Bus
Cheapest option, widely available, but long journey via KL
Flight (via KL)
Fastest option, but requires stopover and higher cost
Train + bus
Comfortable ride, but slower with transfer in Kuala Lumpur
Direct train
No railway to Kuantan, always requires bus connection
Quick answer: There are 4 main ways to travel from Penang to Kuantan: tourist bus, KTM train + bus via Kuala Lumpur, flight with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur, or a private taxi/car. The bus is the cheapest and most popular option, while the flight is the fastest. Train + bus offers a good balance of comfort and price.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: About 600 km by road via Kuala Lumpur
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus 10–11 hours | Train + bus 9–11 hours | Flight (via KL) 4–7 hours | Private car 7–8 hours
- 💰 Price range: Bus $12–26 | Train + bus $20–45 | Flight $70–180 | Private car $300–550 per vehicle
- 🚌 Cheapest option: Direct tourist bus from Penang or Butterworth
- 🚆 Comfortable option: KTM ETS train to Kuala Lumpur, then bus to Kuantan
- ✈️ Fastest option: Flight via Kuala Lumpur with one stop
- 🚕 Private transfer: Best for families, groups, or travelers wanting door-to-door service
Last updated: April 2026
Traveling from Penang to Kuantan by Bus, Train, Flight or Car
The distance from Penang to Kuantan is about 600 km. You can travel by tourist bus, KTM train + bus via Kuala Lumpur, flight with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur, or private taxi/car. The bus is the cheapest option, while the flight is the fastest.
Direct buses from Penang or Butterworth take about 10–11 hours and cost around $12–26 per person. Another option is to travel by train to Kuala Lumpur and continue by bus to Kuantan, with a total journey of about 9–11 hours.
Flights from Penang to Kuantan require a stopover in Kuala Lumpur and usually take 4–7 hours in total. Private cars are also available, taking about 6.5–7.5 hours and offering convenient door-to-door service.
From Kuantan you can continue to Singapore, while from Penang you can also travel to Kuala Terengganu.
| Transfer modes from Penang to Kuantan: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 11 hours | $12–26 per person |
| KTM Train + Bus via Kuala Lumpur | 10–13 hours | $20–45 per person |
| Flights via Kuala Lumpur | 5–12 hours | $70–180 per person |
| Private Taxi / Car with a driver | 6.5 hours | $300–560 per car |
How do I get from Penang to Kuantan?
1. BUS from Penang to Kuantan
👉 Bus travel is the most economical option from Penang to Kuantan.
- ✔️ Best for: budget-conscious and solo travelers
- ✔️ Duration: ~11 hours (can vary depending on traffic and stops)
- ✔️ Price: $12–26 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: standard (air-conditioned buses with reclining seats)
- ✅ Popular operators: Mara Liner, Super Nice Express, Utama Express and others
- 💡 Tip: Arrive early at the station and always double-check departure and arrival points before booking.
Traveling by tourist bus is the cheapest and most popular way to get from Penang to Kuantan. Companies such as Mara Liner, Utama Express, Super Nice Express, Billion Stars Express, Kesatuan Express, LA Holidays, and Pancaran Matahari operate modern buses with comfortable seats.
Buses depart from Penang Sentral or Butterworth and usually arrive at Kuantan Bus Terminal. The journey takes about 10–11 hours, depending on traffic and the selected route.
Bus tickets cost around $12–26 per person and can be booked online in advance. Arrive at the departure station at least 30 minutes before departure and check your departure and arrival points before traveling.
| Bus Operator | Departs in Penang | Arrival in Kuantan | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Nice Express | 08:15 | 16:10 | From $20.00/pp |
| Super Nice Express | 20:15 | 05:19 | From $19.00/pp |
| Bilion Stars Express | 09:30 | 17:50 | From $26.00/pp |
| Bilion Stars Express | 22:00 | 05:55 | From $15.00/pp |
| Kesatuan Express | 10:50 | 20:16 | From $15.00/pp |
| Mara Liner | 12:15 | 23:16 | From $14.00/pp |
| LA Holidays | 20:00 (Butterw.) | 07:05 | From $18.00/pp |
| Pancaran Matahari | 23:30 (Butterw.) | 10:31 | From $20.00/pp |
2. TRAIN + BUS from Penang to Kuantan (via KL)
👉 Train + bus via Kuala Lumpur is a practical low-cost combination from Penang to Kuantan.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers looking for a balance of comfort and affordability
- ✔️ Duration: ~10–13 hours (including transfer in Kuala Lumpur)
- ✔️ Price: $19–47 per person (train + bus combined)
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate to high (comfortable train ride + standard bus journey)
- ✅ Best route: KTM train from Butterworth to KL Sentral + bus from TBS Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan
- 💡 Tip: Plan connections carefully to minimize waiting time and book both tickets online in advance.
You can also travel from Penang to Kuantan by KTM Berhad train and bus via Kuala Lumpur. There is no direct railway to Kuantan, so you need to take an ETS train from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur and then continue by bus.
