Malaysia

How to get from Penang to Kuala Lumpur

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 290 kilometers (180 miles) from Penang to Kuala Lumpur. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Ela - Senior Travel WriterReviewed by Kate - Travel Writer & Digital NomadLast updated: June 16, 2024

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Why visit Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur (KL) is Malaysia’s capital, a vibrant mix of skyscrapers, Asian-European architecture, large shopping districts, and flavourful cuisine. The busy city can be quite overwhelming, but it’s all about finding your rhythm in Kuala Lumpur’s beautiful chaos.

The Petronas Towers — the tallest twin towers in the world — are the city’s most iconic attraction. But there’s so much more to see in Kuala Lumpur. The old KL Railway Station, KL Tower, Bukit Bintang, and Jalan Alor are all must-visits. And if you have more time, the colourful Batu Caves is just 30 minutes away from the city.

What are the 4 ways to travel from Penang to Kuala Lumpur?

There are 4 ways to travel the 290 kilometers (180 miles) from Penang to Kuala Lumpur. You can choose between the bus, taxi, train and flight. The journey takes 1 hour to 9 hours 15 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 38 MYR ($8.80).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

5h - 9h 15m

From 38 MYR ($8.80)

Train

4h 20m - 4h 50m

From 66 MYR ($15.30)

Flight

From 105 MYR ($24)

Taxi

4h 15m - 4h 30m

From 1,000 MYR ($230)

Book Tickets

Penang to Kuala Lumpur by Bus

Duration: 5h - 9h 15m

Costs: 38 MYR ($8.80)

Duration: 5h - 9h 15m

Costs: 38 MYR ($8.80)

There are direct buses that depart from Penang city centre and arrive at Kuala Lumpur city centre. But if you prefer a little more adventure, you can also take the indirect bus route via Butterworth.

Option 1: Penang to Kuala Lumpur by Direct Bus

Duration: 4h 40m - 8h 55m

Costs: 45.50 MYR ($10.50)

Duration: 4h 40m - 8h 55m

Costs: 45.50 MYR ($10.50)

We recommend taking a KKKL Express Bus that will take you directly from to . They have two departure points in Penang: Komtar Bus Terminal in George Town city centre and Sungai Nibong located 10 km south of the city centre. In KL, you can choose to arrive at either Kuala Lumpur Bus Terminal (TBS) or Kuala Lumpur Sentral.

A ticket for the whole journey (that is 4h 40m - 8h 55m long) costs 45.50 MYR ($10.50) when you book online. There are departures almost every hour from 07:00 to 23:30.

