How to Get from Penang to Sultan Azlan Shah Airport

ETS (Electric Train Service) is the most balanced way to travel from Penang to Sultan Azlan Shah Airport. It combines speed, affordability and comfort. The journey has two clear segments: Butterworth → Ipoh by rail, then Ipoh → Airport by road.

Segment 1: Butterworth to Ipoh by ETS

All ETS trains depart from Butterworth Railway Station (located on the mainland, easily accessible from Penang Island via the Penang Bridge or ferry). The ride takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes depending on the service class and stops.

ETS Seat Classes – Comparison Table

Class	Time	Price (MYR)	Price (USD)	Seat Pitch	Power Socket
Standard (Silver)	2h 10min–2h 15min	MYR 26	$5.5	70 cm	Yes
Business (Gold)	1h 55min–2h 05min	MYR 45	$9.5	85 cm	Yes
First Class (Platinum)	1h 45min–1h 55min	MYR 60	$12.7	100 cm	Yes + reading light

* Fares are subject to change. Always check KTMB official site for real-time pricing. Prices quoted as of May 2025.

ETS Frequency (Butterworth → Ipoh)

There are 8–10 daily departures between 06:00 and 20:30. Popular mid-morning trains (09:30–11:00) tend to sell out on weekends, so book at least 3–7 days in advance via the KTMB website or app. Walk-in tickets are possible but subject to availability.

Segment 2: Ipoh Station to Sultan Azlan Shah Airport

The airport is 6 km from Ipoh Railway Station. Options:

• Grab – MYR 10–18 ($2.1–$3.8), 15–20 min. Most reliable.
• Taxi – MYR 20–30 ($4.2–$6.3), fixed fare from the taxi counter inside the station.
• Local bus (Perak Transit) – MYR 2 ($0.42), route T30 from Medan Gopeng, but limited luggage space and runs every 45–60 min. Not recommended with large suitcases.

Getting to Butterworth Station from Penang Island

• Ferry from George Town Ferry Terminal to Butterworth – MYR 1.20 ($0.25), 15 min. Runs 06:00–23:30. Free for pedestrians.
• Penang Bridge by taxi/Grab – MYR 20–35 ($4.2–$7.4), 20–30 min from George Town.
• Rapid Penang Bus 401E/301 from George Town to Butterworth Bus Terminal – MYR 2.70 ($0.57), 45–60 min.

Why Train Beats Driving

Driving from Penang to the airport takes 1.5–2.5 hours (depending on traffic on the North-South Expressway), plus parking at the airport costs MYR 25–35/day ($5.3–$7.4). The train lets you avoid tolls (≈ MYR 25 / $5.3), fuel cost and driver fatigue. For a solo traveller or pair, train + Grab is almost always cheaper and more relaxing.

💡 Insider tip: Choose Business (Gold) class for the best balance of comfort and price. The seats recline further than Standard and the carriages are noticeably quieter.

Source: KTMB Official Site | Grab Malaysia

Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (IPH) mainly serves domestic routes to Singapore (Seletar) and Johor Bahru, plus a few charter flights. As of 2025, there are no direct commercial flights between Penang International Airport (PEN) and Ipoh Airport (IPH). The distance by air is only 130 km – too short for a viable scheduled service.

What About Connecting Flights?

You could theoretically fly Penang → Kuala Lumpur (KUL) → Ipoh (IPH), but this makes no sense:

• Total door-to-door time: 4.5–6 hours (including check-in, security, layover, and KUL–IPH flight).
• Cost: MYR 280–450 ($59–$95) – 3–5 times the price of the train + Grab.
• Carbon footprint: 3× higher than train for the same corridor.

Train vs Flight – Head-to-Head

Metric	Train (ETS) + Grab	Flight (via KUL)
Total time (door to door)	2.5–3 hours	4.5–6 hours
Cost (per person)	MYR 36–90 ($7.6–$19)	MYR 280–450 ($59–$95)
Departure frequency	8–10 daily	1–2 daily connections (if any)
Luggage limit	No limit (self-carry)	7–20 kg checked
Convenience factor	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆

Bottom line: For the Penang → Ipoh corridor, flying is slower, more expensive and less convenient than taking the train. Only consider it if you have a specific connection to catch at IPH that requires arriving from another city by air.

