Penang: General Information about the Destination
Penang is a state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” Penang offers a mix of rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and mouth-watering street food. Its capital city, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring well-preserved colonial-era buildings, temples, and mosques. The state also boasts popular attractions such as Batu Ferringhi beach, Kek Lok Si Temple, and Penang Hill. Penang is easily accessible by air and land, with Penang International Airport and Butterworth Railway Station serving as major transportation hubs.
Information about the Route (Kuala Lumpur – Butterworth – Penang)
The travel route from Kuala Lumpur to Penang involves two stages:
- ETS train from Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral or Kuala Lumpur Station) to Butterworth
- Ferry from Butterworth to Penang
You can also travel by plane or bus. Be sure to check out the alternative options for trains at the end of this article.
KL to Butterworth by ETS
To travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, passengers must first take the ETS train from KL Sentral or Kuala Lumpur Station to Butterworth. The distance between Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth is approximately 350 km, and the journey takes about 4 hours. Gold and Platinum Services service this route. Ticket prices (harga tiket KL ke Butterworth) for the Gold service start from MYR 60, while Platinum services start from MYR 80, and they can be purchased at the station’s ticket counter or KTMB website.
Departure: KL Sentral or Kuala Lumpur Station
KL Sentral Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
KL Sentral Station Contact Number: 03-22798741
Kuala Lumpur Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50621 Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Station Contact Number: 03-22671200
Upon arriving at Butterworth, passengers can easily transfer to buses or ferries to continue their journey to Penang.
Arrival: Butterworth Station, Stesen Keretapi Butterworth,
Jalan Bagan Dalam,12000 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Butterworth Station Contact Number: 04-3312796
Schedule of ETS Trains KL Sentral – Butterworth
(Jadual ETS KL Sentral ke Butterworth)
Six trains run daily, with the first departing at around 7:00. and the last at around 20:00.
Download the current schedule.
DownloadSee also: ETS Penang to KL Sentral – How to get from Penang to KL by train?
Ferry from Butterworth to Penang (George Town)
To get to Penang from Butterworth, travelers can take the Rapid Ferry service, which departs from the Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal. The ferry terminal is located about a 15-minute walk from the train station, and signs are posted to guide passengers to the terminal. Alternatively, passengers can take the free shuttle bus from the bus station in front of the entrance to Butterworth Railway Station.
The journey on the ferry takes between 15 to 20 minutes, with departures every 20 to 30 minutes (with a sanitization break), from as early as 6.30 am to as late as 8.30 pm. Tickets are reasonably priced at MYR 1.20 for adults and MYR 0.60 for children between 5 to 12 years old, with free admission for kids below 5. Tickets can be purchased at ticket counters. The ferry arrives in George Town at the Pengkalan Weld seafront road, where passengers can easily explore the city and its attractions.
Departure: Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal
12000 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Contact Number: 04-3102-363
Arrival: Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT)
Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Contact Number: 04-3102-363
How to get to the City from the Terminal?
Upon disembarking from the ferry, passengers will walk through the wooden passageway of Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda and eventually arrive at the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal, located at ground level. This terminal serves as a transportation hub where visitors can take the bus to reach any destination in Penang.
The taxi stand is also conveniently located next to the bus terminal. It’s important to note that in Penang, taxi drivers still do not use meters and will expect to negotiate a pre-agreed fare before beginning the journey.
See also: How to Get from Penang to Singapore by Train
Getting around the Island
Getting around in Penang is easy, thanks to the various modes of public transportation available. Visitors can choose from trishaws, free shuttle buses, standard city buses, taxis or even walk around George Town and its surrounding neighborhood. Public transportation is also available for more distant attractions such as the Kek Lok Si Temple, Teluk Bahang, or Penang National Park. Before deciding on your preferred mode of transport, check schedules and fares.
Taxis are a common means of getting around and easily available on the island. However, be sure to agree on a price before boarding the taxi. Alternatively, e-hailing services like Grab are also available, with the convenience of being able to book and pay through an app.
