Kuala Lumpur

Private car transfer
from Penang to Kuala Lumpur

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
trustpilot-stars

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Penang.

  • 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 Kuala Lumpur.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 354 km
  • 3 h 50 min

Overview: car trip from Penang to Kuala Lumpur

The 220-mile distance from Penang to Kuala Lumpur takes less than 4 hours to traverse by car, transporting you from multicultural Penang with its colorful British colonial-style houses to the bustling, modern capital of Kuala Lumpur.

Along the way, if you travel with a private car transfer, you have the opportunity to stop in places such as Taiping to see the serene tropical Lake Gardens or the sprawling complex of the Batu Caves for an underworld exploration.

Whether you choose to pursue sightseeing stops or not, with a Daytrip transfer you will arrive in Kuala Lumpur with a friendly English-speaking driver who will help you with your luggage and provide local insight into the buzzing city. Our door-to-door service is by far the least stressful way to travel between the two cities and will give you greater control over your itinerary than a flight, train, or bus ride might.

About Kuala Lumpur

After your journey from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, you will find yourself in a city globally renowned for its blend of ultra-modern city life with ample outdoor adventure opportunities. Kuala Lumpur has boomed since the 90s, developing rapidly and solidifying its status as a must-see destination for world travelers.

The city is recognizable by its distinctive skyline, complete with the staggering Petronas Twin Towers, which used to hold the title of the tallest building(s) in the world. The towers, like a lot of Kuala Lumpur, pay homage to the city’s position as the cultural, political, and economic capital of Malaysia. The city is thought of as a melting pot of Southeast Asia, playing host to a variety of cultures, religions, and cuisines. A tour of the city will expose you to the exhilarating mix of different food styles, as well as leave you in awe of the multilayered religious sites and architectural styles.

For an authentic taste of the local’s favorite foods, you can visit Pudu Food Street, where street food vendors prepare Malaysia’s must-try dishes using traditional methods. Try the Yung Kee Beef Noodles for a taste of the area’s Hong Kong influences, or satisfy your sweet tooth with one of the many Malaysian desserts balancing the delicate sweetness of black sesame with peanuts or coconut.

Throughout the city, the atmosphere is incredibly friendly and it will quickly become evident why travelers from around the world are drawn to the city’s vibrant nightlife, cultural sites, and pristine beaches - boasting some of Malaysia’s best areas for water sports, as well as scuba diving amongst globally admired white coral reefs.

From Penang to Kuala Lumpur: travel tips

Before your Penang to Kuala Lumpur transfer, you can plan ahead to maximize your travel day and make the most of your trip. This is easily done if you choose private transportation such as Daytrip, which offers convenient door-to-door service that your choice of sightseeing stops along the journey can complement.

Explore along the way

With a Daytrip private car transfer, you have a unique opportunity to stop between Penang and Kuala Lumpur to see more of Malaysia. Work with your driver to customize sightseeing stops such as Kek Lok Si Temple, Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple, a vast, impressive complex complete with over 10,000 Buddha statues.

Give durian a try

Durian is a highly controversial fruit native to Malaysia and farmed in particularly high volumes in Penang. The fruit has an impressive nutritional content and its sweet, creamy pulp is incorporated into a variety of Malaysian desserts.

However, durian is infamous among travelers for its distinctly pungent scent. The fruit is prohibited in many closed indoor spaces due to the strength of the smell! If you can get past the scent, it is certainly worth trying the fruit itself or procuring a sample of durian ice cream, fritters, or candy.

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How to get from Penang to Kuala Lumpur

There are a few ways to get from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, including via. Public transit options such as the bus or high-speed train. The best way to travel between the two cities is to opt for a stress-free private car transfer, as driving will allow you to see more of the country on your way.

Flight from Penang to Kuala Lumpur

It is possible to fly from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, with an in-flight time of only 1 hour. However, by the time you factor in transport to the airport in advance of your flight, you aren’t saving much time in comparison to driving and will need to spend around $40-100 on the flight alone depending on how far in advance you book.

Train from Penang to Kuala Lumpur

There are trains between Penang Butterworth station and the KL Sentral/Kuala Lumpur station, a journey that takes 4 hours and 15 minutes. The train schedule operates the same route 5 times a day, and the ticket price is $14-18.

Bus from Penang to Kuala Lumpur

The bus from Penang to Kuala Lumpur is the cheapest way to travel between the two cities, with tickets averaging a price of $5-11. Even though most bus routes are direct, the journey time is just over 5 hours, so this is slower than other options.

Private car transfer from Penang to Kuala Lumpur

The best way to cover the distance between Penang and Kuala Lumpur is to opt for a private driving service. This will grant you direct pickup and drop off at your accommodation in both cities and takes less than 4 hours.

Your friendly English-speaking driver will help with your luggage, talk to you about local culture, and ensure your swift and safe transfer from Penang to Kuala Lumpur. And maybe best of all, you can stop for sightseeing along the way.