Source: Flightradar24 route data | Malaysia Airports Holdings

Taking an express bus from Penang to Ipoh is the most economical way to reach Sultan Azlan Shah Airport. It’s also the slowest ground option, but perfectly fine if you’re on a tight budget and not in a hurry.

Bus Operators & Routes

Major operators serving the Penang–Ipoh corridor include Konsortium, Starmart Express, Aeroline, and Billion Stars. Most depart from:

• Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal (Penang Island) – closer to George Town.
• Butterworth Bus Terminal (mainland) – easier if you’re already on the mainland.

Buses arrive at Amanjaya Bus Terminal (Ipoh) or Medan Gopeng. From there you need a Grab or taxi to the airport (20–30 min, MYR 12–20 / $2.5–$4.2).

Bus Options – Comparison

Operator	Type	Time	Price (MYR)	Price (USD)	Departures / day
Konsortium	Day / Night	2h 45min–3h 15min	MYR 20–25	$4.2–$5.3	6–8
Starmart Express	Day	2h 30min–2h 50min	MYR 22–28	$4.6–$5.9	4–6
Aeroline	Premium Day	2h 20min–2h 40min	MYR 35–40	$7.4–$8.4	2–3
Billion Stars	Night (overnight)	3h 00min–3h 30min	MYR 25–30	$5.3–$6.3	2–3 (late PM)

Overnight Bus – Yes, It Exists

Billion Stars and some regional operators offer night buses departing Penang between 10:00 PM and 12:00 AM, arriving at Amanjaya Terminal around 1:00–3:00 AM. This is useful if you need to catch a very early flight (before 7:00 AM) from Ipoh Airport. Be aware that you’ll have to wait at the terminal or take a late-night Grab (MYR 20–30 / $4.2–$6.3) to the airport. Carry snacks and a jacket – the terminal waiting area can be chilly.

Important – Luggage & Booking

• Baggage: Most buses allow one large suitcase + one carry-on. Oversized items (golf bags, bikes) may be charged extra – confirm when booking.
• Booking: Use Easybook or BusOnlineTicket to reserve seats. Book at least 1 day in advance on weekends and public holidays.
• Seat selection: Choose front half, left side for less engine noise and nicer views of the Perak countryside.

💰 Total cost bus + Grab: MYR 32–53 ($6.7–$11.2) – the cheapest way to reach the airport.

Source: Easybook Malaysia | BusOnlineTicket

A private taxi or ride-hailing car from Penang directly to Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is the most convenient option – and by far the most expensive. It makes sense only in specific situations.

Price Ranges (2025)

Pickup Location	Estimated Fare (MYR)	Estimated Fare (USD)	Time
George Town (Penang Island)	MYR 250–350	$52–$74	1h 50min–2h 20min
Butterworth / Mainland	MYR 200–280	$42–$59	1h 30min–1h 50min
Batu Feringghi (tourist area)	MYR 300–400	$63–$84	2h 10min–2h 40min

When Should You Take a Taxi?

• 🔴 Late-night / early morning (before 06:00 or after 22:00) – no trains or buses running.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Group of 3–4 people – splitting the cost makes it closer to train + Grab per person.
• 🧳 Heavy luggage (e.g., multiple large suitcases, sports equipment).
• ♿ Travellers with reduced mobility – door-to-door with no stairs or platform changes.

Recommended Providers

• Grab (car) – MYR 180–280 ($38–$59) for standard 4-seater. Book in advance via the app.
• Kereta Sewa / Local taxi – negotiate a fixed price before departure. Common at Sungai Nibong and Butterworth terminals.
• Private transfer services – e.g., Klook or 12Go offer pre-booked cars with meet-and-greet from MYR 320 ($67).

