Kuala Lumpur to Penang: Complete Transport Guide

Getting from Malaysia's capital to its food capital is easy. Choose from flights, buses, trains, or driving based on your budget and schedule.

Transport Options at a Glance#

✈️

Flight

1 hour

RM 80-200

Fastest option

🚌

Bus

4-5 hours

RM 35-60

Budget-friendly

🚂

Train

4-5 hours

RM 60-120

Scenic journey

🚗

Car

3.5-4 hours

RM 150+ (fuel)

Flexibility

Detailed Transport Guide#

✈️

By Flight

The fastest and often cheapest option if booked in advance. Multiple daily flights from KLIA and KLIA2 to Penang International Airport.

  • •Duration: 55-60 minutes
  • •Airlines: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly
  • •Price: RM 80-200 (book 2-3 weeks ahead for best rates)
  • •Airport to George Town: 30-40 min by Grab (RM 35-50)
Tip: Book early for best prices. AirAsia from KLIA2 is usually cheapest. Factor in airport transfer time.
🚌

By Bus

Comfortable express buses depart frequently from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) to Sungai Nibong or Butterworth.

  • •Duration: 4-5 hours
  • •Operators: KKKL, Grassland, Plusliner
  • •Price: RM 35-60
  • •Terminals: TBS (KL) to Sungai Nibong (Penang Island)
Tip: Book on Easybook or Redbus. VIP buses with extra legroom are worth it. Butterworth requires ferry to island.
🚂

By Train (ETS)

The ETS (Electric Train Service) offers a scenic, comfortable journey. Departs from KL Sentral to Butterworth.

  • •Duration: 4-5 hours
  • •Service: ETS Gold (fastest), ETS Platinum
  • •Price: RM 60-120
  • •Note: Train goes to Butterworth; take ferry to Penang Island
Tip: Book on KTMB website. Window seats on the right for best views. The ferry ride from Butterworth is a nice bonus.
🚗

By Car

Driving offers flexibility for stops along the way. Take the North-South Expressway (PLUS) from KL.

  • •Duration: 3.5-4 hours (350km)
  • •Toll: ~RM 75 one way
  • •Fuel: ~RM 80-100
  • •Cross to island via Penang Bridge (RM 8.50) or ferry
Tip: Stop in Ipoh for white coffee and dim sum. Parking in George Town is challenging - consider staying at a hotel with parking.

Our Recommendation#

For most travelers, flying is the best option. It's often the cheapest when booked in advance, and saves half a day of travel time. If you enjoy the journey, take the ETS train for scenic views and the Butterworth ferry experience.