Train + ferry
Fast, easy transfer via Butterworth, very smooth journey
Bus
Cheap and direct, good option but slower than train
Private car/taxi
Fast door-to-door travel, flexible timing, easy route
Flight
No direct flights, unnecessary for short distance
Quick answer: The main options to travel from Alor Setar to Penang are bus, train, or taxi. Buses run frequently and are the most budget-friendly, trains offer a comfortable and scenic alternative, and taxis provide the quickest and most flexible way, especially suitable for groups or those with tight schedules.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: approx. 120 km between Alor Setar and Penang
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~2–3 hours | Train ~1.5–2 hours | Taxi ~1.5 hours
- 💰 Price range: Bus US$2–6 | Train US$2–8 | Taxi US$50–70
- 🚍 Bus: Frequent and budget-friendly
- 🚆 Train: Comfortable and scenic route with KTM or Komuter trains
- 🚖 Taxi / Car with driver: Fast and flexible, best for groups
Last updated in April 2026
From Alor Setar (Kedah) to Penang you can travel by bus, train, taxi.
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- Travel distance from Alor Setar in Kedah to Penang Island in Malaysia is about 120 km via Butterworth. There are 3 options how you can get to Penang or Butterworth from Alor Setar: travel by tourist bus, transfer by KTM Komuter train or you can take a private taxi. The most popular and cheap way of transfer to Penang from Alor Setar in Kedah is to travel by bus. Transfer by tourist bus to Penang or Butterworth from Alor Setar takes about 1.5 hour and bus tickets cost about $3-5/pp. You can take a bus from Terminal Bas Shahab Perdana in Alor Setar and you can arrive to Butterworth (about 5 km by ferry from Penang) or Sungai Nibong in Penang Island.
- Butterworth is the most frequented transport hub close to Penang. Penang Island has no railway station, but you can travel by KTM Komuter train to Butterworth Railway Station from Alor Setar. Transfer by KTM Komuter train from Alor Setar to Butterworth takes about 1 hour and train tickets cost about $2-3/pp. There are about 5 trains of KTM Komuter from Alor Setar to Butterworth. There are no flights to Penang from Alor Setar in Kedah State, it is not possible to travel by plane. There are only direct flights from another cities of Malaysia, but not from Kedah. From Penang you can also travel to Langkawi or you can go to Kota Bharu in Kelantan.
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- The last way how you can go to Penang or Butterworth is to travel by private taxi/car. Transfer by private taxi/car to Penang from Alor Setar takes about 2 hours and it costs about $50-65/car. Penang Island is definitely a worth visit if you are already in Kedah State and Alor Setar town. Penang is an island off the west coast of Malaysia. The hill from which it is possible to see the capital of the island of Georgetown is also named after the island. Above all, Chinese and Indian influences are known here. Read the instructions how you can reach Penang from Alor Setar (Kedah) below in this article. You can also search and book tickets to Penang from Alor Setar easily online. From Penang you can also travel to Kuala Lumpur or you can visit Kuantan.
| Transfer modes from Alor Setar to Penang: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 1.5–2 hours | $2–5 per person |
| KTM Intercity or Komuter Train | 1 hour | $2–3 per person |
| Private Taxi/Car with a driver | 2 hours | $50–65 per car |
BOOK a TOUR / TICKETS in Penang ➜
How do I get from Alor Setar to Penang?
1. BUS from Alor Setar to Penang / Butterworth
👉 Bus is the cheapest and simplest way from Alor Setar to Penang (via Butterworth).
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and short-distance trips
- ✔️ Duration: ~1.5–2 hours (+ ferry if heading to George Town)
- ✔️ Price: $2–5 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: standard (short ride with basic seating)
- ✅ Common operators: Cepat Express, Sri Maju Group, Super Nice Express and others
- 💡 Tip: If arriving in Butterworth, take a ferry to George Town and check schedules in advance due to fewer connections.
The cheapest and most used transport option from Alor Setar to Penang or to Butterworth is by bus. Buses can depart from various locations in Alor Setar eg (Terminal Bas Shahab Perdana) and arrive at Butterworth or Sungai Nibong in Penang. If you arrive by bus to Butterworth, then you must continue by boat to Georgetown, Penang.
Ferries depart from Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal, a short distance from Butterworth Train and Bus Station, and arrive at Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal. For a bus transfer from Alor Setar to Penang or to Butterworth, you can use companies such as Cepat Express, Sri Maju Group, Super Nice Express, Plusliner or Sri Theven Travel.
Bus transportation from Alor Setar / Kedah to Penang takes about 1.5-2 hours, the stated travel time may vary and buses may be late. You will see this information about departures and arrivals when searching for tickets on online platforms, so read everything carefully in advance.
