Komuter Train from Sungai Petani to Penang (Komuter train Sungai Petani ke Penang)

Penang – General Information about the Destination

Penang is an island state located off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Orient”, it is known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant multicultural society. The island’s capital George Town was founded as a trading post by the British in 1786 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colorful shophouses and mix of Asian cultural influences. Major landmarks include the iconic Kek Lok Si Temple, the ornate Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, and Fort Cornwallis. Penang is also considered Malaysia’s food capital, renowned for local specialties like Penang Laksa, nasi kandar, and assam laksa. With its scenic coastal scenery, tropical climate, and unique heritage, Penang has become one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations.

Information about the Route (Sungai Petani – Butterworth – Penang)

The travel route from Sungai Petani to Penang includes two stages: 

• KTM Komuter train from Sungai Petani to Butterworth;
• Ferry from Butterworth to Penang.

KTM Komuter Sungai Petani – Butterworth

Trains from Sungai Petani to Butterworth run on the Padang Besar – Butterworth rail line. There are three stations between these two points: Tasek Gelugor, Bukit Mertajam, and Bukit Tengah. The journey is around 35 km and takes about 35 minutes, whether on a weekday or the weekend. Tickets are available for purchase at the stations, but you can’t buy them in advance for KTM Komuter services.

See also: Komuter Train from Butterworth to Sungai Petani 

Schedule of KTM Komuter Sungai Petani – Butterworth

(Jadual Komuter Sungai Petani ke Butterworth)

Trains from Sungai Petani to Butterworth operate 18 times a day, both on weekdays and weekends. On weekdays, the first train departs from Sungai Petani at 06:37 in the morning, and the last train leaves at 22:52 at night. The schedule is the same on weekends, with the first train leaving at 06:37 and the last one at 22:52.

Download the current schedule.

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Ferry from Butterworth to Penang (George Town)

To travel from Butterworth to Penang (George Town), you can use the Rapid Ferry service. The ferry departs from the Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal in Butterworth. You can walk to the terminal from the Butterworth Railway Station in about 15 minutes, or you can take a free shuttle bus.

The ferry ride to George Town takes 15 to 20 minutes. The ferry operates every 20 to 30 minutes, but there is a break in service for cleaning. The first ferry is at 06:30, and the last one is at 20:30.

Tickets cost MYR 1.20 for adults and MYR 0.60 for children between 5 to 12 years old. Children under 5 years old are free. You can buy tickets at the terminal.

When you arrive in George Town, you will be at the Pengkalan Weld seafront road, where you can easily go to different parts of the city.

How to Get to the City from the Terminal?

After getting off the ferry at Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda, you will walk through a pathway that leads to the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal. This terminal is where you can find buses that go to many places in Penang. There is also a taxi stand located near the bus terminal. If you choose to take a taxi, you will need to agree on a price with the driver before the trip because taxis in Penang usually don’t use meters.

Getting Around the Island

Getting around Penang is convenient due to the variety of transportation options available. You can choose from trishaws, free shuttle buses, city buses, and taxis, or even walk within George Town and nearby areas. For distant attractions like the Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang National Park, public transport is accessible, but it’s advisable to check schedules and fares ahead of time.

Taxis are readily available, but it’s essential to negotiate and settle on a fare before starting your journey. E-hailing services like Grab offer a convenient alternative, allowing booking and payment directly through an app.

Rapid Penang operates the main public bus service, covering both the island and the mainland. A free bus service, the Central Area Transit (CAT), operates within George Town, using the KOMTAR Terminal as the central hub for buses traveling across Penang Island.

Departure Point – Sungai Petani Station

The Sungai Petani Railway Station is located in the middle of Sungai Petani on Jalan Market Street. It is an important transportation center, serving both KTM ETS and KTM Komuter Northern Sector trains. The station is conveniently close to the bus station, being only a 10-minute walk away. This proximity allows for easy transitions between bus and train travel.

The station has a functional design, featuring a side platform and an island platform, with a total of three railway tracks. Essential facilities are available at the station, including washrooms and an information counter that displays train schedules, aiding passengers in planning their journeys effectively.

See also: ETS train from Sungai Petani to KL Sentral 

Arrival Point – Butterworth Railway Station

Butterworth Railway Station is situated in Butterworth, Penang, and serves as a key transportation center for Seberang Perai and Penang Island. The station is accessible via Federal Route 1 and the Butterworth Outer Ring Route (E17).

Located close to the Penang Sentral bus terminal and the Sultan Abdul Hamid Ferry Terminal, it is linked to these terminals through covered walkways. This allows passengers to easily transfer to the ferry service to reach Georgetown and other parts of the island through local buses.

Serving as a stop on the West Coast Railway Line, Butterworth Station accommodates KTM ETS trains traveling from Gemas to Butterworth. The station also connects to the KTM Komuter Line, providing services from Butterworth to Padang Besar, a town on the Malaysia-Thailand border. From Padang Besar, travelers can connect to Thailand Railway Services to reach destinations like Bangkok, Hat Yai, and Surat Thani.

The station offers essential facilities such as an indoor waiting area, toilets, and a small shop for drinks and snacks. However, it doesn’t have restaurant facilities or luggage storage services. Tickets can be purchased at two counters on the second floor of the station building.

About Komuter

KTM Komuter, launched in 1995, offers rail services in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley suburbs. In 2015, after the completion of the Ipoh-Padang Besar Electrification and Double-Tracking Project, its network extended to the northern states of Malaysia.

Train Facilities

KTM Komuter in Malaysia offers a range of facilities for passengers. These include a dedicated Ladies’ Coach and specific seating areas for women at KL Sentral, priority seats for the elderly and disabled, 24/7 CCTV for enhanced security, and the provision to accommodate bicycles on trains.