Train + ferry
Fast, comfortable, smooth transfer via Butterworth
Bus
Cheap and direct, decent comfort, limited schedules
Private car/taxi
Fastest option, flexible timing, easiest door-to-door
Ferry via Langkawi
Very long detour, unnecessary and time consuming
Quick answer: The best way to travel from Kuala Perlis to Penang is by direct tourist bus. You can also travel by train to Butterworth and continue by ferry to Penang, or take a ferry via Langkawi Island. The bus is the cheapest and most convenient option for most travelers.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: 170 km via Butterworth
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~2.5 h | Train + ferry ~1.5 h + transfer | Ferry via Langkawi ~6‑7 h
- 💰 Price range: Bus US$4‑9 | Train + ferry US$3‑10 | Ferry route US$20‑30
- 🚆 Train + ferry: Good compromise if schedules match
- 🚢 Ferry via Langkawi: Scenic but longer
Last updated in March 2026
From Kuala Perlis to Penang you can travel by bus, train, ferry or private taxi.
The distance from Kuala Perlis to Penang is about 170 km. You can travel by direct bus, KTM Komuter train via Butterworth, ferry via Langkawi, or private taxi. The bus is the cheapest and most popular option.
Direct buses to Butterworth or Penang take about 2.5 hours and cost around US$4–9 per person. The KTM Komuter train from Arau to Butterworth takes about 1.5 hours, followed by a short ferry to Georgetown.
You can also travel via Langkawi Island. The ferry journey takes about 6–7 hours in total and costs around US$20–30 per person. Direct flights are available only from Langkawi to Penang.
| Transfer modes from Kuala Perlis to Penang: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 2.5 hours | $4–9 per person |
| KTM Komuter train | 1.5 hours | $4–10 per person |
| Ferry (via Langkawi) | 6–7 hours | $20–30 per person |
How do I get from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
1. BUS from Kuala Perlis to Penang / Butterworth
👉 Bus is the cheapest and easiest way to travel from Kuala Perlis to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers and short-distance trips
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $4–9 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: good (modern buses with seats and AC)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct buses to Penang Sentral or Sungai Nibong with companies like Cepat Express or Mara Liner
- 💡 Tip: If arriving in Butterworth, take a short ferry ride to Georgetown on Penang Island.
The cheapest way to travel from Kuala Perlis to Penang is by direct tourist bus. Buses operated by Cepat Express, Mara Liner, Alisan Coach and other companies take about 2.5–3 hours and cost around US$4–9 per person.
Buses depart from the Kuala Perlis Bus Station or Kangar and arrive at Butterworth, Sungai Nibong or Penang Sentral. If you arrive in Butterworth, take the short ferry to Georgetown.
Bus tickets can be booked online in advance. Departure times are limited, so early booking is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.
| Bus Company | Departs in Kuala Perlis | Arrival in Penang / Butterworth |
|---|---|---|
| Cepat Express | 18:30 | 21:00 |
| Mara Liner | 09:00 | 11:30 |
| Mara Liner | 18:00 | 20:30 |
| Mara Liner | 20:00 | 22:30 |
| Alisan Coach | 09:00 | 11:30 |
| Plusliner | 09:30 | 12:00 |
| Plusliner | 14:30 | 17:56 |
| Plusliner | 19:30 | 22:56 |
| Kesatuan | 07:15 | 10:41 |
| Kesatuan | 11:00 | 14:26 |
| Kesatuan | 16:00 | 19:26 |
| Kesatuan | 17:45 | 21:11 |
2. TRAIN from Arau to Butterworth (Penang)
👉 Train + ferry via Butterworth is the fastest and very affordable way to travel from Kuala Perlis to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want a quick and low-cost journey
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours (including ferry)
- ✔️ Cost: $3–5 per person + ferry fee
- ✔️ Comfort level: good (KTM Komuter trains with seating)
- ✅ Best Option: KTM Komuter train from Arau to Butterworth + ferry to Penang Island
- 💡 Tip: Check train schedules in advance and allow extra time for the short ferry transfer to Georgetown.
You can also travel by KTM Komuter train from Arau Railway Station to Butterworth. The train journey takes about 2 hours and tickets cost around US$3–5 per person.