⚠️ Important: The North-South Expressway (E1) can experience heavy traffic near Ipoh on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Add 30–45 minutes to your journey if travelling at these times.

Source: Grab Malaysia | 12Go Asia

Here is the complete comparison table for every transport option from Penang (George Town as reference) to Sultan Azlan Shah Airport. Prices are per person unless marked as "total".

Mode	Total Time (door-to-door)	Cost (MYR per pax)	Cost (USD per pax)	Transfers	Best For
🚄 Train (ETS Gold) + Grab	2h 30min–3h	MYR 55–75	$11.6–$15.8	1 (Butterworth → Ipoh → Airport)	🏆 Best overall
🚄 Train (ETS Silver) + Grab	2h 45min–3h 15min	MYR 36–54	$7.6–$11.4	1	Budget train
🚌 Bus + Grab	3h 15min–4h 15min	MYR 32–53	$6.7–$11.2	2 (Bus terminal → Grab)	💰 Cheapest
🚕 Taxi (private, from George Town)	1h 50min–2h 20min	MYR 250–350 (total)	$52–$74 (total)	0 (direct)	Group / late night
🚕 Taxi (private, from Butterworth)	1h 30min–1h 50min	MYR 200–280 (total)	$42–$59 (total)	0 (direct)	Group / late night
✈️ Flight (via KUL, theoretical)	4h 30min–6h	MYR 280–450	$59–$95	2+ (PEN → KUL → IPH)	❌ Not recommended

✅ Best value: ETS Gold + Grab. ✅ Cheapest: Bus + Grab. ✅ Fastest (but pricey): Private taxi from Butterworth.

Where to Book Tickets

• ETS train: KTMB official website or app. Book up to 30 days in advance.
• Express bus: Easybook or BusOnlineTicket.
• Taxi / private car: Grab or local taxi counters.
• Private transfer: 12Go Asia or Klook.

Source: KTMB | Easybook | Grab

After travelling this route dozens of times, here are real-world tips that will save you time, money and stress.

🚉 1. The Butterworth–Ipoh Transfer Can Be Tricky

• Butterworth Station is large but well signposted. If you arrive by ferry, follow the covered walkway (5 min) directly to the station.
• Ipoh Station exit is on the south side – Grab pickup point is clearly marked "Pick-up Point B". Avoid touts offering overpriced rides inside the station hall.

🧳 2. Use Takkyubin (Luggage Delivery) for Heavy Bags

If you have large suitcases and want to travel hands-free, use Takkyubin (Yamato Transport) or GD Express to send your luggage from your Penang hotel to Sultan Azlan Shah Airport. It costs about MYR 35–55 ($7.4–$11.6) per bag and takes 24–48 hours. This lets you ride the train with just a daypack. Ask your hotel reception to arrange the pickup.

🕒 3. Peak Seasons – Book Everything Early

• Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali & school holidays – ETS tickets sell out weeks in advance. Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead if travelling during these periods.
• Ipoh rice porridge & white coffee are famous – if you have a layover in Ipoh, grab a quick bowl at Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong (5 min from the station).

🚦 4. Traffic Jams on the Expressway – Real Talk

The North-South Expressway (E1) near Gopeng and Tapah is notorious for weekend congestion. If you’re taking a taxi on Friday after 4:00 PM or Sunday after 2:00 PM, add 30–45 minutes to the journey. The train doesn’t suffer from this – another reason to choose rail.

📱 5. Apps You Need

• KTMB app – for train tickets and real-time platform info.
• Grab – for reliable taxi/Grab pricing.
• Moovit – for local bus schedules in Ipoh.
• Google Maps – works well for both pedestrian and driving routes.

🌙 6. Arriving Late? Plan Ahead

If your train reaches Ipoh after 9:00 PM, Grab availability may drop. The taxi counter at Ipoh Station is open until 11:00 PM but charges a late-night surcharge (MYR 35–45 / $7.4–$9.5). Pre-book a Grab before you board the train using the "Schedule" feature.

Source: Personal travel experience | Yamato Transport Malaysia