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Ipoh's limestone hills and white-coffee kopitiams give way to the ferry-and-bridge gateway of mainland Penang in under two hours. The road north follows the North-South Expressway through palm plantations, with the Titiwangsa range fading in the mirror.
Butterworth is the mainland gateway to Penang: from here you continue to George Town by bridge or ferry, or change onto northbound rail.[1] Whether you want the cheapest seat on a coach, a train ride or a car to your door, the trip is straightforward. You can compare schedules and book on GoAsia.cc.
Ipoh to Butterworth by Bus
Long-distance buses leave from Terminal Amanjaya, also called Terminal Meru Raya, Ipoh's main express bus terminal in Meru Raya, outside the city centre.[2] Penang Sentral in Butterworth lists Terminal Meru Raya among its destinations.[3]
Executive Coaches
Executive coaches are the step up from Express: a few dollars more for a roomier seat, and a good choice if you want to sleep or work on the way. Both classes run on this route.[4]
Express Buses
Express buses are the standard air-conditioned service and the cheapest way to go. On booking platforms, tickets start at about $5 (November 2026). The ride takes from about 1 hour 35 minutes, and longer when traffic builds up leaving Ipoh.[4]
Ipoh to Butterworth by Train
KTM Komuter connects Ipoh and Butterworth with 10 departures a day, from 04:40 until 18:35. The 04:40 train reaches Butterworth at 06:36, a journey of about 1 hour 56 minutes.[5]
Ipoh to Butterworth by Private Transfer
If you are travelling as a group or with heavy luggage, a private car picks you up at your hotel in Ipoh and drops you at your address in Butterworth or at the ferry terminal. Vehicles seat 3, 4 or 7 passengers. On booking platforms, private transfers cost from about $98 for a sedan to about $167 for a minivan (November 2026). The drive takes from about 1 hour 55 minutes, longer in heavy traffic.[4]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bus (Express or Executive) | From about $5[4] | From 1h 35min[4] |
| KTM Komuter train | - | About 1h 56min[5] |
| Private transfer (sedan or minivan) | About $98 - $167[4] | From 1h 55min[4] |
Tips for Traveling from Ipoh to Butterworth
- Arrive Early at Amanjaya: The terminal lies outside the old town, so allow time to get there by taxi or ride-hailing and be at the gate well before departure.
- Temperature Control: Malaysian coaches run their air conditioning cold. Carry a light jacket or sweater even on a hot day.
- Heading to George Town: Butterworth is the gateway to Penang by bridge or ferry.[1] If you are going to the island, follow the signs for the ferry.
- Book in Advance: Afternoon and weekend departures fill up first. Booking online saves you waiting at the terminal for the next free seat.
Timetable
| Bus Ipoh - Butterworth $ 5.17–12.09 1h 35m – 2h 30m | |
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| Taxi Ipoh - Butterworth $ 97.70–166.31 1h 54m | |
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| Bus Ipoh - Penang $ 3.91–7.43 2h 15m – 3h 22m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Ipoh to Butterworth, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest way. On booking platforms, Express and Executive tickets start at about $5.
Bus and private transfer both take from about 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. The KTM Komuter train takes about 1 hour 56 minutes. A private transfer saves the trip to the bus terminal.
By bus it takes from about 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic on the North-South Expressway. The train takes about 1 hour 56 minutes.
Long-distance buses leave from Terminal Amanjaya (Terminal Meru Raya), outside the city centre, so plan time to get there from your hotel.
The bus suits solo travelers and anyone on a budget. A private transfer suits groups of 3 to 7 people who want a pickup at their door.
Butterworth is the gateway to Penang by bridge or ferry. Follow the signs for the ferry to George Town, or take a taxi or ride-hailing car across the bridge.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB): ETS. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [2] Alisan Golden Coach: Terminal Amanjaya Guide. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- [3] Penang Sentral: Destination. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
- [4] 12Go: 12Go timetable Ipoh - Butterworth. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
- [5] KTMB: KTM Komuter Northern Sector timetable, effective 26 February 2026. Retrieved October 25, 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.