Penang to Kuala Lumpur is the return leg from Malaysia\’s food capital back to the main hub — or the continuation south toward Singapore. The ETS train from Butterworth is the most comfortable option; buses are cheaper and nearly as fast. This guide covers all options.
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Penang → Kuala Lumpur transport]
Option 1: Ferry + ETS Train Penang to KL (Recommended)
Take the free Penang ferry from Georgetown Jetty to Butterworth (~20 minutes), then the KTM ETS train from Butterworth to KL Sentral — approximately 3.5–4 hours, fares from ~RM 35–70 (~$7–15 USD). Multiple daily departures. Comfortable, reliable, and arrives right at KL Sentral with easy connections to the MRT and KLIA Ekspres. Best overall option for most travelers.
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Butterworth → KL Sentral ETS train]
Option 2: Bus Penang to KL
Buses depart from Penang Sentral bus terminal (Butterworth side, after the ferry) or directly from Georgetown via the Penang Bridge to KL TBS — approximately 4.5–5.5 hours, fares from ~RM 25–45 (~$5–10 USD). Plusliner, Transnasional, and Konsortium are reliable operators. The bus is slightly slower than the train but cheaper — fine for budget travelers.
Option 3: Fly Penang to KL
AirAsia and Malindo fly from Penang International Airport (PEN) to KLIA2/KLIA — approximately 50 minutes, fares from ~RM 60–150 (~$13–32 USD). Only worth it if fares are unusually cheap — once you factor in airport transfers at both ends, the train is equally fast door-to-door and far more convenient.
Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
🏨 [Travelpayouts Hotellook/Agoda widget: Hotels in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur]
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