Bus
Direct option, decent comfort, best overall value
Bus + Flight (via KL)
Fastest overall, but requires transfer in Kuala Lumpur
Bus + Train
More scenic route, but multiple transfers and longer time
Direct train
No direct route, complicated connections required
Quick answer: The main transport options from Malacca to Penang are bus/minivan, train (via Tampin and Butterworth), bus + flight (via Kuala Lumpur) or private car/taxi. The bus and train are the budget‑friendly land routes, the bus + flight is faster for those pressed for time, and the private car/taxi offers maximum comfort and flexibility for groups or custom stops.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 500 km by land or ~450 km by air between Malacca and Penang
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/minivan ~7–12 hours | Train (Tampin→Butterworth + ferry if reaching Penang Island) ~6.5 hours | Bus + Flight ~8–10 hours
- 💰 Price range: Bus/minivan ~$9–17 per person | Train ~$15–48 per person | Bus + Flight ~$50–150 per person
- 🚍 Best for budget: Bus/minivan direct land route
- 🚆 Comfortable land alternative: Train via Tampin + Butterworth
- ✈️ Fastest option: Bus to Kuala Lumpur + Flight to Penang
- 🚕 Most flexible: Private car/taxi (ideal for groups or tailored itinerary)
Last updated in April 2026
From Malacca to Penang you can travel by bus, train, taxi/car.
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- Travel distance from Malacca to Penang is about 500 km by land or about 450 km by plane. From Malacca to Penang you can travel by tourist bus, train via Tampin and Kuala Lumpur, private car or bus + plane. The most cheapest way is to travel by tourist bus to Penang. Buses in Malaysia are modern, new and clean and bust tickets are cheap. Bus ticket from Malacca to Penang costs about $9-17/pp and travel by bus takes about 7-12 hours. Buses arrive to Butterworth or Sungai Nibong – Penang. You can also travel by train from Tampin (about 40 km from Malacca) to Butterworth via Kuala Lumpur. Butterworth is the closest railway station to Penang, about 20 km from the island.
- From Butterworth to Penang – Georgetown you can travel by boat or local bus/taxi. Boat departs from Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal at the railway station. If you want to travel by plane to Penang, you can travel by bus to Kuala Lumpur and from KL you can take a direct flight to Penang. Penang Airport is about 18 km south of Georgetown and from this airport you can take a local public bus or taxi to Georgetown. Book and buy your bus/train tickets or flights from Malacca to Penang easily online and enjoy your trip in Malaysia.
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- Penang Island is about 15 to 20-minute by ferry ride from mainland Penang on the Malaysian Peninsula. There are two bridges connecting the island to the mainland – Penang Bridge and the Second Penang Bridge (Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’Adzam Shah Bridge). Penang was formerly known as Pulau Ka Satu. A sea rover by the name of Ragam named it Pulau Ka Satu a single island as it was the only large the isolated land he came across on his trading trips between Lingga and Kedah. Penang is now one of the most visited places in Malaysia and offers nature, history, cultures and relax at the sea. You can also very easily visit Penang National park. From Penang Island you can travel by ferry/boat or plane (direct flight) to Langkawi. Langkawi is one of the most popular islands in Malaysia.
| Transfer Mode – Malacca to Penang: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 7–12 hours | $9–17/pp |
| KTM Berhad Train from Tampin | 6.5 hours | $15–48/pp |
| Private taxi/car with a driver | 6 hours | $300–540/car |
| Bus + Flight via Kuala Lumpur | 8–10 hours | $50–150/pp |
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Penang ➜
How do I get from Malacca to Penang?
1. BUS from Malacca to Penang
👉 Bus is the most affordable and commonly used way to travel from Malacca to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers and solo passengers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7–12 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $9–17 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: good (modern long-distance buses with seats and AC)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct buses to Sungai Nibong or Penang Sentral with companies like KKKL Express or Super Nice Express
- 💡 Tip: If arriving in Butterworth, plan a short ferry ride to Georgetown on Penang Island.
A popular, cheaper transfer option from Malacca to Penang Island or Butterworth is to travel by bus. On this route you can use modern buses of various companies such as KPB Express, KKKL Express, Super Nice Express, Sri Maju Group, Mayang Sari, Pancaran Matahari or other private bus companies.
These buses usually depart from Melaka Sentral Bus Station and arrive at Butterworth, Sungai Nibong or Penang Sentral. If you go to Butterworth, then from there it is necessary to go to Penang Island, for example by boat, directly to the city of Georgetown. These ships depart from the port, which is a short distance from the railway station.
The Sungai Nibong station is located on Penang Island itself. You will always see this information about departures and arrivals when searching for tickets online, so read everything carefully. A bus transfer from Malacca to Penang or Butterworth takes about 7-12 hours, but this time may vary slightly and buses may also be late.
Buses also have other stops during the journey, the time for these stops is usually already included in the total journey time. Bus transportation to Penang from Malacca costs between $9-17/pp, prices are almost the same throughout the year, sometimes they can vary slightly.