The train from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur takes about 4–4.5 hours and offers comfortable Second Class, Premier, and Business seats. See the railway map in Malaysia. Train tickets cost about $14–40 per person.
From Kuala Lumpur, continue by bus to Kuantan. The bus journey takes about 5–6 hours, tickets cost around $5–7 per person, and several companies operate frequent daily departures from TBS Kuala Lumpur.
3. FLIGHT from Penang to Kuantan (via KL)
👉 Flights via Kuala Lumpur offer the fastest and most comfortable transfer from Penang to Kuantan.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who prioritize speed and convenience
- ✔️ Duration: ~6–12 hours (depending on layover in Kuala Lumpur)
- ✔️ Price: $70–180 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (air travel with modern aircraft and services)
- ✅ Main airlines: Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Firefly and Malindo Air
- 💡 Tip: Check connection times carefully and book early to secure better prices and smoother transfers.
Flying via Kuala Lumpur is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Penang to Kuantan. There are no direct flights, so all connections include a stopover at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Flights depart from Penang International Airport and arrive at Kuantan Airport. Total travel time is usually about 4–7 hours, depending on the waiting time between flights in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Firefly, and Batik Air operate flights on this route. Airfares range from about $70–180 per person, depending on the airline and travel date. Booking in advance usually offers the best prices and connection options.
Flights are ideal for travelers who want to save time, although longer layovers in Kuala Lumpur can sometimes increase the total journey time.
4. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Penang to Kuantan
👉 Private car transfer is the most comfortable and flexible way from Penang to Kuantan.
- ✔️ Ideal for: groups, families, or travelers wanting a door-to-door journey
- ✔️ Duration: ~6.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $300–560 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern cars or spacious minivans with driver)
- ✅ Recommended providers: Daytrip or Asian Overland Services
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost among passengers and choose flexible pickup/drop-off locations for maximum convenience.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Penang to Kuantan. Companies such as Daytrip and Asian Overland Services offer modern cars and minivans with hotel pick-up and drop-off.
The journey takes about 6.5–7 hours, depending on traffic and your exact departure and arrival locations. Private transfers provide flexible departure times and convenient door-to-door service.
Prices range from about $300–560 per vehicle, depending on the type of car. Minivans are a good option for families or groups, making the cost per passenger more affordable. Private transfers can be booked online in advance.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Penang to Kuantan
How to book tickets from Penang to Kuantan?
Book bus, train, flight, or private transfer tickets at 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Penang to Kuantan?
Bus: 10–11 hours, train + bus: 9–11 hours, flight via Kuala Lumpur: 4–7 hours, private car: about 6.5–7 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Penang to Kuantan?
Bus tickets cost $12–26, train + bus $20–45, flights $70–180, and private cars $300–560 per vehicle.
What is the distance from Penang to Kuantan?
The travel distance is about 600 km by road via Kuala Lumpur.
What is the best way to travel from Penang to Kuantan?
A flight via Kuala Lumpur is the fastest option, while the bus offers the best value for most travelers.
What is the cheapest way to get to Kuantan?
The tourist bus is the cheapest option, with tickets starting from about $12 per person.
Is there a direct train from Penang to Kuantan?
No. Travel by KTM ETS train to Kuala Lumpur, then continue by bus to Kuantan.
How do you get from Georgetown to Butterworth Station?
The fastest option is the ferry from Georgetown to Butterworth, located next to the railway station.
Where else can you travel from Penang?
Visit Langkawi, Kota Bharu, or Ipoh.
What can you visit on Malaysia’s east coast?
Popular destinations include Perhentian Islands, Redang Island, and Tioman Island.
Where to stay in Kuantan?
Kuantan offers budget hotels, guesthouses, luxury hotels, and beach resorts. Book your hotel in Kuantan ➜.
How can you travel around Malaysia?
Travel by tourist bus, KTM train, domestic flight, ferry, or private taxi. Read Transportation in Malaysia.
Where can I learn more about Malaysia?
Read 15 Interesting Facts about Malaysia before your trip.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Penang to Kuantan
Traveling from Penang to Kuantan covers about 600 km across Malaysia. You can travel by tourist bus, KTM Berhad train + bus via Kuala Lumpur, flight with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur, or private car. The bus is the cheapest option, while the flight is the fastest.
- Choose the Bus: The cheapest option with direct services from Penang and Butterworth.
- Travel by Train: Take the KTM ETS train to Kuala Lumpur, then continue by bus to Kuantan.
- Fly for Speed: Flights via Kuala Lumpur save time, but there are no direct connections.
- Book Early: Reserve bus, train, or flight tickets in advance during weekends and holidays.
- Use Grab in Kuantan: Grab is the easiest way to reach hotels, beaches, and attractions.
- Continue Exploring: From Kuantan you can easily continue to Singapore or Malaysia’s east coast islands.
Tip: Bus tickets, train tickets, flights, and private transfers from Penang to Kuantan can be searched and booked online in advance.