How to Get from Penang to Seremban by Ferry and Train

Seremban – General Information about the Destination

Seremban is the capital city of the state of Negeri Sembilan in western Peninsular Malaysia. It serves as the state’s transportation and economic hub and is a popular tourist destination. Seremban is renowned for its Minangkabau-style architecture, reflected in sites like the Istana Besar royal palace and State Museum Complex. The city center boasts heritage buildings, markets, and shophouses selling traditional handicrafts. 

Nearby attractions include Lukut Fort, Rantau Lake Gardens, and Berembun Forest Reserve’s canopy walk. Seremban has a reputation as a food haven, offering local specialties like beef noodles, prawn fritters, and spicy coconut cake. The city sees an influx of visitors during festivals like the Seremban International Basejump event and the Malaysia International Gourmet Festival. With a mix of historical sites, architecture, parks, adventure sports, and delicious cuisine, Seremban provides an authentic Malaysian experience.

Information about the Route (Penang – Butterworth – Seremban)

The travel route from Penang to Ipoh includes two stages: 

• Ferry from Penang to Butterworth;
• ETS train from Butterworth to Seremban.

Ferry from Penang (George Town) to Butterworth

The Rapid Ferry service offers a route from George Town in Penang to Butterworth, departing from the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal. The ferry sets off every 20 to 30 minutes and the crossing duration is between 15 to 20 minutes. This service is available from 7:00 am until 9:00 pm daily, and passengers are not required to pay for the trip to Butterworth.

Once passengers arrive at the Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim terminal in Butterworth, they have the option to walk for about 15 minutes to reach the Butterworth Railway Station, or they can take advantage of the complimentary shuttle bus that is provided.

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

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

Butterworth – Seremban by ETS Train

The train service operating from Butterworth to Seremban is classified as the Southbound Train line. This route is served by Gold class trains. The quickest travel time for the Gold class on this route is approximately 5 hours and 55 minutes.

Ticket prices for the Gold class service start from RM 63.00. Passengers have the option to purchase tickets online or at the station’s ticket counter.

The route includes stops at several stations, including Bukit Mertajam, Nibong Tebal, Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, Taiping, Padang Rengas, Kuala Kangsar, Sungai Siput, Ipoh, Batu Gajah, Kampar, Tapah Road, Sungkai, Slim River, Tanjung Malim, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Batang Kali, Rawang, Sungai Buloh, Kepong Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, KL Sentral, Bandar Tasek Selatan, Kajang, and finally reaching Seremban.

Schedule of KTM Komuter Butterworth – Seremban

(Jadual ETS Butterworth ke Seremban)

The train service from Butterworth to Seremban runs once a day. The train departs from Butterworth at 07:50 in the morning. 

Download the current schedule.

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Butterworth Railway Station

Butterworth Railway Station, located in Penang, Malaysia, is strategically adjacent to both the ferry terminal and the bus station, offering seamless access for travelers heading to George Town. It serves as a vital stop on the KTM Komuter Northern Sector line, which extends to Padang Besar, and from there, passengers can connect to the train system heading into Thailand.

The station also facilitates the KTM Intercity and the Electric Train Service (ETS), both of which traverse the West Coast Railway Line, connecting Gemas to Butterworth. This makes Butterworth Station a key link for longer-distance train travel within the region.

To accommodate passengers, the station provides an indoor waiting area and restrooms, along with a store for essentials and light refreshments. While the station does not offer dining options or luggage storage facilities, it supports ticket purchases with counters located on the second floor for travelers to buy their tickets.

Arrival Point – Seremban Railway Station

Seremban Railway Station, positioned in the center of Seremban — the capital of Negeri Sembilan state — operates as a significant transport hub. This station is on the KTM network and accommodates both the ETS (Electric Train Service) and Komuter services. It lies on the Seremban Line that connects Batu Caves with Pulau Sebang/Tampin and has a history as the southern end of the KTM Komuter Seremban line.

The station’s architecture includes three platforms. Platform 1 is a side platform used for northbound trains. Platforms 2 and 3 form an island platform, which is sheltered with a wooden shade and is designated for southbound services of the Komuter and ETS.

Travelers using the Seremban Station have access to a variety of facilities and services. These include a small kiosk for snacks and essentials, a prayer room for spiritual needs, a ticket counter for purchasing travel tickets, and ticket vending machines for automated ticketing. A taxi stand is available for those needing onward land transport. Additionally, the station provides toilets and a parking lot for commuters’ convenience.

Alternative – Buses and Flights from Penang to Seremban

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

Bus from Penang to Seremban

For those contemplating a bus journey from Penang to Seremban, you have the option to board the bus in either Penang or Butterworth, with the trip typically spanning between 6 to 10 hours, though this can extend depending on the traffic situation.

It’s crucial to note that buses in Malaysia are not equipped with onboard toilets due to regulatory restrictions. However, to ensure a comfortable travel experience, a scheduled restroom break at a gas station is incorporated along the way.

Check the current bus schedule.

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Flight from Penang to Seremban

For those planning to travel from Penang to Seremban, flying offers a quick and direct route. You can board a flight from Penang International Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, with services provided by airlines such as Air Asia, Malindo Air, and Malaysia Airlines. The duration of the direct flight is typically around 1 hour, making it a fast and convenient option for reaching Seremban.

Check the current flight schedule.

Check on 12go.com

About ETS

ETS, or Electric Train Service, stands as Malaysia’s swiftest train service, reaching speeds of up to 140 km/h along the West Coast Line, which spans from Gemas to Padang Besar. The service is tiered into three classes: Platinum, Gold, and Silver. The Platinum service is the premium offering, providing the quickest travel times at a higher fare.

Passengers have the flexibility to purchase tickets through multiple channels, including online platforms, directly at train stations, or via authorized agents. Certain groups of passengers may benefit from fare discounts.

Comfort is a priority on all ETS trains, with seating designed for relaxation and each train equipped with amenities such as power outlets for charging electronic devices and air conditioning to ensure a pleasant journey irrespective of the climate outside.

Train Facilities

ETS trains are outfitted with a number of facilities designed to cater to the needs of passengers. These include a prayer room and a bistro offering food and beverages, both situated in Coach C. Storage for luggage is provided in Coaches A and F. Additionally, Coach D is equipped with seats that are reserved for elderly and disabled passengers, located close to an accessible washroom. For the convenience of all passengers, LCD screens displaying travel information are installed throughout the train.