Taking Ferry to Penang is the easiest way to get from Butterworth to Georgetown. Penang ferry service called Rapid Ferry operates between the mainland and Penang Island. This way of travel is very convenient if you are taking a train or bus to Butterworth.
Penang Sentral
Penang Sentral is the main transportation hub of Penang which is located in Butterworth, Malaysia. It’s the main bus station of Butterworth and also the place where you can take a ferry to Georgetown.
Taking a bus to Butterworth and transferring to ferry at Penang Sentral is one of the best ways for getting to Penang from Kuala Lumpur or another city in Malaysia.
Finding Ferry Terminal at Penang Sentral
Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal, which is the Penang ferry terminal on the mainland in Butterworth, is located just behind the building of Penang Sentral complex.
Once you arrive at Penang Sentral by bus, you find yourself on the first level. You need to get inside the building.
On the ground floor of Penang Sentral you will find the waiting area. For getting to the ferry terminal you need to go up to the 2nd level. Signs leading to the ferry are clearly seen everywhere.
On the 2nd level you will find bus ticket counters, shops, restaurants and money changer.
For buying a ferry ticket you will need local currency (Malaysian Ringgit – MYR). If you don’t have any, change some money at the money changer there. More information about currency exchange at Penang Sentral can be found here: Currency Exchange at Penang Sentral in Butterworth.
The exit to Ferry terminal can be found right around the corner after passing KFC.
You just need to follow the sings and walk directly by the walkway.
On the way you will come to ticket counters. At least one of them will be open during operating hours.
Buy a ticket and proceed to the metal gates. Scan the ticket and you will be allowed to pass.
You will find yourself in the waiting area. The time of two next ferry departures is presented on the digital board. If the gate of the waiting area is open, just walk directly to the ferry.
Rapid Ferry is a car ferry service so don't expect much comfort there. However, the journey only takes about 15 minutes, depending on the conditions.
Penang Ferry Operating Hours
Ferries between Butterworth and Penang operate from 05:20 to 00:40.
The first ferry to Penang from Butterworth departs at 05:20, the last one - at 00:10.
The first ferry to Butterworth from Penang departs at 05:40, the last one - at 00:40.
Throughout the day ferries depart every 20-30 minutes. They are less frequent at night, after 22:00.
Penang Ferry Ticket Price
A ticket for a single journey by ferry to Penang costs only 1.20 MYR.
Children (between 5 and 12 years old) pay 0.60 MYR only.
Tips
More tips for traveling in Malaysia can be found here: Malaysia Travel Tips.