You can search and buy bus tickets from Malacca to Penang easily online in advance. When booking a ticket, always read all additional information and instructions to avoid possible misunderstandings. The bus transfer to Penang is mainly used by ordinary solo travelers who are looking for adequate travel comfort at a reasonable price.
| Bus Company | Departs in Malacca | Arrival in Penang |
|---|---|---|
| KPB Express | 07:00 | 14:01 |
| KPB Express | 08:15 | 15:16 |
| KPB Express | 09:00 | 16:01 |
| KPB Express | 22:00 | 05:01 |
| Super Nice Express | 08:30 | 15:31 |
| Super Nice Express | 20:00 | 03:01 |
| Super Nice Express | 20:00 | 03:01 |
| Billion Stars | 08:30 | 15:31 |
| Billion Stars | 10:15 | 17:16 |
| Billion Stars | 21:30 | 04:31 |
| Billion Stars | 22:15 | 05:16 |
| Sri Maju Group | 09:00 | 16:01 |
| Mayang Sari | 11:45 | 00:03 |
| Mayang Sari | 23:45 | 12:03 |
| Pancaran Matahari | 21:00 | 09:18 |
| KKKL Express | 21:30 | 09:46 |
2. TRAIN from Malacca (Tampin) to Penang
👉 Train via Tampin is a comfortable but less direct way to travel from Malacca to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who prefer train travel and don’t mind extra transfers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7–9 hours (including transfers and ferry)
- ✔️ Cost: around $17+ per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (KTM trains with comfortable seating)
- ✅ Best Option: KTM train from Tampin to Butterworth + ferry to Penang Island
- 💡 Tip: Plan transport to Tampin in advance and check schedules carefully, as train departures are limited.
If you would like to travel by train from Malacca to Penang, you can use the KTM Berhad train, but from Tampin station, which is about 40 km from Malacca city center. The KTM Berhad train with seats therefore departs from Tampin Railway Station and arrives at Butterworth, from where you then have to take a boat to Penang Island, for example, see the Malaysia Railway Map.
The disadvantage is the slightly longer total transfer time, which includes first the transport to the station, then the train transfer and then the boat trip to Penang. However, the train is relatively a very comfortable and safe transport option and that is an advantage. The timetable of these trains is also very limited and usually only 1 train can go between these places, but the numbers can change during the year.
The journey by KTM Berhad train from Tampin to Butterworth takes about 6.5 hours and this time is mostly respected. A train transfer from Tampin to Butterworth costs around $17/pp, that’s the price for a 2nd class seat which will be fully sufficient for everyone. The menu may also include higher classes of comfort seats, after which the prices may be higher.
Tampin to Butterworth train tickets can be easily searched and purchased online in advance as well as e-tickets. It is not necessary to print these e-tickets and it is enough to have them saved in your mobile phone and then show yourself at the station with the appropriate QR code of these tickets.
It is advisable to arrive at the train station well in advance, at least 30-60 minutes before the train departs from Tampin. The train transfer is not a bad choice of transport at all, however, the timetable is very limited and the train only departs from the city of Tampin and not directly from the city of Malacca, there is no railway station.
3. TAXI / CAR from Malacca to Penang
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable and direct way to travel from Malacca to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: groups, families, and travelers wanting door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~6 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $300–540 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort level: very high (modern cars or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Private transfer with companies like Daytrip or Asian Overland Services
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost between passengers and arrange flexible pickup and drop-off points for maximum convenience.
A private car/taxi with a driver is also a very convenient option for a land transfer from Malacca to Penang Island or even to Butterworth. This option of transport will be offered by the private company Daytrip and possibly Asian Overland Services (which offers a transfers via Kuala Lumpur).
Of course, this option is also one of the most expensive transport options to Penang from Malacca, and fares range from $300-540/car. The smaller classic cars on offer are usually a cheaper option than the larger multi-passenger minivans, which are mainly suitable for group travel.
However, you can then calculate the fare for individual passengers. The advantage of this option is that you can choose your departure point in Malacca and your arrival point in Penang, thereby saving you some additional time.
Transfer by private car with driver from Malacca to Penang takes about 6 hours, but this time may vary slightly depending on your specific travel route.
You can search and book your private car with driver from Malacca to Penang online even in advance. When booking a car, always read all conditions and instructions for the transfer and follow the instructions of the transport company.
A private car with a driver on the route between Malacca and Penang is a suitable choice of transport mainly for those who have a bigger budget for their travel, because of the higher prices it is not suitable for ordinary low-cost travellers.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel route from Malacca to Penang:
1. How to book tickets + flights from Malacca to Penang?
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- You can book e-tickets/flights from Malacca to Penang online on 12go.asia ➜.
- You can book another tickets, e.g. Malacca > Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur > Georgetown…
2. What is the travel time from Malacca to Penang?
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- Travel by bus from Malacca to Penang or Butterworth takes about 7-12 hours.
- Travel by train from Malacca (Tampin) to Penang (Butterworth) takes about 6.5 hours.
