Bangkok, Bangkok Province to PENANG, Penang from $24: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Bangkok to PENANG: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$24 - Train, Bus, Car FerryBest price

933 kmDistance

4h 31m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Bangkok to PENANG with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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Traveling From Bangkok to Penang

The journey from Bangkok to Penang offers a fascinating contrast, with Bangkok’s vibrant city life and rich cultural tapestry giving way to Penang’s laid-back atmosphere, culinary delights, and historic charm.

Best Neighbourhoods in Penang

Penang boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own distinct atmosphere and charm.

George Town

• A UNESCO World Heritage site filled with street art.

• Rich in history with colonial architecture and museums.

Batu Ferringhi

• Popular for its beautiful beaches and water sports.

• Vibrant night market offering local crafts and foods.

Little India

• A colorful area known for authentic Indian cuisine.

• Bustling markets with spices, textiles, and cultural experiences.

Best Times To Visit Penang's Attractions

Planning your visit to Penang’s top attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Penang Hill

Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Late afternoon visits offer stunning sunset views and reduced tourist traffic.

Street Art in George Town

Explore during weekdays to enjoy the art without the crowds.

Penang Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Penang enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year, making it essential to plan your visit around the drier months from December to February for the most pleasant experience. Rain is frequent from May to October, which can impact outdoor activities, so considering the weather is key to maximizing your travel enjoyment.

Dining Recommendation in Penang

Don’t miss out on trying Penang’s iconic Char Kway Teow, a stir-fried noodle dish featuring a smoky flavor from the wok and fresh local seafood, which contrasts with the bolder spiciness often found in Bangkok’s street food. The vibrant hawker centers in Penang provide a communal dining atmosphere, allowing you to savor this dish among locals and experience the rich blend of cultures that defines the island.

Bangkok - PENANG operators

Explore transport companies operating between Bangkok and PENANG, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane

Website

airasia.com

Plane from Don Muang to Penang

Average Duration

1h 50m

Estimated price

$1520-1523

Plane from Don Muang to Hat Yai

Average Duration

1h 30m

Estimated price

$1524-1525

Website

lionairthai.com

Plane from Don Muang to Penang

Average Duration

1h 50m

Estimated price

$1520-1526

Plane from Don Muang to Hat Yai

Average Duration

1h 29m

Estimated price

$1522-1521

Website

nokair.com

Plane from Don Muang to Hat Yai

Average Duration

1h 26m

Estimated price

$1522-1525

Website

malaysiaairlines.com

Plane from Don Muang to Penang

Average Duration

1h 50m

Estimated price

$1527-1528

Plane from Suvarnabhumi to Penang

Average Duration

1h 50m

Estimated price

$1529-240

Plane from Suvarnabhumi to Penang via Kuala Lumpur

Average Duration

4h 27m

Estimated price

$241-242

Website

thaiairways.com

Plane from Suvarnabhumi to Penang

Average Duration

1h 50m

Estimated price

$241-242

Plane from Suvarnabhumi to Hat Yai

Average Duration

1h 30m

Estimated price

$243-244

Website

vietjetair.com

Plane from Suvarnabhumi to Hat Yai

Average Duration

1h 28m

Estimated price

$469-1526

Website

fireflyz.com.my

Plane from Don Muang to Penang

Average Duration

1h 50m

Estimated price

$1527-1528

Plane from Suvarnabhumi to Penang

Average Duration

1h 50m

Estimated price

$1529-240

Plane from Suvarnabhumi to Penang via Kuala Lumpur

Average Duration

4h 40m

Estimated price

$1526-240

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

1690

Website

railway.co.th

Train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Sungai Kolok

Average Duration

Estimated price

$248-249

Contact phone

+60 3 2267 1200

Website

ktmb.com.my

Train from Bukit Ketri to Butterworth

Average Duration

1h 39m

Estimated price

$246-247

Bus

Contact phone

1490

Website

home.transport.co.th

Bus from Bangkok Mochit Bus Terminal to Satun

Average Duration

Estimated price

$461-46

Bus from Bangkok Mochit Bus Terminal to Hat Yai Bus Terminal

Average Duration

Estimated price

$461-46

Website

12go.asia

Bus from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal to Hat Yai Bus Terminal

Average Duration

14h

Estimated price

$24-24

Contact phone

0-2894-6330-2

Website

busonlineticket.co.th

Bus from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal to Hat Yai Bus Terminal

Average Duration

15h

Estimated price

$733-733

Bus from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal to Hua Sai

Average Duration

12h 49m

Estimated price

$733-733

Ferry

Contact phone

03-7885 2585

Website

myrapid.com.my

Ferry from Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal to Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal

Average Duration

20m

Estimated price

$734-735

Bangkok to PENANG: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Bangkok and PENANG offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Bangkok to Penang, covering a distance of 717 miles. Experience the thrill of crossing borders and witnessing the diverse landscapes along the way. 💰 Prices for the journey from Bangkok to Penang by car range from $130 to $190, offering flexibility to suit different budgets. Enjoy the freedom of the open road while exploring the vibrant cultures and picturesque scenery of both Thailand and Malaysia. 🏝️ Arrive in Penang after approximately 15 hours and 54 minutes of driving, ready to immerse yourself in the rich heritage, delicious cuisine, and stunning beaches of this enchanting Malaysian island. Your journey by car promises a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a truly memorable travel experience.

