Komuter Train from Penang to Padang Besar (Komuter train Penang ke Padang Besar)

Padang Besar – General Information about the Destination

Padang Besar is a border town between Malaysia and Thailand, serving as a significant transport connection point between the two countries. It houses a railway station that facilitates travel between Malaysia and Thailand, along with a bus station and various taxi services that provide convenient transport options to other cities within both countries.

This town is a haven for shoppers, hosting an array of duty-free shops that attract many looking for good deals. Its geographic location also makes it a hotspot for vibrant nightlife, offering a range of bars and restaurants that serve diverse cuisines to cater to different tastes. Additionally, its proximity to Alor Setar allows easy access to the popular tourist destination, Langkawi Island.

Information about the Route (Penang – Butterworth – Padang Besar)

The travel route from Penang to Padang Besar includes two stages: 

• Ferry from Penang to Butterworth;
• KTM Komuter train from Butterworth to Padang Besar.

Ferry from Penang (George Town) to Butterworth

To travel from Penang (George Town) to Butterworth, you can use the Rapid Ferry service. The ferry departs from the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in George Town, offering a quick journey of 15 to 20 minutes to reach Butterworth. The ferries operate frequently, leaving every 20 to 30 minutes from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. The ferry service from Penang to Butterworth is free of charge.

Once you arrive at the Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim terminal in Butterworth, you have a couple of options to reach the train station. You can either walk, which will take about 15 minutes, or you can take a free shuttle bus that stops at the bus station near the entrance of the Butterworth Railway Station.

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 https://myrapid.com.my/journey-planner/.

See also: Train from KL to Penang – How to get to Penang?

KTM Komuter Butterworth – Padang Besar

To travel from Butterworth to Padang Besar by train, passengers can use the KTM Komuter service, which operates on the Butterworth – Padang Besar rail line. The journey includes stops at 12 stations, such as Bukit Mertajam, Sungai Petani, and Alor Setar, before reaching the final destination of Padang Besar.

The entire journey is reasonably quick, taking about 1 hour and 50 minutes, whether you travel on a weekday or weekend. Tickets for this service can be easily purchased at the stations. However, it’s important to note that you can’t buy tickets in advance for the KTM Komuter trains.

Schedule of KTM Komuter Butterworth – Padang Besar

(Jadual Komuter Butterworth ke Padang Besar)

Trains from Butterworth to Padang Besar run frequently, with 18 services available daily, both on weekdays and weekends. The first train starts operating early at 05:20, and trains continue to run throughout the day until the last departure at 21:35.

Download the current schedule.

Download

See also: ETS train from KL to Padang Besar 

KTM Komuter Butterworth Railway Station

Butterworth Railway Station is located in Butterworth, Penang, and acts as a significant transportation center for the area. It is well-connected, with easy access via key roads such as Federal Route 1 and the Butterworth Outer Ring Route (E17). The station is close to the Penang Sentral bus terminal and the Sultan Abdul Hamid Ferry Terminal, making it easy for passengers to transfer from George Town.

The station is a key stop on the KTM Komuter Line that goes towards Padang Besar at the Malaysia-Thailand border. This allows travelers to connect with Thailand Railway Services for destinations such as Bangkok, Hat Yai, and Surat Thani. Butterworth Station is also integrated into the West Coast Railway Line, hosting KTM ETS trains that operate between Gemas and Butterworth.

The station provides basic facilities like an indoor waiting area, toilets, and a convenience store for snacks and drinks. However, it doesn’t have restaurant services or luggage storage facilities. Ticket services are available at two counters on the second floor of the station.

Arrival Point – Padang Besar Railway Station

The Padang Besar railway station is located near the border between Malaysia and Thailand, making it a significant station for cross-border travel. When passengers arrive at this station from Butterworth using the KTM Komuter train, they can continue their journey into Thailand by either taking a Thai Railway (SRT) train or using minivan services. Several tour companies at the station offer these transportation options.

One of the main features of this station is its integrated immigration checkpoint. This means that the station houses immigration services for both Malaysia and Thailand, simplifying the travel process for passengers. However, it’s important to note that these immigration services are available only a short time before the trains to Thailand depart. Travelers should also avoid arriving late at night, as the immigration services are not available outside of their operating hours.

Alternative – Buses from Penang to Padang Besar

When planning a journey from Penang to Padang Besar, be advised that direct bus services are not available for this route. The train is the only public transportation mode available, making it the primary option for travelers.

About Komuter

KTM Komuter is a commuter train service in Malaysia, operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM). It’s designed to be a convenient and efficient public transportation option for daily commuters, covering various routes in and around the Klang Valley, and extending to other regions such as the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia.

Train Facilities

KTM Komuter trains are equipped with facilities to ensure passenger comfort and convenience. The trains have designated coaches for women, and priority seating areas for the elderly and disabled. For added security, the trains operate with 24/7 CCTV surveillance. Additionally, the trains accommodate bicycles, allowing passengers to bring along their bikes.