Connecting Kuala Lumpur to Penang is one of the essential routes in Malaysia, rich in contrasts between an urban capital and a cultural island. The Kuala Lumpur – Penang journey covers approximately 350 kilometers and is one of the busiest connections in Malaysia.
- By plane, the trip lasts just 50 minutes, with tickets starting from 70 RM (≈ 14 €) on AirAsia, Batik Air or Malaysia Airlines, departing from KLIA or Subang Airport.
- The fast ETS train links KL Sentral to Butterworth (opposite Penang) in about 4 hours, for a price ranging from 40 to 80 RM (≈ 8 to 16 €), then a 10-minute ferry allows you to reach George Town.
- The long-distance bus remains the most economical option: 35 to 50 RM (≈ 7 to 10 €) for 5 to 6 hours on the road from the TBS terminal to Sungai Nibong or Butterworth. Then you will also have to take the ferry. Bus tickets can be easily booked online via 12go.asia or BusOnlineTicket.com.
Note: you can book your ferry tickets to George Town in advance (to avoid possible queues) on penangport.com.my/services/ferry-services/ferry-e-ticketing
Bus from Kuala Lumpur to Penang: comfort and flexibility with a very wide range of options 🚌
The bus remains the preferred mode for many travelers because of its advantageous value for money and very frequent service. The average travel time is around 4 hours 30 minutes with daily departures from the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) or Kuala Lumpur’s KTM station. The bus usually arrives at the Sungai Nibong bus terminal in Penang, well located to reach George Town, the lively heart of the island.
- ✨ Variety of classes: from economy to double-deck luxury buses, including Executive, VIP (24, 28, 30 seats), and Premium.
- 💺 Comfort: reclining individual seats, air conditioning, sometimes snacks or meals on board depending on the company.
- 🕰️ Flexibility: more than 5,500 departures per week guarantee a wide choice of schedules.
- 💸 Prices: starting around 38 MYR (about 9 USD) for standard classes, up to 60 MYR (15 USD) for more comfortable options.
- 🛣️ Possibility of breaks supervised at Ipoh or Taiping, allowing you to stretch your legs and taste some local specialties.
| Company 🚍 | Approximate Price (MYR) 💰 | Estimated Duration ⏳ | Comfort ⭐ | Main Departure 🚏 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transnasional | 40-60 | 4h30 | VIP, Executive | TBS |
| Unititi Express | 38-58 | 4h15-4h45 | Express, Premium Class | Kuala Lumpur Bus Terminal |
| Mayang Sari | 35-55 | 4h30-5h | Standard, VIP | TBS |
| Billion Stars Express | 40-65 | 4h20 | Luxury Double Decker | KTM Sentral |
To book, platforms like BookAway and 12Go Asia offer a comprehensive overview of available options and make it easy to compare schedules and prices.
The train between Kuala Lumpur and Penang: a peaceful journey aboard the KTM ETS 🚆
For a calmer and slightly more scenic experience, the train offers a trip of about 4 to 5 hours departing from KL Sentral to Butterworth, a mainland city adjacent to Penang. This journey via the Electric Train Service (ETS) operated by KTM Berhad, is an excellent way to see the Malaysian countryside, notably its palm plantations and picturesque villages.
- 🚉 Arrival at Butterworth, then a 15-minute ferry to reach George Town, a time to include in your schedule.
- 💺 Heritage Steam Classes with comfortable seats, dedicated spaces and Wi-Fi available on some trains.
- 💰 Affordable fares starting from 59 MYR (around 15 USD) per trip.
- 🛒 Easy booking via the official KTM website or platforms like book your train in Malaysia.
- 🗓️ Frequency: up to 5 daily departures between KL and Butterworth.
| Item 🔍 | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service | KTM ETS (Electric Train Service) |
| Duration | 4h to 5h (KL Sentral → Butterworth) |
| Price | ~59 MYR (15 USD) |
| Arrival | Butterworth station + 15 min ferry |
| Comfort | Reclining seats, Wi-Fi available |
If the air option with AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines remains the fastest, the train offers an excellent compromise for lovers of gentler travel. More information on this alternative is available at iTourisme.
Comparing bus and train from Kuala Lumpur to Penang: which mode to choose? ⚖️
Between these two modes, the choice will essentially depend on:
- ⏰ Time: the bus is on average faster, with a duration around 4h30.
- 💵 Budget: the bus offers a wider range of prices, often cheaper than the train for standard classes.
- 🌄 Experience: the train favors a calm journey, ideal for admiring the countryside.
- 🛬 Destination: the bus drops you off directly in Penang, unlike the train which requires a ferry from Butterworth.
- 🛋️ Comfort: VIP and Executive buses rival the quality of ETS trains.
| Criteria 🔎 | Bus | Train (ETS) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | About 4h30 | 4h to 5h (+ 15 min ferry) |
| Price | 35-60 MYR | ~59 MYR |
| Comfort | Standard to Luxury, often with air conditioning and meals | Reclining seats, Wi-Fi sometimes |
| Accessibility | Direct arrival in Penang | Need a ferry to reach the island |
| Frequency | More than 5,500 departures per week | Up to 5 departures per day |
To better prepare your trip, consulting targeted guides on George Town and Penang or Kuala Lumpur helps organize a balanced stay.
FAQ: traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Penang by bus or train 🧳
- Which option is the most economical?
The standard bus is generally cheaper, with tickets around 38 MYR (about 9 USD). - Is the train comfortable for a long trip?
The KTM ETS offers reclining seats and a relatively quiet journey, ideal for train lovers. - Can you easily book online?
Yes, via platforms such as BookAway or 12Go Asia. - Is the ferry to Penang included in the train ticket?
No, the ticket stops at Butterworth. You have to buy a separate ticket for the ferry to George Town. - What are the best times to travel?
Avoid evening rush hours and Malaysian public holidays for a calmer trip.