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Penang Island and the mainland town of Butterworth are separated by a narrow strait. Butterworth is the rail and bus hub for onward travel, and you can cross by ferry, by road over the Penang Bridge or on a private transfer.
Penang to Butterworth by Ferry
A passenger ferry runs between the Raja Tun Uda Terminal in George Town (Pengkalan Weld) and the Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal in Butterworth. From George Town, the first ferry leaves at 07:00 and the last at 23:30. The adult fare is RM2.00, and children aged 5 to 11 pay RM1.00. Ferries leave every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes off peak.[1] The Butterworth terminal has a public bus connection, and the George Town terminal has taxi and Grab facilities.[1]
Penang to Butterworth by Bus
Rapid Penang runs buses on the island, with adult fares by distance starting at RM1.40 for the first 7 km. The Rapid Passport for local and foreign tourists costs RM30 for 7 days of unlimited travel.[2] Long-distance buses use Terminal Sungai Nibong on Penang Island and Penang Sentral in Butterworth.[3]
Penang to Butterworth by Private Transfer
Booking platforms list private transfers from George Town to Butterworth in about 28 minutes, for about $51 to $75 per vehicle. Transfers from elsewhere on Penang Island take 28 minutes to 1 hour and range from about $32 to about $115 per vehicle, up to a Toyota Alphard or an 8-passenger van (October 2026).[4]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration / frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger ferry | RM2.00 for adults[1] | Departs every 20 to 30 min[1] |
| Private transfer from George Town | About $51 to $75 per vehicle[4] | About 28 min[4] |
| Private transfer from elsewhere on the island | About $32 to $115 per vehicle[4] | 28 min to 1h[4] |
Tips for Traveling from Penang to Butterworth
- Leave extra time for trains: The Penang Bridge is often congested at rush hour, so add a buffer if you have a train to catch in Butterworth.
- Choose by starting point: From the heritage zone the ferry is the simplest option, while a private transfer saves taxi rides if you have heavy luggage.
Timetable
| Bus Sungai Nibong - Butterworth $ 1.80 17m | |
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| Taxi Penang - Butterworth $ 31.25–113.63 28m – 1h | |
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| Taxi George Town - Butterworth $ 50.12–74.35 28m | |
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| Taxi Penang - Penang $ 81.28 1h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Penang to Butterworth, including current prices and schedules.
The passenger ferry between George Town and Butterworth is the cheapest option at RM2.00 for adults.
A private transfer from George Town takes about 28 minutes by road over the Penang Bridge.
Every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes off peak, from 07:00 to 23:30 from George Town.
A private transfer takes between 28 minutes and 1 hour, depending on where you start on the island.
Yes. Booking platforms list minivans for 4 and 7 passengers and an 8-passenger van, at about $32 to $115 per vehicle.
Yes. Booking platforms list a Toyota Alphard for 3 passengers.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Penang Port Commission: Penang Ferry Services. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Rapid Penang (Prasarana): Rapid Penang - Bus. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Unititi Express: Cameron Highlands to Penang Bus Ticket. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] 12Go: Penang - Butterworth timetable. Retrieved October 17, 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.