Georgetown to KL: Ultimate Ferry & Train Guide in Malaysia

Hello hello! Just wrapped up our Malaysian trip and I would like to share about the Penang ferry from Georgetown to Butterworth. We managed to travel from Georgetown to Kuala Lumpur in one go- catching the train straight to Kuala Lumpur. PSA: it’s better to know what to expect on your journey! ✨

Why This Route is the Best 🌟

The Cost

Let me start with the numbers that’ll make your wallet happy. The Penang ferry costs just 4 MYR for two people- that’s literally $1.00 USD! Then we snagged train tickets for 210 MYR for both of us, which breaks down to about 105 MYR each ($25 USD). In total, we spent $25.50 USD each to travel from Penang to KL. Compare that to flying or driving, and you’ll see why this route is a no-brainer for budget travelers who don’t want to compromise on comfort or experience.

Why the Train?

The reason why we picked the train for this trip is because of 2 factors: dodgy reviews and terrible traffic jams.

While doing my research on bus routes from Georgetown straight to Kuala Lumpur, I ended up on EasyBook‘s website. It is basically a travel ticketing website for Singapore and Malaysia. Here, passengers can rate their trips with all the available bus companies. I found that most reviews were less than glowing, and truthfully I did not want to add another wildcard to a trip abroad. Long delays, rude drivers, and lack of resolution are not what I wanted to sign up for.

Being from Indonesia, I am also familiar with the frustrating Southeast Asian traffic jams that can derail your whole day. Rush hour traffic in KL can be a nightmare, and buses are not going to be able to avoid this hurdle. To avoid the worst possibility of extending our bus trip for hours on end, we ultimately picked the train.

The long distance train in Malaysia is called the Electric Train Service (ETS) and it is operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM). This mode of transportation is for the Gemas to Padang Besar route, along the Malaysia – Thailand border.

Our Hotel in Georgetown

We started our journey from the newly built Citadines Connect Cecil in Georgetown, Penang. It is a nice hotel and I would recommend this for single or couple travelers. The room is well-kept with new interiors, though it is small. The staff are pleasant and welcoming, and the traditional snacks, coffee, and tea in the lobby is much appreciated!

The gym is also small but furnished with the latest TechnoGym equipment (you gym rats know they’re the best!). It does get crowded when there are more than 2-3 people though. Their indoor pool is another highlight, a nicely designed facility with its own waterfall.

It is located close to Pasar Lebuh Cecil, which is just a short walk away. We managed to visit in the mornings, braving the long queues for Duck Kway Teow and various nyonya kuehs.

If you are interested in yummy food from Penang, make sure to read which ones you DEFINITELY should try!

The Penang Ferry Experience 🛥️

We used Grab to drop us off at the Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal. It is a little bit of a walk from the streets, but manageable with the covered outdoor walkway in the Malaysian heat. For the ferry tickets, we just bought it on the spot. Buying the Penang ferry tickets on the spot was super easy and convenient since you can use any of your contactless debit / credit cards. Just tap it on the ticket gate and voila!

You can also pre-purchase the ticket online on the day of departure- though I think it is absolutely unnecessary. This is the Penang Ferry Ticket Booking link!

The Penang ferry tickets from Georgetown to Butterworth cost just 2 Ringgits per person ($0.50 USD) – so affordable! We then made our way to the waiting room for the next boat. PSA, the boat leaves every hour on the hour. Ours was an 11 AM one and thankfully the crowd was still manageable. The spaces between the seats were a little tight though- keep in mind when you’re bringing large luggages.

Th ship arrived in time, and after boarding we enjoyed the view from the large windows. The process was organized and was done fairly fast, and off the Penang ferry goes!

It was nice to see Georgetown’s UNESCO World Heritage buildings from the boat, and you get this amazing backdrop of the Penang Bridge stretching across the channel. The waves lapped on the ship, and before we knew it, we reached Butterworth!

The Penang ferry was honestly faster than expected. We crossed the whole channel in just 17 minutes!

Butterworth Station Reality Check: Brace for the Crowds after Penang Ferry! 🚊

Okay, let me be completely honest here – Butterworth station is INTENSE! Think a hundred travelers, limited seating, and that unmistakable buzz of collective train travel. It’s not chaotic per se, but it’s definitely bustling with energy that can catch first-time visitors off guard. Weekend afternoons are particularly crowded, and if you’re traveling during school holidays, expect maximum crowds in one tight space.

The station itself is functional but minimal, which becomes important when you realize that once you scan your QR ticket, you’re basically restricted to whatever food options exist beyond that point. The waiting area has basic seating, but claiming a spot during busy periods requires some strategic positioning! I learned to arrive 45-60 minutes early during peak travel times, and weekday mornings tend to be much more manageable if you can swing it.

The Food Situation: Plan Ahead or Go Hungry 🍜

This is where my experience really shines through, and I learned this lesson the hard way! If you’re catching a midday train (11 AM – 2 PM departure), you absolutely MUST grab lunch from the mall before entering the station. This isn’t just a suggestion – it’s survival advice.

Once you reached Butterworth, follow the signs to the train station. It is quite a walk with some stairs, in case you are bringing big luggages. One big stair you have to climb up, but another one nearer to the station has an elevator. Just follow the crowd and you’ll be golden. You will see a mall called Penang Sentral along the way, and you should make a stop to refuel.

