Train (ETS)
Fast, direct, reliable, very comfortable journey
Bus
Cheap, widely available, decent comfort for most travelers
Private car
Door-to-door travel, flexible timing, easy overall option
Flight
No flights available, not a practical transport option
Quick answer: Going from Ipoh to Butterworth offers you a few good choices: take a tourist bus for the lowest cost and decent speed, ride the train for a smoother and quicker trip, or hire a private car/taxi for door-to-door convenience with a higher price tag. You can book tickets or car with driver to Butterworth from Ipoh easily online.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: approx. 155 km from Ipoh to Butterworth.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~2-2.5 hours | Train ~1 hr 40 mins | Private car/taxi ~2 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus US$3–6 per person | Train US$8–25 per person | Private car/taxi US$110–190 per car.
- 🚍 Bus: Best for budget travellers, many frequent services.
- 🚆 Train: Fastest land option, comfortable, ideal if you want speed.
- 🚕 Private car/taxi: Most flexible and direct; higher cost but good for groups or lots of luggage.
Last updated in April 2026
Travel from Ipoh to Butterworth by Bus, KTM Train or Private Taxi
Travel from Ipoh to Butterworth covers about 155 km. You can travel by tourist bus, KTM Berhad ETS train, or private taxi. There are no direct flights. The bus is the cheapest option, while the KTM train is the fastest.
Buses take about 2–2.5 hours and cost around $3–6 per person. KTM trains take about 1 hour 40 minutes, with tickets from $8–25 per person. Private taxis take about 2 hours and cost about $110–190 per car.
Butterworth is the main gateway to Penang Island, with a ferry terminal located next to the railway station. From Penang, you can also travel to Langkawi Island.
From Ipoh, you can also continue to Alor Setar or return to Kuala Lumpur.
| Transfer modes from Ipoh to Butterworth: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 2–2.5 hours | $3–6 per person |
| KTM Berhad Train | 1 hour 40 minutes | $8–25 per person |
| Private Taxi/Car with a driver | 2 hours | $110–190 per car |
How do I get from Ipoh to Butterworth?
1. BUS from Ipoh to Butterworth
👉 Bus is the most affordable and popular way from Ipoh to Butterworth.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers and short-distance transfers
- ✔️ Duration: ~2–2.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $4–6 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: standard (modern buses with air-conditioning)
- ✅ Common operators: Mayang Sari, Sri Maju Group, Super Nice Express and others
- 💡 Tip: Arrive at Penang Sentral for easy access to the ferry connecting to George Town.
The bus is the cheapest way to travel from Ipoh to Butterworth. Companies such as Mayang Sari, Sri Maju Group, CS Travel, Super Nice Express, KPB Express, Mara Liner, and others operate modern buses on this route.
Buses depart from AmanJaya Bus Station or Jalan Bendahara and arrive at Penang Sentral, next to the ferry terminal for Penang Island.
The journey takes about 2–2.5 hours and bus tickets cost around $4–6 per person. Some buses also continue directly to Penang Island.
Book your tickets online in advance to compare schedules, bus operators, and seat availability, especially during weekends and holidays.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Butterworth ➜
| Bus Company | Departs in Ipoh | Arrival in Butterworth |
|---|---|---|
| Mayang Sari | 04:45 | 08:07 |
| Mayang Sari | 17:00 | 20:22 |
| Mayang Sari | 17:30 | 20:52 |
| Mayang Sari | 18:30 | 21:52 |
| Sri Maju Group | 08:45 | 11:11 |
| Sri Maju Group | 09:15 | 11:19 |
| Unititi Express | 10:30 | 13:52 |
| Super Nice Express | 12:00 | 14:04 |
| Mara Liner | 16:00 | 19:23 |
| CS Travel | 11:00 | 13:04 |
| Sri Theven Travel | 11:00 | 13:04 |
| Sri Theven Travel | 18:15 | 20:19 |
| KPB Express | 20:00 | 20:04 |
2. TRAIN from Ipoh to Butterworth
👉 Train is a fast and comfortable option from Ipoh to Butterworth.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who prefer a smooth and efficient journey
- ✔️ Duration: ~1 hour 40 minutes
- ✔️ Price: $8–25 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern KTM trains with multiple seating classes)
- ✅ Recommended: KTM Berhad trains from Ipoh Railway Station to Butterworth
- 💡 Tip: Book e-tickets in advance and continue بسهولة to the nearby ferry terminal for Penang Island.
