How to Get from Penang Sentral to KL Sentral by Train?

Penang – General Information

Penang is a state located northwest of Malaysia, consisting of a mainland and an island. The island, also called Penang, is known as the “Pearl of the Orient” and is a popular tourist destination. It is renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine.

The state’s capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a plethora of well-preserved colonial architecture, street art, and traditional shophouses. The mainland is rapidly developing and has become a hub for industries such as electronics and manufacturing. Penang is also home to some of Malaysia’s top universities and research institutions.

Information about the Route (Penang – Butterworth – KL Sentral)

To travel from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, you need to go through two stages:

Ferry from Penang to Butterworth;

ETS train from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral or Kuala Lumpur Station).

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

Ferry from Penang (George Town) to Butterworth

To get to Butterworth from Penang, travelers can take the Rapid Ferry service, which departs from the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in George Town.

The journey takes between 15 to 20 minutes. The ferries operate frequently, with departures every 20 to 30 minutes (with a sanitization break), starting from as early as 7.00 until as late as 21.00. The ferry service from Penang to the mainland is free of charge.

Upon arrival at the ferry terminal (Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim) in Butterworth, travelers can walk to the train station, which takes around 15 minutes. Alternatively, passengers can use the free shuttle bus, which stops at the bus station in front of the entrance to Butterworth Railway Station.

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.

KL to Butterworth by ETS

Once passengers have arrived at Butterworth, they will need to take the ETS train to Kuala Lumpur, which covers a distance of approximately 350 km and takes around 4 hours to complete. There are six trains that run daily, with the first one departing at approximately 5:00. and the last one at around 19:00. This route is serviced by both Gold and Platinum Services, with ticket prices (harga tiket KL ke Butterworth) starting from MYR 60 for the Gold service and MYR 80 for the Platinum service. Passengers can purchase their tickets either at the station’s ticket counter or through the KTMB website.

Download the current schedule.

Download

Alternatives – Buses and Flights from Penang to Kuala Lumpur

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

Bus from Penang to KL

For those considering a bus trip from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, the usual route involves taking a bus from Penang or Butterworth to either KL Sentral or TBS. This journey typically lasts from 5 to 9 hours, with the potential for longer travel times due to traffic conditions.

It’s important to note that Malaysian buses do not have onboard toilets due to legal regulations. Nonetheless, a scheduled restroom stop at a gas station along the route ensures a comfortable travel experience for passengers.

Check the current bus schedule.

Check on 12go.com

Flight from Penang to KL

Travelers have the option to take a direct flight from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, with flights operated by airlines such as Air Asia, Malindo Air, or Malaysia Airlines. These direct flights provide a convenient means of travel between the two cities, typically lasting around 1 hour.

Check the current flight schedule.

Check on 12go.com

About ETS

The Electric Train Service, or ETS, is a modern and high-speed train system that links major cities in Malaysia. Travelers can choose from three classes of service: Gold, Platinum, and Silver. The Gold class is the most economical option, offering comfortable seating, air conditioning, and clean facilities. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the Platinum class provides wider seats, onboard entertainment, and complimentary refreshments. The Silver class, available only on select routes, is a budget-friendly option with standard amenities. ETS trains come equipped with charging sockets, and ample luggage storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from Penang to KL?

The cheapest way to get from Penang to Kuala Lumpur is by taking a bus. Several bus companies operate on this route, offering a range of options from standard buses to luxury coaches. The journey typically takes around 5-6 hours, depending on traffic, and prices start from as low as MYR 25. However, it’s important to note that bus travel may not be as comfortable or convenient as other modes of transportation, such as the ETS train or flights.

What is the fastest way to get from Penang to KL?

The fastest way to get from Penang to Kuala Lumpur is by taking a flight. Several airlines operate daily flights between Penang International Airport (PEN) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), with a flight time of around 1 hour. Alternatively, the Electric Train Service (ETS) offers high-speed train connections between Butterworth (which is accessible via a short ferry ride from Penang) and Kuala Lumpur, with a journey time of around 4 hours.

How far is it from Penang to KL Sentral?

The distance between KL Sentral and Penang is approximately 350 kilometers.

How to cross from Penang to Butterworth?

To cross from Penang to Butterworth, travelers can take the Rapid Ferry service, which departs from the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in George Town. The journey takes between 15 to 20 minutes, and the ferries operate frequently, with departures every 20 to 30 minutes (with a sanitization break), starting from as early as 7.00 am until as late as 9.00 pm. The ferry service is free of charge. Upon arrival at the ferry terminal (Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim) in Butterworth, travelers can walk to the train station, which takes around 15 minutes. Alternatively, passengers can make use of the free shuttle bus, which stops at the bus station located in front of the entrance to Butterworth Railway Station.

How long does it take to travel from Penang to Butterworth by ferry?

The journey from Penang to Butterworth by ferry takes between 15 to 20 minutes. The ferries operate frequently, with departures every 20 to 30 minutes, starting from as early as 7.00 am until as late as 9.00 pm.

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 Penang to Butterworth cost?

The ferry from Penang to Butterworth is free of charge.

How many hours does it take to travel from Penang to KL?

The total travel time from Penang to Kuala Lumpur depends on the mode of transportation. By car or bus, the journey takes about 5 hours, while by train, the journey takes around 4 hours. By plane, including travel time to and from the airport, the journey takes around 3 hours.