Alor Setar – General Information about the Destination
Alor Setar is situated near the Kedah River and functions as the primary administrative and economic center for the state of Kedah. It is dotted with historic structures such as the Balai Nobat, Balai Besar, and the distinctive Zahir Mosque, which are symbols of the city’s rich heritage. Reflecting a diverse cultural heritage, the city is woven with Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences that are evident in its daily life and traditions.
Visitors can explore the Zahir Mosque, the old royal palace of Balai Besar, and the vibrant Central Market, where a variety of regional produce and crafts are available. Beyond the city limits, the Bujang Valley archaeological site provides insight into the region’s extensive historical narrative.
Information about the Route (Taiping – Alor Setar)
If you’re looking to travel from Taiping to Alor Setar by train, you have two options to choose from: the ETS train and the KTM Komuter train.
See also: How to Get from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur.
Taiping to Alor Setar by ETS Train
Travelers journeying from Taiping to Alor Setar by train have the choice of Gold or Platinum services on the Northbound Train line. The Gold class service reaches Alor Setar in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, while the Platinum class service slightly reduces the travel time to 1 hour and 35 minutes.
For Gold class, ticket prices (harga tiket Taiping ke Alor Setar) begin at RM28.00, and for those opting for the Platinum class, prices start from RM35.00. You have the convenience of purchasing tickets either through the website or in person at the ticket counters located at various stations, including Parit Buntar, Tasek Gelugor, Sungai Petani, and Alor Setar.
Departure: Taiping Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Taiping,
Jalan Stesen, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Taiping Station Contact number: 05-8072591
Arrival: Alor Setar Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Alor Setar,
Jalan Kolam Air, Alor Malai,
05200 Alor Setar, Kedah
Alor Setar Station Contact number: 04-7314045
Schedule of ETS Train Taiping – Alor Setar
(Jadual ETS Taiping ke Alor Setar)
Trains from Taiping to Alor Setar run five times a day. The first train of the day departs at 10:28 in the morning. The last train for the day leaves at 02:03 after midnight.
Download the current ETS schedule.
DownloadSee also: How to Get from Subang Jaya to Alor Setar by Train
Taiping to Alor Setar by KTM Komuter
The travel route from Taiping to Alor Setar includes two stages:
- KTM Komuter Taiping to Bukit Mertajam;
- KTM Komuter Bukit Mertajam to Alor Setar.
Taiping to Bukit Mertajam by KTM Komuter
The train journey from Taiping to Bukit Mertajam covers six stations along the Ipoh – Butterworth rail line. Whether on weekdays or weekends, the shortest travel time for this route is consistently 50 minutes. Passengers looking to buy tickets for this trip can do so directly at the stations, as advance ticket purchases are not available for KTM Komuter services.
Departure: Taiping Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Taiping,
Jalan Stesen, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Taiping Station Contact number: 05-8072591
Arrival: Bukit Mertajam Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Bukit Mertajam,
2916, Jalan Padang Lalang,
14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Bukit Mertajam Station Contact number: 04-5392660
Schedule of KTM Komuter Taiping – Bukit Mertajam
(Jadual Komuter Taiping ke Bukit Mertajam)
Trains from Taiping to Bukit Mertajam run eight times per day, both on weekdays and weekends. The first train of the day departs at 5:32 in the morning, and the last train leaves at 19:27 in the evening.
Download the current KTM schedule.
DownloadBukit Mertajam to Alor Setar by KTM Komuter
Trains running from Bukit Mertajam to Alor Setar stop at five stations along the way. These trains operate on the Butterworth – Padang Besar rail line. Whether you travel on a weekday or a weekend, the shortest journey time is approximately 55 minutes. Tickets for this train route are available for purchase directly at the stations, as advance purchases are not offered for KTM Komuter services.
Departure: Bukit Mertajam Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Bukit Mertajam,
2916, Jalan Padang Lalang,
14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Bukit Mertajam Station Contact number: 04-5392660
Arrival: Alor Setar Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Alor Setar,
Jalan Kolam Air, Alor Malai,
05200 Alor Setar, Kedah
Alor Setar Station Contact number: 04-7314045
Schedule of KTM Komuter Bukit Mertajam – Alor Setar
(Jadual Komuter Bukit Mertajam ke Alor Setar)
The train service from Bukit Mertajam to Alor Setar operates 18 times each day, both on weekdays and weekends. On these days, the first train departs early in the morning at 05:31. The last train for the day leaves later in the evening at 21:46.
Download the current KTM schedule.
DownloadAlternative – Buses
For those intending to make the trip from Taiping to Alor Setar, it’s important to note the absence of direct bus connections. The sole public transport alternative is the train, as described in previous sections.
How to get from Alor Setar Railway Station to Langkawi?
To reach Langkawi from Alor Setar Railway Station, travelers have two main transport options:
Taxi to Kuala Kedah Jetty and Ferry to Langkawi
A taxi can be taken from Alor Setar Railway Station to Kuala Kedah Jetty, which is approximately 13 kilometers away. The fare for the taxi ride is generally around 20 MYR. At Kuala Kedah Jetty, ferry tickets to Langkawi are available for purchase at a cost of 34.50 MYR per adult. The ferry service operates five times daily, with each trip lasting about one and a half hours.
Walk to the City Center, Bus to Kuala Kedah Jetty and Ferry to Langkawi
Travelers can walk from Alor Setar Railway Station to the city center, which should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes. From the city center, a local bus is available to the Kuala Kedah Jetty. This option may be cheaper than a taxi but could also be less convenient and require more travel time. At Kuala Kedah Jetty, ferry tickets to Langkawi are available for purchase at a cost of 34.50 MYR per adult. The ferry service operates five times daily, with each trip lasting about one and a half hours.
Ticket counter:
Langkawi: 604-966 1125 / 604-966 1126
Kuala Kedah : 604-762 6295 / 604-762 6296
About ETS
The Electric Train Service (ETS) is Malaysia’s fastest meter gauge train, reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h. It operates along the West Coast Line from Gemas to Padang Besar. ETS offers three classes: Platinum (EP), Gold (EG), and Silver. Ticket prices vary by class, and discounts are available for seniors, students, and the disabled. ETS trains provide comfortable amenities such as spacious seats, power outlets, luggage space, and air conditioning. Facilities include a prayer room, an F&B Bistro, luggage racks, special seats for elderly and disabled passengers, and LCD screens for passenger information.
About Komuter
KTM Komuter is a commuter rail service in Malaysia, primarily serving Kuala Lumpur and its suburbs in the Klang Valley. Established in 1995, it expanded to northern states in 2015.
Facilities include a Ladies’ Coach, priority seating for the elderly and disabled, 24/7 CCTV surveillance, and bicycle-carrying capability for cyclists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Taiping to Alor Setar?
The fastest way to get from Taiping to Alor Setar is by taking the ETS (Electric Train Service), which has a travel duration starting from 1 hour and 35 minutes. This is quicker than traveling by car, which can take between 1 hour and 50 minutes to 2 hours and 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
How far is it from Taiping to Alor Setar?
The distance from Taiping to Alor Setar is approximately 180 kilometers when traveling by road.
Are there any trains that travel directly from Taiping to Alor Setar?
Yes, the Electric Train Service (ETS) Northbound Train provides direct service from Taiping to Alor Setar.
Sources
https://www.ktmb.com.my/Komuter.html