Nowadays, not only locals but thousands of tourists travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, which are about 340 kilometers apart, for their holiday. That leads to the appearance of many means of transportation such as planes, buses, coaches, taxies, trains and so on. Let’s review some of the most common uses and then choose the best one for you!
1. Bus
Taking a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Penang is considered as a convenient, economical and comfortable way. With about RM 37- RM 42 ($9-$10), you can get in a standard bus to transfer between two destinations. If you want a luxurious bus offering personal TVs and meals on-board, it takes you higher price at RM 74 while the Nice Imperial bus with RM103 ticket will allow you to use free Wifi as well. Remember to check the bus fare during festivals because it will be more expensive.
It takes approximately 4.5 hours for the direct service with a pit stop provided along the high way. Then the bus drivers will stop at Penang Sungai Nibong bus terminal. Passengers can take a taxi or take Penang city bus 401 to Georgetown at around RM 2.5.
Now it is even easier than ever thanks to the online booking system at BusOnlineTicket.com which can be paid by your credit card or through Internet banking.
2. Train
KL Sentral is the transit hub in Kuala Lumpur and it is also the place for you to take the train. You can create an account to buy a ticket online at the KTM website or to buy directly at KL Sentral. Make sure that you go to the station a few days before your departure because of the limited seats, particularly on weekends.
There are two schedules to get to Penang for you to choose: Ekspress Rakyat (15:50-22:20) and Senandung Langwaki (20:00-5:25). The day train price is quite low and different based on class seats. The 1st class seat is called Premiere costing RM 67 ($21) for adult and RM 38 ($12) for children. The other is Superior with RM 34 ($11) and RM 21 ($7) respectively. The night train with sleeper seats charges higher about RM 20 ($5) to compare with the day train.
When you approach the station, walk down to the left towards the exit, go up the pedestrian walkway then wait for the ferry. The round ticket costs only RM 1.2 for adults to get to Georgetown within 15 minutes.
3. Plane
It is not too far from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, but this is the best choice if you can get one of the low-cost fares and make it to the airport inexpensively. Besides, you can choose whatever among many flight times available.
Firstly, it takes about one hour to transfer from KL Sentral to Subang Skypark Airport (SZB). Then you have to check-in at least 45 minutes before the departure time for a one-hour flight. Finally, once you approach Penang Airport (PEN), catch a bus or taxi to the city. The total cost ranges from RM 65 to RM364 ($15-$85) depending on the air tickets and the means of transportation that you choose.
4. Private car
It is obvious to recognize the best way to go is sitting in a private car as long as you travel with a group. The combination cost of petrol and toll charges is about RM 228.3 ($54). The more people in your group, the less money you have to pay. Remember not to park anywhere around George Town because city officials will fine you immediately.
We hope you will find this article helpful for your Malaysia trip from above detailed information about means of transportation!