A bus transfer from Penang to Penang costs between $2-5/pp and is usually the cheapest option for transportation between these places. You can search and buy Alor Setar to Penang bus tickets online in advance. The disadvantage of the bus transfer is the more limited bus schedule between these places.
When booking a bus ticket online, always read all conditions and instructions for the transfer to avoid possible misunderstandings. Traveling by bus is a suitable transfer option to Pennag from Alor Setar in Kedah mainly for solo low-cost travelers, mainly because of the cheap tickets.
| Bus Company | Departs in Alor Setar | Arrival in Penang | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cepat Express | 20:30 | 22:59 | From $2.00 |
| Sri Maju Group | 17:00 | 18:37 | From $4.00 |
| Super Nice Express | 08:00 | 09:37 | From $3.00 |
| Super Nice Express | 08:46 | 10:23 | From $3.00 |
| Super Nice Express | 13:31 | 15:08 | From $3.00 |
| Super Nice Express | 15:01 | 16:38 | From $3.00 |
| Sri Theven Travel | 09:30 | 11:07 | From $4.00 |
| Sri Theven Travel | 15:30 | 17:07 | From $4.00 |
| Plusliner | 10:30 | 12:00 | From $3.00 |
| Plusliner | 20:30 | 22:00 | From $3.00 |
2. TRAIN from Alor Setar to Butterworth (Penang)
👉 Train to Butterworth is a fast and comfortable way from Alor Setar to Penang (with ferry connection).
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who prefer a quick and smooth ride
- ✔️ Duration: ~1 hour (+ ~20 min ferry to Penang Island)
- ✔️ Price: $2–3 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: good (modern KTM trains with seating)
- ✅ Best option: KTM Intercity or Komuter trains to Butterworth Railway Station
- 💡 Tip: Continue by ferry to George Town and buy the ferry ticket directly at the terminal.
Another interesting transport option from Alor Setar to Penang is to travel by train to Butterworth. Trains only go to Butterworth, because there is no railway going directly to Penang Island, so you will then have to take a boat to Penang from Butterworth. On this route you can use KTM Intercity or Komuter Trains with seats and they will offer you very good comfort, trains are modern and also fast.
Trains depart from Alor Setar Railway Station and arrive at Butterworth Railway Station, check the railway map in Malaysia to know where you will depart from and where you will arrive. Butterworth is the nearest railway station to Penang Island. A train transfer from Alor Setar to Butterworth can take about 1 hour and tickets cost between $2-3/pp.
The trains also make other stops along the way in other cities as well. You can buy train tickets from Alor Setar to Butterworth at the train station, or try searching online in advance. The train transfer is not a bad choice of transport, tickets to Butterworth are also cheap, prices are about the same as bus transfer prices.
A minor disadvantage is that you have to take a boat transfer to Penang from Butterworth, but it only takes about 20 minutes and you can buy your ticket at the port on the spot.
3. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Alor Setar to Penang
👉 Private car is the fastest and most convenient way from Alor Setar to Penang.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want door-to-door service and flexibility
- ✔️ Duration: ~2 hours
- ✔️ Price: $50–80 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (private ride with air-conditioned cars or minivans)
- ✅ Available services: Perkhidmatan Teksi Pak Syed, Alor Setar Taxi or Grab
- 💡 Tip: Ideal for small groups—split the fare to make it more cost-effective.
The fastest, most comfortable but also the most expensive way to get from Alor Setar to Penang is by private car/taxi with driver. With this option you can also save some of your time, the advantage is choosing your departure point in Alor Setar and your arrival point in Penang. A private car/taxi transfer from Alor Setar to Penang takes about 2 hours and the fare can range from $50-80/car, the price depends on the type of car you choose.
Smaller classic cars are usually a cheaper option than larger multi-passenger minivans. Private car transfers from Alor Setar to Penang are offered by companies such as Perkhidmatan Teksi Pak Syed, Alor Setar Taxi or Grab. Transport by private car with a driver to Penang is more suitable for those who have a bigger budget for their travel, it is certainly not a good option for low-cost travelers due to the higher transfer price.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel route from Alor Setar to Penang:
1. How to book and buy tickets from Alor Setar to Penang?
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- You can book tickets from Alor Setar to Penang / Butterworth online on 12go.asia ➜.
- You can search another route, e.g. Alor Setar to Ipoh, Alor Setar to Kuala Perlis…
2. What is the travel time from Alor Setar to Penang?
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- Travel by tourist bus from Alor Setar to Penang or Butterworth takes about 1.5-2 hours.
- Travel by KTM Komuter train from Alor Setar to Butterworth takes about 1 hour.
- Travel by taxi/car from Alor Setar to Penang or Butterworth takes about 2 hours.
3. How much does it cost to get from Alor Setar to Penang?
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- Travel by tourist bus from Alor Setar to Penang / Butterworth costs about $2-5/pp.
