Penang Ferry: Butterworth Service Guide
Quick scenic crossing to mainland Butterworth
The Penang ferry connects George Town on Penang Island to Butterworth on the mainland. It is a scenic crossing of about 10 minutes over the Penang Strait, and one of the cheapest rides in Penang at RM 2.00 per adult. It carries foot passengers, bicycles and motorcycles; cars use the Penang Bridge.
Ferry Fares (per crossing, charged in both directions)
Hours of Operation
Boats leave every 20 minutes at peak times, every 30 minutes off-peak, daily. From Butterworth: first 6:30 am, last 11:00 pm. From George Town: first 7:00 am, last 11:30 pm.
How to Pay
No advance booking needed. Pay with a Touch 'n Go card, or a ticket from the counter or online. Non-Malaysians without a card get a ticket at the terminal information counter. Terminals: Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda, Pengkalan Weld (Weld Quay), George Town; Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim, Butterworth (beside Penang Sentral and Butterworth station).
Visit Official Site →Advantages
- +Cheap (RM 2.00 per crossing)
- +Frequent service (every 20 minutes at peak times, every 30 minutes off-peak)
- +Scenic ride of about 10 minutes
- +Catamaran ferries in service since 2023
- +Unique travel experience
- +The Butterworth terminal sits beside Penang Sentral and Butterworth station
- +Last boat 11:30 pm from George Town for late travel
Disadvantages
- -Queues at peak commuter times
- -Can be crowded
- -No cars: drivers must use the Penang Bridge
- -Limited food options onboard
- -Only mainland destination is Butterworth
- -No service between 11:30 pm and 6:30 am
- -Not ideal with large luggage
Top Tips
- •Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM for work commute, 5-6 PM returning home)
- •Best times: 10 AM - 4 PM for shortest queues
- •The island terminal is Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda at Weld Quay, central George Town
- •A Touch 'n Go card is the quickest way to pay
- •You pay on both crossings: budget RM 4 for an adult round trip
- •The view of the strait and George Town skyline is beautiful
- •Perfect tourist experience - worth doing at least once