How to Get from Seremban to Penang by Train and Ferry 

Penang – General Information about the Destination

Penang is an island state located off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It consists of Penang Island, where the capital city George Town is located, and a strip of mainland territory. Penang is known as the “Pearl of the Orient” and is one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations. George Town boasts a UNESCO World Heritage old town full of ornate Chinese shophouses, colorful street art murals, and grand colonial buildings. 

Penang is renowned as a food paradise, with locals and tourists flocking to hawker stalls to taste iconic dishes like chili pan mee, Penang laksa, and curry mee. The island’s coastline features lovely beaches like Batu Ferringhi as well as lush highlands in its interior. Penang also serves as a shopping haven, with modern malls, local handicraft shops, and street markets offering everything from electronics to souvenirs. 

Information about the Route (Seremban – Butterworth – Penang)

The travel route from Ipoh to Penang includes two stages: 

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

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

Seremban – Butterworth by ETS Train

The Northbound Train running from Seremban to Butterworth offers Gold class service, which takes approximately 5 hours and 55 minutes to complete the journey. The cost for a Gold class ticket starts at RM63.00. Passengers can purchase tickets online or at the ticket counters available at the station. This train route includes several stops, among them Kajang, KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and many others before reaching the final destination, Butterworth.

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

Schedule of ETS Train Seremban to Butterworth

(Jadual ETS Seremban ke Butterworth)

The train from Seremban to Butterworth runs once a day. The departure time for this train is 16:28.

Download the current schedule.

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Ferry from Butterworth to Penang (George Town)

The Rapid Ferry service connects Butterworth and Penang (George Town) via the Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal located in Butterworth. The terminal is accessible by a short walk from the Butterworth Railway Station or by a free shuttle bus that is provided for passengers.

The ferry journey to George Town typically takes between 15 to 20 minutes, with departures scheduled every 20 to 30 minutes. There is a brief interval for cleaning during the day when services are temporarily paused.

Daily operations start at 6:30, with the last ferry departing at 20:30. The fare structure is MYR 1.20 for adults and MYR 0.60 for children aged 5 to 12, while children under 5 travel at no cost. Tickets are available for purchase at the terminal.

Upon arrival in George Town, the ferry reaches Pengkalan Weld, which provides access to various parts of the city for incoming passengers.

How to get to the city from the terminal?

After disembarking from the ferry at Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda, passengers can access the city via a pathway that leads to the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal. At this terminal, a selection of bus services is available, offering routes to various parts of Penang. Additionally, for those who opt for a taxi, there is a taxi stand nearby. It is recommended to discuss and confirm the taxi fare prior to departure, as taxis in Penang do not commonly use meters.

Getting around the Island

Transportation in Penang is varied and facilitates easy navigation around the island. For short distances, especially in George Town, options include trishaws and walking. The city is also served by a free shuttle bus service, the Central Area Transit (CAT), which operates from the central KOMTAR Terminal to different locations within the city.

Public buses, managed by Rapid Penang, provide service across the island and to the mainland, connecting various destinations. Taxis are another option for getting around; however, they usually do not use meters, so it is important to agree on the fare in advance.

For those who prefer to use a smartphone app to book and pay for rides, e-hailing services such as Grab are available and offer a convenient alternative to traditional taxis.

When planning to visit places further away, like the Kek Lok Si Temple or Penang National Park, public transport is available, but checking the timetables and costs ahead of time is advisable. The KOMTAR Terminal in George Town is a central hub for these bus services, providing access to different parts of Penang Island.

See also: Komuter Train from Sungai Petani to Penang

Seremban Railway Station

The Seremban Railway Station serves as a stop for the KTM ETS and KTM Komuter train services. It is a part of the Seremban Line, linking Batu Caves and Pulau Sebang/Tampin, and was historically the southern end of the KTM Komuter Seremban line.

The station’s facilities include three platforms: a side platform (Platform 1) for northbound trains, and an island platform (Platforms 2 and 3) with a wooden shade structure, catering to southbound Komuter and ETS trains. These platforms are interconnected by a link bridge for easy transit between them.

Amenities at the station encompass a kiosk, a prayer room, a ticket counter, a taxi stand, ticket vending machines, public restrooms, and a parking lot for those arriving by car.

Butterworth Station

Butterworth Railway Station, positioned near the Penang Sentral bus terminal and the Sultan Abdul Hamid Ferry Terminal, is accessible through Federal Route 1 and the Butterworth Outer Ring Route (E17). Covered walkways link the station to these terminals, ensuring convenient transfers for ferry passengers from George Town.

The station is a stop on the West Coast Railway Line for KTM ETS trains running to and from Gemas, and it connects to the KTM Komuter Northern Sector with services extending to Padang Besar. This connection is crucial for travelers heading towards the Malaysia-Thailand border, offering them onward travel options into Thailand, including Bangkok and other cities.

Facilities at the station include an indoor waiting area, restrooms, and a shop for refreshments. The station lacks dining options and luggage storage services. Ticketing is handled at two counters located on the second floor.

Alternatives – Buses and Flights from Seremban to Penang

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

Flights from Seremban to Penang

Travelers making their way from Seremban to Penang can opt for a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Penang International Airport. This route is serviced by airlines such as Air Asia, Malindo Air, Firefly, and Malaysia Airlines, ensuring a variety of options. The direct flights between these destinations typically last about 1 hour, offering a fast and straightforward travel solution.

Check the current flight schedule.

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Buses from Seremban to Penang

To travel from Seremban to Penang by bus, you can depart from Seremban Terminal 1 to Butterworth. From Butterworth, you’ll need to take a ferry to reach Penang. The total journey may take around 6 hours or more, depending on traffic conditions.

It’s important to note that, due to regulations, buses in Malaysia do not have onboard toilets. However, there will be a scheduled stop at a gas station along the route, where passengers can use the restroom and also purchase snacks.

Check the current bus schedule.

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About ETS

ETS, or Electric Train Service, is the premier high-speed train service of Malaysia, capable of reaching speeds up to 140 kilometers per hour. It operates on the West Coast Line, connecting Gemas to Padang Besar. The service is segmented into three classes: Platinum, Gold, and Silver. Platinum class offers the quickest journey times and comes with a higher price tag, while Gold and Silver classes provide options at different price points and speeds.

Tickets for the ETS can be purchased through various channels: online, at the train stations, or via authorized agents. Certain groups of passengers may be eligible for ticket discounts. Regardless of class, all ETS trains are equipped with amenities designed to enhance passenger comfort, including air conditioning, comfortable seating, and power outlets for charging electronic devices.

Train Facilities

ETS trains are furnished with various onboard facilities to cater to the needs of passengers. These include a prayer room and a food and beverage service located in Coach C. Luggage storage is available in Coaches A and F, allowing passengers to stow away their bags securely.

Additionally, Coach D is equipped with seats designated for elderly and disabled passengers, situated near a washroom that is accessible for those with mobility challenges.

For informational purposes, LCD screens are installed throughout the train to display travel details, assisting passengers in staying updated on their journey’s progress.