Guide to Travel from Butterworth to George Town by Ferry

Travelling from Butterworth to George Town by ferry is one of the most iconic experiences in Penang. Connecting Penang Mainland and Penang Island across the Penang Strait, the ferry offers a convenient, affordable, and scenic alternative to driving across the Penang Bridge.

Whether you're arriving by KTM train, ETS, bus, or simply exploring Penang for the first time, taking the ferry allows you to enjoy beautiful waterfront views while reaching the heart of George Town in just minutes. The service is especially popular among tourists, daily commuters, and visitors who want to experience one of Penang's historic transportation links.

In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about travelling from Butterworth to George Town by ferry, including ticket prices, schedules, terminal facilities, and what to do once you arrive on Penang Island.

Key Takeaways

• The Penang ferry runs daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM from Butterworth, with departures every 30 minutes throughout the day.
• Payment is fully cashless. Touch 'n Go, Alipay, WeChat Pay, debit and credit cards are accepted. There is no cash counter.
• Malaysian passengers paying via Touch 'n Go qualify for a government-subsidized fare of RM1.00.
• The ferry has been pedestrian and cyclist-only since August 2023. No private vehicles are permitted.
• PenangBook offers car rental pickup directly at Terminal Ferry Georgetown, starting from RM125 per day.

Why Take the Ferry from Butterworth to Penang Island?

The Penang Ferry has been an important transportation link between the mainland and island for decades. Today, it remains one of the easiest ways for pedestrians and cyclists to cross between Butterworth and George Town.

Some advantages of taking the ferry include:

• Affordable fares compared to other transport options
• Direct access to George Town city centre
• Scenic views of the Penang skyline and waterfront
• Convenient connection from Butterworth Railway Station and Penang Sentral
• Avoiding traffic congestion on the Penang Bridge
• A unique Penang experience that many visitors consider a must-try attraction

The journey itself only takes around 10 to 15 minutes. For travelers already at Butterworth Station, it is a five-minute walk to the terminal.

How to Get to Butterworth Ferry Terminal

The Butterworth Ferry Terminal is strategically located next to Penang Sentral and the Butterworth Railway Station.

Visitors arriving from other Malaysian cities can easily reach the terminal through:

By ETS or KTM Train

Butterworth Railway Station is connected directly to the ferry terminal via covered walkways. After exiting the station, simply follow the signs to the ferry terminal.

By Bus

Most intercity buses arrive at Penang Sentral, which is within walking distance of the ferry terminal.

By Car or Ride-Hailing Services

Drivers can drop passengers off at the terminal entrance. Ride-hailing services such as Grab also provide easy access to the terminal.

From Penang International Airport

Take a RapidPenang bus or Grab to Butterworth, then connect to the ferry. The journey from the airport takes around 45 to 60 minutes. 

Alternatively, if you plan to explore the island by car, picking up a rental at the airport and driving across the Penang Bridge gives you more flexibility from the moment you land.

Butterworth-George Town Ferry Ticket Price

The Penang Ferry operates on a cashless payment system. Passengers can pay using various electronic payment methods, making boarding fast and convenient.

You can pay Penang ferry with accepted payment methods include:

TnG can scan direct at the gate. Debit/credit pay at the counter.

Passengers may also purchase tickets online in advance through:

https://ferry.penangport.com.my/products

Penang Ferry: Price & Tickets

Penang Ferry Schedule: Operating Hours and Departure Times

The ferry runs daily between Butterworth Ferry Terminal and Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU) Ferry Terminal in George Town. Departures run every 30 minutes throughout the operating day.

Weekday Ferry Schedule (Monday to Friday)

Weekend and Public Holiday Ferry Schedule

The weekend and public holiday schedule runs the same as weekdays. Confirm current times at the terminal or at ferry.penangport.com.my before travel.

Note the late-night cutoff: the last departure from Butterworth is at 10:30 PM. The last departure from George Town is at 11:00 PM. There is no overnight service. If you miss the final trip, you will need to arrange a Grab or taxi across the Penang Bridge.

What to Expect On Board: Ferry Facilities and the Crossing

The current Penang Ferry service uses modern passenger ferries designed for comfort and efficiency.

On the Ferry

Passengers can enjoy:

• Air-conditioned saloon with seating
• Open deck areas with waterfront views
• Dedicated luggage compartment
• Maximum capacity of 150 passengers per trip

The crossing itself takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on weather and operational conditions.

At the Terminals

Both Butterworth and George Town terminals offer:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Charging stations
• Clean restrooms
• Seating areas
• OKU-friendly accessibility features
• Security personnel and CCTV monitoring

Things to Know Before You Board

• Pets are not allowed onboard.
• Smoking is prohibited.
• Passengers should arrive early during peak travel periods.
• Vehicle ferry services were discontinued in August 2023.
• Only pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to board the ferry today.
• Arrive a few minutes early during peak hours and public holidays

After You Arrive in Penang: Rent a Car to Explore the Island

Once you arrive at the George Town Ferry Terminal, you'll be within walking distance of many attractions in the UNESCO World Heritage city centre.

Since the ferry is pedestrian-only, visitors who want to explore beyond George Town need to arrange a vehicle after arrival. Grab works for point-to-point trips, but if you are visiting multiple places in a day, a rental car is the more practical option. Since the ferry no longer carries vehicles, visitors arriving as pedestrians can collect a rental car directly after arrival and continue their journey around the island.

At PenangBook, we offer car rental pickup directly at Terminal Ferry Georgetown. Book your car at penangbook.my Our fleet starts from RM125 per day and includes compact cars, sedans, MPVs, and SUVs. 

From Georgetown, you can reach:

• Penang Hill:  Drive to the Air Itam funicular station and take the funicular train up for views across the island
• Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm: Discover thousands of butterflies and nature exhibits suitable for families and nature lovers.A 25-minute drive to Teluk Bahang. Book Entopia tickets via PenangBook to skip the counter queue
• Batu Ferringhi: Relax on Penang's most popular beach destination, known for resorts, water sports, and sunset dining. About 20 minutes by car from George Town
• George Town Heritage Area: Explore heritage buildings, street art, local food hotspots, museums, and cultural attractions throughout the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Walkable from the terminal itself; no car needed here, but having one gives you flexibility to leave on your own schedule

You can book both your rental car and attraction tickets through PenangBook's platform before you travel.

Ready to Explore Penang?

Travelling from Butterworth to George Town by ferry remains one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to reach Penang Island. The short crossing, affordable fares, modern facilities, and convenient connection to George Town make it an excellent choice for both tourists and locals.

Once you arrive, renting a car allows you to maximise your time on the island and explore attractions such as Penang Hill, Entopia, Batu Ferringhi, and George Town's famous heritage streets at your own pace.

Book your Penang car rental today at https://www.penangbook.my/ and enjoy a smooth journey from ferry terminal to island adventure.