Flight
Most practical, fastest, many daily connections
Direct flight
Smooth journey, no transfers, short travel time
Bus
Cheapest option, but long journey
Train combination
Multiple transfers, not practical
Quick answer: The main transport options from Penang to Singapore are bus/minivan, train (via Butterworth → Gemas → Johor Bahru) or direct flight; the bus and train are budget‑land routes and the flight is the fastest and most comfortable. Transfer by private car with driver is also available. Tickets or car to Singapore from Penang can be booked online ahead of departure.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 700 km by land | approx. 650 km by air
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/minivan ~10‑18 hours | Train ~12‑15 hours | Direct flight ~1‑1.5 hours
- 💰 Price range: Bus/minivan ~$20‑23 per person | Train ~$40+ per person | Direct flight ~$50‑200 per person
- 🚍 Best for budget: Bus/minivan
- 🚆 Comfortable land alternative: Train via Butterworth / Gemas / Johor Bahru
- ✈️ Fastest option: Direct flight from Penang to Singapore
Last updated in April 2026
From Penang to Singapore you can travel by bus, train or plane.
The distance from Penang to Singapore is about 730 km. You can travel by tourist bus, KTM train with transfers, or take a direct flight. Flying is the fastest and most comfortable option, with a travel time of about 1–1.5 hours and fares from $50–200/pp. It is the best choice if you want to save time.
Tourist buses are the cheapest land transport option, taking about 10–18 hours and costing around $20–23/pp. Most buses travel via Johor Bahru, while some routes also stop in Kuala Lumpur. You can also travel by KTM train via Gemas and Johor Bahru, although this option requires several transfers and takes around 12 hours.
Singapore is one of Southeast Asia’s most modern destinations, known for attractions such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa Island. From Singapore you can also travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, or Genting Highlands by bus, train, or plane.
| Transfer Mode – Penang to Singapore: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 10–18 hours | $20–23/pp |
| Train | 12–15 hours | $40+/pp |
| Direct Flight | 1–1.5 hour | $50–200/pp |
| Private Car with a driver | 7.5 hour | $280–1000/car |
How to get from Penang to Singapore?
1. BUS from Penang to Singapore
👉 Bus travel is the cheapest overland option to get from Penang to Singapore.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those who don’t mind long journeys
- ✔️ Duration: ~10–18 hours (including border crossing)
- ✔️ Price: about $20–23 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (long-distance buses with seats, but lengthy travel time)
- ✅ Best option: Choose operators like KKKL Express, Super Nice Express or StarMart Express
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and prepare for immigration checks at Johor Bahru–Woodlands border.
The cheapest way to travel from Penang to Singapore is by tourist bus. Most buses travel via Johor Bahru, the Malaysian border city next to Singapore. Popular operators include KKKL Express, Super Nice Express, StarMart Express, Sri Maju Group, Seasons Express, and New Asian Travel.
Buses depart from locations such as Sungai Nibong, Prangin Mall, or Butterworth, and arrive at Woodlands Checkpoint, Boon Lay, Kovan Hub Bus Terminal, or other stops in Singapore. Journey time is approximately 10–18 hours, depending on the operator, traffic, and border crossing.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Singapore ➜
Bus tickets cost about $20–23/pp, making this the cheapest transport option. Book your tickets online in advance, check departure and arrival points carefully, and arrive at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
Budget travelers can also split the journey with a stop in Kuala Lumpur before continuing by bus to Singapore.
2. BOAT + TRAIN from Penang to Singapore
👉 Ferry + train via Butterworth, Gemas and Johor Bahru is a complex but scenic overland route to Singapore.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers with more time who enjoy multi-step journeys
- ✔️ Duration: ~12–16+ hours (depending on transfers and waiting times)
- ✔️ Price: about $25–40 per person total
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (mix of ferry rides and train seats)
- ✅ Best option: Take a ferry to Butterworth and continue by KTM trains via Gemas to Johor Bahru
- 💡 Tip: Plan all connections in advance, as train schedules are limited and transfers need careful timing.
Another way to travel overland from Penang to Singapore is by ferry and KTM train via Butterworth, Gemas, and Johor Bahru. This route involves four steps and usually takes longer than the direct bus, but it offers a comfortable train journey through Malaysia.
First, take the ferry from Penang to Butterworth (about 20 minutes). From Butterworth Railway Station, travel by KTM train to Gemas, then change to another KTM train to Johor Bahru. Finally, continue by the Shuttle Tebrau train to Woodlands in Singapore. You can also check the Malaysia Railway Map.
The total journey takes about 12–14 hours, depending on transfer times. Train schedules are limited, so it is recommended to plan your connections in advance. Train tickets from Butterworth to Johor Bahru cost about $25–40/pp and must be booked separately for each section.
