stalls for dishes like chili pan mee, Penang laksa, and curry mee. Alongside its gastronomic delights, Penang offers picturesque beaches such as Batu Ferringhi and serene highlands for nature enthusiasts.
Shoppers can indulge in an array of shopping experiences, from modern malls to local markets and handicraft stores, where everything from the latest electronics to traditional crafts is available.
Information about the Route (Johor Bahru – Gemas – Butterworth – Penang)
The travel route from Johor Bahru to Penang includes three stages:
Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) to Gemas by Intercity Ekspres Selatan (Northbound Line). or Ekspres Rakyat Timuran (Eastbound Line).
Gemas to Butterworth by ETS (Northbound Line).
Butterworth to Penang by Ferry.
You can also travel by plane or bus. Be sure to check out the alternative options for trains at the end of this article.
Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) to Gemas
Traveling from Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) to Gemas by train is a journey spanning about 205 kilometers. Passengers can choose between the ES Ekspres Selatan, which runs on the Northbound Train line, or the ERT Ekspres Rakyat Timuran on the Eastbound Train line. The travel time for this trip begins at 4 hours and 25 minutes.
Tickets are priced at RM21.00, and travelers have the convenience of buying them online or at the station’s ticket counter. Along the way, the train makes stops at several stations, including Kempas Baru, Kulai, Kluang, and Segamat before reaching its destination in Gemas.
See also: How to Get from Kajang to Penang by Train and Ferry
Departure: JB Sentral Station
Stesen Keretapi Jb Sentral,
Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Bukit Chagar,
80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Contact number: 07-2234727
Schedule of Train Johor Bahru – Gemas
(Jadual Intercity Johor Bahru ke Gemas)
The Intercity train service running from Johor Bahru to Gemas is available four times each day. For early risers or those who wish to commence their travels in the morning, the first train sets out at 08:30. For those who opt to depart later, the final train of the day departs at 20:25, accommodating travelers who wish to set off in the evening.
Download the current schedule.
DownloadGemas to Butterworth by ETS Train
The train service from Gemas to Butterworth runs on the Northbound Train line and features Gold class trains. For travelers in Gold class, the journey takes approximately 7 hours.
The price for a ticket in Gold class starts at RM70. Tickets can be purchased through the train service’s website or at the ticket counter at the station, providing options for those who plan in advance or decide to travel spontaneously.
During the trip from Gemas to Butterworth, the train stops at several stations, including Seremban, KL Sentral, Sungai Buloh, Kampar, Ipoh, Sungai Siput, Kuala Kangsar, Padang Rengas, Taiping, Bukit Mertajam, and finally arrives at Butterworth.
Departure: Gemas Station
Stesen Keretapi Gemas,
Kawasan Industri Gemas,
73400 Gemas, Negeri Sembilan
Contact number: 07-9482863
Schedule of ETS Trains Gemas – Butterworth
(Jadual ETS Gemas ke Butterworth)
The train from Gemas to Butterworth runs once a day. The departure time for this daily service is at 15:20 in the afternoon.
Download the current schedule.
DownloadFerry from Butterworth to Penang (George Town)
The Rapid Ferry service provides transportation between Butterworth and Penang (George Town), setting sail from the Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal located in Butterworth. For those coming from the Butterworth Railway Station, reaching the ferry terminal is a brief walk, or you can opt for a complimentary shuttle bus service.
The ferry ride to George Town typically lasts between 15 to 20 minutes. The ferries run with a frequency of every 20 to 30 minutes throughout the day, except for a scheduled break for cleaning, during which time the service is paused.
Operations begin early, with the first ferry departing at 6:30, and the service continues until the last ferry at 20:30. The fare for adults is MYR 1.20, while children between the ages of 5 to 12 are charged MYR 0.60. Children under 5 can travel for free. Travelers can buy their tickets at the terminal.
Once the ferry reaches Penang, it docks at Pengkalan Weld in George Town, a convenient starting point for visitors looking to explore the area.
Departure: Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal
12000 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang, Malezja
Hotline number: 04-3102-363
Arrival: Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT)
Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Hotline number: 04-3102-363
How to Get to the City from the Terminal?