From Butterworth, continue by ferry to Georgetown on Penang Island. The ferry takes about 20 minutes, as there is no railway directly to Penang.
Train tickets can be purchased online or at the station. See the Malaysia Railway Map and check the train timetable before your trip, as departures are limited.
3. FERRY from Kuala Perlis to Penang (via Langkawi)
👉 Ferry via Langkawi is the most scenic and unique way to travel from Kuala Perlis to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want to visit Langkawi along the way
- ✔️ Travel time: ~4–6 hours (including transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $22–30 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: moderate (two ferry rides with sea views)
- ✅ Best Option: Ferry to Langkawi + connecting ferry to Penang (Georgetown)
- 💡 Tip: Check ferry schedules in advance, as connections are limited and may require waiting time on Langkawi.
You can also travel to Penang by ferry via Langkawi Island. This option includes 2 ferry trips and is ideal if you want to visit Langkawi during your journey.
The first ferry departs from Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal to Kuah Jetty in Langkawi. The journey takes about 1 hour and tickets cost around US$5–7 per person.
From Langkawi, continue by ferry to Penang. The trip takes about 3 hours and costs around US$17–22 per person. Ferry schedules are limited, so check departures in advance.
This route takes about 6–7 hours in total and is a great choice if you also want to explore Langkawi.
4. TAXI / CAR from Kuala Perlis to Penang
👉 Private taxi/car is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Kuala Perlis to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: families, groups, and travelers wanting direct door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $160–250 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort level: very high (air-conditioned cars or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Private transfer with companies like FQD Travel
- 💡 Tip: Share the ride to reduce costs and arrange flexible pickup/drop-off for maximum comfort.
The most comfortable way to travel from Kuala Perlis to Penang is by private taxi or car. Private transfers by FQD Travel take about 2 hours and cost around US$160–250 per vehicle, depending on the type of car.
Private cars can depart from Kuala Perlis Jetty and take you directly to your hotel in Penang. Minivans are available for groups and can be a cost-effective option when sharing the fare.
Private transfers can be booked online in advance and are ideal for travelers looking for comfort, flexibility and door-to-door service.
❓ FAQ — Travel from Kuala Perlis to Penang
How to book tickets from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
Book bus, train and private transfers online via 12go.asia. You can also search other routes across Malaysia.
How long does it take to travel from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
Bus: 2.5–3 hours, train + ferry: about 2 hours, ferry via Langkawi: 6–7 hours, private taxi: about 2 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
Bus costs US$4–9, train US$3–5, ferry via Langkawi US$20–30, and a private taxi US$160–250 per car.
What is the distance from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
The travel distance is about 170 km via Butterworth.
What is the best way to travel from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
The direct tourist bus is the best option. It is affordable, comfortable and takes about 2.5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
The cheapest option is the tourist bus, with tickets starting from about US$4 per person.
Is there a flight from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
No. The nearest flights are from Langkawi to Penang.
Is there a direct train from Kuala Perlis to Penang?
No. Take the KTM Komuter train from Arau to Butterworth, then continue by ferry to Penang.
How do you get from Butterworth to Georgetown?
Take the ferry from Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal. The trip takes about 20 minutes.
Where can you travel from Penang?
You can travel to Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Kota Bharu or Singapore.
Where to stay in Penang?
Penang offers budget hostels, hotels and luxury resorts. Book accommodation online.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Kuala Perlis to Penang
Traveling from Kuala Perlis to Penang covers about 170 km. You can travel by direct bus, KTM Komuter train via Butterworth, ferry via Langkawi, or private taxi.
- Take the Direct Bus: The cheapest and most popular option, taking about 2.5–3 hours.
- Use the Train for Comfort: KTM Komuter trains run from Arau to Butterworth, followed by a short ferry to Georgetown.
- Visit Langkawi: Travel by ferry via Langkawi if you want to include Malaysia’s most popular island in your trip.
- Book Tickets Early: Bus, train and ferry departures can be limited during weekends and holidays.
- Use Grab in Penang: Grab is the easiest way to reach your hotel from Butterworth or Georgetown.
- Carry Some Cash: Keep enough Malaysian Ringgit for ferries, buses and small purchases.
Tip: Bus tickets, train tickets, ferry tickets and private transfers from Kuala Perlis to Penang can be searched and booked online in advance.