From Woodlands, you can continue to central Singapore by MRT, public bus, taxi, or ride-hailing service.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Johor Bahru ➜
3. DIRECT FLIGHT from Penang to Singapore
👉 Direct flights are the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Penang to Singapore.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and prefer quick connections
- ✔️ Total duration: ~4–5 hours (including airport transfers and waiting time)
- ✔️ Price: about $50–200 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight with modern aircraft and frequent departures)
- ✅ Best option: Choose airlines like AirAsia or Scoot for budget fares, or Malaysia Airlines for more comfort
- 💡 Tip: Book flights online in advance and plan transport between the airport and city center.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Penang to Singapore is by direct flight. Flights operate from Penang International Airport to Changi Airport, one of Asia’s busiest airports.
Airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Scoot, Firefly, and Jetstar Asia operate several direct flights daily. The flight takes about 1.5 hours, while the total journey, including airport transfers and check-in, is around 4–5 hours. From Changi Airport, you can easily reach the city center by MRT, bus, taxi, or private transfer.
Flight prices range from $50–200/pp, with the cheapest fares often offered by AirAsia and Scoot. Booking early usually provides the best prices and flight selection.
| Airline | Departs in Penang | Arrival in Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Firefly | 07:55 | 09:30 |
| Malaysia Airlines | 07:55 | 09:30 |
| Singapore Airlines | 10:15 | 11:40 |
| Singapore Airlines | 12:00 | 13:40 |
| Singapore Airlines | 18:00 | 19:25 |
| Singapore Airlines | 21:15 | 22:40 |
| Scoot | 11:20 | 12:50 |
| Scoot | 16:55 | 18:25 |
| Scoot | 22:20 | 23:35 |
| Air Asia | 09:25 | 10:55 |
| Air Asia | 11:50 | 13:20 |
| Air Asia | 15:35 | 17:10 |
| Air Asia | 19:25 | 21:00 |
4. PRIVATE CAR / TAXI from Penang to Singapore
👉 Private car or taxi with driver offers a direct and comfortable transfer from Penang to Singapore.
- ✔️ Good for: groups, families, or travelers seeking a hassle-free journey
- ✔️ Duration: ~7.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $280–1000 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (private cars or spacious minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Book with providers like Daytrip or DTY Holidays
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost among passengers and arrange pickup directly from your hotel for maximum convenience.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable overland option for traveling from Penang to Singapore. Companies such as Daytrip and DTY Holidays offer modern sedans, SUVs, and minivans for individuals, families, or small groups.
The journey takes about 7.5 hours, depending on traffic and the border crossing. A major advantage is the door-to-door service, allowing you to choose your departure point in Penang and your destination anywhere in Singapore.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Singapore ➜
Private transfers cost about $280-1,000/car, depending on the vehicle type. While this is the most expensive option, it can be good value for groups sharing the fare. Book your private transfer online in advance and review the booking conditions before departure.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Penang to Singapore
How to book tickets and flights from Penang to Singapore?
Book bus tickets and flights online at Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜. Both platforms also offer many other routes.
How long does it take to travel from Penang to Singapore?
By bus: 10–18 hours. By boat + train: about 13 hours. By direct flight: 1–1.5 hours. By private car: about 7.5 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Penang to Singapore?
Bus tickets cost $20–23, boat + train from $40, direct flights $50–200, and private cars $280–1,000 per vehicle.
What is the distance from Penang to Singapore?
The distance is about 700 km by land or about 650 km by direct flight.
What is the best way to get from Penang to Singapore?
A direct flight is the fastest and most convenient option, with several daily low-cost and full-service flights.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Penang to Singapore?
The cheapest option is a tourist bus, with tickets starting at about $20 per person.
Is there a railway station on Penang Island?
No. The nearest railway station is in Butterworth, about 30 km from George Town, and is accessible by ferry, bus, or taxi.
Can you travel by train from Penang to Singapore?
Yes. Travel via Butterworth, Kuala Lumpur, Gemas, and Johor Bahru, then continue by shuttle train to Singapore.
Where can you travel from Penang?
Popular routes include Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur by ferry, bus, train, or flight.
What places should you visit on the way to Singapore?
Visit Malacca or Kuala Lumpur. From Singapore, you can also take a ferry to Batam Island.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Penang in Malaysia:
If you’re planning your next trip from Penang, here are other popular routes in Malaysia:
These are the most popular travel routes from Penang for visitors exploring Malaysia.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Penang to Singapore
Traveling from Penang to Singapore covers about 700 km. You can travel by flight, tourist bus, train via Butterworth, or private car.
- Choose a Flight for Speed: Direct flights take only 1–1.5 hours.
- Travel Overnight by Bus: Save a hotel night and travel at the lowest cost.
- Use Butterworth for Trains: All KTM trains depart from Butterworth on the mainland.
- Prepare for Immigration: Carry your passport and required travel documents.
- Pack Smart: Bring water, snacks, a power bank, and a light jacket.
- Book Early: Reserve tickets in advance during holidays and weekends.
Tip: Bus tickets, train tickets, flights, and private transfers from Penang to Singapore can be searched and booked online in advance.