Sungai Nibong

Express

TBS Kuala Lumpur

00:15

8h 54m

09:09

07:30

8h 54m

16:24

09:30

8h 54m

18:24

10:00

8h 54m

18:54

12:30

8h 54m

21:24

14:00

8h 54m

22:54

15:30

8h 54m

00:24

18:15

8h 54m

03:09

23:30

8h 54m

08:24

KKKL Express

45.50 MYR ($10.50)

Get Your Tickets

Sungai Nibong

Express

KL Sentral

00:15

8h 42m

08:57

07:30

8h 42m

16:12

09:30

8h 42m

18:12

12:30

8h 42m

21:12

14:00

8h 42m

22:42

15:30

8h 42m

00:12

18:15

8h 42m

02:57

23:30

8h 42m

08:12

KKKL Express

45.50 MYR ($10.50)

Get Your Tickets

Sungai Nibong

VIP

Hentian Duta

00:15

4h 40m

04:55

01:00

4h 40m

05:40

07:00

4h 40m

11:40

07:45

4h 40m

12:25

08:30

4h 40m

13:10

09:00

4h 40m

13:40

09:30

4h 40m

14:10

10:00

4h 40m

14:40

10:30

4h 40m

15:10

11:00

4h 40m

15:40

11:30

4h 40m

16:10

12:00

4h 40m

16:40

12:30

4h 40m

17:10

13:30

4h 40m

18:10

14:30

4h 40m

19:10

Billion Stars Express

49 MYR ($11.30)

Get Your Tickets

Sungai Nibong

VIP

TBS Kuala Lumpur

00:15

5h 2m

05:17

01:00

5h 2m

06:02

07:00

5h 2m

12:02

07:45

5h 2m

12:47

08:30

5h 2m

13:32

09:00

5h 2m

14:02

09:30

5h 2m

14:32

10:00

5h 2m

15:02

10:30

5h 2m

15:32

11:00

5h 2m

16:02

11:30

5h 2m

16:32

12:00

5h 2m

17:02

12:30

5h 2m

17:32

13:30

5h 2m

18:32

14:30

5h 2m

19:32

Billion Stars Express

49 MYR ($11.30)

Get Your Tickets

Sungai Nibong

Express

Hentian Duta

08:45

4h 40m

13:25

Super Nice Express

50 MYR ($11.60)

Get Your Tickets

Sungai Nibong

Express

TBS Kuala Lumpur

07:30

5h 2m

12:32

08:45

5h 2m

13:47

Super Nice Express

50 MYR ($11.60)

Get Your Tickets

Sungai Nibong

VIP 24 Seats

Hentian Duta

09:45

4h 40m

14:25

KPB Express

54 MYR ($12.40)

Get Your Tickets

Sungai Nibong

VIP 24 Seats

TBS Kuala Lumpur

08:45

5h 2m

13:47

09:45

5h 2m

14:47

11:00

5h 2m

16:02

21:45

5h 2m

02:47

KPB Express

54 MYR ($12.40)

Get Your Tickets

Sungai Nibong

VIP 24 Seats

KL Sentral

08:45

4h 54m

13:39

09:45

4h 54m

14:39

11:00

4h 54m

15:54

KPB Express

54 MYR ($12.40)

Get Your Tickets

Show 4 more operator(s)

Option 2: Penang to Kuala Lumpur by Indirect Bus

Duration: 5.5 – 6 hours

Costs: 63 MYR ($14.60)

Duration: 5.5 – 6 hours

Costs: 63 MYR ($14.60)

If you want to add some more sightseeing to your journey to the capital, you can also take a combined ferry and bus ride via Butterworth.

Step 1: Penang to Butterworth by Ferry

Duration: 10 – 20 minutes

Costs: 3 MYR ($0.70) + 13 MYR ($3)

Duration: 10 – 20 minutes

Costs: 3 MYR ($0.70) + 13 MYR ($3)

Same as with the train option, you’ll first have to take a taxi or bus from Penang city centre to Weld Quay. Taxi rates start from 13 MYR ($3) and a bus ride (Line 101) costs 5 MYR ($1.20).

From Weld Quay, you’ll take a 10 to 20-minute ferry ride to reach Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal. A ferry ticket costs 3 MYR ($0.70). Penang Sentral is connected to the port by a walkway.

Step 2: Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur by Bus

Duration: 4h 40m - 8h 55m

Costs: 35 MYR ($8.10)

Duration: 4h 40m - 8h 55m

Costs: 35 MYR ($8.10)

Buses bound for Kuala Lumpur are parked at Penang Sentral. You can choose from two trusted operators: KPB Ekspres and Transnational. Both offer VIP buses for 35 MYR ($8.10) so you’ll have a comfortable journey that lasts for 4h 40m - 8h 55m.

The buses stop at Kuala Lumpur Bus Terminal (TBS).

You can book a ticket online through BookAway. Below are their schedules:

Butterworth

Express

Hentian Duta

11:15

8h 36m

19:51

12:15

8h 36m

20:51

13:15

8h 36m

21:51

13:30

8h 36m

22:06

17:15

8h 36m

01:51

23:15

8h 36m

07:51

23:59

8h 36m

08:35

Mara Liner

35 MYR ($8.10)

Get Your Tickets

Butterworth

Express

TBS Kuala Lumpur

12:15

8h 56m

21:11

13:15

8h 56m

22:11

13:30

8h 56m

22:26

23:59

8h 56m

08:55

Mara Liner

35 MYR ($8.10)

Get Your Tickets

Butterworth

Express

Hentian Duta

00:15

8h 36m

08:51

12:30

8h 36m

21:06

23:30

8h 36m

08:06

Jasmine Express

38 MYR ($8.80)

Get Your Tickets

Butterworth

Express

TBS Kuala Lumpur

00:15

8h 56m

09:11

11:40

8h 56m

20:36

12:30

8h 56m

21:26

23:30

8h 56m

08:26

23:59

8h 56m

08:55

Jasmine Express

38 MYR ($8.80)

Get Your Tickets

Butterworth

Express

KL Sentral

00:15

8h 44m

08:59

12:30

8h 44m

21:14

23:30

8h 44m

08:14

Jasmine Express

39 MYR ($9)

Get Your Tickets

Butterworth

VIP

Hentian Duta

00:30

4h 41m

05:11

00:45

4h 41m

05:26

07:45

4h 41m

12:26

08:30

4h 41m

13:11

09:15

4h 41m

13:56

09:45

4h 41m

14:26

10:15

4h 41m

14:56

10:30

4h 41m

15:11

11:00

4h 41m

15:41

11:30

4h 41m

16:11

12:00

4h 41m

16:41

12:30

4h 41m

17:11

13:00

4h 41m

17:41

14:00

4h 41m

18:41

15:00

4h 41m

19:41

16:00

4h 41m

20:41

18:15

4h 41m

22:56

23:30

4h 41m

04:11

23:59

4h 41m

04:40

Billion Stars Express

From 41 MYR ($9.50)

