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Butterworth is the mainland gateway to Penang, and KTMB describes it as the access point to the island by bridge or ferry.[1] The crossing is short, and your choice depends on whether you travel light or with luggage, and whether you are headed to George Town or to a beach area further out.
Butterworth to Penang by Ferry
The passenger ferry runs between the Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal in Butterworth and the Raja Tun Uda Terminal in George Town (Pengkalan Weld). From Butterworth, the first ferry leaves at 06:30 and the last at 23:00; from George Town, the first leaves at 07:00 and the last at 23:30. Ferries run every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes otherwise. The adult fare is RM 2 (about $0.50), and a child aged 5 to 11 pays RM 1.[2]
The Butterworth terminal has a public bus connection, and the George Town terminal has taxi and Grab facilities.[2] In George Town, the Rapid Penang CAT route runs between Weld Quay and Komtar from 06:00 to 23:45, every 10 to 15 minutes.[3]
Butterworth to Penang by Private Transfer
A private transfer or minivan takes you over the Penang Bridge directly to your hotel, which is useful if you carry heavy luggage or travel as a group. Private transfers are not published by an operator. On booking platforms, they are listed from about $63 to $76 depending on vehicle size (a standard car for 3 passengers or a minivan for 4 or 7), with a journey time of about 33 minutes (October 2026).[4] Compare this with the ferry before you book: the price difference is large.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger ferry[2] | RM 2 (about $0.50) | Departures every 20 to 30 minutes | Basic, arrives at Pengkalan Weld |
| Private transfer or minivan[4] | About $63 to $76 on booking platforms | About 33 minutes on booking platforms | Door to door |
Tips for Traveling from Butterworth to Penang
- Watch the rush hour: The bridge can be congested in the morning and evening peaks, so allow extra time if you have a flight or a dinner reservation on the island.
- Match the vehicle to your luggage: If you carry large suitcases, a larger vehicle is more comfortable even for a small group.
- Choose by destination: The ferry is the simplest way to reach George Town. A private transfer makes more sense for hotels further out, such as Batu Ferringhi.
- Book a fixed price ahead: A pre-booked transfer avoids haggling at the station, especially on weekends and holidays.
Timetable
| Taxi Butterworth - Penang $ 62.96–75.81 33m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Butterworth to Penang, including current prices and schedules.
The passenger ferry is the cheapest option. The adult fare is RM 2 (about $0.50), and it runs between Butterworth and George Town.
A private transfer over the Penang Bridge takes about 33 minutes according to booking platforms (October 2026) and goes directly to your address. The ferry is slower overall, but it arrives in the centre of George Town.
A private transfer takes about 33 minutes according to booking platforms (October 2026), and longer at peak commuting hours. For the ferry, plan for the wait, as departures are every 20 to 30 minutes.
From Butterworth, the first ferry leaves at 06:30 and the last at 23:00. From George Town, the first leaves at 07:00 and the last at 23:30.
Private transfers and minivans can be booked in advance through GoAsia.cc. Ferry tickets are bought at the terminal counter or online, or paid by Touch n Go card.
Yes, a private transfer can take you to any hotel on the island, including those in George Town, Bayan Lepas and Batu Ferringhi.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] KTMB: Electric Train Service (ETS). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Penang Port Commission: Penang Ferry Services. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Rapid Penang (Prasarana): Rapid Penang - Bus. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] 12Go: Butterworth to Penang timetable. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.