# Penang to Kuala Lumpur by ETS Train (Business Class Review) vs Bus vs Flight

By Prashant & Sunaina · 9 July 2025 · https://www.psvlogs.in/blog/penang-to-kuala-lumpur-ets-train

> How to book Malaysia's ETS train from Butterworth to KL Sentral, business vs normal class prices, the station lounge, onboard screens and meal, and how it compares with buses and flights.

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.

Watch the vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJqkX-Npme4

## 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).

## 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](https://www.psvlogs.in/blog/kuala-lumpur-2bhk-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.