Butterworth

VIP

TBS Kuala Lumpur

00:30

5h 3m

05:33

00:45

5h 3m

05:48

07:45

5h 3m

12:48

08:30

5h 3m

13:33

09:15

5h 3m

14:18

09:45

5h 3m

14:48

10:15

5h 3m

15:18

10:30

5h 3m

15:33

11:00

5h 3m

16:03

11:30

5h 3m

16:33

12:00

5h 3m

17:03

12:30

5h 3m

17:33

13:00

5h 3m

18:03

14:00

5h 3m

19:03

15:00

5h 3m

20:03

16:00

5h 3m

21:03

18:15

5h 3m

23:18

23:30

5h 3m

04:33

23:59

5h 3m

05:02

Billion Stars Express

41 MYR ($9.50)

Butterworth

VIP

KL Sentral

00:30

4h 55m

05:25

00:45

4h 55m

05:40

07:45

4h 55m

12:40

08:30

4h 55m

13:25

09:15

4h 55m

14:10

09:45

4h 55m

14:40

10:15

4h 55m

15:10

10:30

4h 55m

15:25

11:00

4h 55m

15:55

11:30

4h 55m

16:25

12:00

4h 55m

16:55

12:30

4h 55m

17:25

13:00

4h 55m

17:55

14:00

4h 55m

18:55

15:00

4h 55m

19:55

16:00

4h 55m

20:55

18:15

4h 55m

23:10

23:30

4h 55m

04:25

23:59

4h 55m

04:54

Billion Stars Express

41 MYR ($9.50)

Butterworth

VIP 24 Seats

TBS Kuala Lumpur

17:00

5h 3m

22:03

22:00

5h 3m

03:03

Sri Maju Group

43 MYR ($10)

Get Your Tickets

Butterworth

Express

Hentian Duta

09:30

4h 41m

14:11

11:00

4h 41m

15:41

14:00

4h 41m

18:41

19:30

4h 41m

00:11

23:59

4h 41m

04:40

Super Nice Express

44.50 MYR ($10.30)

Get Your Tickets

Butterworth

Express

TBS Kuala Lumpur

00:45

8h 56m

09:41

08:15

8h 56m

17:11

10:00

8h 56m

18:56

10:30

8h 56m

19:26

13:00

8h 56m

21:56

14:30

8h 56m

23:26

16:00

8h 56m

00:56

19:00

8h 56m

03:56

23:59

8h 56m

08:55

KKKL Express

44.50 MYR ($10.30)

Get Your Tickets

Butterworth

Express

TBS Kuala Lumpur

08:15

5h 3m

13:18

09:30

5h 3m

14:33

10:30

5h 3m

15:33

11:00

5h 3m

16:03

14:00

5h 3m

19:03

19:30

5h 3m

00:33

23:59

5h 3m

05:02

Super Nice Express

44.50 MYR ($10.30)

Get Your Tickets

Butterworth

VIP 24 Seats

Hentian Duta

00:15

4h 41m

04:56

08:00

4h 41m

12:41

08:30

4h 41m

13:11

10:30

4h 41m

15:11

21:30

4h 41m

02:11

KPB Express

54 MYR ($12.40)

Get Your Tickets

Butterworth

VIP 24 Seats

TBS Kuala Lumpur

00:15

5h 3m

05:18

08:00

5h 3m

13:03

08:30

5h 3m

13:33

09:30

5h 3m

14:33

10:30

5h 3m

15:33

15:00

5h 3m

20:03

21:30

5h 3m

02:33

22:30

5h 3m

03:33

23:15

5h 3m

04:18

23:58

5h 3m

05:01

KPB Express

54 MYR ($12.40)

Get Your Tickets

Butterworth

VIP 24 Seats

KL Sentral

00:15

4h 55m

05:10

08:00

4h 55m

12:55

08:30

4h 55m

13:25

09:30

4h 55m

14:25

10:30

4h 55m

15:25

KPB Express

54 MYR ($12.40)

Get Your Tickets

Show 10 more operator(s)

Penang to Kuala Lumpur by Train

Duration: 4h 20m - 4h 50m

Costs: 66 MYR ($15.30)

Duration: 4h 20m - 4h 50m

Costs: 66 MYR ($15.30)

Although not a direct option, the train and ferry combination will give you a scenic journey.

Step 1: Penang to Butterworth by Ferry

Duration: 10 – 20 minutes

Costs: 3 MYR ($0.70) + 13 MYR ($3)

Duration: 10 – 20 minutes

Costs: 3 MYR ($0.70) + 13 MYR ($3)

If you’re staying in George Town, you’ll first have to take a taxi or Grab or a bus (Line 101) to Weld Quay. Fares start from 13 MYR ($3) and 5 MYR ($1.20), respectively. Keep in mind that the bus takes longer as it makes a lot of stops and it may not stop near your hotel.

