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There are three ways from Penang to Kuala Lumpur: ETS train, bus or flight. We took the train, in business class, to see what it's like.
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Option 1: ETS train (our pick)
Book online on the official KTM website: search Butterworth → KL Sentral (or the reverse), pick your date and number of passengers, choose a train, and enter passenger details including passport.
- Normal class: about 89 RM
- Business class: about 162 RM
- Book a week or more ahead. Our preferred 1 pm train was full, and the station kiosk showed only a few seats (reserved for disabled passengers).
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Option 2: Bus
Intercity buses take about 40 RM and are bookable online (redBus Malaysia works too).
Option 3: Flight
From around 91 RM, but only with a 7 kg cabin bag. Checked luggage costs extra, which is why we skipped it.
Getting to Butterworth station
From Penang island: a ferry for about 2 RM, or a taxi. We had lots of luggage, so the taxi cost about 25 RM.
The business-class experience
- A separate business lounge at the station, with coffee and a place to wait for boarding. You don't get that in India.
- 2+1 seating (pick the single seat if you're solo). Normal class is 2+2 and a bit tighter.
- It's about the level of Vande Bharat's executive class.
- A personal screen in the armrest, on Wi-Fi, so you can log into YouTube, Netflix or Prime.
- A goodie bag (salted peanuts, juice, headphones) and a meal, then muffins and coffee later.
- The journey takes about 4 hours 25 minutes. A flight is faster, but this was far more comfortable.
Arriving at KL Sentral
The taxi zone is just outside: take the lift down and turn left. We booked a Grab straight to Platinum Suites, whose L-shaped pool has views of Petronas, KL Tower and Merdeka 118. Our KL suite review.
FAQs
How much is the ETS train from Butterworth to KL Sentral?
When we booked: about 89 RM in normal class and 162 RM in business class.
Can I buy ETS tickets at the station?
Don't count on it. Trains sell out about a week ahead, so book online on the official KTM site.
Is flying from Penang to KL cheaper?
Fares start around 91 RM, but only with a 7 kg cabin bag. With checked luggage, the train or bus is better.
TAGS: PENANG · KUALA LUMPUR · ETS TRAIN · KTM · MALAYSIA · TRANSPORT
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Prashant & Sunaina
A travel couple from Pune with Kashmiri Pandit × Maharashtrian roots, 8+ countries and counting. Every rupee shared.
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