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How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang
The most comfortable way from Kuala Lumpur to Penang is the KTM ETS electric train from KL Sentral to Butterworth, about 4 h to 4 h 30, then the ferry to George Town. Flights take about 1 h but around 3 to 4 h door to door. Buses are the cheapest at about 5 h.
Best option: Train. The ETS train is comfortable, reliable and not much slower than flying once airport time is included.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train KTM ETS trains from KL Sentral to Butterworth, then the Penang ferry to George Town | about 4 h to 4 h 30 plus about 15–20 min by ferry | several trains a day | about RM 60–90 | Book ahead on the KTM website or app; trains often sell out at weekends and holidays. |
| flight Flights from Kuala Lumpur (KLIA or Subang) to Penang | about 1 h in the air; 3 to 4 h door to door | many a day | about RM 100–300 | Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia fly from KLIA; Firefly flies from Subang. |
| bus Express buses from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) to Penang | about 5 h | frequent | about RM 35–50 | Some buses cross the bridge to the island; others stop at Butterworth. |
| car North–South Expressway (E1), then the Penang Bridge or Second Penang Bridge | about 4 h | fuel plus expressway tolls of about RM 50; bridge tolls are charged only towards the island | Traffic is heavy at the start and end of public holidays. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Butterworth station is next to the ferry terminal for George Town.
- Book ETS tickets as soon as possible for weekends and festivals.
- Penang's heritage area in George Town is best explored on foot or by Rapid Penang bus.
- Penang Bridge tolls are paid only when driving onto the island.
Common questions
How long is the train from Kuala Lumpur to Penang?
About 4 h to 4 h 30 on a KTM ETS train from KL Sentral to Butterworth, on the mainland opposite Penang Island. From Butterworth, the ferry to George Town takes about 15–20 minutes, and the terminal is next to the station. Trains run several times a day and should be booked ahead.
Is it faster to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Penang?
The flight takes about an hour, but with travel to KLIA, check-in and the drive from Penang airport, it adds up to three to four hours. That is a little faster than the train in theory, but delays are common. Flights from Subang are closer to central KL.
What is the cheapest way from Kuala Lumpur to Penang?
An express bus from TBS, usually about RM 35–50, taking about five hours. The ETS train costs roughly RM 60–90 and is more comfortable. Low-cost flights can be cheap if booked early, but baggage fees and airport transfers add up.
Do I need to book the train ahead?
Yes, especially for Friday and Sunday travel and around public holidays such as Hari Raya and Chinese New Year, when ETS trains sell out days or weeks ahead. Book through the KTM website or app. On quieter weekdays you may find seats on the day.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.