There are 2 way(s) to get from Kuala Lumpur to George Town
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Practical tips
By bus, book early morning departures to avoid KL traffic. The Butterworth-Penang ferry is a 2-minute walk from the bus terminal and costs 1.20 RM (less than €0.30). By plane, compare AirAsia (KLIA2) vs Malaysia Airlines/Batik Air (KLIA) — prices vary a lot. Install the Grab app before leaving for taxis from PEN airport.
🛣️ The journey experience
The journey from Kuala Lumpur to George Town, Malaysia's UNESCO-listed cultural capital, is done by plane or bus. By plane from KLIA or KLIA2, airlines like AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air offer direct flights to Penang Airport (PEN) in under an hour — perfect for maximising your time in George Town. From PEN airport, a taxi or Grab takes you to the city centre in 25-35 minutes for 15-25 RM. By bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), the journey takes 4h to 5h depending on traffic to Butterworth on the mainland, followed by a 15-minute ferry with views of George Town's skyline — a memorable arrival. The bus remains the most economical option from €8.
Frequently asked questions
The flight (1h, from €24) is ideal if you have little time or are travelling with luggage. The bus (4h-5h, from €8) is the most economical and comfortable option with modern companies. By plane, allow 30 min taxi from PEN airport to George Town.
By plane: ~1h flight + 30 min taxi from PEN airport. By bus: 4h12 to 5h15 from TBS to Butterworth, then 15 min ferry to Penang island.
The bus is the cheapest option from €8. The flight costs from €24 with AirAsia or Batik Air — compare prices by date on 12go.asia.
Penang Airport (PEN) is 16 km south of George Town. Take a coupon taxi (~25-30 RM) or Grab (15-20 RM) — allow 25-35 minutes. There is no direct airport-to-centre bus.
✨ Why visit George Town?
- ✓ George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic districts and unique colonial architecture in Asia
- ✓ The city is world-renowned for its street food — char kway teow, nasi kandar, Penang laksa — among the best in all of Malaysia
- ✓ George Town's street art is world-famous: hundreds of murals to discover on foot through colourful alleys
- ✓ Penang Hill offers a panoramic view at 830m altitude, accessible by funicular in 5 minutes from the base
☀️ When to visit George Town?
December to February (dry season on the west coast). Avoid September-October for heavy rains.
What to do in George Town?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
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