1. Bus – Ipoh to Penang
2. Train – Ipoh to Penang
3. Taxi – Ipoh to Penang
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From Ipoh (Perak) to Penang you can travel by bus, KTM train, taxi/car.
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- The distance between Ipoh town and Penang spans approximately 160 km. Traveling from Ipoh (Perak) to Penang is feasible via bus, train or private taxi. For budget-conscious travelers, the most economical option is bus travel, with tickets priced at approximately $3-6 and a travel time of 2-3.5 hours. Alternatively, train (KTM) transfer takes around 2 hours. Bus services from Ipoh to Penang (or Butterworth) operate throughout the day and into the evening. Train transfer via KTM Berhad from Ipoh to Butterworth Railway Station is priced at about $8-27 per person.
- All train services terminate in Butterworth town, from where travelers can catch a ferry to Penang, a mere 4 km away. Another option is hiring a private taxi, which offers the most comfortable albeit expensive mode of transfer. Notably, there are no direct flights from Ipoh to Penang. Book your bus or train tickets from Ipoh to Penang online. From Penang, travelers can also journey to Johor Bahru in the southern region of Malaysia, with available direct flights.
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- Penang Island boasts an oval shape with a granitic, mountainous interior, reaching heights of up to 2,428 feet (740 meters), and is surrounded by narrow coastal plains, most extensive in the northeast, where George Town, Malaysia’s principal port, resides within the sheltered harbor of the inside strait. Renowned as one of Malaysia’s premier tourist destinations, Penang features luxury hotels, resort accommodations, and beautiful beaches, particularly along the north coast at Batu Feringgi. Penang Island serves as an ideal stopover for travelers en route to Langkawi Island.
- From Penang Island, travelers can access Langkawi by ferry/boat or plane. Alternatively, travelers can journey to Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, with available bus, flight, or train services. Three primary travel options to reach Penang from Ipoh include bus, train, or private taxi/car.
| Transfer Mode – Ipoh to Penang: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 2-3.5 hours | $3-6/pp |
| KTM Train to Butterworth | 2 hours | $8-27/pp |
| Taxi/Car with a driver | 2 hours | $80-190/car |
How do I get from Ipoh to Penang?
1. BUS from Ipoh (Perak) to Penang
The most popular and cheap transfer option from Ipoh to Penang Island for tourists is by bus. The advantage of the bus transfer over the train transfer is that the buses go directly to Penang Island, while the train ends at Butterworth. Buses with seats from CS Travel, Unititi Express, Sri Maju Group, Mayang Sari, Super Nice Express or Cepat Express can be used on this route between Ipoh and Penang Island or Butterworth.
Buses depart from AmanJaya Bus Terminal or Jalan Pendahara in Ipoh and arrive to Sungai Nibong, Penang Sentral or Butterworth. So some buses may end in Butterworth, from there you have to take a boat / ferry to Penang – Georgetown, other buses go directly to Penang.
You will see all this information about bus departures and arrivals when searching for tickets online, so read everything carefully and see where the stations are located. The bus transfer from Ipoh to Penang takes about 2-3.5 hours, depending on the route from where and where exactly once.
Buses can also make other stops during the journey, which are usually included in the stated travel time. However, the exact travel time does not have to be observed, and buses may also have a delay in departure. A bus transfer to Penang from Ipoh costs between $3-6/pp, these prices may vary slightly throughout the year, otherwise they are within this range.
You can easily search and buy bus tickets to Penang from Ipoh online in advance. When booking your ticket, also read all transfer information and instructions and follow the instructions of the bus companies. Bus transport is probably the best transport option in terms of price and speed and is suitable for most solo ordinary travellers.
2. TRAIN + BOAT from Ipoh to Penang (via Butterworth)
Another way to travel from Ipoh to Penang or Butterworth is to travel by KTM Berhad train. This route features a modern and fast KTM Berhad train with seats, offering you a comfortable and hassle-free journey at a reasonable price. Trains depart from Ipoh Railway Station and arrive at Butterworth Railway Station, see Malaysia railway map.
