Train + ferry
Fast, comfortable, smooth transfer via Butterworth
Bus
Cheap and direct, decent comfort, limited schedules
Private car/taxi
Fastest option, flexible timing, easiest door-to-door
Ferry via Langkawi
Very long detour, unnecessary and time consuming
Quick answer: Traveling from Kuala Perlis to Penang offers several convenient options. You can take a direct tourist bus, which is affordable and takes about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can combine a train ride to Butterworth with a short ferry crossing to Penang, providing a comfortable and scenic route. Another choice is a longer ferry journey via Langkawi Island, which is less common but offers a unique travel experience.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: 170 km via Butterworth
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~2.5 h | Train + ferry ~1.5 h + transfer | Ferry via Langkawi ~6‑7 h
- 💰 Price range: Bus US$4‑9 | Train + ferry US$3‑10 | Ferry route US$20‑30
- 🚆 Train + ferry: Good compromise if schedules match
- 🚢 Ferry via Langkawi: Scenic but longer
Last updated in March 2026
From Kuala Perlis to Penang you can travel by bus, train, ferry, taxi/car.
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- Travel distance from Kuala Perlis to Penang is about 170 km by train/bus + ferry via Butterworth. There are 3 options how you can get to Penang / Butterworth from Kuala Perlis: travel by tourist bus, travel by KTM Komuter train or you can take a ferry via Langkawi Island. The most popular and cheapest way of transfer to Penang or Butterworth from Kuala Perlis is to travel by bus. Transfer by tourist bus from Kuala Perlis to Penang or Butterworth takes about 2.5 hours and bus tickets cost about costs about $4-9/pp. These buses depart from Kuala Perlis town or Kangar and arrive to Butterworth (about 4 km by ferry from Penang) or Sungai Nibong in Penang.
- Another option how you can reach Butterworth in Penang is to travel by KTM Komuter train. The closest railway station to Kuala Perlis town is in Arau, it is about 20 km from Kuala Perlis town. You can take a private taxi to Arau Train Station from Kuala Perlis town. Transport by KTM Komuter train from Arau Railway Station to Butterworth Railway Station takes about 1.5 hour and train tickets cost about $3-5/pp. Penang has no railway station for KTM train, the closest railway station is in Butterworth, about 4 km by ferry from Georgetown. From Penang you can also travel to Ipoh or you can go to Kuala Lumpur, there are tourist buses or KTM trains to these cities.
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- It is also possible to travel by ferry from Kuala Perlis to Penang via Langkawi. Langkawi Island is about 35 km west of Kuala Perlis town and is accessible by ferry/boat from Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal. It is one of the most visited islands in Malaysia and from this island you can also travel by ferry (or plane – direct flight) to Penang. Transfer by ferry from Langkawi to Penang takes about 3 hours. Travel by ferry from Kuala Perlis to Penang (via Langkawi) takes totally about 6-7 hours and it costs totally about $20-30/pp. You should definitely stay in Langkawi a few days, it is a worth visit. There are no direct flights from Kuala Perlis to Penang or Butterworth, but you can take a direct flight from Langkawi Island to Penang Island (Penang International Airport).
| Transfer modes from Kuala Perlis to Penang: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 2.5 hours | $4–9 per person |
| KTM Komuter train | 1.5 hours | $4–10 per person |
| Ferry (via Langkawi) | 6–7 hours | $20–30 per person |
How do I get from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
1. BUS from Kuala Perlis to Penang / Butterworth
👉 Bus is the cheapest and easiest way to travel from Kuala Perlis to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers and short-distance trips
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $4–9 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: good (modern buses with seats and AC)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct buses to Penang Sentral or Sungai Nibong with companies like Cepat Express or Mara Liner
- 💡 Tip: If arriving in Butterworth, take a short ferry ride to Georgetown on Penang Island.
The cheap and popular option for land transfer from Kuala Perlis to Penang Island or to Butterworth is by bus. On this route between these places, you can use companies such as Cepat Express, Mara Liner, Alisan Coach, Plusliner or other companies. They will offer you modern buses with seats that depart from Kuala Perlis Bus Station or Kangar and arrive at Butterworth, Sungai Nibong or Penang Sentral.
