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Leaving the heritage streets of George Town for the Kedah state capital feels like stepping into a more traditional side of Malaysia. Penang is a whirlwind of street art and fusion cuisine; Alor Setar is slower, defined by the elegant Zahir Mosque and the paddy fields that make Kedah the rice bowl of the nation. The journey north is short, and it leads to the gateway of the Thai border.
Most travelers on this route are heading for Langkawi via the Kuala Kedah ferry or continuing to Padang Besar. You can go by bus, take the KTM Komuter train from Butterworth, or book a private transfer. You can compare these options and book your tickets on GoAsia.cc.
Penang to Alor Setar by Bus
The bus is the most popular way to make the trip. Buses leave from Penang Sentral in Butterworth on the mainland and from Sungai Nibong on Penang Island.[1] On booking platforms, tickets cost about $4 to $9 (October 2026), and the ride takes from about 1 hour 30 minutes, longer in heavy traffic.[2]
Penang to Alor Setar by Train
KTM Komuter trains link Butterworth and Alor Setar, with 18 departures a day from 05:20 to 21:35 and a ride of about 1 hour 10 minutes.[3] Alor Setar station is about 6 kilometres from Shahab Perdana, the main express bus terminal, so continue by taxi or e-hailing if you need onward buses.[4]
Penang to Alor Setar by Private Transfer
A private transfer picks you up at your hotel in Penang and drops you anywhere in Kedah. It suits groups and heavy luggage, and it is the easiest way to reach the ferry terminal at Kuala Kedah. On booking platforms, private transfers start at about $103 for a sedan and go up to about $249 for a large van (October 2026). The ride takes from about 1 hour 30 minutes, longer in traffic on the North-South Expressway.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Departs from |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | From about 1h 30m[2] | Penang Sentral (Butterworth), Sungai Nibong[1] |
| Train (KTM Komuter) | About 1h 10m[3] | Butterworth station[3] |
| Private Transfer | From about 1h 30m[2] | Your hotel |
Tips for Traveling from Penang to Alor Setar
- Choose your terminal wisely: If you are in George Town, take the passenger ferry to Butterworth. It costs RM2 for adults and runs every 20 to 30 minutes from 07:00 to 23:30.[5]
- Book in advance: Buses can fill up quickly during public holidays and weekends when locals travel between states. Use GoAsia.cc to check availability.
- Prepare for the AC: Malaysian buses are notorious for their powerful air conditioning. Even on a short trip it can get chilly, so keep a light jacket or sweater in your carry-on.
- Ferry connections: Ferries to Langkawi leave from Kuala Kedah. The adult fare is RM20, and you need to be inside the ferry terminal at least 60 minutes before departure.[6] From Alor Setar, take a taxi or Grab to the pier.
- Arrival in Alor Setar: Express buses stop at Shahab Perdana, the city's main express bus terminal, where taxis, e-hailing and local buses connect you with the city.[4]
Timetable
| Bus Butterworth - Alor Setar $ 4.28–9.36 1h 20m – 2h 29m | |
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| Bus Sungai Nibong - Alor Setar $ 9.36 2h 40m | |
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| Bus Penang - Alor Setar $ 3.51–5.79 1h 30m – 2h | |
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| Taxi Penang - Kedah $ 102.66–248.48 1h 30m – 3h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Penang to Alor Setar, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is usually the cheapest option, with tickets from about $4 on booking platforms (October 2026). Buses leave from Penang Sentral in Butterworth and from Sungai Nibong on Penang Island.
The KTM Komuter train from Butterworth takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. Buses and private transfers take from about 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
The journey takes from about 1 hour 10 minutes by train and from about 1 hour 30 minutes by bus or private transfer. Heavy traffic on the North-South Expressway can add time.
Buses depart from Penang Sentral in Butterworth on the mainland and from the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal on Penang Island.
Yes. KTM Komuter trains run from Butterworth to Alor Setar 18 times a day, from 05:20 to 21:35, and take about 1 hour 10 minutes. From George Town, take the passenger ferry to Butterworth first.
Private transfers suit groups and travelers with heavy luggage, because they offer door-to-door service and skip the bus terminal. They cost far more than the bus, from about $103 for a sedan (October 2026).
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: Penang to Alor Setar. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- [3] KTMB: KTM Komuter Northern Sector timetable, effective 26 February 2026. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- [4] Kejora Express: Shahab Perdana, Alor Setar Bus Terminal Guide. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- [5] Penang Port Commission: Penang Ferry Services. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [6] Langkawi Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd: Langkawi Ferry Line: routes, fares and schedule. Retrieved October 20, 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.