This station is not directly on Penang Island, but about 4 km from this island if you use the ferry transfer. The ferry departs from Butterworth, so you can take the train practically directly to the departure point of these ships and you can immediately use the ferry for transport to Georgetown in Penang.
The train journey from Ipoh to Butterworth takes about 2 hours and this time is usually respected, at most there can be very small differences of the order of minutes. The train transfer is a bit more expensive than the bus journey and train tickets from Ipoh to Butterworth cost around $8-27/pp, these prices can vary slightly throughout the year.
Prices also differ depending on the type of seat you use, the offer includes Second class seat (the cheapest option), Business Seat and or Premier class seat (the most expensive option). You can easily search and buy train tickets to Butterworth from Ipoh online in advance.
These train tickets do not need to be printed, just keep them on your mobile phone or tablet and present them with the appropriate QR code when boarding. You will receive the ordered tickets to your email, which you entered when booking.
When booking your train tickets to Butterworth, please also read all transfer information and instructions and follow all instructions given. The second step is the boat transfer from Butterworth to Georgetown in Penang, which takes about 20 minutes and the route is about 4 km long.
Ferries depart from Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal in Butterworth and arrive at Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda in Penang near Georgetown. You can buy tickets for this ferry / ship when you board the ship at Butterworth. These boats run from 5.30am till 11.30pm every day.
3. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Ipoh to Penang
Another quick, comfortable, but most expensive transfer option from Ipoh to Penang or to Butterworth is by private car/taxi with a driver. On the route between Ipoh and Penang, you can use the private company Daytrip, which will offer you smaller classic cars or even minivans for more people, or other local companies.
Minivans will be a suitable choice for you if you are traveling in a group of several people at the same time, but they are a more expensive transfer option, they are available for 4-7 passengers. Transport by private car/taxi from Ipoh to Penang or Butterworth takes about 2 hours, but this time may vary slightly depending on your travel route.
The advantage of a private transfer is that you can choose your departure point in Ipoh and your arrival point in Penang, so the travel time will vary accordingly. A private car transfer with a driver from Ipoh to Penang is the most expensive transport option between the two locations and costs between $80-190/car.
Smaller classic cars are usually cheaper options, minivans for more passengers are usually more expensive. You can search, view and book your private car with driver from Ipoh to Penang or Butterworth easily online in advance. When booking, always read all transfer information and instructions and follow all company instructions.
Transport by private car is suitable for those who have a higher budget for their travel, it will not be a suitable choice for ordinary low-cost travelers, mainly because of the higher transfer price.
❓ FAQ – Travel route from Ipoh (Perak) to Penang:
1. How to book and buy tickets from Ipoh (Perak) to Penang?
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- You can book e-tickets from Ipoh (Perak) to Penang online on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
- You can search another route, e.g. Ipoh > Kuala Lumpur, Penang > Langkawi…
2. What is the travel time from Ipoh (Perak) to Penang?
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- Travel by tourist bus from Ipoh (Perak) to Penang takes about 2-3.5 hours.
- Travel by KTM Berhad train from Ipoh (Perak) to Butterworth takes about 2 hours.
- Travel by taxi/car from Ipoh to Penang takes about 2 hours.
3. How much does it cost to travel from Ipoh (Perak) to Penang?
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- Travel by tourist bus from Ipoh (Perak) to Penang costs about $3-6/pp.
- Travel by KTM Berhad train from Ipoh (Perak) to Butterworth costs about $8-27/pp.
- Travel by private taxi from Ipoh (Perak) to Penang (Butterworth) costs about $80-190/car.
4. What is the travel distance from Ipoh (Perak) to Penang?
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- Travel distance from Ipoh (Perak) to Penang is about 160 km by train/bus.
5. Is there a flight from Ipoh to Penang?
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- No, there is no direct flight from Ipoh (Perak) to Penang. The only way how to get from Ipoh to Penang island (or to Georgetown) is to travel by toruist bus or train of KTM Berhad.
6. What is the cheapest way of transfer to Penang from Ipoh?
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- The cheapest option how to travel to Penang from Ipoh is to travel by tourist bus, bus tickets start at $3/pp.
