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Johor and Penang sit at opposite ends of Peninsular Malaysia. You can fly in just over an hour or take a long-distance coach, which means a long day or a night on the road.
Johor to Penang by Flight
AirAsia lists non-stop flights between Johor Bahru (Senai, JHB) and Penang (PEN) of around 1 hour 10 minutes, with fares from MYR 141. Indonesia AirAsia, TransNusa and Batik Air also appear as direct operators on the route.[1]
From Penang International Airport, Rapid Penang route 102 runs to Teluk Bahang and route 306 to Hospital Besar Pulau Pinang.[2]
Johor to Penang by Bus
In Johor Bahru, long-distance buses leave from Larkin Sentral, the city's largest public transport terminal.[3] Mayang Sari Express lists Johor Bahru, Muar, Batu Pahat and Butterworth among its stops.[4] Fares, classes and journey times differ by operator, so confirm them with the operator when you book.
In Penang, coaches arrive either at Terminal Sungai Nibong on Penang Island or at Penang Sentral in Butterworth on the mainland.[5]
From Butterworth to George Town
A passenger ferry links Butterworth (Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal) with George Town (Raja Tun Uda Terminal, Pengkalan Weld). The first sailing from Butterworth is at 06:30 and the last at 23:00, with a boat every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes otherwise. The adult fare is RM 2.[6]
Tips for Traveling from Johor to Penang
- Book in Advance: The route is busy around public holidays and school breaks.
- Arrival Points: If your hotel is in George Town, look for a ticket to Terminal Sungai Nibong. If you are heading to the mainland or to the ferry, choose Butterworth (Penang Sentral).
- Keep Warm: Air conditioning on long-distance buses can be strong, so bring a light layer.
Timetable
| Flight Johor Bahru - Penang $ 66.49–101.31 1h 10m – 1h 15m | |
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| Bus Johor Bahru - Penang $ 18.32–29.55 8h 53m – 17h 12m | |
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| Bus Batu Pahat - Butterworth $ 18.19 8h 29m | |
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| Bus Batu Pahat - Sungai Nibong $ 20.84 8h 31m | |
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| Bus Batu Pahat - Penang $ 17.50–18.80 9h 6m | |
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| Bus Kluang - Butterworth $ 20.29 8h 22m | |
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| Bus Muar - Butterworth $ 18.71 7h 26m | |
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| Bus Muar - Penang $ 15.11–18.02 8h 27m | |
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| Bus Johor Bahru - Butterworth $ 22.83–31.12 9h – 17h 12m | |
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| Bus Johor Bahru - Sungai Nibong $ 17.58–45.19 9h 2m – 17h 12m | |
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| Bus Muar - Sungai Nibong $ 19.58 7h 39m | |
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| Bus Johor - Sungai Nibong $ 26.37–31.39 8h 51m – 16h 54m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Johor to Penang, including current prices and schedules.
AirAsia lists non-stop flights of around 1 hour 10 minutes.
AirAsia lists fares from MYR 141.
Long-distance buses leave from Larkin Sentral, the largest public transport terminal in Johor Bahru.
Coaches arrive at Terminal Sungai Nibong on Penang Island or at Penang Sentral in Butterworth on the mainland.
Take the passenger ferry from the Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal in Butterworth to Raja Tun Uda Terminal in George Town. It runs from 06:30 to 23:00, and the adult fare is RM 2.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] AirAsia: Cheap Flights from Penang to Johor Bahru. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Rapid Penang (Prasarana): Rapid Penang Bus. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Larkin Sentral: Larkin Sentral - Main Page. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] Mayang Sari Express: Mayang Sari Express. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [5] Unititi Express: Cameron Highlands to Penang Bus Ticket. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [6] Penang Port Commission: Ferry Services. 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.