- Travel by bus + plane from Malacca to Penang via Kuala Lumpur takes about 8-10 hours.
- Travel by private car from Malacca to Penang takes about 6 hours.
3. What is the travel time from Malacca to Penang?
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- Travel by bus from Malacca to Penang or Butterworth costs about $9-17/pp.
- Travel by train from Malacca (Tampin) to Penang (Butterworth) costs about $15-48/pp.
- Travel by bus + plane from Malacca to Penang via Kuala Lumpur costs about $50-150/pp.
- Travel by private car from Malacca to Penang costs about $300-540/car.
4. What is the travel distance from Malacca to Penang?
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- Travel distance from Malacca to Penang is about 500 km by train/bus/minivan or about 450 km by plane.
5. What is the best way of transport from Malacca to Penang?
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- The best way of transport from Malacca to Penang is to travel by bus or you can take a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur.
6. What is the most cheapest way of getting from Malacca to Penang?
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- The most cheapest way of transport from Malacca to Penang (+Butterworth, Georgetown) is to travel by tourist bus. The most cheapest one-way bus ticket from Malacca to Penang costs about $9/pp.
7. Is there a direct flight from Malacca to Penang?
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- No, if you want to travel by plane to Penang, you have to travel by bus to Kuala Lumpur and from this city you can take a direct flight to Penang International Airport.
8. Where you can go and travel from Penang?
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- From Penang you can go by ferry or plane to Langkawi – the most visited island in Malaysia. You can also travel by tourist bus, train of KTM Berhad, car or plane (direct flight) to Kuala Lumpur, it is the capital of Malaysia and the biggest transprot hub of this country. Before you arrive to KL, you can also travel to Ipoh in Perak. You can also go to the east of Malaysia and visit Redang Island close to Kuala Terengganu.
9. How to go from Butterworth to Georgetown?
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- Georgetown city is the main base for tourists. There are various hotels, guesthouses or hostels, restaurants and services. If you arrive to Butterworth (20 km from Penang) you can travel by boat or local bus to Georgetown. Travel by boat is a good option. Boats depart right from Butterworth railway station (Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal), it is a few meters from the railway station.
10. What is the weather in Malaysia and what to expect?
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- The weather in Malaysia varies throughout the year. Generally, Malaysia experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and humidity. The country has two monsoon seasons—the Southwest Monsoon (May to September) and the Northeast Monsoon (November to March). During the Southwest Monsoon, the western coastal areas, including Kuala Lumpur, may experience heavy rainfall. The Northeast Monsoon brings rain to the eastern coastal areas. However, the interior regions and certain islands can be visited year-round.
💡 Travel Tips for Malacca to Penang (Bus, Train & Flight)
These tips highlight specific and lesser‑known insights for making the ~500 km journey from historic Malacca up to Penang — a long cross‑peninsula route that’s doable by direct bus, train combinations or by combining bus with a flight via Kuala Lumpur.
1. Consider Breaking the Trip in Kuala Lumpur
Since direct flights between Malacca and Penang aren’t available, a clever option is to take an early bus to Kuala Lumpur then catch a flight up to Penang. That flight only takes about an hour, and combined with the land leg it often ends up faster and more relaxing than an overnight or all‑road bus.
2. Try the Train via Tampin + Butterworth Ferry
There’s no rail station in Malacca itself, but taking a bus/taxi a short distance to Tampin gets you onto Malaysia’s KTM network. From Tampin you can ride a train up to Butterworth and then cross by ferry to Penang Island — a route that feels more scenic and less cramped than a long express coach.
3. Pick a Bus Arrival Point That Matches Your Plans
Coaches from Melaka Sentral may stop at Penang Sentral on the mainland or directly at Sungai Nibong on Penang Island. If your hotel is in George Town, direct island arrival saves a ferry/taxi leg; note this when booking so you don’t end up on the wrong side of the strait.
4. Avoid Peak Traffic Windows on the North–South Expressway
The highway connecting Peninsular Malaysia’s west coast gets very busy on Friday afternoons and Sundays as locals travel between cities. If you’re on a bus, departing outside those peak periods (e.g., early morning or late evening) helps you sidestep the worst jams and shortens your journey time.
5. Explore Bus + Train Combination Beyond Direct Routes
A creative multi‑modal path is to take a bus up to Kuala Lumpur, then an ETS train further north to Butterworth before the ferry to Penang Island. This breaks the long road slog into more comfortable legs and lets you enjoy rail scenery deep into Malaysia’s interior.
6. Pack Water & Snacks for the Long Mid‑Route
No matter how you go, the land portion between Malacca and Penang is lengthy with stretches of highway that don’t always have frequent rest stops. Having water, snacks and your own entertainment helps keep the trip pleasant and avoids pricey or crowded stops.
Tip: Bus, bus+flight, train or combination tickets from Malacca to Penang can be searched and booked online in advance, helping secure your preferred departure times and comfort levels — particularly useful during holidays and peak travel seasons.