If you take a bus to Butterworth, you will then have to take a boat to Georgetown on Penang Island. Butterworth is about 4km from Penang if you go by boat, which is the best transfer option between the mainland. You will see information about the departures and arrivals of buses going to Penang when searching for tickets on online platforms, so read everything carefully and see where these bus stations are located.
A bus transfer from Kuala Perlis to Penang or Butterworth takes about 2.5-3 hours, depending on the company and the route the buses take. However, be aware that the exact travel times may not be followed and buses may be late. Bus transportation to Penang or Butterworth from Kuala Perlis / Kangar costs between $4-9/pp, these prices may vary slightly throughout the year and seasons.
You can easily search and buy Kuala Perlis to Penang / Butterworth bus tickets online in advance. When booking a ticket, always read all transfer information and instructions and follow the instructions of the transport company.
A disadvantage can be the relatively very limited bus schedule between these places. The bus transfer from Kuala Perlis to Penang is mainly sought after by low-cost travelers who have a more limited budget for their travel.
| Bus Company | Departs in Kuala Perlis | Arrival in Penang / Butterworth |
|---|---|---|
| Cepat Express | 18:30 | 21:00 |
| Mara Liner | 09:00 | 11:30 |
| Mara Liner | 18:00 | 20:30 |
| Mara Liner | 20:00 | 22:30 |
| Alisan Coach | 09:00 | 11:30 |
| Plusliner | 09:30 | 12:00 |
| Plusliner | 14:30 | 17:56 |
| Plusliner | 19:30 | 22:56 |
| Kesatuan | 07:15 | 10:41 |
| Kesatuan | 11:00 | 14:26 |
| Kesatuan | 16:00 | 19:26 |
| Kesatuan | 17:45 | 21:11 |
2. TRAIN from Arau to Butterworth (Penang)
👉 Train + ferry via Butterworth is the fastest and very affordable way to travel from Kuala Perlis to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want a quick and low-cost journey
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours (including ferry)
- ✔️ Cost: $3–5 per person + ferry fee
- ✔️ Comfort level: good (KTM Komuter trains with seating)
- ✅ Best Option: KTM Komuter train from Arau to Butterworth + ferry to Penang Island
- 💡 Tip: Check train schedules in advance and allow extra time for the short ferry transfer to Georgetown.
Another land transfer option from Kuala Perlis to Penang / Butterworth is to take the KTM Komuter train. The train is a relatively comfortable and fast transfer option to Penang Island, specifically the train goes to Butterworth Railway Station. From Butterworth you then have to take a boat to Penang Island again, the boat transfer takes about 20 minutes and you can buy tickets on the spot at the port.
So this option has 2 steps, train and boat transfer via Butterworth. The railway does not go directly to Penang Island, you cannot get there by train, the nearest station is in Butterworth. Traveling by train is faster than traveling by bus and the train transfer from Kuala Perlis to Butterworth takes about 2 hours.
KTM Komuter trains depart from Arau Railway Station and arrive at Butterworth Railway Station, see Malaysia Railway Map. A KTM Komuter train transfer from Kuala Perlis to Butterworth costs around $3-5/pp, which is again a very cheap transport option. Ticket prices are not fixed and again, like bus tickets, prices can change and vary throughout the year.
You can buy train tickets from Kuala Perlis to Butterworth on the spot upon departure or online and arrive at the station at least 30-60 minutes before the train departs. Traveling by train is a good transfer option, the downside is that the train does not go directly to Penang Island but you can take it to Butterworth and also the limited timetable of these trains.
3. FERRY from Kuala Perlis to Penang (via Langkawi)
👉 Ferry via Langkawi is the most scenic and unique way to travel from Kuala Perlis to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want to visit Langkawi along the way
- ✔️ Travel time: ~4–6 hours (including transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $22–30 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: moderate (two ferry rides with sea views)
- ✅ Best Option: Ferry to Langkawi + connecting ferry to Penang (Georgetown)
- 💡 Tip: Check ferry schedules in advance, as connections are limited and may require waiting time on Langkawi.
