Train (ETS)
Fast, reliable, comfortable seats
Train (ETS Business class)
More space, quieter, smooth journey
Bus
Cheapest, very frequent departures
Taxi
Very expensive compared to other options
Quick answer: The main transport options from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur are bus/minivan, train, direct flight or private car/taxi. The bus and train are budget‑friendly and widely used, the flight is fastest if you fly from nearby Penang airport, and the private car/taxi offers maximum comfort and flexibility.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 350 km by road between Butterworth and Kuala Lumpur
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/minivan ~4–5 hours | Train ~3.5–5 hours | Direct flight ~1 hour | Private car/taxi ~4 hours
- 💰 Price range: Bus/minivan ~$7–14 per person | Train ~$14–40 per person | Flight ~$25–60 per person | Private car/taxi ~$220–380 per vehicle
- 🚍 Best for budget: Bus/minivan
- 🚆 Comfortable land option: Train with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB)
- ✈️ Fastest option: Direct flight (via Penang)
- 🚕 Most flexible: Private car/taxi with driver
Last updated in April 2026
From Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur you can travel by bus, train or flight
The distance from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur is about 350 km. You can travel by KTM train, tourist bus, or direct flight. Flights take about 1 hour, trains 4.5–5 hours, and buses 5–9 hours.
The cheapest option is the tourist bus, with tickets from $7 per person. KTM train tickets cost about $14–40, while direct flights usually range from $25–50. Booking online in advance is recommended.
Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s capital and the country’s main transport hub. From there, you can continue to Singapore, visit Genting Highlands, or travel via Johor Bahru.
| Transfer Mode – Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 5–9 hours | $7–14/pp |
| Train (KTM Berhad) | 5 hours | $14–40/pp |
| Taxi / Car with a driver | 4 hours | $220–380/car |
| Plane (direct flight from Penang) | 1 hour | $25–60/pp |
How do I get from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur?
1. BUS from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur
👉 Bus travel is an affordable and widely available option from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those looking for multiple daily departures
- ✔️ Duration: ~5–9 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $7–14 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (standard long-distance buses with seating)
- ✅ Best option: Choose operators like KKKL Express, Super Nice Express or Billion Stars Express
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and double-check departure and arrival stations before travel.
Traveling by bus is one of the cheapest transport options from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur. Companies such as New Asian Travel, Jasmine Express, KKKL Express, Billion Stars Express, Super Nice Express, Sri Maju Group, and others operate daily services.
Buses depart from Butterworth and arrive at TBS Kuala Lumpur, KL Sentral, or Hentian Duta. Most coaches offer comfortable reclining seats for the 5–9 hour journey.
Travel time depends on traffic and the operator, so delays are possible. Always check the latest departure and arrival information before traveling.
Bus tickets cost about $7–14 per person and can be booked online in advance. This is the most affordable way to travel from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Kuala Lumpur ➜
| Bus Company | Departs in Butterworth | Arrival in Kuala Lumpur | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPB Express | 08:00 | 12:55 | From $11.00 |
| KPB Express | 08:30 | 13:25 | From $11.00 |
| KPB Express | 10:00 | 14:55 | From $11.00 |
| KPB Express | 10:30 | 15:33 | From $11.00 |
| KPB Express | 12:45 | 17:40 | From $11.00 |
| KPB Express | 21:00 | 02:03 | From $11.00 |
| KPB Express | 22:30 | 03:33 | From $11.00 |
| KPB Express | 23:58 | 05:01 | From $11.00 |
| Billion Stars | 00:30 | 05:25 | From $12.00 |
| Billion Stars | 07:45 | 12:40 | From $10.00 |
| Billion Stars | 08:30 | 13:25 | From $10.00 |
| Billion Stars | 09:45 | 14:40 | From $10.00 |
| Billion Stars | 10:30 | 15:25 | From $10.00 |
| Billion Stars | 11:30 | 16:25 | From $10.00 |
| Billion Stars | 12:30 | 17:25 | From $10.00 |
| Billion Stars | 14:00 | 18:55 | From $10.00 |
| Billion Stars | 18:15 | 23:10 | From $10.00 |
| Billion Stars | 19:15 | 00:10 | From $10.00 |
| Billion Stars | 20:15 | 01:10 | From $10.00 |
| Billion Stars | 23:30 | 04:25 | From $10.00 |
| Mara Liner | 17:15 | 01:51 | From $7.00 |
| Mara Liner | 23:59 | 08:55 | From $7.00 |
| KKKL Express | 08:15 | 17:11 | From $9.00 |
| KKKL Express | 10:00 | 18:56 | From $9.00 |
| KKKL Express | 10:30 | 19:26 | From $9.00 |
| KKKL Express | 13:00 | 21:56 | From $9.00 |
| KKKL Express | 14:30 | 13:26 | From $9.00 |
| KKKL Express | 16:30 | 00:56 | From $9.00 |
| KKKL Express | 19:00 | 13:56 | From $9.00 |
| KKKL Express | 23:59 | 08:55 | From $9.00 |
2. TRAIN from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur
👉 Train travel is a comfortable and relatively fast way to get from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who prefer rail transport over buses
- ✔️ Duration: ~4.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $14–40 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern KTM trains with comfortable seating)
- ✅ Best option: Take a direct KTM Berhad train to Kuala Lumpur Sentral
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance as departures are limited and trains can sell out quickly.