Ferries depart from Weld Quay from 05:20 to 22:00, with a 20 to 30-minute interval. Beyond 22:00, the ferry runs every 40 minutes until its last trip at 00:40. A ticket to Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal in Butterworth costs 3 MYR ($0.70).

Butterworth Train Station is conveniently connected to the port by a walkway. It’s just a 10-minute walk but there are some stairs involved, so bear this in mind if you’re carrying large luggage.

Step 2: Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur by Train

Duration: 4-4.5 hours

Costs: 63 MYR ($14.60)

Duration: 4-4.5 hours

Costs: 63 MYR ($14.60)

From Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur, two trains operate on weekdays and four on weekends (Friday to Sunday). A standard train ticket costs 63 MYR ($14.60) and travel time is 4-4.5 hours.

Butterworth

Kuala Lumpur

Departs everyday from 07:30-11:54

EG9321 (ETS Gold)

63 MYR ($14.60)

Get Your Tickets

Butterworth

Kuala Lumpur

Departs every weekend from 18:33-22:59

EG9123 (ETS Gold)

63 MYR ($14.60)

Get Your Tickets

Butterworth

Kuala Lumpur

Departs everyday from 16:00-20:17

EP9107 (ETS Platinum)

83 MYR ($19.20)

Get Your Tickets

Butterworth

Kuala Lumpur

Departs every weekend from 13:10-17:30

EP9173 (ETS Platinum)

83 MYR ($19.20)

Get Your Tickets

There are 2 types of trains: ETS Platinum and ETS Gold. Platinum trains are faster as they make fewer stops, but they are also more expensive.

The trains depart from Butterworth Station and arrive at KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur city centre.

Penang to Kuala Lumpur by Flight

Duration: 1h

Costs: 105 MYR ($24)

Duration: 1h

Costs: 105 MYR ($24)

All flights depart from Penang Airport, 18 km south of George Town. You can reach it by a 30-minute taxi with fares from 30 MYR ($6.90) or by a 1-hour bus, which costs 3 MYR ($0.70).

You can choose to arrive at two different airports: Subang Airport or Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Subang Airport is nearer KL city centre, but flights to KL Airport are normally cheaper.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Option 1: Flight via Subang Airport (SBZ)

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 140 MYR ($32.50)

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 140 MYR ($32.50)

Malindo Air often offers the cheapest airfares from Penang to Subang Airport (SBZ), with tickets starting from 140 MYR ($32.50). Other options include Thai Lion Air, Firefly and Malaysia Airlines. The flight takes about 1 hour.

Kuala Lumpur city centre is located some 20 km east of Subang Airport. You can reach it in three ways: by train going to KL Sentral, by bus #U81, or by taxi. Travel time is about 30 minutes and fares cost from 2 MYR ($0.50).

Check Flights from Subang Airport with Skyscanner

Option 2: Flight via Kuala Lumpur Int’l Airport (KUL)

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 105 MYR ($24)

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 105 MYR ($24)

Airfares from Penang to Kuala Lumpur Int’l Airport (KUL) start from 105 MYR ($24). You can usually get the lowest price with Air Asia, but Thai Lion Air, Malaysia Airlines, and Malindo Air also offer flights for this route.

From KL Airport, you can reach the city centre in 30 minutes to an hour, depending on which mode of transport you take. For more info, visit our page on Kuala Lumpur Int’l Airport.

Check Flights from KL Airport with Skyscanner

Penang to Kuala Lumpur by Taxi

Duration: 4h 15m - 4h 30m

Costs: 1,000 MYR ($230)

Duration: 4h 15m - 4h 30m

Costs: 1,000 MYR ($230)

Taxi rental rates from Penang to Kuala Lumpur start from 1,000 MYR ($230). It’s quite expensive and we don’t really think it’s worth spending that much when the other options are already convenient. But if you prefer a private transfer, you can book a taxi online through BookAway. Travel time is 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes.

Check Private Transfers with BookAway

Taxi options from Penang to Kuala Lumpur

Standard

Standard Minivan 8 PAX

Price per person = 125 MYR ($29)

Sin-Pen Travel

1,000 MYR ($230)

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Minivan 8 PAX

Price per person = 140 MYR ($32)

Sin-Pen Travel

1,110 MYR ($255)

Get Your Tickets

Frequently Asked Questions about Penang to Kuala Lumpur

What is the distance from Penang to Kuala Lumpur?

The distance from Penang to Kuala Lumpur is 290 kilometers (180 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Penang to Kuala Lumpur?

The fastest way to get from Penang to Kuala Lumpur is by flight and takes 1 hour.

What is the cheapest way to get from Penang to Kuala Lumpur?

The cheapest way to get from Penang to Kuala Lumpur is by bus with ticket costs starting from 38 MYR ($8.80).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Penang to Kuala Lumpur. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

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About the author(s)

Ela

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.

Kate

Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.