After arriving at Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda via the ferry, passengers can easily get to the city from the terminal. To reach the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal, simply follow the signage available upon disembarkation. This bus terminal offers services to different areas within Penang, allowing travelers to continue their journey to various destinations.
For those preferring a more direct route, there is a taxi stand located near the bus terminal. It’s important for passengers to negotiate and agree on the fare beforehand, as taxis in Penang typically do not use meters to determine the fare.
See also: How to Get from Penang to Johor Bahru by Train
Getting Around the Island
In Penang, travelers have access to a mix of transport options. Trishaws provide a traditional and scenic way to cover short distances. The CAT bus, a free shuttle service, runs through George Town’s central areas, offering a cost-free way to get around the main attractions.
Rapid Penang buses extend the range of travel to different parts of the island and the mainland. Taxis are always an option, but without a meter system, it’s crucial to agree on the fare in advance. For convenience and a fixed price, e-hailing services like Grab can be used, allowing passengers to book rides and handle payment via an app.
Walking is often the best choice for navigating the compact and historic streets of George Town, where many sites of interest are close to one another.
For visiting more distant attractions such as Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang National Park, public buses are available. It’s wise to look up the latest schedules and fares to plan effectively. The KOMTAR Terminal is the primary bus hub for reaching various points on the island.
Alternatives – Flights and Buses from Johor Bahru to Penang
To travel from Johor Bahru to Penang, you have two additional transportation options at your disposal:
Flights from Johor Bahru to Penang
Travelers looking to travel from Johor Bahru to Penang have the option of taking a direct flight operated by Air Asia. These flights offer a time-efficient way to reach Penang, with a flight duration of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The journey begins at Johor Bahru Airport (JHB) and concludes at Penang International Airport (PEN).
Check the current flight schedule here.
Check on 12go.comBuses from Johor Bahru to Penang
Travelers can choose to take a bus from Johor Bahru to Penang, with the journey typically lasting about 9 hours, although it may extend due to traffic conditions.
It’s important to be aware that Malaysian buses do not have onboard toilets due to legal regulations. However, there is a planned restroom stop at a gas station along the route to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Check the current bus schedule here.
Check on 12go.comFrequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Johor Bahru to Penang?
The fastest way to get from Johor Bahru to Penang is by air, with the flight taking about 1 hour. This is much faster compared to traveling by land. There are several airlines with daily flights between the two cities, including choices that are economical due to low-cost carriers.
How far is it from Johor Bahru to Penang?
The distance from Johor Bahru to Penang is between 650 to 665 kilometers by road. If you are traveling by car, it will typically take around 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken.
Is there a direct train from Johor Bahru to Penang?
No, there is no direct train from Johor Bahru to Penang. Travelers wishing to go by train must complete the journey in three stages:
1. From Johor Bahru (JB Sentral), take the Intercity Ekspres Selatan (Northbound Line) or Ekspres Rakyat Timuran (Eastbound Line) to reach Gemas.
2. At Gemas, transfer to the ETS (Electric Train Service) on the Northbound Line to travel to Butterworth.
3. From Butterworth, the final leg of the journey to Penang is made by ferry.
What is the best way to travel from Johor Bahru to Penang?
The best way to travel from Johor Bahru to Penang depends on your priorities for the journey.
If time is of the essence and you want to reach Penang as quickly as possible, flying is the fastest option. Flights from Johor Bahru to Penang take about an hour, providing a quick transit, albeit typically at a higher cost.
For those who are not in a rush and appreciate a leisurely trip with scenic views, the train is an excellent choice. While the train journey is considerably longer, usually around 8-9 hours, it offers a relaxed atmosphere and the chance to see the Malaysian countryside unfold before you.
On the other hand, if budget is your primary concern, the bus represents the most cost-effective mode of transport. The bus trip may take about 7-8 hours, which is longer than flying, but it is often the cheapest option. The trade-off, however, is that it may not be as comfortable as the other modes of transport for such a long journey.