KL to Penang by Bus or ETS Train: Best Route, Ticket Price & Travel Tips
July 23, 2026
KL to Penang is one of the most popular routes between cities in Malaysia. People go there for food trips, family vacations, business meetings, and weekend getaways. There are two easy ways to get from KL to Penang by public transportation: take a fast bus or the ETS train from KL Sentral to Butterworth.
You can easily book both choices online, and they are both useful and comfy. The best option for you will rely on your income, desired journey time, luggage, where you want to arrive, and whether you want to go straight to Penang Island or make a stop at Butterworth first.
By car, it's about 351 km to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang. The average bus ride takes 4 hours and 54 minutes. The price of a bus ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Penang can be anywhere from RM28 to RM150, based on the company, the type of bus, the time of departure, and the number of seats available.
If you'd rather take the train, KTMB's ETS service goes between Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth, which is the mainland gateway to Penang. KTMB names KL Sentral–Butterworth as a major ETS route. There are Platinum, Gold, and Silver train types in the ETS service.
Choice 1: Take a bus from KL to Penang
The cheapest and fastest way to get from KL to Penang is usually to take the bus. It's especially helpful if you need to be dropped off on Penang Island, like in Sungai Nibong, Komtar, Prangin Mall, or George Town.
Why Take the Bus?
Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), KL Sentral, and Hentian Duta are all popular places to board in Kuala Lumpur. They also have a list of places to drop off people in Penang, like Penang Sentral, Sungai Nibong, George Town, Penang Komtar, Prangin Mall, Bukit Mertajam, and Nibong Tebal.
Price of a Bus Ticket from KL to Penang
Depending on the bus company, seat type, travel date, and demand, a KL to Penang bus ticket can cost anywhere from RM28 to RM150. It may cost more for premium coaches, departures during busy times, and last-minute reservations.
To get better deals, book earlier, look at different companies, and see when different trains leave before you reserve your ticket.
Choice 2: Take the ETS train from KL to Penang
The ETS train is a safe and comfortable choice for travelers who like set times, roomy seats, and a better ride. From KL Sentral, the main route goes to Butterworth, which is on the mainland side of Penang.
From Butterworth, you can take a ferry, a taxi, an e-hailing ride, or a local bus to get to George Town.
Why Should You Take the ETS Train?
KTMB runs the ETS, which can go as fast as 140 km/h and is Malaysia's fastest metre-gauge passenger train. KTMB says that ETS is a faster rail service that runs on the double-tracked, electrified West Coast Line between Gemas and Padang Besar.
You should take the ETS if you want a more stable trip with less stress about traffic on the highway. It's also good for people who like train rides, need to work during the trip, or would rather get to Butterworth before crossing to Penang Island.
Price of an ETS ticket from KL to Penang
The price of a train ticket can change depending on the route, class, date of departure, and number of seats available. Based on the type of ticket, class, departure point, and arrival point, Easybook's general train FAQ says that train tickets in Malaysia usually cost between RM50 and RM100.
How to Get to Penang Island from Butterworth
You can take a boat from Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal in Butterworth to Raja Tun Uda Terminal in George Town to get to Penang Island if you take the ETS train to Butterworth. People who want to get to the UNESCO Heritage area, Weld Quay, Chulia Street, Armenian Street, or nearby hotels can use the ferry.
At Penang Port, there is ferry service from Butterworth to George Town from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM, with 20-minute breaks during peak hours and 30-minute breaks during off-peak hours. Penang Port says that the current boat prices are RM2 for adults, RM1 for kids aged 5 to 11, free for kids aged 4 and under, and free for everyone else.
Which Is Better: The Bus or the ETS Train?
Get on the bus to get from KL to Penang Island quickly and for the least amount of money. It is easier if your hotel is close to drop-off points on Penang Island, like Sungai Nibong, Komtar, George Town, or others.
If you want an easier trip, more comfy seating, and set train times, take the ETS train. It helps a lot if you don't mind getting off at Butterworth and taking the ferry or an e-hailing ride to Penang Island.
The bus is the easiest way for most people on a budget to get around. The ETS train is a good option for travelers who care about comfort and getting there on time.
The best way to compare departure times, ticket prices, ticket sellers, and open seats is to book online. With Easybook, travelers can look at both bus and train tickets from KL to Penang in one place. This makes it easy to make plans based on their price and time constraints.
Before they pay, new users can also look at any promotions that are running, as some of them may offer discounts of up to 70% with terms and conditions apply.
Conclusion
No matter what you decide, make sure you book early, check prices, and carefully plan where you will be when you get there. If you plan ahead, your trip from Kuala Lumpur to Penang will go more smoothly, cost less, and be more fun.
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