Average price

$130 - $190

Useful tips for train travellers

• Onboard Services: For your journey from Bangkok to Penang, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) offers a catering service that provides meal options, including Thai cuisine snacks and drinks. Be sure to check the menu, as some trains feature a dining car where you can enjoy your meals. Additionally, keep an eye out for vendors who may board at various stops, offering fresh fruits and local snacks.

• Seating Options: You will find several seating classes for your journey. The SRT offers First Class (single or double sleeper cabins), which provides a more luxurious experience with larger seats and bedding. Business Class features reclining seats with more legroom and complimentary snacks. Economy Class is more budget-friendly with comfortable seats but less space. If you prefer more privacy and comfort, opt for First Class or Business Class.

• Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving in Penang at the Butterworth Train Station, you can leave your luggage at the station’s luggage storage facility for a small fee, allowing you to explore without the burden of bags. The station provides clean restrooms, but note that showers are not available. To navigate the area, look for clear signage leading to local transport options.

• Fastest Way to City Center: The fastest way to reach George Town, the city center of Penang, from the Butterworth Train Station is via the Penang Ferry. After leaving the station, head to the ferry terminal located a short walk away. Take the ferry (it runs every 15 minutes), which will take you directly to the city center in about 15-20 minutes. Once in George Town, you can explore the main attractions or catch local buses.

🛫 Flying from Bangkok to Penang is a convenient and quick option. The direct flight from Don Muang Airport to Penang Airport takes only 1 hour and 45 minutes. 💸 The prices for flights between Penang and Bangkok range from $46 to $152, making it an affordable choice for those looking to explore two vibrant Southeast Asian destinations. Overall, the journey by plane takes approximately 4 hours and 31 minutes, offering a convenient way to travel between these two cities.

Departure Point

Don Muang Airport

Arrival Point

Penang Airport

🚌 Traveling from Bangkok to Penang by bus requires a journey with a total duration of approximately 20 hours and 27 minutes, including transfers along the route. 🌅 While there is no direct bus connection, operators like Siam Lane Tour and New Asian Travel facilitate the journey covering the distance between Bangkok and Penang in about 22 hours and 57 minutes by bus.

Departure Point

Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal station

Arrival Point

Komtar Bus Terminal station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Bangkok to PENANG.

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The distance between Bangkok and Penang is approximately 580 miles or 716.7 miles by road. The travel time between the two cities can vary depending on the mode of transportation. Taking a combination of train and car ferry, it would take around 21 hours and 23 minutes to reach Penang from Bangkok. By plane, the journey can be completed in about 4 hours and 16 minutes. If traveling by car, it would take around 15 hours and 54 minutes to reach Bangkok from Penang, while the bus journey would take approximately 20 hours and 50 minutes.

The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Bangkok to Penang is by taking a train and car ferry. This option costs between $12 and $85 and takes approximately 21 hours and 23 minutes. However, if time is a priority, the quickest way to reach Penang is by flying. This option takes around 4 hours and 16 minutes and costs between $55 and $170.

When traveling from Bangkok to Penang the prices of a bus ticket can range from $39 to $45. Prices may vary depending on the bus company and the class of service chosen. It is recommended to book in advance and compare prices to find the best deal.

If you prefer not to use public transportation to travel from Bangkok to Penang, you can choose to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 717 miles and it takes about 15 hours and 54 minutes to complete the journey. The prices to rent a car and drive from Bangkok to Penang range from $130 to $190.

To travel from Bangkok to Penang without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey takes approximately 20 hours and 50 minutes and costs around $35 to $45. Buses are a convenient and affordable mode of transportation between the two cities, providing a comfortable travel experience.

There is no direct link between Bangkok and Penang by bus. However, there are bus services that depart from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal and arrive at Prangin Mall in Penang, with transfers in Hat Yai. The journey takes approximately 20 hours and 50 minutes. Alternatively, there are other transportation options, such as taking a train and car ferry or a flight, that offer quicker travel times between the two destinations.

The flight between Bangkok and Penang typically takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. The prices of flights between the two cities can vary between $56 and $161. It's important to note that these prices are subject to change and may be influenced by factors such as airline, class of service, and time of booking. It's recommended to check with airlines or travel agents for the most up-to-date information on flight options and prices.

There are plenty of options for accommodation near Penang. With 1614+ hotels available, you have a wide range to choose from. Prices start at $32, so there are options to fit different budgets. Whether you prefer luxury resorts, budget-friendly guesthouses, or boutique hotels, you will be able to find a suitable place to stay near Penang.

Bangkok, Bangkok Province to PENANG, Penang from $24: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

How to Get from Bangkok to PENANG: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From Bangkok to Penang

Best Neighbourhoods in Penang

Best Times To Visit Penang's Attractions

Penang Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation in Penang

Bangkok - PENANG operators

Bangkok to PENANG: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Useful tips for train travellers

Frequently asked questions

Trips from Bangkok

Trips to Hong Kong

Popular routes