Another interesting and rather alternative transfer option to Penang from Kuala Perlis is a ferry/boat transfer via Langkawi Island. So this option has 2 steps, first a boat trip from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi and then another boat trip from Langkawi to Penang. It is an ideal transfer option for those who also want to visit the popular and popular island of Langkawi, which offers many attractive places and active recreation.
In the first step, you can use the ferry transfer from Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal to Kuah Jetty – Langkawi, which takes about 1 hour. This route between Kuala Perlis and Lankawi is approximately 35km long and ferry tickets cost between $5-7/pp and can be purchased on site at the port. You can use the ferry from Langkawi Ferry Line on this route.
The disadvantage of this route is the relatively limited schedule of these ships and ferries. Kuah Jetty Ferry Terminal is the main port in the south-eastern part of Langkawi Island and ships arrive here from Kuala Perlis and/or Penang.The second step is then a ferry transfer from Langkawi to Penang, to the city of Georgetown.
You can use the ferry company Super Fast Ferry Ventures or other companies on this route. The timetable of these Penang-bound boats is rather more limited, so it is advisable to do your research about the trips in advance first. The ferry transfer from Langkawi to Penang takes about 3 hours and the fare ranges from $17-22/pp.
Ferries depart from Kuah Jetty – Langkawi and arrive at Penang Ferry Terminal in Georgetown. Please arrive at the Kuah Jetty ferry terminal at least 60 minutes before the departure of the boat and ferry to Penang. A transfer from Kuala Perlis to Penang with a ferry/boat via Langkawi is an interesting and relatively affordable transport option, during which you will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful and touristic island of Langkawi.
4. TAXI / CAR from Kuala Perlis to Penang
👉 Private taxi/car is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Kuala Perlis to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: families, groups, and travelers wanting direct door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $160–250 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort level: very high (air-conditioned cars or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Private transfer with companies like FQD Travel
- 💡 Tip: Share the ride to reduce costs and arrange flexible pickup/drop-off for maximum comfort.
The most expensive, but most convenient option for transferring from Kuala Perlis to Penang is a private taxi/car with a driver. This transport option is offered by the private company FQD Travel on this route, which has standard smaller cars and minivans for several people traveling in a group of several people.
Private taxi/car transport from Kuala Perlis to Penang takes about 2 hours and costs between $160-250/car, prices vary depending on the type of car. Smaller cars are a cheaper option, minivans are more expensive, but you can calculate the fare for each passenger in the car.
The advantage of a private transfer is also the choice of departure time and arrival point on the route, so you can arrive, for example, directly to your hotel in Penang, you can leave these cars from the Kuala Perlis Jetty. You can easily search and book your private car/taxi from Kuala Perlis to Penang online well in advance.
When booking, read all the terms and conditions and information about the transfer to avoid any complications and misunderstandings. Private taxi/car transportation from Kuala Perlis to Penang is suitable for travelers who have a larger budget for their travel. For low-cost travelers, this may not be a suitable transportation option, as they will prefer a bus transfer.
❓ FAQ – Travel route from Kuala Perlis to Penang:
1. How to book and buy tickets from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
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- You can book tickets and flights from Kuala Perlis to Penang on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
- you can search and book another route, e.g. Kuala Perlis to Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Perlis to Malacca…
2. What is the travel time from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
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- Travel by bus from Kuala Perlis to Penang or Butterworth takes about 2.5 hours.
- Travel by KTM Komuter train from Arau to Butterworth takes about 1.5 hour.
- Travel by ferry from Kuala Perlis to Penang (via Langkawi) takes about 6-7 hours.
- Travel by private taxi/car from Kuala Perlis to Penang takes about 2 hours.
3. How much does it cost from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
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- Transfer by tourist bus from Kuala Perlis to Penang or Butterworth costs about $4-9/pp.
- Transfer by KTM Komuter train from Arau to Butterworth costs about $4-10/pp.
- Transfer by ferry from Kuala Perlis to Penang (via Langkawi) costs about $20-30/pp.
- Travel by private taxi/car from Kuala Perlis to Penang costs about $160-250/car.
4. What is the travel distance from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
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- Travel distance from Kuala Perlis to Penang is about 170 km by train/bus + ferry via Butterworth.
