Train (ETS)
Direct, fast, reliable, best overall comfort and experience
Bus
Cheapest option, frequent departures, direct connection
Flight
Fastest option, but requires airport transfers and extra steps
Complicated routes
Unnecessary transfers, longer travel, not practical
Quick answer: Travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth offers you a mix of affordable bus services, efficient rail travel, or a private car/taxi for direct convenience. The bus is a smart budget choice, the train offers speed and comfort, and the private car gives you door-to-door flexibility—especially useful if continuing to Penang or with luggage.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: approx. 350 km from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~5–9 hours | Train ~4–4.5 hours | Private car/taxi ~4–5 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus US$8–15 per person | Train US$14–37 per person | Car/taxi US$220–410 per car.
- 🚍 Bus: Most cost-effective for solo or budget travellers.
- 🚆 Train: Faster land option with good comfort—great if you prioritise time.
- ✈️ Flight: There are direct flights to Penang, about 20 km from Butterworth.
- 🚕 Private car/taxi: Best for flexibility, groups, or when you have lots of luggage.
Last updated in April 2026
From Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth you can travel by train, bus, plane or private taxi.
The travel distance from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth is about 350 km. You can travel by KTM train, tourist bus, direct flight to Penang Airport or private taxi. The KTM train is the most popular option, offering a good balance of speed, comfort and price.
KTM trains take about 4–4.5 hours and tickets cost around $14–37 per person. Tourist buses take about 5–9 hours and cost approximately $8–15 per person. Direct flights to Penang take only 1 hour and usually cost $30–100 per person.
If you fly to Penang Airport, continue to Butterworth by bus, taxi or via George Town and the ferry. A private transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth costs about $220–410 per car.
Butterworth is the main transport hub on the mainland opposite Penang. From here you can continue to Langkawi, Kota Bharu or stop in Ipoh along the route.
| Transfer modes from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 5–9 hours | $8–15 per person |
| Train (KTM Berhad) | 4–4.5 hours | $14–37 per person |
| Direct Flight to Penang | 1 hour | $30–100 per person |
| Private Taxi/Car with a driver | 4 hours | $220–410 per car |
How do I get from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth?
1. BUS from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth
👉 Bus is the most economical and commonly chosen way from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers and standard intercity transport
- ✔️ Travel time: approx. 5–9 hours
- ✔️ Cost: about $8–15 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: good (modern buses with air-conditioning and comfortable seating)
- ✅ Best option: Operators like KKKL Express, Billion Stars or Super Nice Express
- 💡 Tip: Depart from TBS Kuala Lumpur, arrive at Butterworth or Penang Sentral, and book tickets online in advance to secure your preferred schedule.
Traveling by bus is one of the cheapest and most popular ways to get from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth. Companies such as Billion Stars, KPB Express, StarMart Express, Mara Liner, Mayang Sari, Alisan Coach, KKKL Express and Super Nice Express operate modern buses on this route.
Buses usually depart from TBS Kuala Lumpur and arrive at Butterworth Bus Terminal or Penang Sentral. The journey takes about 5–9 hours, depending on traffic.
BOOK BUS TICKETS on 12go.asia ➜
Bus tickets cost about $8–15 per person and can be booked online in advance. Departure times and arrival stations may vary, so always check the latest schedule before booking.
Arrive at the departure terminal at least 30 minutes before departure and follow the instructions provided by the bus operator.
| Bus Company | Departs in KL | Arrival in Butterworth |
|---|---|---|
| KKKL Express | 00:30 | 09:26 |
| KKKL Express | 06:30 | 15:26 |
| KKKL Express | 08:00 | 16:56 |
| KKKL Express | 09:00 | 17:56 |
| KKKL Express | 12:30 | 21:26 |
| KKKL Express | 14:30 | 23:26 |
| KKKL Express | 16:00 | 00:56 |
| KKKL Express | 21:00 | 05:56 |
| KKKL Express | 23:00 | 07:56 |
| KKKL Express | 23:45 | 08:41 |
| Billion Stars | 00:30 | 05:32 |
| Billion Stars | 01:30 | 06:32 |
| Billion Stars | 06:30 | 11:32 |
| Billion Stars | 08:00 | 13:02 |
| Billion Stars | 09:30 | 14:32 |
| Billion Stars | 11:00 | 16:02 |
| Billion Stars | 13:00 | 18:02 |
| Billion Stars | 14:00 | 19:02 |
| Billion Stars | 15:30 | 20:32 |
| Billion Stars | 17:00 | 22:02 |
| Billion Stars | 18:30 | 23:32 |
| Billion Stars | 20:30 | 01:32 |
| Billion Stars | 22:30 | 03:32 |
| Mayang Sari | 01:45 | 10:41 |
| Mayang Sari | 14:00 | 22:56 |
| Mayang Sari | 15:30 | 00:26 |
| KPB Express | 08:00 | 13:02 |
| KPB Express | 09:30 | 14:32 |
| KPB Express | 11:00 | 16:02 |
| KPB Express | 12:00 | 17:02 |
| KPB Express | 14:00 | 19:02 |
| KPB Express | 16:00 | 21:02 |
| KPB Express | 17:00 | 22:02 |
| KPB Express | 20:00 | 01:02 |
| KPB Express | 22:30 | 03:32 |
2. TRAIN from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth
👉 Train is a comfortable and relatively fast option from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who prefer rail transport with higher comfort
- ✔️ Travel time: approx. 4–4.5 hours
- ✔️ Cost: about $14–37 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern trains with several seating classes)
- ✅ Best option: KTM Berhad trains from KL Sentral to Butterworth
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance, seats can sell out quickly.
