If you’re not sure how to get from Penang’s George Town to Butterworth, refer to this travel guide. You’ll be glad to know that it is pretty straightforward!
Let’s look at how much time and money it’ll cost first. And which are the most popular public transportation methods.
Keep this post for future reference. You never know when you want to explore the mainland!
Land Transport
Of the two bridges that link Penang to the mainland, one of the bridges does somewhat connect the island to Butterworth. But you won’t end up in central Butterworth.
Instead, you will be much further south in Perai. Perai is a 15-minute drive from Butterworth. Or 20 minutes by bus.If you don’t have your own mode of transportation (or you like to keep things flexible), we recommend that you use an e-hailing service or take a taxi.
The journey across the bridge from George Town and on to Butterworth is a 30 to 40-minute drive depending on traffic conditions.
- Duration: ~30 to 40 minutes
- Price: It costs around RM40 for a taxi or ~RM20 for an e-hailing service like Grab or Air Asia Ride
Sea Transport (Ferry)
So many locals who don’t have their own car choose to take the ferry instead. It’s almost a direct route*, as well as a short and affordable journey too.
*you may still need to get a ride (via an e-hailing service or taxi) from Penang Sentral Station to Butterworth
The ~30-minute ferry service between the island and Butterworth has been running for more than 100 years! Fees are affordable (below RM5) as well.
To use this service, you first must get yourself over to Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal which is within walking distance (~20 minutes) from the center of George Town.
Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal (George Town)
This used to be where you could take the iconic vehicle ferry, but it has since been discontinued in 2020. The new ferries are more comfortable and can take both passengers and 2-wheeled vehicles.
The ferry service will bring passengers to Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal, Butterworth.
Ferries from Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal leave quite regularly. The schedules for weekdays versus weekends and public holidays are similar.
Except that on weekdays, the timing begins at 7am instead of 7:20am. Additionally, the departure slots between 7am to 10am are slightly different to accommodate the working crowds. The same goes for the evening timing between 4pm to 7pm when the working crowd returns home.
The ferry runs longer on weekdays than it does on weekends (11:30pm vs 10:30pm) too.
Note: You can see the latest schedule on the official Penang Port website.
Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal (Butterworth)
What’s nice is that Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal is next to Penang Sentral, main transport hub in Butterworth. From here, you can board a bus or train to Kuala Lumpur. Or other major cities in West Malaysia that are further up north or south of Penang.
And while waiting for your bus or train, you can take advantage of the many facilities and services. These include luggage storage via lockers and a 3-story car park with 24-hour security. There is also helpful staff at the Information Counter at Level 3.
Other amenities include the food court and a convenience store (7-Eleven). There are fast food joints like KFC and Marrybrown, a pharmacy, and a handful of bakeries. Moreover, there is an on-site medical clinic, money-changing services, and a baby room. Prayer rooms and ATMs (RHB and Maybank) are also available.
You can even pick up some chocolate at Beryl’s Chocolate. Or check out some electronics at the Huawei, Samsung, OPPO concept stores to kill some time.
Conclusion
And that’s about all you need to know to get from George Town Penang, to Butterworth. Including how to get there without having to drive!
We recommend taking the ferry (it’s cheap, with regular intervals and it is a short journey) if you’re on a tight budget. It’s convenient if you are traveling light and without kids or elders.
Otherwise, taking a taxi or e-hailing service may be more convenient. And the latter is less stressful for everyone if you are traveling in a group.
Getting Around Penang
There are more options for getting around Penang than for crossing over to the mainland. Especially when it comes to exploring George Town!
How To Get To George Town From Penang International Airport
Have you sorted out how you’re going to get to George Town from the Penang airport? You might want to take the bus instead of a taxi as it’s much cheaper!