The Penang Sentral Mall near the station is your food savior with some restaurants and a minimal food court. Once you scan that QR ticket, your food options become seriously limited. We’re talking a few basic vending machines with mostly drinks and no proper restaurants nor food courts. The selection is pretty disappointing for a transportation hub.

The Train Journey 🌅

Stepping onto the ETS (Electric Train Service) felt like entering a different world after the crowded station experience. The air conditioning hits you immediately, the seats are genuinely comfortable with adequate legroom, and there’s this sense of anticipation as you settle in for the 4-5 hour journey ahead. The train is surprisingly clean and well-maintained, with a smooth, quiet ride that’s perfect for relaxation or getting some work done.

The journey from Butterworth to KL is absolutely stunning! You’ll pass through lush tropical landscapes, traditional Malaysian villages, rubber plantations stretching to the horizon, modern urban developments, and gorgeous river crossings. Window seats on either side offer great views, though I’d recommend booking seats on the right side for optimal scenery. The whole experience perfectly balances budget travel with comfort and authentic Malaysian countryside views.

The Onboard Dining 🍽️

Yes, there’s a canteen car, but let me manage your expectations here! The train food is an eat-to-live not live-to-eat kind of sustenance. You’ll find basic Malaysian dishes like nasi lemak and mee goreng, instant noodles, sandwiches, and hot and cold beverages. There are some limited fresh fruit options too, but overall, it’s classic “train food”– functional, fills you up, but you won’t be writing home about it.

Definitely stock up beforehand in the Penang Sentral Mall. It has some restaurants, two 7-Elevens (for some reason), and a boba shop. This would be your last chance to bring some real food onto the train.

I only managed to get a soda and okra chips for the trip, and we definitely needed a full meal instead. Don’t count on the train Bistro!

Practical Travel Tips for Penang Ferry and Train💡

Train Types

The long distance train, KTM ETS, is Malaysia’s fastest meter-gauge train service that can move up to 140 km/h or 87 mph. It is classified as Higher Speed Rail train service. It was established in August 12, 2010 and the rail service operates on electrified double track.

No wonder it is so busy, the KTM ETS transports more than 10,900 passengers each day!

There are 4 different train services:

1. Express: The fastest train service with the fewest stops at main stations. Available for Standard & Business classes.
2. Platinum: The Platinum is the second fastest service, and this train only stop at main stations. Choose Platinum is you are looking to get from point A to B, ASAP. The train numbers start with “EP”. Available for Standard & Business classes.
3. Gold: The ETS Gold is a little slower, because it will stop at selected stations. The train numbers start with “EG”.
4. Silver: This service stops at all stations, and will take longer to reach.

Luggage racks are available in all train cars.

Timetable

Check the most updated timetable here.

Booking Your Tickets

Booking your tickets online in advance is crucial, especially during holiday periods. We booked 2 weeks in advance, and both the bus and train cars were already full. The ferry is more flexible, and for specifically the Penang ferry I’d recommend purchasing your ticket on the spot.

Essential Useful Links:

1. Penang Ferry Official Booking (Link): The official Penang Port ferry ticketing system where readers can check schedules and book tickets (tickets are only valid for the day of purchase).
2. KTM Online Booking Platform (Link): The direct booking platform for KTM train tickets. After payment, you will get a QR code to scan at the ticket gate.

Total Budget

Our total budget for two people breaks down to about 254 MYR including the ferry (4 MYR), standard train tickets (210 MYR), pre-journey meal (25 MYR), and snacks (15 MYR). That is roughly $55 USD total and $27.50 USD per person.

Tips and Things to Prepare

For navigation, download offline maps of both departure and destination stations.

Keep your QR ticket easily accessible. Allow extra time for potential delays, and remember to download the Grab app for ridesharing service.

I recommend choosing morning departures for optimal lighting and photography opportunities.

Pack a portable powerbank since charging ports are limited (you need a travel adapter for the train), and bring light snacks as backup.

Definitely pack a light jacket because the air conditioning can get chilly.

Final Destination: KL Station vs KL Sentral 🏢

Here’s something crucial that many travelers miss- your train visits a few stations in Kuala Lumpur, NOT just KL Sentral! This is important for planning your onward journey, you should make sure your destination station is the closest to your accommodation. Since we were staying in KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Center), we got off at the nearest station: Kuala Lumpur Station.

From KL Station, you’ll find LRT connections, taxi and Grab pickup points. The Grab pickup was a tad tricky, since there was a construction going on- but we made it! It’s actually less crowded than KL Sentral, which can be a blessing after the Butterworth station experience.

The Verdict: Worth Every Ringgit! 🌈

Overall, I think this was a good experience. What made it special was the unbeatable value for the distance covered, the surprisingly comfortable train service (and without delays), gorgeous landscapes throughout the journey, and the genuine cultural immersion of traveling like locals.

Sure, the station food options need expansion, Butterworth station waiting room could be better, and more food options would help. But would I recommend this route? Yes!

For $25 USD per person, you get a full-day travel experience that includes comfy ferry rides, scenic train journeys, and experiencing what Malaysia has to offer. It’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers, photography enthusiasts, anyone wanting to avoid airport hassles, and couples or solo travelers.

Pack your own lunch, bring entertainment (tablets/iPads would be best), and prepare for one of the most memorable and budget-friendly ways to travel between two of Malaysia’s big cities! Happy travels, and don’t forget to share your own ferry and train adventure stories in the comments! 🚂✨

Read more about Penang’s must-see places and the amazing food you should try!