The best way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang for most travellers is the KTM ETS train: around four hours from KL Sentral to Butterworth, followed by a short ferry to George Town. The bus is the cheapest option; a direct flight takes about an hour in the air, but the airport transfers and check-in narrow the time saving.
Kuala Lumpur to Penang: quick comparison
| Option | Duration | Price (MYR and approx. USD) | Arrives at | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETS train + ferry | 3h 35m–4h 20m by train + about 15 minutes on the ferry, plus the connection | RM88–114 (US$22–28) on the sample date, including an adult ferry ticket | Butterworth, then George Town | Comfort and a central start |
| Express bus | About 5 hours on faster listings; allow longer in traffic | RM36–40 (US$9–10) on KKKL’s published services | Butterworth or Penang Island, depending on ticket | Lowest fare |
| Direct flight | About 1 hour in the air | Sample AirAsia fare RM133 (US$33), before extras | Penang International Airport (PEN) | Connecting at KLIA or saving time in the air |
| Drive | About 4 hours in light traffic; longer at busy times | RM35.51 (US$8.75) for the sample PLUS section, plus bridge toll and fuel | Your address | Groups and multiple stops |
Prices are one way. Approximate USD amounts use Bank Negara Malaysia’s November 10 rate of about RM4.05 per US$1. This guide contains affiliate links.
👉 Compare Kuala Lumpur to Penang buses and flights on Bookaway
Kuala Lumpur to Penang by train (ETS to Butterworth)
In KTMB’s official KITS booking system, choose KL Sentral and Butterworth. The search for Wednesday, November 18, 2026 showed seven direct trains: 08:05, 11:40, 13:40, 14:10, 15:55, 18:22 and 20:15. These are Malaysian local times. Check the operator’s timetable for your date, particularly from January 2027 when a new schedule takes effect.
| Service | Example departure and arrival | Sample minimum adult fare |
|---|---|---|
| Express | 11:40 → 15:15 (3h 35m) | RM112 (US$28) |
| Platinum | 08:05 → 12:10 (4h 05m) | RM106–112 (US$26–28) across the listed trains |
| Gold | 18:22 → 22:42 (4h 20m) | RM86 (US$21) |
The fares are examples from that search, rather than fixed prices. KTMB also uses the Silver name on its wider ETS network, but the seven direct results checked for Butterworth were Express, Platinum and Gold.
Book through the KITS website or KTMB’s ticketing app. Buy as soon as your dates are firm if you are travelling on a weekend or around a public holiday. The 20:15 Platinum reaches Butterworth at 00:20 the next day, after the last ferry, and the 18:22 Gold leaves only 18 minutes before the last crossing if it arrives on time. Choose an earlier train for a ferry connection.
Butterworth to George Town: ferry, bus or Grab
Follow the signs from Butterworth railway station through the Penang Sentral complex to Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim. The ferry reaches Raja Tun Uda Terminal at Weld Quay in George Town. Penang Sentral gives about 15 minutes on the water; add time to walk and wait for departure.
The Penang Port Commission’s service page lists Butterworth departures from 06:30 to 23:00, and the reverse from 07:00 to 23:30, daily. The published interval is 20 minutes at peak times and 30 minutes off peak. An adult ticket is RM2 (US$0.50). Use a Touch ’n Go card, buy at the counter or use the online ticket portal.
For a late arrival or a hotel far from Weld Quay, book Grab across the Penang Bridge. The quote depends on the pickup, destination and traffic. Rapid Penang also runs buses on both sides of the strait, and the state transport map shows bridge routes such as CAT13 and CAT14. They serve different stops from the ferry; check the route before choosing a bus from Butterworth.
Kuala Lumpur to Penang by bus
Most travellers start at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), next to Bandar Tasik Selatan station. KKKL Express publishes RM36 (US$9) to Butterworth and RM39–40 (about US$10) for its Penang listing, with multiple departures throughout the day. Its fares illustrate the cost difference between ending on the mainland and continuing to the island.
Read the exact stop on your ticket. Penang Sentral is in Butterworth on the mainland. Sungai Nibong is on Penang Island, south of George Town. KOMTAR is in central George Town, but not every coach serves it. Do not assume a listing marked “Kuala Lumpur” starts from KL Sentral or Pudu Sentral. For a confirmed city-centre alternative, Aeroline lists The Exchange TRX and Queensbay Mall as its KL city and Penang boarding points.
Allow around five hours on faster coaches and more on peak days. Compare the drop-off and fare before paying through your operator or TBS’s current ticket portal. If your bus ends at Penang Sentral, leave a buffer for the ferry or take a car across the bridge after the last sailing.
Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Penang
AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines sell flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Penang (PEN). AirAsia’s route page lists a direct flight of about an hour and a sample November fare of RM133 (US$33). Malaysia Airlines’ route search shows fares by day. There are multiple daily KUL options across airlines; compare the flight and baggage total for your date.
Also compare Subang (SZB) if it is easier to reach: Firefly lists Subang and Penang in its booking system. AirAsia’s standard cabin allowance is 7 kg combined; check the checked-bag allowance separately. Firefly’s travel information lists 10 kg of checked baggage and 7 kg of carry-on.
From PEN, Rapid Penang buses 401 and 401E serve the airport corridor towards KOMTAR and Weld Quay; see the official Penang transport map. Grab is the simpler option with bags or after a late flight. Use the app’s quoted fare and travel time for your hotel before booking. If you are already in central KL, count the trips to and from the airports before deciding that flying is faster.
Driving from Kuala Lumpur to Penang
Head north on the PLUS North–South Expressway via Ipoh. The exact distance depends on your starting point and island address; it is roughly 350 km from central KL to George Town by road. The PLUS toll calculator returned RM35.51 (US$8.75) for a Class 1 car from Jalan Duta to Juru, excluding the bridge. Use the same Touch ’n Go card at expressway entry and exit; PLUS is cashless.
The original Penang Bridge is generally the more direct crossing for George Town. The Second Penang Bridge is farther south and better placed for the airport area; its operator lists RM5.74 (US$1.42) for a Class 1 car. Check tolls for the specific direction and plazas on your route rather than doubling the outbound figure.
Penang to Kuala Lumpur: times for the return
The November 18 KITS search showed seven Butterworth departures for KL Sentral: 05:15, 06:30, 07:00, 07:50, 13:05, 16:05 and 18:45. The 13:05 Express arrived at 16:40; the last Platinum at 22:50. Sample minimum fares were RM86 (US$21) on Gold, RM106–115 (US$26–28) on Platinum and RM112 (US$28) on Express.
The first ferry from George Town is 07:00. It cannot connect to the 05:15, 06:30 or 07:00 trains. For those departures, stay on the mainland or arrange a car across the bridge. For later trains, allow time to wait for the ferry and walk to the railway station.
For the bus, KKKL lists Penang to TBS at 09:30, 10:00 and 21:30, RM38 (US$9.40), and Butterworth to TBS at 10:15, 22:15 and 23:15, RM36 (US$8.90). If flying, check the exact KL airport before booking. AirAsia’s PEN to KUL listing shows a sample 08:10–09:15 flight at RM133 (US$33).
Which option to choose
Choose the train if you want a comfortable ride and an easy start from central KL. The late-morning Express gives you daylight for the ferry and check-in.
Choose the bus if you want the lowest fare or can book a stop close to your hotel. See how much a trip to Malaysia costs for a full transport and accommodation budget.
Choose a flight if you are already at KUL, have a suitable Subang departure or find a fare that works after bags and transfers. If you are comparing the overall cost of getting around, see is Malaysia expensive. Drive if you want several stops or need a car on the island. Continuing north to the island? The Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi guide covers the Penang ferry, the train to Arau and the Kuala Perlis crossing.
Where to stay in Penang
Stay in George Town for a first visit focused on food, heritage streets and a straightforward transfer from Weld Quay. Batu Ferringhi is better for a beach or resort stay on the north coast, with a longer transfer to George Town. Choose the base before booking your coach stop or airport ride.
👉 Compare hotels in George Town, Penang on Booking.com
See all our Malaysia travel guides for more routes, prices and planning advice.
FAQ
How long is the train from KL to Penang?
Direct ETS trains took 3 hours 35 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes on the checked date. Add the walk, wait and roughly 15-minute ferry if you are going to George Town.
How much is the bus from Kuala Lumpur to Penang?
KKKL lists RM36 (about US$9) from TBS to Butterworth and RM39–40 (about US$10) on its Penang listing. Confirm the terminal and fare for your date.
Is it better to take the train or the bus?
The train is usually more comfortable and less affected by highway traffic. The bus is cheaper and may take you closer to your hotel if you book a stop on Penang Island.
Does the train go to Penang Island?
No. ETS trains end at Butterworth on the mainland. Continue by ferry to George Town or take a car across the bridge.
How do I get from Butterworth to George Town?
Follow the signs through Penang Sentral to the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal. The ferry takes about 15 minutes and costs RM2 (US$0.50) per adult.
Times and prices checked on November 10, 2026.
