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Mersing, the mainland port for the Tioman ferries, lies on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula, while Penang sits on the west coast, so the trip crosses the whole peninsula. Booking platforms list only private transfers for this route.[1] Without a direct public service, the alternative is to change in Kuala Lumpur.
Mersing to Penang by Private Transfer
A private transfer is the only direct option listed. Booking platforms show about 7 hours 56 minutes to Butterworth on the mainland and about 8 hours 8 minutes to Penang or George Town.[1] Prices are per vehicle, not per person, and start at about $365 for a 3-passenger car (Standard 3pax) and reach about $700 for larger vehicles, depending on the vehicle (Standard 3pax, Minivan 4pax or Minivan 7pax) and the drop-off point (October 2026).[1] The cost per person drops when the vehicle is full.
Butterworth is the mainland transport hub, while George Town is on Penang Island. From Butterworth, the passenger ferry to George Town costs RM2 for adults and runs every 20 to 30 minutes between 06:30 and 23:00.[2] If your hotel is in George Town, book the transfer to George Town or Penang Island so you do not need a second ride.
Mersing to Penang by Bus via Kuala Lumpur
Without a direct service, the public-transport route changes at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur. Bus fares from TBS to Mersing are RM33.00 to RM41.50.[3] From TBS, buses to Butterworth cost RM28 to RM40 and buses to Penang RM32 to RM60.[4] Instead of the second bus, ETS trains also connect KL Sentral with Butterworth.[5] Plan for a full day with this option, since it combines two long legs and a change in Kuala Lumpur.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer (car or minivan) | About $365 to $700 per vehicle[1] | About 8 hours[1] |
| Bus via Kuala Lumpur (two legs) | About RM61 to RM102 for both legs[3][4] | Full day with a change at TBS |
Tips for Traveling from Mersing to Penang
- Check your drop-off location: Butterworth is on the mainland and George Town is on Penang Island. Choose the one that matches your hotel.
- Start early: Leave Mersing in the morning so that the long drive ends in daylight.
Timetable
| Taxi Mersing - George Town $ 368.92–674.42 8h 9m | |
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| Taxi Mersing - Penang $ 368.92–691.34 8h 8m | |
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| Taxi Mersing - Butterworth $ 361.52–661.74 7h 56m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Mersing to Penang, including current prices and schedules.
Booking platforms list only private transfers for this route. By public transport you change in Kuala Lumpur, with a bus from Mersing to TBS and a bus or ETS train onward to Butterworth.
Buses via Kuala Lumpur are the cheapest option. TBS lists fares of RM33.00 to RM41.50 from Kuala Lumpur to Mersing and RM28 to RM40 from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth. A private transfer starts at about $365 per vehicle.
A private transfer is the fastest option and takes about 8 hours.
Booking platforms list about 7 hours 56 minutes to Butterworth and about 8 hours 8 minutes to Penang or George Town by private transfer. Travel by bus via Kuala Lumpur takes a full day.
Butterworth is on the mainland and is the rail and bus hub. George Town is the historic centre on Penang Island. If your hotel is on the island, book the transfer to George Town, or take the passenger ferry from Butterworth for RM2.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Mersing - Penang timetable. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [2] Penang Port Commission: Penang Ferry Services. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS-BTS): Southern Destinations. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [4] Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS-BTS): Northern Destinations. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [5] KTMB: Electric Train Service (ETS). 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.