The first time we made the journey between Kuala Lumpur and Penang we flew. Our first trip to Malaysia was much shorter and to be honest, we didn’t even consider train. That was over seven years ago and since then, I’ve discovered a massive love of train travel. So when we visited Malaysia again this year, getting the train from Penang to Kuala Lumpur was our first choice. Here’s everything you need to know about getting the train from Penang to Kuala Lumpur or in reverse from KL to Penang…
Train From Penang To Kuala Lumpur Overview
Getting the train from Penang to Kuala Lumpur is fairly straightforward, but the one thing you need to know is that there’s not actually a Penang to Kuala Lumpur train. The train actually leaves from Butterworth, which can be reached by a short 15-minute ferry from Penang. The ferries go regularly, about every 20 minutes, and arrive right next to the train station.
The train takes about 4 to 4.5 hours depending on which train you choose before it arrives at KL Sentral station. So in total, you will be looking at about 4.5 hours travel up to 5.5 hours of travel, depending on which train you get and how long you wait between the train and ferry.
Get your printable Penang to Kuala Lumpur map at the end of the post…
Penang To Butterworth Ferry
The Penang to Butterworth ferry was actually a really lovely experience. It’s a car ferry as well. So you arrive at the ferry port and when you see little stores and shops, continue walking along here and follow the signs to the ferry. You will eventually walk up ramps to a waiting area.
At the time we did this, there was nowhere to buy tickets and I had read that you only pay for the ferry in one direction, so I assume you pay to come from Butterworth to Penang.
Once the ferry arrives, cars are driven onto the ferry and there are some small bench seats along the sides for people to sit. Otherwise, there is plenty of standing room along the railings looking out to the ocean.
The ferry only takes 15 minutes, and it was really nice being on the water and looking back to Penang. Before you know it, you’re in Butterworth. Simply follow the signs to the train station and wait for your train.
The Ferry terminal and train station are right next to each other, so it only takes about 5 minutes to get to the train station. Of course, I would aim to get to the train station at least 30 minutes before the train arrives. One thing to note is that there’s a flight of stairs to get over to the train station, so keep in mind you may need to carry your luggage upstairs.
Travel: Local ferry
Time Taken: 15 minutes
Tickets: This was actually free. I believe you only pay one way and it happens to be in the opposite direction. Unless this was a mistake of ours, the tickets are meant to cost RM 1.20. See more information about the Penang Ferry and timetable here.
Butterworth To Kuala Lumpur
Once you arrive at Butterworth train station, as you have already purchased your ticket online (you could also buy your ticket when you arrive, but to ensure you get a seat, I would recommend buying online in advance), all you need to do is wait for your train.
You can sit upstairs in the waiting area, and when the train arrives, they will make an announcement and you can make your way to the platform and train. The train is a modern high-speed ETS train, otherwise known as Electric Train Service.
On board, you will receive a cute little brown paper bag with snacks in it, just like a packed lunch from home. Inside we got two packets of different biscuits, both of which were quite tasty. We also got a soy drink, which I wasn’t a fan of but Chris liked. Nothing over the top but a nice thought. There is also a snack bar with a small selection of food and drinks. There is also a power outlet in between the seats.
Our train took 4 hours to reach KL Sentral, via some nice yet repetitive scenery. It’s just nice to see more of Malaysia.
Travel: ETS train
Time Taken: 4 hours
Tickets: 79 RM each or around $25 AUD each (book ETS train online at easybook.com and you can also check the ETS Butterworth to KL Sentral schedule here).
What To Do Once You Reach KL Sentral Train Station
At KL Sentral you can get to many other areas of Kuala Lumpur, depending on where your hotel or Airbnb is. We were staying in the KLCC area, so we got the Light Rail or LRT to Dang Wangi station, which was only two stops away. Other options include the monorail, taxi and Uber, although we have heard Uber is a better choice than taxis in Kuala Lumpur.
Would We Recommend The Train From Penang To KL?
Getting the train from Penang to Kuala Lumpur was so simple, I would definitely recommend it. You get to see more of the countryside of Malaysia and relax on the train. Both the train and ferry were enjoyable.
I thought we may have been able to see some of Butterworth but the train station is quite isolated there, so don’t count on that.
The thing I loved about getting the train the most, was how simple the process was. Buying the ticket online was simple. Getting on the ferry and the frequency of the ferries made the ferry simple. The train station was right next to the ferry, and everything was well-signed and easy.
If I had to do it again, I would definitely choose the train over flying, however, you, of course, need to make sure you have the time to do this.
Printable Penang To Kuala Lumpur Map
Get your free printable Penang to Kuala Lumpur map here.
Read More:
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Where To Stay In Kuala Lumpur Malaysia: Best Hotels + Area Guide
A Guide To Kuala Lumpur Malaysia: Eat, See, Do, Stay + Essentials
Luxury Bus From Kuala Lumpur To Singapore: How To Get From KL To Singapore
Thanks for the helpful information. You wrote this very well.
Hi Jake, thanks so much, happy it helped :) Such a fun journey too!