How to Get from Penang to Ipoh by Ferry and Train

Ipoh – General Information about the Destination

Ipoh, the capital of Perak in northwestern Malaysia, is a city established in the 1890s during the tin mining boom. Located along the Kinta River, it’s known for its British colonial-era architecture. Notable buildings include the Ipoh Railway Station and the Town Hall. Visitors often explore the Sam Poh Tong cave temple, the Perak Museum, and a performing arts center.

The city is becoming popular for its food scene, with dishes like Ipoh white coffee and beansprouts chicken. Attractions near Ipoh include Kellie’s Castle, the Cameron Highlands, and the Belum Rainforest. Ipoh blends historical charm with culinary delights and scenic locations.

Information about the Route (Penang – Butterworth – Ipoh)

The travel route from Penang to Ipoh 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.

Ferry from Penang (George Town) to Butterworth

The Rapid Ferry service provides transport from George Town in Penang to Butterworth. Departures from the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal occur every 20 to 30 minutes and the crossing takes between 15 to 20 minutes. The service operates from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and there is no charge for the ferry ride to Butterworth.

Upon reaching the Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim terminal in Butterworth, travelers can either walk for approximately 15 minutes or use the free shuttle bus to get to the Butterworth Railway Station.

How to get to the terminal from George Town?

To reach the terminal from George Town, you can choose between a taxi or a bus. Taxis in Penang usually operate without a meter, so you should negotiate the fare with the driver beforehand. If you prefer public transport, take one of the buses – 202, 203, 204, or 502 – which will take you directly to the Pengkalan Weld ferry terminal. You can easily plan your journey by using the website.

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

Butterworth – Ipoh by ETS Train

ETS trains on the Butterworth to Ipoh route offer Gold and Platinum services. The Gold class journey lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes, while the Platinum class is quicker, taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Fares are RM30.00 for the Gold class and RM38.00 for the Platinum class. Passengers can buy tickets either online or at station ticket counters. The train stops include Sungai Siput, Kuala Kangsar, Padang Rengas, Taiping, Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Nibong Tebal, and Bukit Mertajam.

Schedule of ETS Train from Butterworth to Ipoh

(Jadual ETS Butterworth ke Ipoh)

Trains from Butterworth to Ipoh run six times a day. The first train of the day leaves at 5:15 in the morning, and the last one departs at 18:45 in the evening.

Download the current ETS schedule.

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Butterworth – Ipoh by KTM Komuter

Trains from Butterworth to Ipoh make twelve station stops along the Butterworth – Ipoh railway line, with a consistent travel duration of approximately 2 hours, irrespective of whether it is a weekday or weekend. Tickets for this route can be purchased directly at the stations, as the option to book in advance is not available for KTM Komuter services. This ensures a straightforward and accessible travel option for those journeying between Butterworth and Ipoh.

Schedule of KTM Komuter Butterworth – Ipoh

(Jadual Komuter Butterworth ke Ipoh)

The Butterworth to Ipoh train runs 10 times daily, serving passengers on both weekdays and weekends. Service begins with the earliest train departing at 5:30 and concludes with the last departure at 19:10.

Download the current KTM Komuter schedule.

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Butterworth Railway Station

Butterworth Railway Station, situated in Penang, Malaysia, is positioned next to the ferry terminal and bus station, making it a convenient point for travel to George Town. The station is an integral stop on the KTM Komuter Northern Sector line that runs up to Padang Besar, which also provides links to the railway system in Thailand.

Additionally, Butterworth Station is used by the KTM Intercity and Electric Train Service (ETS) that ply the West Coast Railway Line, facilitating travel between Gemas and Butterworth.

For passenger convenience, the station is equipped with an indoor waiting area, restrooms, and a store for purchasing sundry items. However, it lacks dining facilities and does not provide luggage storage services. Ticket sales are handled on the second floor at designated counters.

Arrival Point – Ipoh Railway Station

The Ipoh railway station, established in 1917 in Perak, Malaysia, is an architectural landmark designed by Arthur Benison Hubback. It functions as a primary station for the KTM ETS rail services and also manages freight, with four out of nine tracks designated for electrified passenger trains.

Positioned close to Ipoh’s governmental buildings, the station underwent updates in the early 2000s that modernized its facilities while retaining its historical elements. An integral part of the station’s heritage is the Majestic Hotel, which is housed within the same complex.

Adjacent to the station is the Ipoh Station Square, a public space that serves as an entry point to the city’s heritage trail. The square is marked by a cenotaph that commemorates soldiers from the area who have died in historical conflicts. Despite its updates, the station has kept its traditional aesthetic, including the presence of an Ipoh tree, a living emblem of the city’s identity.

Alternative – Bus from Penang to Ipoh

For those looking to travel by bus from Penang to Ipoh, services are available from both Penang and Butterworth, with the journey typically lasting between 2 to 3.5 hours, though this may vary with traffic conditions.

It’s important to note that, in compliance with legal regulations, buses in Malaysia are not equipped with onboard toilets. However, to enhance passenger comfort, a scheduled restroom break is planned at a gas station along the route.

Check the current bus schedule.

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About ETS

ETS, Malaysia’s premier high-speed train service, operates at speeds of up to 140 km/h, connecting Gemas and Padang Besar. The service offers a tiered class system comprising Platinum, Gold, and Silver classes, catering to various preferences ranging from speed to affordability. Fares vary by class and trip specifics, with certain discounts available for specific passenger categories. ETS trains are designed for comfort, featuring air-conditioned interiors, power outlets for charging devices, and options for online, station, or agent ticket purchases. Notably, the trains are equipped with a range of facilities including a dedicated prayer room and a bistro located in Coach C, luggage storage in Coaches A and F, and specialized seating for the elderly and disabled in Coach D, adjacent to an accessible restroom. For passenger enjoyment and information, LCD screens are strategically placed throughout the train.

See also: ETS Train from Sungkai to Ipoh

About Komuter

KTM Komuter is a commuter rail service in Malaysia that connects Kuala Lumpur with its suburbs and, since 2015, also serves the northern states. It includes facilities such as a Ladies’ Coach for female passengers, priority seating for elderly and disabled individuals, 24/7 CCTV surveillance for added security, and the capability to accommodate bicycles on trains.