Alor Setar – General Information about the Destination
Alor Setar is a city in the state of Kedah, Malaysia, and is well-known for its productive paddy fields, earning it the nickname “Rice Bowl of Malaysia.” The city is a center of culture and history, home to various landmarks such as the Alor Setar Tower and multiple museums like the Kedah State Museum and the Paddy Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of rice cultivation in the region.
Additionally, Alor Setar serves as a convenient access point to Langkawi Island. The Kuala Kedah Jetty, the main departure location for boats to Langkawi, is situated about 13 kilometers away from the Alor Setar train station, making it easy for travelers to move between the two locations.
Information about the Route (Penang – Alor Setar)
The travel route from Penang to Alor Setar includes two stages:
- Ferry from Penang to Butterworth;
- KTM Komuter train from Butterworth to Alor Setar.
Ferry from Penang (George Town) to Butterworth
Travelers can easily journey from Penang (George Town) to Butterworth using the Rapid Ferry service. Departing from the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in George Town, the ferry makes regular trips, taking about 15 to 20 minutes to reach Butterworth. The service operates frequently, with ferries leaving every 20 to 30 minutes. Operations start as early as 7:00 am and continue until as late as 9:00 pm. Remarkably, the ferry service from Penang to the mainland is offered free of charge.
Upon reaching Butterworth at the Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim terminal, travelers have convenient options to continue their journey. They can take a 15-minute walk to the train station or opt for a free shuttle bus, which conveniently stops at the bus station located right at the entrance of Butterworth Railway Station.
See also: Komuter Train from Alor Setar to Penang
Departure: Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT)
Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Hotline number: 04-3102-363
Arrival: Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal
12000 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Hotline number: 04-3102-363
How to get to the terminal from George Town?
If you’re looking to travel to the terminal from George Town, there are a few options available to you.
One option is to take a taxi, but it’s worth noting that in Penang, taxi drivers typically do not use meters and expect to negotiate a pre-agreed fare before beginning the journey.
Alternatively, passengers can opt for a public bus to reach the terminal. Buses heading to Pengkalan Weld, such as 202, 203, 204, and 502, will get you to the ferry terminal. You can easily plan your journey by using the website.
KTM Komuter Alor Setar – Butterworth
Trains travel from Butterworth to Alor Setar on the Butterworth – Padang Besar rail line. The journey includes seven stops: Bukit Tengah, Bukit Mertajam, Tasek Gelugor, Sungai Petani, Gurun, and Kobah, before arriving in Alor Setar.
The total travel time is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, and this duration is the same on both weekdays and weekends. Tickets can be purchased directly at the stations, as advance ticket purchases are not available for KTM Komuter trains.
Schedule of KTM Komuter Penang – Alor Setar
(Jadual Komuter Penang ke Alor Setar)
Trains from Butterworth to Alor Setar run 18 times a day, both on weekdays and weekends. On weekdays, the first train departs from Butterworth at 05:20 in the morning, and the last train leaves at 21:35 in the evening. The schedule is the same on weekends, with the first train leaving at 05:20 and the last one at 21:35.
Download the current schedule.
DownloadSee also: ETS and KTM Komuter Trains from Sungai Petani to Alor Setar
KTM Komuter Butterworth Station
Butterworth Railway Station, in Butterworth, Penang, is a key transportation center for Seberang Perai and Penang Island. It can be reached via Federal Route 1 and the Butterworth Outer Ring Route (E17). Close by, the Penang Sentral bus terminal and the Sultan Abdul Hamid Ferry Terminal are connected to the station through walkways, making it straightforward for passengers to transfer to the ferry service to Georgetown and other parts of the island.
The station is a stop on the West Coast Railway Line and hosts KTM ETS trains that run between Gemas and Butterworth. It also provides services from Butterworth to Padang Besar on the KTM Komuter Line. From Padang Besar, travelers can continue to Thailand, accessing places like Bangkok, Hat Yai, and Surat Thani.
At Butterworth Station, passengers have access to an indoor waiting area, toilets, and a small shop for drinks and snacks. However, the station does not offer restaurant or luggage storage services. For tickets, there are two counters on the second floor of the station building.
Butterworth Station
Stesen Keretapi Butterworth,
Jalan Bagan Dalam,12000 Butterworth,
Pulau Pinang
Contact number: 04-3312796
Arrival Point – Alor Setar Railway Station
The Alor Setar railway station is in Alor Setar, the capital city of Kedah. It is a main transportation hub, hosting services from the KTM ETS and KTM Komuter Northern Sector. The station is close to the city center, only a 15-minute walk away, making it accessible for passengers and visitors.
The station has various facilities for passengers. There is a digital information display board that provides train schedules and other essential information. For convenience, the station has a prayer room, an elevator, and a ticket counter. Passengers can wait for their trains in a sheltered waiting area, and toilets are also available at the station.
Alor Setar Railway Station
Bandar Alor Setar
05300 Alor Setar, Kedah
How to get from Alor Setar Railway Station to Langkawi?
To get from Alor Setar Railway Station to Langkawi:
- Taxi to Kuala Kedah Jetty: Upon arriving at Alor Setar Railway Station, you can take a taxi directly to Kuala Kedah Jetty, which is around 13 km away. The taxi fare is approximately 20 MYR.
- Bus to Kuala Kedah Jetty: Alternatively, you can walk for 10-15 minutes to the city center and take a local bus to Kuala Kedah Jetty. This is a more budget-friendly option.
- Ferry to Langkawi: Once at Kuala Kedah Jetty, you can purchase a ferry ticket to Langkawi. The cost is 34.50 MYR per adult. There are five daily ferry services to Langkawi, providing flexibility for your travel schedule.
Ticket counter:
Langkawi: 604-966 1125 / 604-966 1126
Kuala Kedah : 604-762 6295 / 604-762 6296
Alternative – Buses from Penang to Alor Setar
If you’re organizing a trip from Penang to Alor Setar, please be aware that there are no direct bus connections for this route. The only mode of public transport available is the train, making it the key option for this journey.
About Komuter
KTM Komuter is a commuter train service in Malaysia operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM). It is a popular and essential mode of transportation for locals and visitors, connecting various cities and towns in the Klang Valley, and also extending to other regions such as the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia. The service is known for its punctuality and frequency, making it a reliable choice for daily commuting.
Train Facilities
KTM Komuter trains offer a range of facilities to ensure passengers have a comfortable and convenient journey. These include air-conditioned coaches, cushioned seats, and designated spaces for passengers with disabilities. The trains also feature clear signage and display screens that provide route and schedule information. Additionally, for safety and security, CCTV cameras are installed in the trains. Some KTM Komuter trains also offer designated women-only coaches to provide a safer space for female passengers. In terms of accessibility, stations are equipped with facilities such as ramps and lifts to assist passengers with mobility challenges.