How to Get from Kajang to Penang by Train and Ferry 

Penang – General Information about the Destination

Penang is an island state located off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It consists of Penang Island, where the capital George Town is located, and Seberang Perai on the mainland. Penang is known as the “Pearl of the Orient” and is one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations. George Town boasts a unique architectural fusion of British colonial, Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences seen in its heritage buildings, shophouses, and places of worship. 

The city is also considered a food capital, famed for dishes like Penang char kway teow, asam laksa, and curry mee. Penang is home to beautiful beaches like Batu Ferringhi as well as hill retreats like Penang Hill. The island provides easy access to idyllic offshore locations like Pangkor and Langkawi. Penang’s unique culture, cuisine, natural landscapes, and architectural gems continue to enchant visitors from around the world.

Information about the Route (Kajang – Butterworth – Penang)

The travel route from Ipoh to Penang includes two stages: 

• ETS train from Kajang to Butterworth;
• Ferry from Butterworth to Penang.

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

Kajang – Butterworth by ETS Train

The train service from Kajang to Butterworth is part of the Northbound Train line and operates with Gold class trains. The quickest duration for a trip on the Gold class service is around 5 hours.

For those traveling in Gold class, ticket prices begin at RM 58.00. Passengers have the option to purchase tickets either through the website or at the station’s ticket counter.

The train journey covers several stations along the route, including Bandar Tasek Selatan, KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, Kepong Sentral, Sungai Buloh, Rawang, Batang Kali, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Tanjung Malim, Slim River, Sungkai, Tapah Road, Kampar, Batu Gajah, Ipoh, Sungai Siput, Kuala Kangsar, Padang Rengas, Taiping, Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Nibong Tebal, Bukit Mertajam, and finally Butterworth.

Schedule of ETS Train Kajang to Butterworth

(Jadual ETS Kajang ke Butterworth)

The train service from Kajang to Butterworth operates once daily. The train departs from Kajang at 17:19 each day. There are no other departures for this service after the stated time.

Download the current schedule.

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

Ferry from Butterworth to Penang (George Town)

The Rapid Ferry service operates between Butterworth and Penang (George Town), departing from the Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal in Butterworth. This terminal is accessible by a short walk from the Butterworth Railway Station or by a free shuttle bus.

The journey across the water to George Town takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, with ferries available every 20 to 30 minutes. There is a scheduled cleaning break during the day when services are temporarily unavailable.

The daily operation starts at 6:30, with the last ferry leaving at 20:30. Ticket prices are MYR 1.20 for adults and MYR 0.60 for children aged 5 to 12. There is no charge for children under the age of 5. Tickets can be purchased at the terminal.

Upon arrival in George Town, the ferry arrives at Pengkalan Weld, which is a suitable location for those looking to explore the city.

How to get to the city from the terminal?

Once passengers disembark from the ferry at Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda, they can reach the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal by following the signs. This terminal provides bus services to various locations in Penang. There is also a taxi stand located close to the bus terminal. Passengers are advised to agree on a fare with the taxi driver before starting the trip because taxis in Penang usually operate without metered fares.

See also: Trains from Sungai Buloh to Kajang

Getting around the Island

Transportation in Penang includes a range of options suitable for navigating the island. In George Town and surrounding areas, travelers can use trishaws, free shuttle buses such as the Central Area Transit (CAT), city buses managed by Rapid Penang, taxis, and walking as practical means of transport.

Trishaws offers a unique experience and can be hired for short distances. The CAT bus service is free and operates within George Town, facilitating travel between key parts of the city without cost. Rapid Penang buses provide wider coverage, reaching various locations on the island and the mainland.

Taxis are widely available, but since they usually don’t operate with meters, it’s important for passengers to agree on a fare before the trip starts. For a more streamlined experience, e-hailing services like Grab allow users to book rides and pay electronically via a mobile app.

Walking is a common choice for exploring George Town due to its compact layout and the proximity of many attractions.