The KTM Berhad ETS train is the fastest way to travel from Ipoh to Butterworth. Trains depart from Ipoh Railway Station and arrive at Butterworth Railway Station, located close to the ferry terminal. See the Malaysia railway map.
The journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes and tickets cost around $8–25 per person, depending on the selected seat class. ETS trains offer Second Class, Premier, and Business seats.
Train tickets can be booked online in advance as e-tickets. Simply show the QR code on your phone when boarding the train.
About 5–6 KTM Berhad trains operate daily on this route. Check the current train schedule before your trip.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS on Baolau ➜
| Train | Departs in Ipoh | Arrival in Butterworth |
|---|---|---|
| KTM Berhad Train | 20:56 | 22:42 |
| KTM Berhad Train | 10:29 | 12:10 |
| KTM Berhad Train | 16:04 | 17:45 |
| KTM Berhad Train | 18:19 | 20:00 |
| KTM Berhad Train | 13:41 | 15:15 |
| KTM Berhad Train | 22:39 | 00:20 |
3. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Ipoh to Butterworth
👉 Private car is the most comfortable and flexible option from Ipoh to Butterworth.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers wanting door-to-door service and privacy
- ✔️ Duration: ~2 hours
- ✔️ Price: $110–190 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern cars or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Provider: Daytrip with various vehicle options
- 💡 Tip: Share the ride with others to reduce the cost per person and choose flexible pickup points.
A private taxi is the most comfortable way to travel from Ipoh to Butterworth. It is also the most expensive transport option, with hotel pickup and drop-off available.
Private transfers are operated by Daytrip with modern cars and minivans for up to 7 passengers. The journey takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Prices range from about $110–190 per car, depending on the vehicle type. You can easily search and book your private transfer online in advance.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Ipoh to Butterworth
How to book tickets from Ipoh to Butterworth?
Book bus or KTM train tickets online at 12go.asia → or Baolau →. You can also search for other routes across Malaysia.
How long does it take to travel from Ipoh to Butterworth?
The KTM train takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, buses 2–2.5 hours, and private taxis around 2 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Ipoh to Butterworth?
Bus tickets cost about $4–6, KTM train tickets $8–25, and private taxis $110–190 per car.
What is the distance from Ipoh to Butterworth?
The travel distance between Ipoh and Butterworth is about 155 km by road or rail.
Are there flights from Ipoh to Butterworth?
No. There are no direct flights, so you need to travel by bus, KTM train, or private taxi.
What is the cheapest way to get to Butterworth?
The cheapest option is the tourist bus, with fares starting at about $4 per person.
What is the best transport option?
The KTM train is the fastest option, while buses are the cheapest and offer frequent departures.
What transport options are available?
You can travel by KTM train, tourist bus, or private taxi.
Where can you travel from Butterworth?
From Butterworth you can reach Penang, Sungai Petani, Alor Setar, Kuala Perlis, or travel to Kota Bharu.
How do you get from Penang to Langkawi?
You can travel to Langkawi by ferry or direct flight from Penang. The ferry is the most popular option.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Ipoh to Butterworth
The journey from Ipoh to Butterworth is about 155 km. You can travel by KTM train, tourist bus, or private taxi. The train is the fastest option, while the bus is the cheapest.
- Take the KTM Train: The fastest transfer, taking about 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Choose the Bus: The cheapest option with frequent daily departures.
- Travel Early: Morning departures help avoid heavier traffic.
- Carry Some Cash: Small vendors may only accept Malaysian ringgit.
- Visit Penang: Butterworth is the main gateway to Penang Island by ferry.
- Book Ahead: Reserve tickets early during weekends and holidays.
Tip: Bus tickets, KTM train tickets, and private transfers from Ipoh to Butterworth can be booked online in advance.