ETS and KTM Komuter Trains from Taiping to Penang (Taiping ke Penang)

Penang – General Information about the Destination

Penang is an island state in Malaysia, located off the northwest coast of the mainland. It’s known for its well-preserved historical buildings, diverse cultural influences, and picturesque beaches. The capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique architecture and cultural blend.

Key sites in Penang include the Kek Lok Si Temple, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, and Fort Cornwallis. Penang is also celebrated for its street food, offering dishes like Penang Laksa and nasi kandar. The island’s array of cultural, historical, and culinary offerings makes it a favored spot for tourists in Malaysia.

Information about the Route (Taiping – Penang)

The travel route from Taiping to Penang includes two stages: 

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

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

Taiping to Butterworth by ETS Train

ETS trains from Taiping to Butterworth operate on the Northbound Train line, with Gold and Platinum services available. The journey duration is 1 hour for Gold and 55 minutes for Platinum. Tickets for Gold class start at at RM20.00 and RM24.00 for Platinum class. Passengers may purchase tickets through the website or at station ticket counters. The route includes stops at Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Nibong Tebal, and Bukit Mertajam before arriving in Butterworth.

See also: How to Get from Penang to Taiping by Train

Schedule of ETS Trains Taiping – Penang

(Jadual ETS Taiping ke Butterworth)

ETS trains from Taiping to Butterworth run 6 times a day. The first train leaves at 11:18 in the morning, and the last one departs at 23:25 in the evening.

Download the current schedule.

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Taiping to Butterworth by KTM Komuter

KTM Komuter trains from Taiping to Butterworth stop at 8 stations along the Ipoh – Butterworth line. On both weekdays and weekends, the quickest trip takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes. You can buy your tickets directly at the station since there’s no option to purchase them in advance. The stops include Kamunting, Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Nibong Tebal, Simpang Ampat, Bukit Mertajam, Bukit Tengah, and finally Butterworth.

Schedule of KTM Komuter Taiping to Butterworth

(Jadual Komuter Taiping ke Butterworth)

The KTM Komuter service from Taiping to Butterworth operates eight times per day, with the first train departing at 05:32 and the last train at 19:27. This schedule applies to both weekdays and weekends.

See also: Trains from Taiping to Alor Setar

Download the current schedule.

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Ferry from Butterworth to Penang (George Town)

The Rapid Ferry service is a direct and efficient transportation option from Butterworth to George Town in Penang. The ferry departs from the Sultan Abdul Halim terminal in Butterworth, which is a short walk from the Butterworth Railway Station, though a free shuttle bus is also available.

The journey takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, with ferries leaving every 20 to 30 minutes. The service starts at 6:30 and the last ferry of the day leaves at 20:30.

Tickets are priced at MYR 1.20 for adults and MYR 0.60 for children aged 5 to 12, with no charge for children under 5. Tickets can be bought at the terminal.

Upon reaching George Town, the ferry arrives at Pengkalan Weld, conveniently located for access to the city.

How to get to the city from the terminal?

To get to the city from the Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal in George Town, you can proceed through a walkway that will take you to the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal. At this terminal, you have the option to catch a bus to various destinations within Penang. Additionally, there is a taxi stand adjacent to the bus terminal. If you opt for a taxi, be sure to negotiate the fare upfront, as taxis in Penang typically operate without meters.

Getting around the island

Getting around Penang Island is quite simple, thanks to a range of transport choices. In the heart of George Town and its surrounding areas, you can explore on foot, hop on a traditional trishaw, catch a free shuttle bus, use the city bus services, or hail a taxi.

When planning to visit places further out, like the serene Kek Lok Si Temple or the natural haven of Penang National Park, it’s a good idea to look up bus schedules and ticket prices beforehand. For a more predictable fare and ease of booking from your phone, e-hailing services such as Grab are a popular and convenient option.

For city bus services, Rapid Penang is the main provider, connecting many spots across the island and extending to the mainland. If you’re staying within George Town, there’s also the Central Area Transit (CAT), a complimentary bus service that loops around the city with stops at key locations, with the KOMTAR Terminal serving as a pivotal point for bus routes spanning the entire island.

Departure Point – Taiping Station

Taiping Railway Station is located in Taiping, Perak, and is notable for being the first railway station in Malaysia, opened in 1885. The current station, which has been in service since 2014, was built as part of a rail network upgrade and sits next to the old station.

This station is on the West Coast Line and serves as a stop for both the KTM ETS and KTM Komuter train services, linking travelers to destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kedah, and Ipoh.

The station provides facilities such as ticket counters, an elevator, restrooms, and a snack kiosk. It’s also accessible for passengers with disabilities.

To get to Taiping Railway Station, you can take a KTM train from any station along the line or drive a short distance from the Taiping Bus Terminal. The station is located between the Padang Rengas and Parit Buntar stations and serves as a practical option for travelers in the area.

Arrival Station – KTM Komuter Butterworth Station

Butterworth Railway Station, located in Butterworth, Penang, serves as the main rail transport hub for the region. Positioned adjacent to major thoroughfares such as Federal Route 1 and the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (E17), the station offers straightforward access. It is also conveniently connected to the Penang Sentral bus terminal and the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal via direct covered walkways, facilitating seamless transit for passengers between trains, buses, and ferries.

The station is a stop on the West Coast Railway Line, catering to KTM ETS services that operate between Gemas and Butterworth, and KTM Komuter services that extend to Padang Besar at the Malaysia-Thailand frontier. For those aiming to travel further into Thailand, connections are available from Padang Besar to destinations such as Bangkok, Hat Yai, and Surat Thani.

Facilities at the station include a waiting area and restrooms, alongside a vendor for snacks and beverages. The station does not offer dining options or luggage storage services. Ticket purchases can be made at the ticket counters located on the second floor of the station building.

Alternative – Buses from Taiping to Penang

If you’re contemplating a bus trip from Taiping to Penang, the route typically involves taking a bus from Taiping to Butterworth, which generally takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, although travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions.

It’s essential to note that Malaysian buses lack onboard toilets due to legal regulations. However, rest assured that there is a scheduled restroom stop at a gas station along the way, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience during your journey to Penang.

Check the current bus schedule.

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About ETS

The ETS, or Electric Train Service, is a rapid inter-city rail service in Malaysia operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). It’s the fastest meter gauge train service in Malaysia and connects major cities and towns, providing a speedy and comfortable travel option with various classes of service, including Silver, Gold, and Platinum, which differ in terms of speed, stops, and onboard amenities. ETS trains are a popular choice for travelers looking to commute between cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Butterworth efficiently.

About Komuter

KTM Komuter is a commuter rail service in Malaysia operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM). It serves the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area, providing frequent and affordable train services for daily commuters. The network includes several lines that connect major suburbs and cities to the capital, facilitating easy and efficient travel for work, school, and other activities. The trains are designed for short to medium distances, with simple seating arrangements and standing room to accommodate rush-hour crowds. The service is known for its reliability and convenience, making it an integral part of the public transportation system in the Klang Valley and surrounding regions.