7. What is the best way of getting to Penang from Ipoh?
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- The best way how to get from Ipoh to Penang is to travel by bus. There are tourist buses running directly to Penang island (e.g. to Georgetown), KTM trains run to Butterworth (25 km from Penang island-Georgetown), because there is no railway station in Penang island.
8. Is there a direct train to Penang Island from Ipoh?
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- No, because there is no railway station in Penang Island. The closest railway station to Penang is in Butterworth. It is about 4 km by ferry or about 25 km by bus/taxi from Georgetown. So, you can travel by KTM train to Butterworth and take a ferry to Georgetown. Ferry terminal is only about 200m from Butterworth Railway Station.
9. Where and how you can also travel from Penang?
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- From Penang you can also take a tourist bus or plane to Kota Bharu in Kelantan and you can also go to Kuala Terengganu (+Redang), it is about 170 km south of Kota Bharu. You can also travel to Malacca via Kuala Lumpur.
10. How to get from Penang to Langkawi?
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- From Penang to Langkawi island you can travel by ferry/boat or by plane (direct low-cost flights). Travel time by ferry is about 3 hours and direct flight from Penang Airport to Langkawi takes about 1 hour.
11. How expensive is traveling and living in Malaysia?
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- Traveling and living in Malaysia can be relatively affordable. The cost depends on factors like accommodation choices, dining preferences, and recreational activities. Street food and budget accommodations are cost-effective, while luxury options can be pricier. Transportation is reasonably priced, and exploring markets often provides budget-friendly options. Overall, Malaysia offers a range of choices to suit different budgets. Read this article: Prices in Malaysia.
12. What is the currency of Malaysia?
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- The Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) is the official currency of Malaysia, symbolized by RM. It is issued and regulated by the central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia. The ringgit is commonly abbreviated as MYR and is used for everyday transactions across the country. Banknotes and coins in various denominations make up the currency, facilitating both cash and electronic transactions. The exchange rate of the Malaysian Ringgit can be influenced by economic factors, global market conditions, and monetary policies set by the central bank.
13. What is the food and cuisine in Malaysia?
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- Malaysian cuisine is a tantalizing blend of flavors and cultural influences. Rooted in Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cooking styles, it offers a diverse range of dishes that cater to various tastes. Street food, such as the iconic Nasi Lemak, Satay, and Roti Canai, is widely celebrated. The use of aromatic spices, herbs, and coconut milk creates a symphony of tastes, making Malaysian food a culinary adventure that reflects the country’s multicultural heritage.
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🚍 Bus Schedule / Timetable – Ipoh to Penang + Bus Tickets:
FULL UPDATED BUS SCHEDULE TO PENANG – CLICK HERE
Bus Schedule - Ipoh to Penang | Departs in Ipoh | Arrival in Penang | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
Cepat Express | 04:00 | 06:04 | From $3.00 |
Mayang Sari | 04:45 | 08:07 | From $3.00 |
Mayang Sari | 17:00 | 20:22 | From $3.00 |
Mayang Sari | 17:30 | 20:52 | From $3.00 |
Mayang Sari | 18:30 | 21:52 | From $3.00 |
Sri Maju Group | 08:45 | 11:11 | From $5.00 |
Sri Maju Group | 12:00 | 14:26 | From $5.00 |
Sri Maju Group | 14:45 | 17:11 | From $5.00 |
Unititi Express | 10:30 | 13:55 | From $6.00 |
Unititi Express | 16:30 | 19:55 | From $6.00 |
CS Travel | 16:30 | 19:30 | From $6.00 |
🚆 Train Schedule / Timetable – Ipoh to Butterworth + Train Tickets:
FULL UPDATED TRAIN SCHEDULE – CLICK HERE
Train Schedule - Ipoh to Butterworth | Departs in Ipoh | Arrival in Butterworth |
|---|---|---|
KTM Berhad ETS | 20:56 | 22:42 |
KTM Berhad ETS | 10:29 | 12:10 |
KTM Berhad ETS | 13:44 | 15:15 |
KTM Berhad ETS | 16:04 | 17:45 |
KTM Berhad ETS | 18:19 | 20:00 |
KTM Berhad ETS | 22:39 | 00:20 |