- Travel by KTM Intercity or Komuter train from Alor Setar to Butterworth costs about $2-3/pp.
- Travel by private taxi from Alor Setar to Penang / Butterworth costs about $50-65/car.
4. What is the travel distance from Alor Setar to Penang?
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- Travel distance from Alor Setar in Kedah to Penang is about 120 km by bus, train, car via Butterworth.
5. Is there a flight from Alor Setar to Penang?
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- No, travel by plane from Alor Setar is not possible, there are no direct flights from Alor Setar. There are flights to Penang from other places of Malaysia, e.g. from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu or Langkawi Island.
6. What is the cheapest way of transfer to Penang from Alor Setar?
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- The cheapest way how to travel to Penang or Butterworth from Alor Setar in Kedah State, is to travel by tourist bus or train. The most cheapest bus tickets to Penang and Butterworth start at $3/pp and train tickets at $2/pp .
7. What is the best way of transfer to Penang from Alor Setar?
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- The best way how to get from Alor Setar to Penang is to travel by bus or KTM Komuter train. There are also buses to Sungai Nibon in Penang Island, but if you take a train, you will arrive to Butterworth. And from Butterworth you have to travel by ferry or taxi to Penang.
8. How and where you can also travel from Penang?
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- From Penang you can also travel by ferry or plane to Langkawi – it is one of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia. You can also travel by tourist bus, KTM train or plane to Kuala Lumpur – the capital of Malaysia. Another option is to take a stopover in Ipoh in Perak State, there are buses or trains from Penang / Butterworth.
9. Where you can also travel from Alor Setar?
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- From Alor Setar in Kedah you can also travel to the south of Malaysia, e.g. to Johor Bahru. Johor Bahru is the border town with Singpopore. There is the direct flight or flight with stopover in Kuala Lumpur.
10. Where to stay in Penang Island?
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- Penang Island is one of the most visited places in Malaysia and offers a wide range of accommodation facilities. You can find there cheap hotels or guesthouses, hostels or luxury modern hotels or resorts. You can book your hotel in Penang or Butterworth online here > Book hotel / resort in Penang online.
11. How to travel in Malaysia?
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- In Malaysia you can use tourist buses, KTM trains, domestic flights, private taxi and there are also various ferries and boats to the nearby islands like Langkawi, Tioman, Perhentian… The most favorite and also low-cost option is to travel by tourist bus. Read this article: Transportation in Malaysia.
12. How to travel solo in Malaysia?
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- Solo travel in Malaysia is a seamless journey with user-friendly public transportation, reliable ridesharing services, and a plethora of solo-friendly accommodations. Immerse yourself in the local culture, try diverse cuisines, and explore vibrant markets. Whether wandering through historical cities or relaxing on tropical islands like very popular and attractive Langkawi or Perhentian, Malaysia welcomes the solo adventurer with open arms.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Alor Setar to Penang
These practical tips are for planning the roughly 110–120 km journey from Alor Setar in northern Malaysia down to Penang, one of the country’s most visited island destinations. Although the distance is short compared with many intercity routes, good planning helps make the trip smooth and efficient.
1. Decide on Your Best Transport Mode
The quickest way by road is driving or taking a private transfer, which usually takes about 1 h 30 min to 2 h depending on traffic. Buses also cover the route well and are budget‑friendly options with frequent departures from the main bus terminal. There’s also a KTM Komuter train service linking Alor Setar with Butterworth, from where you can connect to Penang Island.
2. Alor Setar Bus Terminal Is a Key Departure Point
Buses to Penang depart from the Shahab Perdana Bus Terminal in Alor Setar. These services often take around 2–3 hours and are among the most affordable ways to travel. Bus seating and comfort can vary, so arriving a bit early helps you choose better seats.
3. Train + Ferry Is a Scenic Alternative
If you prefer rail travel, the KTM Komuter train to Butterworth is a relaxed and scenic option, typically taking about 1 h 10 min. From Butterworth, you can take the short ferry across to Penang Island to reach George Town or other island destinations.
4. Be Prepared for Traffic Near Penang
Although the distance is short, traffic can build as you approach Penang Sentral or the bridges leading onto Penang Island, especially during peak hours. Allow some buffer time if you have onward plans or reservations.
5. Use Ride‑Hailing Apps for Last‑Mile Transport
After arriving either by bus, train or ferry, ride‑hailing apps like Grab are widely available in Penang and make getting to your hotel or attractions easy and often cheaper than metered taxis.
6. Enjoy Quick Stops Along the Way
On the road between Alor Setar and Penang, small towns such as Sungai Petani make convenient short stops for local snacks or refreshments if you’re driving yourself, breaking up the journey and adding a bit of local flavour to your trip.
Tip: Bus and train tickets from Alor Setar to Penang can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you secure your preferred departure time and travel comfort — particularly useful during weekends, holidays and busy seasons.