For those planning to visit sites such as the Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang National Park, public transport is available, but checking the latest schedules and prices is advisable for efficient travel. The KOMTAR Terminal is a central hub for buses heading to different locations on Penang Island, making it an important access point for public transport.

Kajang Railway Station

Kajang Station, located near the heart of Kajang town, is an integral part of the Seremban Line. It caters to passengers using both the KTM Komuter and KTM Intercity services. The station features a total of three platforms: there is one side platform adjacent to the station building and a set of two platforms that are laid out in an island formation.

For those needing to connect to the MRT network, Kajang Station is conveniently linked to the Kajang MRT Station via a pedestrian bridge. This connection makes it a crucial point for passengers who need to switch between the two rail systems.

In terms of facilities, Kajang Station is equipped with self-service ticket vending machines for ease of purchasing tickets, a customer service office where passengers can seek assistance, parking spaces for those who drive to the station, and restrooms for public use.

Butterworth Station

Butterworth Railway Station is accessible via Federal Route 1 and the Butterworth Outer Ring Route (E17) in the town of Butterworth, Penang. This station is connected by pedestrian walkways to both the Penang Sentral bus terminal and the Sultan Abdul Hamid Ferry Terminal, enabling easy transfers for ferry passengers from George Town.

The station is a stop on the West Coast Railway Line with KTM ETS trains traveling from Gemas to Butterworth and also connects to the KTM Komuter Line for service to Padang Besar. This connection allows travelers to further access Thailand Railway Services to Bangkok and other destinations.

Facilities at the station include an indoor waiting area, restrooms, and a shop for refreshments. While it lacks dining options and luggage storage services, ticketing is facilitated by two counters on the second floor.

Alternative – Buses and Flights from Kajang to Penang

To travel from Kajang to Penang, you have two additional transportation options at your disposal:

Bus from Kajang to Penang

For travelers planning a bus journey from Kajang to Penang, buses are available from Kajang to both Penang and Butterworth. The trip typically lasts about 5 hours and 30 minutes, though this duration may vary based on traffic.

It’s essential to note that buses in Malaysia are not equipped with onboard toilets due to legal requirements. However, to ensure passenger comfort, there is a scheduled stop at a gas station along the way for restroom breaks, contributing to a more comfortable and convenient travel experience.

Check the current bus schedule.

Check on 12go.com

Flight from Kajang to Penang

Travelers heading from Kajang to Penang have the option to fly directly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Penang International Airport. This route is serviced by several airlines including Air Asia, Malindo Air, Firefly, and Malaysia Airlines, all offering direct flights. The flight time for this direct route is approximately 1 hour, providing a swift and efficient means of travel between Kajang and Penang.

Check the current flight schedule.

Check on 12go.com

About ETS

ETS, short for Electric Train Service, is Malaysia’s premier high-speed rail service, reaching speeds of up to 140 km/h. It operates along the West Coast Line, stretching from Gemas to Padang Besar. ETS provides three tiers of service: Platinum, Gold, and Silver, with the Platinum service being the quickest and most premium in terms of cost.

Tickets for the ETS can be purchased through various channels, including online platforms, at the railway stations themselves, or via authorized agents. Additionally, certain categories of passengers may benefit from fare discounts.

The trains are designed for comfort, featuring amenities such as power outlets for charging electronic devices and air conditioning to ensure a pleasant journey for all passengers.

Train Facilities

ETS trains provide a variety of onboard facilities to cater to passenger needs. There is a prayer room available for passengers in Coach C, alongside a bistro offering food and beverage options. Storage for luggage can be found in Coaches A and F, allowing passengers to stow their bags securely.

For passengers who require assistance, special seating is available near an accessible washroom in Coach D, which is designed to support elderly and disabled individuals. Additionally, the trains are fitted with LCD screens that display travel information, ensuring that passengers have access to current journey details throughout their trip.