Bus
Direct option, decent comfort, best overall value
Bus + Flight (via KL)
Fastest overall, but requires transfer in Kuala Lumpur
Bus + Train
More scenic route, but multiple transfers and longer time
Direct train
No direct route, complicated connections required
Quick answer: You can travel from Malacca to Penang by direct bus, KTM train via Tampin and Butterworth, bus + flight via Kuala Lumpur, or private taxi. The bus is the cheapest option, the train is a comfortable alternative, and flying is the fastest way.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 500 km by land
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus: 7-12 hrs | Train: 6.5-8 hrs | Bus + Flight: 4-7 hrs | Private taxi: 6-7 hrs
- 💰 Price: Bus: $9-17 | Train: $15-48 | Bus + Flight: $50-150 | Private car: from $350
- 🚍 Cheapest: Direct tourist bus
- 🚆 Best overland: KTM train via Tampin & Butterworth
- ✈️ Fastest: Bus to Kuala Lumpur + direct flight
- 🚕 Most comfortable: Private taxi / car
Last updated: April 2026
From Malacca to Penang you can travel by bus, train, plane or private taxi.
The distance from Malacca to Penang is about 500 km by land. You can travel by direct bus, KTM train via Tampin and Kuala Lumpur, bus + flight via Kuala Lumpur, or private taxi. The direct bus is the cheapest option, while flying is the fastest.
Direct buses take about 7-12 hours and tickets cost around $9-17 per person. The train route requires travel to Tampin first, then continues via Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth, followed by a ferry or local transport to Penang Island. You can also travel by bus to Kuala Lumpur and take a direct flight to Penang.
Penang Island is one of Malaysia’s most popular destinations, known for Georgetown, beaches, street food, and cultural heritage. From Penang you can also continue by ferry or flight to Langkawi.
| Transfer Mode – Malacca to Penang: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 7–12 hours | $9–17/pp |
| KTM Berhad Train from Tampin | 6.5 hours | $15–48/pp |
| Private taxi/car with a driver | 6 hours | $300–540/car |
| Bus + Flight via Kuala Lumpur | 8–10 hours | $50–150/pp |
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Penang ➜
How do I get from Malacca to Penang?
1. BUS from Malacca to Penang
👉 Bus is the most affordable and commonly used way to travel from Malacca to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers and solo passengers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7–12 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $9–17 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: good (modern long-distance buses with seats and AC)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct buses to Sungai Nibong or Penang Sentral with companies like KKKL Express or Super Nice Express
- 💡 Tip: If arriving in Butterworth, plan a short ferry ride to Georgetown on Penang Island.
Traveling by tourist bus is the cheapest and most popular way to get from Malacca to Penang. Companies such as KPB Express, KKKL Express, Super Nice Express, Sri Maju Group, and Mayang Sari operate modern air-conditioned buses on this route.
Buses depart from Melaka Sentral and arrive at Butterworth, Penang Sentral, or Sungai Nibong. If you arrive in Butterworth, you can continue to Georgetown by ferry or local bus.
The journey takes about 7-12 hours and tickets cost around $9-17 per person. It is recommended to book your bus tickets online in advance.
Bus travel is a comfortable and budget-friendly option for reaching Penang from Malacca.
| Bus Company | Departs in Malacca | Arrival in Penang |
|---|---|---|
| KPB Express | 07:00 | 14:01 |
| KPB Express | 08:15 | 15:16 |
| KPB Express | 09:00 | 16:01 |
| KPB Express | 22:00 | 05:01 |
| Super Nice Express | 08:30 | 15:31 |
| Super Nice Express | 20:00 | 03:01 |
| Super Nice Express | 20:00 | 03:01 |
| Billion Stars | 08:30 | 15:31 |
| Billion Stars | 10:15 | 17:16 |
| Billion Stars | 21:30 | 04:31 |
| Billion Stars | 22:15 | 05:16 |
| Sri Maju Group | 09:00 | 16:01 |
| Mayang Sari | 11:45 | 00:03 |
| Mayang Sari | 23:45 | 12:03 |
| Pancaran Matahari | 21:00 | 09:18 |
| KKKL Express | 21:30 | 09:46 |
2. TRAIN from Malacca (Tampin) to Penang
👉 Train via Tampin is a comfortable but less direct way to travel from Malacca to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who prefer train travel and don’t mind extra transfers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7–9 hours (including transfers and ferry)
- ✔️ Cost: around $17+ per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (KTM trains with comfortable seating)
- ✅ Best Option: KTM train from Tampin to Butterworth + ferry to Penang Island
- 💡 Tip: Plan transport to Tampin in advance and check schedules carefully, as train departures are limited.
