How to Get from Tapah 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 George Town is located, and Seberang Perai on the mainland. Often called the “Pearl of the Orient”, Penang is renowned for its rich multicultural history, blend of modern and colonial architecture, and reputation as Malaysia’s food capital. George Town boasts a UNESCO-listed city center with shophouses, Chinese clan temples, mosques, and churches representing Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences. 

Penang is also a major tourist destination, known for attractions like Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Hill, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, and some of Malaysia’s best beaches. As a shopping haven, Penang offers modern malls, street markets, and handicraft centers selling everything from electronics to batik prints. Hailed as the food paradise of Malaysia, Penang is a must-visit for street food, dim sum, and local specialties like asam laksa and char kway teow.

Information about the Route (Tapah – Butterworth – Penang)

The travel route from Ipoh to Penang includes two stages: 

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

Tapah – Butterworth by ETS Train

The rail service from Tapah to Butterworth operates on the Northbound Train line and features the Gold class of trains. The shortest travel time for this class is approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes.

For passengers choosing the Gold class, ticket prices start from RM 36.00. Tickets for these trains can be purchased either through the website or at ticket counters available at various stations along the route. These stations include Kampar, Batu Gajah, Ipoh, Sungai Siput, Kuala Kangsar, Padang Rengas, Taiping, Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Nibong Tebal, Bukit Mertajam, and Butterworth.

See also: Train from KL to Penang – How to get to Penang?

Schedule of ETS Train Tapah to Butterworth

(Jadual ETS Tapah ke Butterworth)

The train from Tapah to Butterworth runs once a day. The departure time for this daily service is 19:58. There are no other train departures for this route after this time.

Download the current schedule.

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Ferry from Butterworth to Penang (George Town)

The Rapid Ferry service connects Butterworth to Penang (George Town) via the Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal, which is within walking distance from the Butterworth Railway Station. There is also a shuttle bus service available at no extra charge for those who prefer not to walk.

The journey across to George Town typically takes between 15 to 20 minutes, with ferries departing every 20 to 30 minutes. The service operates from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily, although there is a brief interruption in service to allow for the cleaning of the vessels.

Fares are priced at MYR 1.20 for adults and MYR 0.60 for children aged 5 to 12. Children under the age of 5 can travel for free. Tickets can be purchased at the terminal.

Upon arrival in George Town, the ferry arrives at Pengkalan Weld, which is well-positioned for access to the city.

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

How to get to the city from the terminal?

After disembarking from the ferry at Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda in George Town, passengers can access the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal via a direct pathway. This terminal offers a selection of bus services that connect to various destinations throughout Penang. Additionally, there is a taxi stand near the bus terminal for those who wish to take a taxi. Passengers are recommended to discuss and confirm the taxi fare before starting their journey, as taxis in Penang may not use meters.

See also: Komuter Train from Sungai Petani to Penang

Getting around the Island

Transportation in Penang is varied, providing several ways to navigate the island. In George Town and its adjacent areas, travelers can use trishaws for short distances, or take the Central Area Transit (CAT) free shuttle buses for a convenient ride around the city. The CAT buses operate from the central KOMTAR Terminal to various points on Penang Island.

Public buses managed by Rapid Penang serve as a main mode of transport, connecting different parts of the island and also the mainland. Taxis are an option for getting around; however, it’s necessary to agree on a fare before starting the trip, as taxis in Penang usually do not have meters. E-hailing services such as Grab offer an alternative, allowing users to book and pay for rides via a smartphone application.

Walking is often suitable for short distances, especially within George Town, where many attractions are within walking distance.

For those aiming to visit sites further away, like Kek Lok Si Temple or Penang National Park, public transportation is available. It is advisable to check the latest bus schedules and ticket prices ahead of time to plan the journey. The KOMTAR Terminal is the main hub for buses on the island, which can be useful for travelers planning their routes to different locations.

Tapah Railway Station

Tapah Road railway station has been a part of the rail landscape in Malaysia since the late 19th century. Situated near the town of Tapah Road in Perak, this station is on the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) network and provides KTM ETS (Electric Train Service) to passengers. The station complex includes a yard for freight services and is accessible from Route A10, making it a convenient entry point for travelers from the surrounding areas, including those heading to and from the Cameron Highlands.

The station, which opened in 1893, was originally integrated into the Perak Railway network, primarily to support the transport of tin. It became a key station for the Federated Malay State Railways. Although the Teluk Intan branch line was phased out in the 1990s, Tapah Road station continues to be a stop for the mainline trains that travel through this region.

In March 2007, the station underwent reconstruction as part of the electrification and double-tracking project between Rawang and Ipoh, which enhanced the rail infrastructure. This upgrade was completed while retaining the historic station building. The station now facilitates ETS services including Gold and Silver classes, and it was further expected to serve Platinum class services with the expansion of the rail network.

Butterworth Station

Butterworth Railway Station, positioned near the Penang Sentral bus terminal and the Sultan Abdul Hamid Ferry Terminal, provides passengers with covered walkways for direct access from the ferry service coming from George Town. The station is part of the West Coast Railway Line and facilitates KTM ETS train services running to and from Gemas. It also connects to the KTM Komuter Line for travel to Padang Besar, with onward connections to Thailand’s railway services to destinations like Bangkok, Hat Yai, and Surat Thani.

While the station’s facilities are limited to an indoor waiting area, restrooms, and a snack shop, it does not offer dining options or luggage storage services. Tickets can be purchased at the counters located on the second floor. Access to the station is convenient via Federal Route 1 and the Butterworth Outer Ring Route.

Alternative – Buses from Tapah to Penang

If you’re arranging a journey from Tapah to Penang (Butterworth), be aware that direct bus services are not available for this route. The train emerges as the only public transportation option for traveling between these locations.

About ETS

ETS, or Electric Train Service, stands as Malaysia’s swiftest train service, capable of reaching speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour. This service runs along the West Coast Line, spanning from Gemas to Padang Besar. To cater to a variety of preferences and budgets, ETS provides three classes of service: Platinum, Gold, and Silver. The Platinum class is the premium offering, providing the fastest journey times and commanding a higher fare.

Passengers have the convenience of purchasing tickets through multiple channels: online platforms, directly at train stations, or via authorized agents. Select passenger groups may be eligible for fare discounts.

Comfort is a priority across all ETS train classes, with amenities designed to enhance the travel experience. These amenities include comfortable seating arrangements, power outlets for charging electronic devices, and air conditioning to ensure a pleasant journey irrespective of the climate outside.

Train Facilities

ETS trains are furnished with facilities to cater to the needs of passengers. There is a prayer room available in Coach C for those wishing to practice their faith, and this coach also includes a bistro for purchasing food and beverages. Storage for luggage is provided in Coaches A and F.

To assist passengers who may require additional support, such as the elderly or those with disabilities, designated seating is available near an accessible washroom in Coach D. For the convenience of all passengers, LCD screens are installed throughout the train to display travel information.