Malaysia travel guide
Kuala Lumpur to Penang: ETS Train, Flight or Bus
The ETS electric train is the favourite: KL Sentral to Butterworth in about 4 hours, from ~RM60 (~A$20), then the 15-minute ferry (RM1.20) to George Town. Flights take 1 hour from ~RM80 but add airport time at both ends. Buses run 4.5–5.5 hours from ~RM35. Book ETS seats a few days ahead — weekends sell out.
The options at a glance
| ETS train + ferry | ~4 h + 15 min · from ~RM60 + RM1.20 ferry (~A$20) · KL Sentral → George Town |
|---|---|
| Flight | ~1 h · from ~RM80 (~A$26) · plus 45+ min airport time each end |
| Bus | 4.5–5.5 h · from ~RM35 (~A$12) · TBS terminal → Sungai Nibong / Butterworth |
The ETS train
KTM’s ETS services leave KL Sentral roughly every one to two hours for Butterworth: air-con, power points, a snack counter and views of palm plantations and karst hills around Ipoh. Gold and Platinum services differ mainly in stops; either is fine. Book on the KTMB app — seat classes are all comfortable, and weekends and holidays sell out days ahead. At Butterworth, follow the signs to the ferry terminal (5-minute walk); the crossing to George Town runs frequently until late evening and costs RM1.20 (pedestrians pay George Town-bound only).
Flying and the bus
AirAsia, Firefly, Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air fly KL–Penang in an hour from ~RM80 with advance fares — worth it mainly if you are connecting at KLIA rather than starting in the city. Penang airport is 30–45 minutes from George Town by Grab (~RM30–45). Buses from TBS are the cheapest move (~RM35) and run around the clock, but Friday-evening traffic can stretch the trip past six hours.
Our take
Take the ETS and the ferry: city-centre to old-town jetty with zero airport friction, and the crossing is a small pleasure in itself. Penang rewards three nights — food first, heritage second. Start with Penang’s street food and getting around.
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KL to Penang — FAQs
How long is the train from KL to Penang?
About 4 hours on the ETS from KL Sentral to Butterworth (from ~RM60), then a 15-minute ferry (RM1.20) across to George Town. Book a few days ahead for weekends.
Is it better to fly or take the train from KL to Penang?
The train for most travellers — city-centre departure, no airport transfers, and the ferry arrival into George Town is charming. Fly only if connecting through KLIA.
How much is the bus from KL to Penang?
From about RM35 (~A$12), taking 4.5–5.5 hours from TBS terminal to Sungai Nibong on the island or Butterworth on the mainland.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.