5. What is the best way of transfer from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
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- The best and also fast way of transport from Kuala Perlis to Penang is to travel by tourist bus. There are buses from Kuala Perlis town or Kangar to Butterworth (about 4 km by ferry from Penang) or Sungai Nibong in Penang.
6. What is the most cheapest way of getting from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
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- The most cheapest way of transport from Kuala Perlis to Penang is to travel by tourist bus. The most cheapest bus tickets to Butterworth or Penang Island start at $4-5/pp.
7. Is there a flight from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
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- No, there is no flight from Kuala Perlis to Penang. But you can travel by plane – direct flight from Langkawi to Penang. Travel time by plane from Langkawi to Penang is only about 1 hour.
8. Is there a direct train from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
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- No, there is no direct train to Penang Island from Kuala Perlis. Penang Island has no railway station. But you can travel by KTM Komuter train from Arau Railway Station (about 20 km from Kuala Perlis town) to Butterworth. Butterworth is about 4 km by ferry from Georgetown in Penang.
9. How to travel from Butterworth Railway Station to Georgetown?
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- Lots of buses and KTM Komuter trains arrive to Butterworth. Bus station and train station is right at the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal. From this ferry terminal you can travel by ferry/boat to Georgetown in Penang. Tickets are very cheap and travel time by ferry is about 20 minutes.
10. Where and how you can also travel from Penang?
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- From Penang you can also travel by bus, train or plane to Kuala Lumpur – the capital of Malaysia, to Ipoh in Perak State by bus or train or you can take a direct flight to Kota Bharu or Singapore.
11. Where to stay in Penang? Hotel, resort or hostel?
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- Penang is a large and popular tourist island and offers a large number of various modern accommodation facilities. There are cheap guesthouses, hotels, hostels for backpackers and luxury modern hotels. You can book your hotel in Penang here > Book hotel or resort in Penang online.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Kuala Perlis to Penang
These practical tips are based on traveler experiences and transport insights for the journey from Kuala Perlis, a quiet border town near Thailand, to the lively and culturally rich island city of Penang in Malaysia. The route involves crossing an international border and a combination of transport modes, so a little preparation goes a long way to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
1. Understand Border Crossing Procedures
The journey requires crossing the Malaysia-Thailand border at Padang Besar, a busy checkpoint. Have your passport and any necessary visas ready, and prepare for customs and immigration inspections. The process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and season, so plan accordingly. Staying patient and cooperative will make things easier.
2. Choose Your Transport Wisely
From Padang Besar, you have the option to travel by train or bus to Butterworth, the mainland gateway to Penang Island. Trains offer a more scenic and comfortable ride, while buses tend to be more frequent and flexible. Once in Butterworth, you can take a short ferry ride or a bridge taxi to reach Penang Island itself. Research schedules and choose the option that fits your budget and timing best.
3. Book Tickets in Advance When Possible
Especially during weekends, holidays, and local festivals, bus and train tickets can sell out quickly. Booking online or at the station a day or two in advance helps ensure you have a confirmed seat and reduces last-minute stress. Many ticketing platforms allow you to select your preferred departure time and seat class.
4. Prepare for Variable Travel Times
Border formalities and traffic conditions can cause delays, sometimes unexpectedly. It’s best not to plan tight connections or rigid schedules on this route. Allow some buffer time between transport segments, and bring snacks and water just in case. Staying flexible will help you enjoy the journey more.
5. Use Local Transport Apps for Last Mile Travel
Once you arrive in Butterworth or Penang Sentral, ride-hailing apps like Grab are widely used and offer convenient, safe, and affordable ways to reach your accommodation or other destinations on the island. Alternatively, Penang’s public buses cover most tourist areas but may take longer.
6. Keep Some Cash Handy
While many places accept cards, smaller bus operators, ferry tickets, local markets, and food stalls often deal only in cash. Having Malaysian ringgit in small denominations ensures you can easily pay for last-minute purchases, snacks, or transportation without hassle.
Tip: Bus, train, and ferry tickets from Kuala Perlis to Penang can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you secure your preferred departure time and travel comfort — especially during weekends, holidays, and busy seasons.