You can also travel from Malacca to Penang by KTM Berhad train. As there is no railway station in Malacca, you must first travel about 40 km to Tampin Railway Station, then continue by train to Butterworth. From Butterworth, take a ferry or local transport to Penang Island. See the Malaysia Railway Map.
The train journey from Tampin to Butterworth takes about 6.5 hours and tickets start at around $17 per person. KTM trains are comfortable and reliable, but departures are limited, so it is recommended to book early.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Butterworth ➜
Train tickets are available online as e-tickets, so there is no need to print them. Before traveling, check the current train schedule, as only a few trains operate on this route each day.
3. TAXI / CAR from Malacca to Penang
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable and direct way to travel from Malacca to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: groups, families, and travelers wanting door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~6 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $300–540 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort level: very high (modern cars or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Private transfer with companies like Daytrip or Asian Overland Services
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost between passengers and arrange flexible pickup and drop-off points for maximum convenience.
A private car with a driver is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Malacca to Penang. Companies such as Daytrip and Asian Overland Services offer modern air-conditioned cars and minivans with convenient door-to-door service.
The journey takes about 6 hours, depending on traffic and your exact destination. Prices range from $300-540 per vehicle, with standard cars being cheaper than larger minivans for groups.
Private transfers offer flexible departure times and hotel-to-hotel service. It is recommended to book your car online in advance and check the transfer conditions before departure.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Malacca to Penang:
How to book tickets from Malacca to Penang?
You can book bus, train, flight, or private transfer tickets online at 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Malacca to Penang?
Bus: 7-12 hours. Train via Tampin: about 6.5 hours. Bus + flight via Kuala Lumpur: 4-7 hours. Private car: about 6 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Malacca to Penang?
Bus tickets cost $9-17, train tickets $15-48, bus + flight $50-150, and private cars about $300-540 per vehicle.
What is the distance from Malacca to Penang?
The travel distance is about 500 km by road or rail and around 450 km by air.
What is the best way to travel to Penang?
The direct bus is the best budget option, while bus + flight via Kuala Lumpur is the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get to Penang?
The cheapest option is the direct tourist bus, with tickets starting from about $9 per person.
Is there a direct flight from Malacca to Penang?
No. Fly via Kuala Lumpur, which has frequent direct flights to Penang.
Where can you travel from Penang?
From Penang you can visit Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, or Redang Island.
How do you get from Butterworth to Georgetown?
You can take the ferry from Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal or use a local bus or taxi.
When is the best time to visit Malaysia?
Malaysia has a tropical climate and can be visited year-round, although weather varies by region and monsoon season.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Malacca to Penang
Travel from Malacca to Penang covers about 500 km. You can travel by direct bus, KTM train via Tampin and Butterworth, bus + flight via Kuala Lumpur, or private taxi.
- Take the Direct Bus: The cheapest and easiest option for most travelers.
- Travel by Train: Use the KTM train from Tampin to Butterworth, then continue by ferry to Penang.
- Fly via Kuala Lumpur: The fastest way to reach Penang.
- Book Early: Bus, train, and flight tickets sell out during weekends and holidays.
- Choose a Private Car: Best for groups or travelers who prefer door-to-door service.
Tip: Bus, train, flight, and private transfer tickets from Malacca to Penang can be booked online in advance.