Traveling by KTM train is one of the most comfortable ways to reach Butterworth from Kuala Lumpur. Trains depart from Kuala Lumpur Sentral and arrive at Butterworth Railway Station, see the Malaysia Railway Map.
The journey takes about 4–4.5 hours and trains are generally punctual. Butterworth Railway Station is next to the ferry terminal, making it easy to continue to Penang Island.
There are only about 5–6 trains per day, so it is recommended to book early. You can also check the latest train timetables before your trip.
Train tickets cost about $14–37 per person, depending on the seat class. E-tickets can be booked online and simply shown on your phone with the QR code before boarding.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS on Baolau ➜
| Train | Departs in KL | Arrival in Butterworth |
|---|---|---|
| KTM Berhad Train | 08:05 | 12:10 |
| KTM Berhad Train | 11:40 | 15:15 |
| KTM Berhad Train | 13:40 | 17:45 |
| KTM Berhad Train | 15:55 | 20:00 |
| KTM Berhad Train | 18:22 | 22:42 |
| KTM Berhad Train | 20:15 | 00:20 |
3. FLIGHT from Kuala Lumpur to Penang Airport
👉 Direct flight is the fastest and most convenient way from Kuala Lumpur to Penang Island.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers heading straight to Penang and saving time
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1 hour (up to 5 hours total including airport time)
- ✔️ Cost: about $30–120 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flights with multiple airlines available)
- ✅ Best option: Airlines like AirAsia, Firefly or Malaysia Airlines
- 💡 Tip: Book flights online early and plan transfer from Penang Airport to Georgetown.
A direct flight to Penang is the fastest way to travel from Kuala Lumpur. Since most visitors continue to Penang after arriving in Butterworth, flying is a convenient option for reaching the island directly.
Flights operate from Kuala Lumpur International Airport or Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport to Penang International Airport. Airlines on this route include AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air and Firefly, with AirAsia often offering the lowest fares.
BOOK DIRECT FLIGHT to Penang ➜
The flight takes about 1 hour, while the total travel time, including airport procedures, is around 4–5 hours. Airfares usually range from $30–120 per person and can be booked online in advance.
From Penang International Airport, continue to George Town or Butterworth by local bus, taxi or private transfer.
4. TAXI / CAR from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable and flexible way from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth.
- ✔️ Ideal for: groups, families, and travelers seeking door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: approx. 4–5 hours
- ✔️ Cost: about $220–410 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfers with companies like Daytrip or Asian Overland Services
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost in a group and choose flexible pickup/drop-off locations.
A private car with a driver is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth. Companies such as Daytrip and Asian Overland Services operate modern cars, SUVs and spacious minivans.
Private transfers include hotel pickup and flexible drop-off locations in Butterworth or even on Penang Island. The journey takes about 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and your exact destination.
BOOK TAXI / CAR on 12go.asia ➜
Private transfers cost about $220–410 per vehicle, depending on the type of car. Standard cars are the cheapest, while SUVs and minivans are ideal for families or groups.
You can book your private transfer online in advance and choose the vehicle that best fits your travel needs.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth
How to book tickets and flights from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth?
Book train, bus tickets and flights online at 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth?
Buses take 5–9 hours, KTM trains 4–4.5 hours, flights about 1 hour, and private cars around 4–5 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth?
Bus tickets cost $8–15, trains $14–37, flights $30–100, and private cars about $220–410 per vehicle.
What is the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth?
The distance is about 350 km by train or bus and approximately 320 km by air.
What is the best way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth?
The KTM train is the best choice, offering a fast, comfortable journey in about 4–4.5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Butterworth?
The cheapest option is usually the tourist bus, with tickets starting at about $8 per person.
Are there buses from Kuala Lumpur to Penang?
Yes. Direct buses operate to Penang and George Town. See How to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang.
Is there a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth?
No. Fly to Penang International Airport, then continue to Butterworth by bus, taxi or ferry via George Town.
Where can you travel from Butterworth?
From Butterworth you can continue to George Town or Langkawi by ferry or flight.
Where to stay in Butterworth?
Butterworth offers mainly budget hotels and guesthouses. Book accommodation online ➜.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia:
If you’re planning your next trip from Kuala Lumpur, here are other popular routes in Malaysia:
These are the most popular travel routes from Kuala Lumpur for visitors exploring Malaysia.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth
Travel from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth by KTM train, tourist bus, direct flight to Penang or private car. The KTM train is the most popular option, while flights are the fastest.
- KTM Train: The most comfortable option, taking about 4–4.5 hours to Butterworth Railway Station.
- Bus Travel: Buses are the cheapest choice, with journeys taking about 5–9 hours.
- Flights: Fly to Penang International Airport, then continue to Butterworth by bus, taxi or ferry.
- Book Early: Train tickets often sell out first, especially on weekends and public holidays.
- Continue to Penang: The ferry terminal is within walking distance of Butterworth Railway Station.
- Private Transfer: Private cars offer hotel pickup and direct transport to Butterworth or Penang.
Tip: Train, bus tickets and private transfers from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth can be searched and booked online in advance.