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Leaving the red-hued Dutch colonial buildings of Malacca for the street art and food of George Town takes you from one UNESCO World Heritage city to another. Malacca is a riverside town, while George Town is the main city of Penang Island, known for its hawker stalls.
The journey north follows the North-South Expressway through the Malay Peninsula. You choose between a long-haul bus and a door-to-door private car.
Malacca to George Town by Bus
Terminal Sungai Nibong is on Penang Island, and Penang Sentral is in Butterworth on the mainland.[1] Booking platforms list Malacca buses ending in Penang and in Butterworth.[2] If your bus stops at Butterworth, you can take the passenger ferry across to George Town. It runs between the Sultan Abdul Halim terminal in Butterworth and the Raja Tun Uda terminal in George Town, every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes otherwise, with an adult fare of RM 2.[3]
Bus Options and Classes
Booking platforms list express and VIP buses on this route, with fares of about $10 to $19 depending on the operator and drop-off point (October 2026).[2] Travel times to Penang range from 7 hours 48 minutes to 12 hours 18 minutes, and to Butterworth from 7 hours 1 minute to 7 hours 15 minutes.[2] Book your seat in advance on GoAsia.cc, especially for weekend travel.
Malacca to George Town by Private Transfer
A private transfer picks you up at your hotel in Malacca and drops you at your accommodation in George Town, so you do not need a taxi to and from bus terminals.
Vehicle Types and Pricing
Booking platforms list the Standard 3-passenger car and the Minivan for 4 or 7 passengers on this route, at about $293 to $506 per vehicle (October 2026).[2] The listed travel time is about 5 hours 45 minutes, which is faster than the bus.[2] You can ask for rest stops at the service areas along the North-South Expressway.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Express/VIP) | about $10 - $19[2] | 7h 1m - 12h 18m[2] | Standard to High |
| Private transfer (car or minivan) | about $293 - $506 per vehicle[2] | 5h 45m[2] | High |
Tips for Traveling from Malacca to George Town
- Book in Advance: This is a busy long-distance route, and VIP buses can sell out days ahead on weekends.
- Prepare for the AC: Long-distance buses are often strongly air-conditioned. Carry a light jacket or a sarong.
- Choose the Right Drop-off: If your hotel is in the historic center of George Town, a bus to Sungai Nibong is on the island, while a bus to Butterworth lets you cross by ferry.
- Snacks and Hydration: Buses usually stop at highway rest areas, but it is wise to bring water and snacks.
- Arrival Times: An overnight bus may reach George Town very early in the morning. Ask your hotel about early check-in or luggage storage.
Timetable
| Bus Malacca - Butterworth $ 13.42–21.34 7h 15m | |
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| Taxi Malacca - Butterworth $ 298.80–516.92 5h 45m | |
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| Bus Malacca - Penang $ 10.50–22.78 7h 48m – 12h 18m | |
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| Taxi Malacca - Penang $ 220.25–776.71 5h 45m – 6h | |
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| Taxi Malacca - George Town $ 298.80–516.92 5h 45m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Malacca to George Town, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest option. Booking platforms list fares of about $10 to $19 depending on the operator and drop-off point (October 2026).
A private transfer is the fastest option, with a listed travel time of about 5 hours 45 minutes. It goes door to door and does not stop at terminals.
A private transfer takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. A bus takes between 7 hours 1 minute and 12 hours 18 minutes according to booking platforms, depending on the service and drop-off point.
Booking platforms list evening and late-night departures. They let you save a night of accommodation and arrive in George Town the following morning.
Sungai Nibong is on Penang Island, but you will still need a taxi or local bus to reach the historic center. Butterworth is on the mainland, and from there the passenger ferry runs to the Raja Tun Uda terminal in George Town.
Booking platforms list both classes on this route. VIP buses are generally the higher-comfort class, so check the seating layout on the booking page for the service you choose.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Unititi Express: Cameron Highlands to Penang Bus Ticket. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Malacca to Penang and George Town. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Penang Port Commission: Penang 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.