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This trip links two UNESCO World Heritage cities.[1] George Town is a busy food capital with street art on its walls, and Malacca a riverside town with centuries of trading history. The way between them runs south along the peninsula, and most people go by coach or private car. Whether you board in Butterworth on the mainland or on the island, the route is well served.
George Town to Malacca by Bus
The bus is the classic way to make the trip. On booking platforms, tickets from Penang cost about $13 to $18, and buses from Butterworth about $14 to $18 (October 2026). Journeys take from about 7 hours and up to about 12 hours on slower services.[2]
Departing from Penang vs. Butterworth
From Sungai Nibong on Penang Island, VIP coaches leave at 10:00, 13:00, 18:00 and 23:30 and take about 7 hours. From Butterworth (Penang Sentral) on the mainland, you can take the ferry across the strait to reach more departures, from 00:30 to 23:59. Night coaches leave around 22:30 and let you sleep your way to Malacca.[2]
George Town to Malacca by Private Transfer
For families, small groups or anyone short on time, a private transfer picks you up at your hotel and drops you in the centre of Malacca. It takes about 5 hours 40 minutes. On booking platforms, private transfers start at about $215 (October 2026), depending on the vehicle.[2] You can stop for breaks at your own pace.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | $13 to $18[2] | 7h to 12h 18m[2] |
| Private Transfer | From about $215[2] | About 5h 40m[2] |
Tips for Traveling from George Town to Malacca
- Book in Advance: This is one of the most popular routes in Malaysia, and weekends and holidays fill up. Book a few days ahead on GoAsia.cc.
- Prepare for the AC: Malaysian coaches run their air conditioning hard. Carry a light jacket or a sarong.
- Rest Stops: Long-distance coaches stop at highway rest areas for toilets, snacks and hot meals.
- Arrival Point: Coaches arrive at Melaka Sentral, the largest public transport terminal in Melaka City.[3] From there, a taxi or ride-hailing app takes you to the old town around Dutch Square.
- Scenery: The road runs along the North-South Expressway through palm plantations and, in the middle section, green hills.
Timetable
| Bus Butterworth - Malacca $ 14.28–17.70 7h – 7h 15m | |
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| Taxi Butterworth - Malacca $ 344.57–601.99 5h 39m | |
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| Bus Penang - Malacca $ 12.51–15.58 7h 6m – 12h 18m | |
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| Taxi Penang - Malacca $ 212.45–750.64 5h 39m – 6h | |
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| Taxi George Town - Malacca $ 344.57–601.99 5h 39m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from George Town to Malacca, including current prices and schedules.
The cheapest way is the bus from Penang. On booking platforms, tickets start at about $13.
A private transfer is the fastest option and takes about 5 hours 40 minutes. It avoids terminal waits and the stops that coaches make along the way.
A private car takes about 5 hours 40 minutes. A bus takes from about 7 hours, and slower services up to about 12 hours.
Yes. Several coaches leave in the late evening, including around 22:30 and 23:30, and arrive in Malacca early the next morning.
Coaches arrive at Melaka Sentral, the largest public transport terminal in Melaka City. A short taxi or ride-hailing trip takes you to the heritage zone.
Yes, especially in a VIP coach. Dress warmly for the air conditioning and bring water and snacks.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go Timetable Penang - Malacca. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [3] Causeway Link: Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal. Retrieved October 18, 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.