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
Traveling from Alor Setar to Penang by Bus, Train or Taxi
The distance from Alor Setar to Penang Island is about 120 km via Butterworth. You can travel by tourist bus, KTM Komuter train, or private taxi. The train is the fastest option, while the bus is the most popular and budget-friendly.
Tourist buses take about 1.5 hours and cost around $3–5 per person. KTM Komuter trains reach Butterworth in about 1 hour, with tickets from $2–3 per person. From Butterworth you can easily reach Penang Island by ferry or road.
Private taxis take about 2 hours and offer a convenient door-to-door transfer. There are no direct flights on this short route.
From Penang you can continue to Langkawi, Kota Bharu, Kuala Lumpur, or 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.
Traveling by tourist bus is the cheapest and most popular way to get from Alor Setar to Penang. Buses depart from Terminal Bas Shahab Perdana and arrive in Butterworth or Sungai Nibong on Penang Island. If you arrive in Butterworth, you can continue to Georgetown by ferry.
Ferries operate from Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal to Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal. Bus companies include Cepat Express, Sri Maju Group, Super Nice Express, Plusliner, and Sri Theven Travel.
The journey takes about 1.5–2 hours and tickets cost around $2–5 per person. Book your tickets online in advance and check the departure and arrival points before traveling.
| 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.
Traveling by KTM Komuter or KTM Intercity train to Butterworth is a fast and comfortable alternative to the bus. As Penang Island has no railway station, you need to continue from Butterworth by ferry to Georgetown.
Trains depart from Alor Setar Railway Station and arrive at Butterworth Railway Station. Check the Malaysia Railway Map. The journey takes about 1 hour, and train tickets cost only $2–3 per person.
After arriving in Butterworth, take the ferry to Penang Island. The crossing takes about 20 minutes, and ferry tickets can be purchased at the terminal.
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.
A private car with a driver is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Alor Setar to Penang. The journey takes about 2 hours, and prices range from $50–80 per vehicle, depending on the type of car.
Private transfers are offered by Perkhidmatan Teksi Pak Syed, Alor Setar Taxi, and Grab. They provide flexible departure times, door-to-door service, and are ideal for families or small groups.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Alor Setar to Penang
How to book tickets from Alor Setar to Penang?
Book bus and train tickets online at 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Alor Setar to Penang?
Bus: 1.5–2 hours, KTM train: about 1 hour to Butterworth, private taxi: about 2 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Alor Setar to Penang?
Bus tickets cost $2–5, KTM train $2–3, and private taxi $50–65 per vehicle.
What is the distance from Alor Setar to Penang?
The travel distance is about 120 km via Butterworth.
Are there direct flights from Alor Setar to Penang?
No. There are no direct flights, so travel by bus, train, or private taxi instead.
What is the cheapest way to get to Penang?
The KTM train is the cheapest option from $2, while buses start from about $3 per person.
What is the best transport option?
The KTM train is the fastest option to Butterworth, while the bus offers direct service to Penang.
Where can you travel from Penang?
Continue to Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, or Ipoh.
Where can you travel from Alor Setar?
You can also travel to Johor Bahru by flight or connecting flight.
Where to stay in Penang?
Penang offers budget hostels, hotels, and luxury resorts. Book your hotel in Penang ➜.
How can you travel around Malaysia?
Travel by bus, KTM train, domestic flight, ferry, or private taxi. Read Transportation in Malaysia.
Is Malaysia good for solo travel?
Solo travel in Malaysia is easy thanks to reliable transport and affordable accommodation. Popular destinations include Langkawi and Perhentian Islands.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Alor Setar to Penang
Traveling from Alor Setar to Penang covers about 120 km in northern Malaysia. You can travel by tourist bus, KTM Komuter train, or private taxi. The train is the fastest option, while the bus offers direct connections to Penang.
- Take the KTM Train: Reach Butterworth in about 1 hour, then continue by ferry to Georgetown.
- Choose the Bus: Direct buses to Butterworth or Penang take about 1.5–2 hours and are very affordable.
- Use the Ferry: If you arrive in Butterworth, the ferry to Penang Island takes only about 20 minutes.
- Book Tickets Early: Reserve bus or train tickets in advance during weekends and public holidays.
- Use Grab in Penang: Grab and local taxis make it easy to reach hotels and attractions after arrival.
- Continue Exploring: From Penang you can travel to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, or Ipoh.
Tip: Bus tickets and train tickets from Alor Setar to Penang can be searched and booked online in advance.