Transfer options at a glance from Penang to Kuala Lumpur:

  • Flight: $40-100 | minimum 4 hours with transport to and from the airports
  • Train: $14-18 | 4 hours and 15 minutes
  • Bus: $5-11 | 5 hours
  • Private transfer: $55 per traveler | 3 hours 50 minutes

Things to do when you get to Kuala Lumpur

After you travel from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, you will be able to explore a culturally diverse center for urban exploration, outdoor recreation, and vivacious nightlife.

Visit the Petronas Twin Towers

Schedule some time to visit one of the most iconic sights of the city and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the sky bridge and observation decks. This is one of the most highly photographed areas of Kuala Lumpur, and the interior also offers a display of Islamic art styles and more information about this architectural marvel.

Take your family to Aquaria KLCC

Enjoy a family-friendly day at Kuala Lumpur’s massive aquarium, home to over 250 species of aquatic and land animals. There is even a 300-foot underwater tunnel that can bring you face-to-face with sharks and other vibrant sea creatures. Tickets for visitors start at $13.35

Luxuriate on the golden sands of Morib Beach

While in Kuala Lumpur, you are only a short car journey away from tranquil Morib Beach, renowned for its crystalline waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling. The beach has a laid-back, welcoming vibe that makes it the perfect tropical reprieve from busy days spent exploring Kuala Lumpur. (Pro tip: This spot is known for spectacular sunset views.)

Choose a bar with a view

This modern city has a varied nightlife, but perhaps one of the best ways to spend an evening is by selecting one of the popular rooftop bars offering impressive skyline views. The aptly named SkyBar or the Heli Lounge Bar both tout unobstructed views as the backdrop to indulgences such as craft cocktails and local beers. Note that some of these open-air terrace bars can become overcrowded and it may be worth booking a table ahead of time to ensure you have the best seat in the city for Kuala Lumpur’s golden hour.

When is the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur?

When planning your trip from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, keep in mind that like the majority of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur has a hot, humid climate for the bulk of the year. The autumn months of October-November and the spring months of March-April see the most rain, but it is always wise to pack a waterproof jacket in preparation for the sometimes unpredictable climate.

It may be best to visit in December to February for the driest weather (though keep in mind temperatures can still see highs from 74-91° F (27-32° C), or to experience fewer crowds, consider a late spring arrival in April or May.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Penang to Kuala Lumpur

The bus ticket price from Penang to Kuala Lumpur is around $5-11, and the bus ride takes on average 5 hours with no stops or transfers during the journey.
The best way to get from Penang to Kuala Lumpur is a private car transfer with Daytrip, offering convenient door-to-door service, optional sightseeing, and a friendly English-speaking driver. Other options include the bus, which will be the cheapest but take the most time, or the train, which takes just over 4 hours.
There are train routes that connect Kuala Lumpur and Penang, with an average ticket price of $14-18. The journey will take a little longer than with a private car transfer, lasting about 4 hours and 15 minutes, and you will not be able to stop along the way to partake in any sightseeing.
The best transportation option from Kuala Lumpur to Penang is driving with a private car service, which will take just under 4 hours and provide you with a stress-free pickup and drop off directly at your accommodation in both cities. There are also bus and train routes that may not offer the same convenience as a private driver.
The flight from Penang to Kuala Lumpur takes about an hour by air, though arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight is recommended, and the flight time does not account for transport to and from the airport in either city. With the time and money spent on transport back and forth from the airport, it is generally more convenient to use ground transportation.
Kuala Lumpur is a uniquely multicultural city with a range of Southeast Asian influences on its architecture, traditions, and cuisine. It is well worth a visit during your trip to Malaysia, as it also offers an abundance of outdoor activities, significant cultural and religious sites, and a welcoming atmosphere for travelers.

Visit these sights on the way

Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple

Malaysia’s biggest Buddhist temple is a colorful complex with millions of images of Buddha, hundreds of carvings, and one huge statue. Big as Buddha 

Taiping Lake Gardens

Taiping Lake Gardens

The first public gardens in Malaysia, this beautiful green space was once a tin mine. Going Green 

Ubudiah Royal Mosque

Ubudiah Royal Mosque

Glistening gold, gleaming white, and a grand scale make this royal mosque the finest in the country. Malaysia’s Most Magnificent Mosque 

Tempurung Cave

Tempurung Cave

An immersive speleological experience awaits in one of the largest caves on the Malaysian peninsula. Down and Dirty 

Genting Skyway

Genting Skyway

Enjoy jungle views and premium shopping via a modern gondola ride. Fly and Buy 

Batu Caves

Batu Caves

This series of impressive cave temples is watched over by a giant golden statue of the Hindu god Lord Murugan. Lord of the Underworld 

Why people love Daytrip

Tripadvisor logo
4,800+ reviews
  • 1,082 travelers took this route with us
Nov 9, 2024

Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!

Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B
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James B

Nov 9, 2024
Jan 25, 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
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honourthework

Jan 25, 2023
Jan 18, 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
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parangon17

Jan 18, 2020
Jan 10, 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
Review author image

Sjoerd02

Jan 10, 2020

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aToyota Corolla
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aToyota Avanza
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
From ... per seatSelect
van

Van

Comparable to aHyundai Starex
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
From ... per seatSelect

The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Penang to Kuala Lumpur
    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 Penang to Kuala Lumpur

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.

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