Guide to Travelling Between Butterworth & George Town Penang

Butterworth is located on the mainland side and serves as a gateway to Penang Island. George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage City, is a major attraction located on the island, where there are plenty of tourist attractions. If you’re wondering how to go from Butterworth to George Town, you’re at the right place! Read on to find out how to get there, the pros and cons of each travel option and travel tips so you can make the most of your stay in Penang.

How to Go to Penang Island From Butterworth

There are several options on how to go from Butterworth to Penang Island. Each with its pros and cons: 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

1. By Car

One of the most convenient ways to travel to Penang Island from Butterworth is by car. It’s about 31.5km in distance and takes about 42 minutes to reach George Town. Driving also means you will need to use the first Penang Bridge to cross over to Penang Island as this bridge is the direct route to George Town. 

Besides that, you can also take the second Penang Bridge, also known as the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, which joins the mainland and Penang Island from Seberang Perai to Gelugar. However, it’s a longer route as it’s further away from Georgetown and takes up to 60 minutes. 

Pros:

• Flexibility and freedom to pick your route and stops.
• Travel at your own pace.
• Ideal if you have a lot of luggage with you.
• Driving allows you to travel to hidden gems or the outskirts of Penang, where public transport might not take you.

Cons:

• Traffic congestion is especially high during peak hours, public holiday or school holiday season.
• Extra cost for tolls and parking.
• Parking may be a challenge, especially during peak hours.

If you arrived at KTMB Butterworth and is looking for car rental at Butterworth Train Station, book online from Penangbook today! It's one of our popular pickup locations in Penang.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

2. By George Town Ferry Terminal 

Another option is to take the ferry across the straits from Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim in Butterworth to Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda in George Town. The ferry runs regularly throughout the day, with the first ferry departing Butterworth at 6.30am and the last at 11pm. It takes only 20 minutes to cross the straits, making it one of the fastest ways to get to George Town.

Pros: 

• Very affordable – RM2 per journey 
• One of the fastest ways to get to George Town.
• Comfortable with air-conditioned seating.
• Scenic views.
• Convenient for travellers without a vehicle, as the ferry is located next to the bus terminal.

Cons: 

• No 24-hour service.
• Less direct if your final destination is far from the ferry terminal.
• Luggage handling is not very convenient as you will need to walk to and from the terminals. 
• Crowded during peak seasons.

To make your trip to George Town more convenient when you get off the ferry, consider renting car in George Town Penang with Penangbook. 

Source: Wkimedia Commons

3. By Bus

Taking the bus from Butterworth to Penang is another way that goes over the Penang Bridge. Head over to Penang Sentral Bus Terminal and take a bus to George Town. Be sure to book your bus tickets in advance before they sell out. 

Pros:

• Budget-friendly, one of the affordable options.
• Direct routes, depending on the bus company, will take you directly to George Town.
• Comfortable with air-conditioned seating.

Cons:

• Potential traffic delays.
• Limited schedules.
• Some drop-offs may be far from your final stop.

Source: Malaymail

4. Penang Rapid on Demand

Penang Rapid on Demand is getting increasingly popular for its flexible, on-demand ride services. The van/shuttle service can be booked easily on the app and that makes travelling around Penang easy, efficient and flexible.

You can also book the van/shuttle service from Butterworth to Georgetown, which is a more convenient alternative to driving or taking the ferry if that’s where you’re heading. Be sure to have the Rapid On-Demand app ready on your mobile device (available on iOS and Google Play Store), and check the service map for coverage areas, scheduling, and fares. 

Pros:

• Flexible routing which can bring you to places not covered by public transport.
• Comfortable with air-conditioned seating.
• More affordable than e-hailing rides.

Cons:

• Requires a 10 to 20-minute wait time for pickup, depending on the place.
• Designed for short routes only.
• Requires the use of an app to book a ride.

Local Tips for Travellers in Penang

To make the most of your travel in Penang, here are some local tips you can follow:

• Be sure to check the schedule for the ferry and buses so you will not miss your ferry or bus.
• Buy your tickets online in advance before they sell out.
• If you’re taking the bus or the ferry, arrive early especially during peak times.
• Travel light if possible as it may not be very convenient to handle heavy luggage on and off ferries, especially when there are stairs. 
• Download and use the Rapid Penang app to check live schedules, routes and fares.
• To use e-hailing rides, download the Grab app beforehand. 
• Use the free CAT shuttle bus for short trips around the city. 
• Bring small change with you for bus fares as no change will be given back for safety reasons.

FAQs

1. Are cars allowed on the new ferries?

No. The new ferry service no longer carries cars.

2. Is there a free bus service in Penang?

Yes. You can use the CAT shuttle bus service that operates within George Town.

3. How long does the ferry take to cross from Butterworth to George Town?

It’s about 15 to 20 minutes to cross from Butterworth to George Town by ferry.

4. When are the ferry operating hours?

The ferry starts operating from 6.30am to 11pm or 11.30pm with varying schedule frequencies. See the Ferry Schedule & Operating Hours for the latest timings.

Conclusion

Travelling from Butterworth to George Town doesn’t have to be difficult. It is indeed a straightforward journey with various options ranging from driving to taking a ferry, all depending on your preferences and needs. One of the most convenient options is to drive, whereas the fastest option to cross over is to take the ferry. 

For a convenient and hassle-free trip to Penang, consider renting a car in Penang with Penangbook. Whether you’re planning to travel around George Town or to other parts of Penang, having your own vehicle gives you the comfort, the flexibility and the convenience of exploring Penang at your own pace. Book your rented car today and plan your adventurous trip to Penang!