The main public bus service is provided by Rapid Penang, which covers an area both on the island and mainland. The Free CAT (Central Area Transit) bus service operates within George Town, with KOMTAR Terminal serving as the central transfer terminal for buses covering the whole of Penang Island.
Alternatives – Buses and Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Penang
To travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, you have two additional transportation options at your disposal:
Bus from Kuala Lumpur to Penang
For those looking to travel by bus from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, services are available from KL Sentral or TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) to Penang or Butterworth, with the journey typically taking between 5 to 9 hours. However, the travel time may vary due to traffic.
Travelers need to note that Malaysian buses do not offer onboard toilets, according to local regulations. To compensate for this, a restroom break is scheduled at a gas station along the route.
Check the current bus schedule.
Check on 12go.comFlights from Kuala Lumpur to Penang
Travelers have the option to fly directly from Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) to Penang International Airport (PEN) with airlines such as Air Asia, Malindo Air, or Malaysia Airlines. The journey lasts approximately 1 hour.
Check the current flight schedule.
Check on 12go.comAbout ETS
ETS (Electric Train Service) is a modern, high-speed train system that connects major cities in Malaysia. The train offers three classes of service: Gold, Platinum, and Silver. Gold class is the most affordable option, offering comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and clean facilities. Platinum class provides more luxurious amenities, such as wider seats, onboard entertainment, and complimentary refreshments. Silver class, available only on selected routes, is a budget-friendly option with standard amenities. ETS trains are equipped with free Wi-Fi, charging sockets, and spacious luggage storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from KL to Penang?
One of the cheapest ways to travel from KL to Penang is by bus. Many bus companies operate along this route, offering various types of services and fares. The trip usually takes around 6 hours, depending on traffic and the bus type. Another affordable option is to take the train from KL Sentral or Kuala Lumpur Station to Butterworth, followed by a ferry to Penang Island. Train fares range from MYR 60 to MYR 100, depending on the class and service, while the ferry costs only MYR 1.20 for adults and MYR 0.60 for children.
What is the fastest way to get from KL to Penang?
The fastest way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang is by plane. There are several airlines that offer daily flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Penang International Airport (PEN), with flight times averaging around 1 hour. After arriving at Penang International Airport, passengers can take a taxi or public transportation to their final destination.
How far is it from KL Sentral to Penang?
The distance between KL Sentral and Penang is approximately 350 kilometers.
How to cross from Butterworth to Penang?
One of the easiest and most popular ways to cross from Butterworth to Penang is by taking the Rapid Ferry service, which departs from the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal in Butterworth and arrives at the Pengkalan Weld Ferry Terminal in George Town. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes, and ferries depart every 20-30 minutes from early morning until late at night. To reach the ferry terminal from Butterworth Train Station, you can take a free shuttle bus or walk for about 15 minutes.
How long does it take to travel from Butterworth to Penang by ferry?
The ferry ride from Butterworth to Penang takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
How far is it from Penang to Butterworth?
The distance between Penang and Butterworth is around 3 to 5 kilometers.
How much does the ferry from Butterworth to Penang cost?
The ferry from Butterworth to Penang costs MYR 1.20 for adults and MYR 0.60 for children aged 5 to 12 years old. Children under the age of 5 can ride the ferry for free. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counters located at the ferry terminal.
How many hours does it take to travel from KL to Penang?
The travel time from KL to Penang depends on the mode of transportation. By car or bus, it takes around 6 hours, while by train, it takes approximately 4 hours from KL Sentral to Butterworth, plus an additional 15-20 minutes by ferry to reach Penang Island. By flight, the travel time is around 1 hour.
Sources
https://www.ktmb.com.my/ETS.html
https://www.ktmb.com.my/ets-from-kl-to-Butterworth.html
https://www.ktmb.com.my/ets-from-kl-to-penang.html
https://mypenang.gov.my/?lg=en