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Penang is Malaysia's food island, north up the coast from Kuala Lumpur. George Town's hawker stalls, shophouses and street art are the reason most people come. Flying is the quickest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, taking 1h. By road, the indirect bus is the cheapest at $8.20 - $11 (33.5 - 43.5 MYR), and the direct bus costs a touch more.
Distance from Kuala Lumpur to Penang
Kuala Lumpur and Penang are about 291 km (181 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 342 km by road. The quickest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang is by taking the flight, which takes around 1h.
5 ways to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang
There are five ways to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang. You can choose between the indirect bus, bus, train, flight, and private transport. The journey takes 1h–5h 10m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by indirect bus with tickets starting at $8.20 (33.5 MYR).
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ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Penang?
Penang is a cultural melting pot on the northwest coast of Malaysia. For such a small island, it has so much to offer — vibrant culture, colourful heritage, amazing food, urban wonders, and untouched rainforest.
At its heart is George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a city rich in history. Famous for its street art, you can easily spend hours exploring its alleys. Sure, the island can be touristy. Yet somehow, it is able to maintain a laidback vibe and a charm that you can only find in Penang.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, roughly 291 kilometres (181 miles) apart. In all, there are 5 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $8.20 - $11 (33.5 - 43.5 MYR). The quickest trip takes 1h.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Penang?
The distance from Kuala Lumpur to Penang is 291 kilometres (181 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang?
The fastest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang is by flight and takes 1h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang?
The cheapest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang is by indirect bus with ticket costs starting from 33.5 MYR.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Travel Writer & Digital Nomad
Kate is a travel content creator, writer and founder of Stay Wild Travel, a tour company running group trips for women beyond your typical destinations. Her full-time travels have taken her to almost 60 countries, and she doesn't intend to stop anytime soon.
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