A beautiful view from within central Penang-mobile

How to get from
Kuala Lumpur to Penang

Kuala Lumpur to Penang Trip Overview

Distance324 km (202.5 miles)
Price range$7-$11
Ride Duration Range4h 48m-8h 56m
Earliest Departure16:30
Latest Departure22:30

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Kuala Lumpur to Penang



























































































Taking a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Penang

Fastest bus: 4h 48m

Cheapest bus: $7

The fastest: 4h 48m

The cheapest: $7

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Reclining Seats

TV

Charger

WC

Food

Blanket

Wifi

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Charger

Food

WC

Wifi

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

WC

A/C

A beautiful view from within central Penang

About the ride from Kuala Lumpur to Penang

 

Kuala Lumpur dazzles with its high rises, shiny malls, and busy markets. On the other hand, Penang takes you away from the hustle and bustle of Malaysia’s capital city. It shows you a more relaxed yet equally vibrant side of the country. 

History meets culture meets eclectic cuisine in Penang

Give your taste buds a treat with the best of Malay, Indian and Chinese fare. 

The sun and sand call at Batu Ferringhi Beach. 

History buffs will find plenty to do on the island – Fort Cornwallis, Suffolk House, and Penang Peranakan Museum are worth a visit. 

Pulau Aman makes for offbeat and rewarding Penang day trips.

The distance from Kuala Lumpur to Penang is 220 miles (355 km). With multiple modes of transport and more than 200 departures a day, finding an option that meets all your specifications won’t be a problem.

Buses are the most budget-friendly choice while flights are the fastest option. Trains are a popular option too. You can book a private taxi or a minivan for a little more flexibility or if you are traveling with a bigger group. 



What to see when traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Penang

What you see on this journey will depend on your mode of transport. 

If you are traveling by bus, taxi, or minivan, you will be taking the freeway, which means you can expect good road conditions and a smooth ride. However, the highlight of this journey is the ride over the 8.4 mile long Penang Bridge, which has been modeled after the Golden Gate Bridge. Riding on the bridge, over the waters of the Malacca Strait, is just a prequel to the fabulous adventures that await you in Penang. 

Those who opt for a train are in for an altogether different sort of experience. The journey takes you through Malaysia’s lush countryside and passes through smaller towns and villages and charming train stations. The short ferry ride from Butterworth station to Penang allows you to enjoy the cool breeze and see the island from a different approach.

 

How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang

 

Taking a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Penang

With multiple departure options throughout the day, buses are a popular choice. There are over 100 departures every day, so finding a time that works best for you will not be a problem. 

Ticket prices are between US$7-14 per person, so this is the most cost-effective choice. Ideal for backpackers and budget travelers!

The travel time on a Kuala Lumpur to Penang bus is a little over five hours, with departures throughout the day. The earliest departure is around 7:00 am, and the latest is around 11:30 pm. The evening buses reach Penang in the early morning hours, helping you save on hotel costs. 

All the buses are air-conditioned and have comfortable cushioned reclining seats. Any buses that don’t have attached washrooms make stops along the way for restroom breaks.

There are luxury bus options available too, such as Aeroline. While it’s a little more expensive (around US$15) than standard buses, they provide pillows, blankets, personal TVs, food, and water. They even have bathrooms. 

The luggage allowance is 20 kg per person.

Most buses depart from the Kuala Lumpur Bus Station and arrive at Penang Bus Station. 

There are more than 30 bus operators to choose from. Some well-known ones are KPB Ekspres, Kejora Express, Billion Stars Express, Plusliner, Cosmic Express, Mariner, Pancaran Matahari, and StarMart Express. 

 

Taking a minivan from Kuala Lumpur to Penang

With seating for up to seven passengers, renting a private minivan is an excellent option for families with children or those traveling as part of a group.

Travel time is a little less than that of buses, around 4.5 hours. Hotel pick-up and drop-off makes it an even more convenient option for groups. The cost of hiring a private minivan is about US$230. 

The minivans are air-conditioned and are fitted with cushioned, reclining seats and provide a little more legroom than a bus. 

GP Global is a popular minivan and taxi operator. 

 

Taking a private car from Kuala Lumpur to Penang

If you are taking a private taxi, the Kuala Lumpur to Penang driving time is around 4.5 hours. Similar to private minivans, taxis also provide a lot more flexibility and comfort.

The standard-sized cars are ideal for solo travelers and couples. The vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking driver. 

The cost of renting a standard taxi starts at about US$200.  

 

Taking a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Penang

With a one-hour Kuala Lumpur to Penang flight time, this is the quickest option available.

There are around 17 flights every day, including morning and evening departures.

Ticket prices vary from US$35 to US$75 per passenger, depending on the operator and date of travel. Given the short travel duration and the reasonably priced tickets, flights provide excellent value for money.

Departures are either from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB), and arrival is at Penang International Airport (PEN).

Malindo Air, AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Firefly are a few flight operators on this route. 

 

Taking a train from Kuala Lumpur to Penang

Trains are a popular choice and one of the best ways to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang. 

Tickets start from US$14 per person, and the travel duration is around 4.5 hours. All compartments are air-conditioned. There are different classes, such as standard and business class, with various facilities offered in each of them. There are five departures per day.

Because Penang is an island, the train stops on the mainland in Butterworth. There you’ll have to hop a quick ferry to the island. Ships leave the ferry terminal at Butterworth every 10-20 mins. The ride is only 15 mins and cost ¢.28 (yes, you read that right). 

It is possible to take a taxi from Butterworth over the bridge to Penang, but the ferry is faster and part of Penang’s history.

Companies Operating from Kuala Lumpur to Penang

Average time

5h 2m

Average price

$9 - $11

(8)

Average time

5h 2m

Average price

$7

(66)

Popular stations and stops in Kuala Lumpur and Penang

Departure stations in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) Terminal 1 (KLIA1)

Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) Terminal 2 (KLIA2)

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)

Aeroline at Corus Hotel

Kuala Lumpur Train Station

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Arrival stations in Penang

Penang International Airport (PEN)

Aeroline at Queensbay Mall

Penang Georgetown Ferry

Butterworth

KLIA

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