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

Cuevas Batu

Esta serie de impresionantes templos en cuevas está vigilada por una estatua dorada gigante del dios hindú Señor Murugan. Señor del Inframundo

Genting Skyway

Disfruta de vistas de la jungla y compras de primera clase a través de un moderno paseo en góndola. Vuela y Compra

Cueva Tempurung

Una experiencia espeleológica inmersiva te espera en una de las cuevas más grandes de la península de Malasia. Abajo y Sucio

Mezquita Real de Ubudiah

Oro reluciente, blanco brillante y una escala grandiosa hacen de esta mezquita real la más fina del país. La Mezquita Más Magnífica de Malasia

Jardines del Lago Taiping

Los primeros jardines públicos en Malasia, este hermoso espacio verde fue una vez una mina de estaño. Poniéndose Verde

Templo Kek Lok Si

El templo budista más grande de Malasia es un complejo colorido con millones de imágenes de Buda, cientos de tallas y una enorme estatua. Tan Grande como Buda

Why people love Daytrip

4,800+ reviews

1,087 travelers took this route with us

9 nov 2024

¡Excelente comunicación con una persona real! Te llevarán A CUALQUIER LUGAR, sin rutas preestablecidas para elegir.

“Un cambio de planes de último minuto y Daytrip fue nuestro último recurso, así que hablé con ellos y recibí una respuesta inmediata de una persona real, la mejor situación posible. Nunca habíamos usado Daytrip antes, pero las reseñas eran increíbles, así que nos arriesgamos y reservamos un conductor a eso de las 11-12 de la noche. A las 7 de la mañana siguiente, cuando despertamos, ya nos habían encontrado un conductor y el conductor ya nos había enviado un mensaje de texto para ponerse en contacto. Muy impresionados y definitivamente los usaremos de nuevo. Viajamos de Dubrovnik, Croacia, a Tivat, Montenegro.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B

James B

9 nov 2024

25 ene 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 ene 2023

18 ene 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 ene 2020

10 ene 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 ene 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.