Traveling by KTM Berhad train is one of the most comfortable ways to get from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur. Modern seat-only trains complete the journey in about 4.5 hours, making them slightly faster than buses.
Trains depart from Butterworth Railway Station and arrive at Kuala Lumpur Sentral Railway Station. You can also view the rail map of Malaysia.
There are about 6 daily trains, with tickets costing $14–40 per person. Check the latest train timetable, as schedules may change during the year.
Train tickets can be booked online in advance and used as mobile e-tickets. KTM Berhad trains offer comfortable seating and are an excellent choice for this route.
BOOK TICKETS to Kuala Lumpur ➜
| Train | Departs in Butterworth | Arrival in Kuala Lumpur | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTM Berhad ETS | 05:15 | 09:20 | From $19.00 |
| KTM Berhad ETS | 06:30 | 10:35 | From $19.00 |
| KTM Berhad ETS | 07:50 | 12:10 | From $14.00 |
| KTM Berhad ETS | 13:05 | 16:40 | From $20.00 |
| KTM Berhad ETS | 16:05 | 20:10 | From $19.00 |
| KTM Berhad ETS | 18:45 | 22:50 | From $19.00 |
3. TAXI / CAR from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur
👉 Private car or taxi with driver is the most comfortable and fastest way to travel from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur.
- ✔️ Good for: groups or travelers who want a direct door-to-door transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~4 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $220–380 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (private cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Book a private transfer with companies like Daytrip
- 💡 Tip: Share the cost in a group and choose flexible pickup and drop-off locations to save time.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur. Daytrip offers modern sedans, SUVs, and spacious minivans for private transfers.
The journey takes about 4 hours, depending on your destination. Private transfers include hotel pickup and drop-off, making them the most convenient option.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Kuala Lumpur ➜
Prices range from $220–380 per vehicle. Standard cars are cheaper, while larger minivans are ideal for families or groups traveling together.
Private cars can be booked online in advance. They are the fastest and most flexible land transport option, especially for groups sharing the total cost.
4. DIRECT FLIGHT from Penang to Kuala Lumpur
👉 Direct flights are the fastest and often very affordable way to travel from Penang (near Butterworth) to Kuala Lumpur.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want a quick and convenient transfer
- ✔️ Total duration: ~4–5 hours (including airport transfers and waiting time)
- ✔️ Price: about $25–60 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight with modern aircraft and frequent connections)
- ✅ Best option: Choose airlines like AirAsia or Firefly for budget-friendly fares
- 💡 Tip: Book flights online in advance and include transfer time to Penang Airport in your plan.
The fastest way to travel from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur is by direct flight from Penang International Airport, located about 30 km from Butterworth.
The flight takes only about 1 hour, while the total travel time, including airport transfers and check-in, is around 4–5 hours.
Direct flights are operated by AirAsia, Firefly, Malindo Air, and Malaysia Airlines. Economy fares usually range from $25–60 per person.
Flights can be booked online in advance and are the best choice for travelers who want the fastest connection between Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur
How to book tickets and flights from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur?
Book bus, train, taxi, and flight tickets online at 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur?
Bus: 5–9 hours. KTM train: about 4.5–5 hours. Flight: 1 hour. Private car: about 4 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur?
Bus: $7–17. Train: $14–40. Flight: $25–60. Private car: $220–380 per vehicle.
What is the distance from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur?
The distance is about 350 km by road or rail and about 320 km by air.
What is the best way to travel from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur?
The KTM train is the best overall option, offering a fast, comfortable, and direct journey.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur?
The tourist bus is the cheapest option, with tickets starting at about $7 per person.
Are there buses from Penang to Kuala Lumpur?
Yes. If you stay in George Town, you can travel directly by bus from Penang without going to Butterworth.
Where can you travel from Kuala Lumpur?
Popular destinations include Malacca, Kuala Terengganu, and Redang Island.
Is Malaysia an affordable destination?
Yes. Malaysia offers budget-friendly transport, accommodation, and food. See Prices in Malaysia.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur
Traveling from Butterworth to Penang and Kuala Lumpur covers about 350 km. You can travel by KTM train, tourist bus, direct flight, or private car.
- Choose the KTM Train: The fastest and most comfortable land transport option.
- Travel by Bus to Save Money: Bus tickets start at about $7 per person.
- Fly for the Fastest Transfer: Direct flights from Penang take only about 1 hour.
- Book Early: The best train seats and cheapest flights sell out quickly.
- Allow Extra Time: Buses may be delayed due to traffic, especially on weekends.
- Travel with Light Luggage: Easier transfers between ferry, station, or airport.
Tip: Bus tickets, train tickets, flights, and private transfers from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur can be searched and booked online in advance.