So, you’re in the dazzling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, but the calling of Char Koay Teow and heritage street art is getting too loud to ignore? It sounds like you are ready for a trip to Penang.
While you could hop on a plane or scramble for a train ticket, taking the bus remains one of the most popular, affordable, and flexible ways to travel between these two Malaysian gems. If you have never navigated the bus system in Malaysia before, don’t worry—it is far more organised and comfortable than many travellers expect.
Whether you are a budget backpacker or just someone who prefers the scenic route, here is everything you need to know about getting from Kuala Lumpur to Penang by bus.
Why choose the bus?
With budget airlines offering cheap flights and the ETS (Electric Train Service) whizzing up the coast, why would anyone choose the bus?
Actually, there are plenty of reasons.
- Cost-effectiveness: It is almost always the cheapest option. One-way tickets typically range from RM 35 to RM 45 (roughly £6–£8). Even last-minute tickets rarely surge in price the way flight tickets do.
- Comfort: Forget the cramped knees you get on budget airlines. Malaysian long-distance buses (often called “express buses”) are surprisingly luxurious. Most feature wide, reclining seats with plenty of legroom. Some “VIP” buses even have massage chairs and personal entertainment screens.
- City-to-City convenience: Airports are often located far outside the city centre. The bus, however, offers options that can get you closer to your final destination without the hassle of long airport transfers.
- The Scenery: The drive north along the North-South Expressway offers lovely views of limestone karsts (especially around Ipoh) and lush greenery that you simply miss when you are 30,000 feet in the air.
Booking your bus ticket
You can just turn up at the terminal and buy a ticket, but I wouldn’t recommend it, especially on weekends or public holidays. Buses can fill up fast.
Where to book
The easiest way to secure your seat is through online booking platforms. Sites like Easybook allow you to compare prices, departure times, and pick your specific seat in advance.
Choosing an operator
You will see dozens of companies listed. Plusliner and Transnasional are veteran operators known for reliability. Aerobus is another solid option often seen on this route. If you want a bit more luxury (think bigger seats and meals on board), look for operators like Nice or Billion Stars.
Departure point: Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS)
Almost all express buses to Penang depart from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS).
If you haven’t been to TBS before, prepare to be impressed. It looks more like a modern airport than a bus station. It is clean, air-conditioned, and packed with shops, restaurants, and ATMs.
How to get there: TBS is located just south of the city centre. It is easily accessible via:
- KLIA Transit: Fast train from KL Sentral.
- LRT: The Sri Petaling Line stops at Bandar Tasik Selatan station, which is connected to TBS by a footbridge.
- KTM Komuter: The Seremban Line also stops here.
Important tip: Even if you booked online, you usually need to visit the ticket counters or self-service kiosks at TBS to exchange your digital voucher for a physical boarding pass. Try to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure to get this sorted without stress.
Arrival points: Mainland vs Island
This is the part that confuses most first-timers. When booking your ticket, you will usually see two main drop-off options in Penang. Choosing the right one depends on your final destination.
Option 1: Penang Sentral (Butterworth)
This terminal is located on the mainland.
- Choose this if: You want to experience the iconic ferry ride to George Town, or if you are staying on the mainland (Seberang Perai).
- The connection: From here, you can walk directly to the ferry terminal and catch a boat straight to the island.
Option 2: Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal
This terminal is located on Penang Island.
- Choose this if: You want to be on the island immediately without changing transport modes, or if you are staying in the southern part of the island (like Bayan Lepas).
- The trade-off: It is situated about 10km south of George Town. You will need to take a local bus or a Grab (taxi) to reach the heritage centre.
The Journey
Once you are settled in your seat, the journey takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on traffic.
The bus will usually make one stop at a rest area (R&R) about halfway through the trip. This is your chance to use the toilet (most buses do not have one on board) and grab a quick snack or drink. The break usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes, so don’t wander too far!
A note on temperature: Malaysian bus drivers seem to be in a constant battle with the tropical heat, often setting the air conditioning to ‘arctic’. It sounds like a joke, but it gets genuinely cold. Bring a hoodie or a light jacket onto the bus with you—you will thank me later.
From the terminal to George Town
You have arrived in Penang! But you are not quite at your hotel yet. Here is how to complete the final leg of your journey.
From Penang Sentral (Butterworth)
If you dropped off here, follow the signs to the Ferry Terminal. Since 2021, the old iconic car ferries have been retired for passenger use. They have been replaced by fast passenger speedboats.
- Cost: The ferry is very cheap (around RM 1.20 for adults).
- Time: The crossing takes about 10–15 minutes.
- Arrival: You will dock at Swettenham Pier or Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal in George Town. From there, you can walk or catch a Grab to your accommodation.
From Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal
If you take the bus all the way to the island, you are at Sungai Nibong. To get to George Town (Komtar area):
- Rapid Penang Bus: Look for bus 401E, 301, or 102. The fare is usually between RM 2.00 and RM 3.00. You need exact change, as the drivers do not carry cash.
- E-Hailing: The easiest option is to book a Grab car. It will cost significantly more than the local bus (usually RM 20–30 depending on demand), but it takes you door-to-door.
Alternative options
Is the bus definitely right for you? Here is a quick look at the alternatives:
The Train (ETS)
The Electric Train Service from KL Sentral to Butterworth is fantastic. It is smooth, fast (around 4 hours), and very comfortable.
- Pros: Reliable timing, café on board, toilets.
- Cons: Tickets sell out days or even weeks in advance, especially for weekend trips. It is also slightly more expensive than the bus.
Flights
Flying from KLIA (or Subang Airport) to Penang International Airport (PEN) is quick—the flight time is under an hour.
- Pros: Fastest travel time.
- Cons: By the time you factor in getting to KLIA (which is far from the city) and getting from Penang Airport into George Town, you haven’t saved much time compared to the train. It is also the most expensive option once you add luggage fees.
Tips for a smooth trip
To make sure your journey is as enjoyable as possible, keep these tips in mind:
- Motion sickness: The roads can be a bit winding near Ipoh. If you are prone to motion sickness, try to book a seat near the front of the bus and bring some medication.
- Download entertainment: Wi-Fi on buses is advertised but rarely reliable. Download your podcasts, playlists, or Netflix episodes before you leave.
- Keep valuables close: While bus travel is safe, it is always common sense to keep your wallet, phone, and passport in a small bag on your lap, rather than in the overhead compartment or luggage hold.
- Check the traffic: If you are travelling during Chinese New Year or Hari Raya, traffic on the highway can be brutal. The 5-hour journey can easily turn into 8 or 9 hours. In these cases, the train is a much smarter choice.
Ready to go?
Taking the bus to Penang is a rite of passage for travellers in Malaysia. It is easy on the wallet, surprisingly comfortable, and drops you right on the doorstep of one of Asia’s greatest food destinations.
So book that ticket, pack your jumper for the air-con, and get ready to eat your body weight in Laksa. Safe travels!
