Travel from Arau to Penang is now much easier with the introduction of regular KTM Arau to Butterworth Komuter Trains (Komuter Utara) that operate up and down the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia between the Thai border in Perlis, through Kedah to Penang state.
The duration of the journey from Arau to Butterworth by train is one hour and 32 minutes.
Please note:
1) Arau station has recently had a name change and is now known as Stesen Diraja Arau (Arau Royal Station).
2) There are no longer any ETS trains on this route.
To see the latest commuter timetable (jadual komuter Arau ke Butterworth) click on the timetable link below:
To see the train timetable in the other direction from Butterworth to Arau click here >
Tickets for the Arau to Butterworth commuter train cost 9.50 RM.
To see all fares for Komuter trains to and from Butterworth click here >
For Komuter train fares to and from Arau click here >
Tickets for commuter trains in Malaysia are only sold on the day of travel, as no seat reservation is allowed and seats are on a first come, first served basis.
Getting on the train in Arau, you usually have a good chance of getting a seat (apart from the very busy periods such as holidays).
These trains tend to fill up between Alor Setar and Sungai Petani when it is usually standing room only.
The train station in Butterworth is located right on the coast and if you are going over to Penang Island (Georgetown) it is a short walk to the ferry terminal.
For information, departure times and fares for the ferry to Penang Island click here >
You can also take a bus to anywhere on Peninsular Malaysia from the nearby bus terminal (Penang Sentral).
Butterworth has a number of hotels to stay in if you don't want to head over to the island.
Georgetown offers a much wider choice and range of accommodation options or you can take a bus from the jetty in Georgetown to the popular Batu Ferringhi Beach.
Butterworth KTM Komuter trains main page >
Arau KTM Komuter trains main page >
Arau train timetables (jadual) main page >