How do I get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang?

To travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, you can take a bus, fly, catch a train, or book a private car transfer with Daytrip. Daytrip’s private car service takes four hours door-to-door and offers sightseeing stops, making this the best overall option. The train or bus are the best choice if you’re on a budget, and take 4 to 5 hours to reach Penang. Flying takes as long as the train but is more hassle.

Can you catch a train from Kuala Lumpur to Penang?

Yes, you can catch a train from Kuala Lumpur to Penang. The KTM ETS (Electric Train Service) operates this route, connecting KL Sentral to Butterworth, Penang's nearest train station. The journey takes around four hours. From Butterworth, you can take a bus or short ferry ride across to Penang Island and then a taxi to your accommodation.

What are the driving conditions like between Kuala Lumpur and Penang?

The drive from Kuala Lumpur to Penang is largely on the North-South Expressway, one of Malaysia's main highways, which is well-maintained and straightforward to navigate. The journey of approximately 217 miles (350 km) takes around four hours under normal traffic conditions. Rest stops, petrol stations, and food outlets are plentiful along the route, making it a comfortable drive.

Why is Penang so famous?

Penang is famous for its Colonial history, rich, multicultural heritage, both of which have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then there’s the beautiful beaches, and some of the best food on the planet!

How far is KL to Penang by flight?

The flight distance from Kuala Lumpur to Penang is approximately 205 miles (330 km). Direct flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Penang International Airport last about an hour, but that doesn’t account for the 3 hours or so spent getting to and from the airport, or waiting for check-in and security.

Do they speak English in Penang?

Penang is a former British colony, so many of its 700,000 residents speak English. But it’s a melting pot of cultures, so you’ll hear plenty of other languages, including Malay, Tamil, and Chinese.

Private car transfer
from Kuala Lumpur to Penang

Door-to-door
in 3 h 50 min

From ...
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Kuala Lumpur.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 3 h 50 min.

Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Penang.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

In total

354 km
3 h 50 min

Visit these sights on the way

Batu-Höhlen

Diese beeindruckende Serie von Tempelhöhlen wird von einer riesigen goldenen Statue des hinduistischen Gottes Lord Murugan bewacht. Herr der Unterwelt

Genting Skyway

Genießen Sie Dschungelausblicke und Premium-Shopping bei einer modernen Gondelfahrt. Fliegen und Einkaufen

Tempurung-Höhle

Ein immersives speläologisches Erlebnis erwartet Sie in einer der größten Höhlen auf der malaysischen Halbinsel. Hinab und schmutzig

Ubudiah-Königliche Moschee

Glänzendes Gold, strahlendes Weiß und beeindruckende Größe machen diese königliche Moschee zur schönsten des Landes. Die prächtigste Moschee Malaysias

Taiping-See-Gärten

Die ersten öffentlichen Gärten Malaysias, dieser schöne grüne Raum war einst eine Zinnmine. Grüner geht’s nicht

Kek Lok Si Tempel

Der größte buddhistische Tempel Malaysias ist ein farbenfroher Komplex mit Millionen von Buddha-Bildern, Hunderten von Schnitzereien und einer riesigen Statue. So groß wie Buddha

Why people love Daytrip

4,800+ reviews

1,087 travelers took this route with us

9. Nov. 2024

Tolle Kommunikation mit einer echten Person! Sie bringen dich ÜBERALL hin, ohne vorgegebene Routen zur Auswahl.

“Eine Planänderung in letzter Minute und Daytrip war unsere letzte Option, also schrieb ich ihnen und erhielt sofort eine Antwort von einer echten Person – beste Situation überhaupt. Wir hatten Daytrip noch nie zuvor genutzt, aber die Bewertungen waren unglaublich, also haben wir es gewagt und gegen 23-24 Uhr einen Fahrer gebucht. Als wir am nächsten Morgen um 7 Uhr aufwachten, hatten sie bereits einen Fahrer für uns gefunden, und der Fahrer hatte uns bereits per SMS kontaktiert! Sehr beeindruckt, und wir werden sie auf jeden Fall wieder nutzen. Wir sind von Dubrovnik, Kroatien, nach Tivat, Montenegro, gefahren.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B

James B

9. Nov. 2024

25. Jan. 2023

Private Transfer - KL to Penang and Back

“Alan L drove us to Penang last week and then drove us from Penang back to KL today. Both drives were excellent experiences as Alan was a safe and very calm driver. The drive from Penang took close to 9.5 hours due to Lunar New Year traffic but despite it being a gruelling drive Alan was sure to take care of me and my family with breaks and was amazingly patient and composed on the road in the face of some very unfortunate driving conditions. His car (8 seater) was immaculate and comfortable and he was a very kind host. I would recommend daytrip and Alan to anyone else”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler honourthework

honourthework

25. Jan. 2023

18. Jan. 2020

transfert de Kuala lumpur à Penang en véhicule privé avec chauffeur

“Tout c'est très bien passé, Daytrip nous a fourni une photo du chauffeur et le type de véhicule qui est venu nous prendre à la réception de notre hôtel à l'heure convenue par avance.Le conducteur était prudent, parlait bien anglais et nous a donné des renseignements sur l'histoire, la géographie des lieux traversés en cours de route. Bref un voyage agréable pour un prix équivalent à ce que les taxis et vol par avion nous auraient coûté et pour un temps et des tracasserie bien moindre. Je recommande sans problème cette solution de transport en Malaisie..”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler parangon17

parangon17

18. Jan. 2020

10. Jan. 2020

Penang Island To Kuala Lumpur

“We made a tour from Penang Island to Kuala Lumpur, and it was amazing! Alan (our driver) was very nice, friendly and funny, spoke good English and the ride was quick and efficient. I would recommend this way of traveling to anyone. The price was more then fair and we could stop and eat whenever we wanted. Really cool way to go around!”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Sjoerd02

Sjoerd02

10. Jan. 2020

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

Sedan

Comparable to aToyota Corolla

Passengers and luggage

Clean
Comfortable
Air conditioned
Handicapped accessible
Child seats
Pet friendly
Smoke-free

From ... per seatSelect

More options

Compact MPV

Comparable to aToyota Avanza

Passengers and luggage

From ... per seatSelect

Van

Comparable to aHyundai Starex

Passengers and luggage

From ... per seatSelect

The Daytrip driver advantage

Local knowledge about the route from Kuala Lumpur to Penang
Including available sights:
English speaking*
All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
Safety first!
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

Available 24/7
Close relationship with drivers
Experts on the route from Kuala Lumpur to Penang

US +1 628 288 2020 UK +44 74 6040 2615 daytrip@daytrip.com

Flexible cancellation policy

Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm

Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 13,700+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.