How to Get from Penang to Taiping by Train (Penang ke Taiping)

Taiping – General Information about the Destination

Taiping is a city in northwest Malaysia, in the state of Perak. It holds the title of Malaysia’s first planned town and carries a history steeped in the colonial period. The city’s layout, with its broad streets, the serene Taiping Lake Gardens, and buildings from its days as a mining town, tell the story of its past. Notable sites include the Taiping Zoo and Night Safari, and the Perak Museum, among the oldest in Malaysia.

The city’s educational institutions and places of worship are some of Malaysia’s most longstanding. People visit Taiping for its mild weather and the natural beauty that surrounds it, including Maxwell Hill, known for its scenic views. Taiping is also known for its unique local food, such as the larb dish from Perak. Additionally, it serves as a gateway to other attractions in Perak, like the Kuala Sepetang coastal area. Taiping is a destination that blends historical intrigue with the allure of natural landscapes in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula.

Information about the Route (Penang – Taiping)

The travel route from Penang to Taiping includes two stages: 

• Ferry from Penang to Butterworth.
• Train from Butterworth to Taiping. If you’re looking to travel from Butterworth to Taiping by train, you have two options to choose from: the ETS train and the KTM Komuter train.

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

Travelers heading from George Town in Penang to Butterworth can use the Rapid Ferry service. The ferries depart from the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in George Town and arrive at the Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim terminal in Butterworth. The trip takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and there’s a ferry every 20 to 30 minutes, starting from 7:00 until 21:00. The ferry ride to Butterworth is free.

Once in Butterworth, you can walk to the train station in about 15 minutes, or take advantage of the complimentary shuttle bus that will drop you off right at the entrance of the Butterworth Railway Station.

See also: ETS and KTM Komuter Trains from Taiping to Penang 

How to get to the terminal from George Town?

To get to the ferry terminal from George Town, you can either take a taxi or a public bus. If you choose a taxi, remember to negotiate the fare upfront since taxis in Penang do not usually operate with meters. For bus travel, routes 202, 203, 204, and 502 will take you to Pengkalan Weld, where the ferry terminal is located. You can easily plan your journey by using the website https://myrapid.com.my/journey-planner/.

Butterworth to Taiping by ETS Train

ETS trains from Butterworth to Taiping operate on the Southbound Train line and include Gold and Platinum classes. The Gold class trains have a travel duration of approximately 1 hour, whereas Platinum class trains take about 55 minutes. Tickets for Gold class cost RM20.00, and for Platinum class, the price is RM24.00. Tickets are available for purchase on the official website or at the station’s ticket counter. The trains make stops at various stations along the route, including Bukit Mertajam, Nibong Tebal, Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, and culminate at Taiping.

Schedule of ETS Trains Butterworth – Taiping

(Jadual ETS Butterworth ke Taiping)

ETS trains from Butterworth to Taiping run 6 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 schedule.

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Butterworth to Taiping by KTM Komuter

KTM Komuter services run from Butterworth to Taiping (the Butterworth – Ipoh line), with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. This line includes stops at Bukit Tengah, Bukit Mertajam, Simpang Ampat, Nibong Tebal, Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, and Kamunting, and ends at Taiping. Tickets are sold at the stations and cannot be bought in advance.

Schedule of KTM Komuter Butterworth – Taiping

(Jadual Komuter Butterworth ke Taiping)

On both weekdays and weekends, KTM Komuter trains from Butterworth to Taiping run 8 times a day. The first train sets off at 5:30 in the morning, and the last one leaves at 7:10 in the evening.

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

Download the current schedule.

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Departure Station – KTM Komuter Butterworth Station

Butterworth Railway Station in Penang, Malaysia, serves as a central transportation hub for the region. Located adjacent to major roadways such as Federal Route 1 and the Butterworth Outer Ring Route, the station offers straightforward access for travelers. It is also conveniently connected to the Penang Sentral bus terminal and the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal via covered walkways, allowing for easy transfers between train, bus, and ferry services.

The station is part of the West Coast Railway Line and operates KTM ETS trains that travel south to Gemas and KTM Komuter Line trains that head north to the Malaysia-Thailand border at Padang Besar. For those seeking to travel into Thailand, additional train services are available from Padang Besar to destinations like Bangkok, Hat Yai, and Surat Thani.

Butterworth Station provides essential facilities, including a waiting area, toilets, and a kiosk selling snacks and beverages. Dining options and luggage storage services are not available at this location. Passengers can purchase tickets at the ticket counters located on the second floor of the station building.

Arrival Point – Taiping Railway Station

Taiping Railway Station is in Taiping, Perak, and holds the distinction of being Malaysia’s first station when it opened in 1885. The current facility, operational since 2014, was built to modernize and improve the rail service alongside the old structure.

Located on the West Coast Line, it serves as a stop for the KTM ETS and KTM Komuter lines, linking travelers to cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kedah, and Ipoh.

The station is equipped with ticket counters, an elevator, restrooms, and a kiosk. It’s accessible for passengers with disabilities, offering convenience for all users.

Getting to Taiping Railway Station is straightforward: by KTM train from stations on the line or a short trip from the Taiping Bus Terminal. It sits between the Padang Rengas and Parit Buntar stations and is a frequent choice for those traveling in the area.

Alternative – Buses from Penang to Taiping

For those considering a bus trip from Penang to Taiping, the route usually involves taking a ferry from Penang to Butterworth and a bus from Butterworth to Taiping, which typically takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, though travel time can be affected by traffic conditions. It’s essential to keep in mind that Malaysian buses do not have onboard toilets due to legal regulations. However, a planned restroom stop at a gas station along the way in Butterworth ensures a comfortable and convenient travel experience as you make your way to Penang.

Check the current bus schedule.

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About ETS

The ETS, or Electric Train Service, is a rail service in Malaysia that provides inter-city travel on the West Coast Line, from Padang Besar near the Thai border to Gemas, which is the southern limit of the electrified track. The ETS is known for its speed and efficiency, traveling up to 140 kilometers per hour, making it the fastest train service in the country. It offers various classes of service, including Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each providing different levels of comfort and amenities. The ETS is popular for its punctuality and comfortable rides, making it a preferred choice for longer-distance travel within Peninsular Malaysia.

About Komuter

KTM Komuter is a commuter rail service in Malaysia, serving the Klang Valley and the surrounding regions. It is designed to provide frequent and affordable train services for daily commuters, particularly those traveling to and from work or school. The service operates along several routes, connecting major cities and suburbs and is a key component of the greater Kuala Lumpur public transportation system. The trains are typically equipped with basic amenities, prioritizing efficiency and capacity to cater to high passenger volumes during peak hours.