Penang Fast Ferry
The Penang Fast Ferry is a passenger ferry service operating across the Penang Channel between Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal in Butterworth and Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in Georgetown.
The Penang Fast Ferry is an interim ferry service operating from 1 January 2021 with leased services from Langkawi Ferry Services Sdn Bhd. The Penang Ferry service was supposed to transition into a water bus and vehicle transporter service which was supposed be launched in mid-2022, however, no signs of the new services can be seen yet.
The Penang Fast Ferry replaces the old Penang Ferry Service. The last day of the old Penang Ferry Service was on 31 December 2020.
Penang Fast Ferry Piers
Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal, Butterworth (Mainland)
Picture courtesy of Kelvin Khew.
There is no change of boarding location from the former Penang Ferry to the new Penang Fast Ferry, which is still connected to Penang Sentral.
Picture courtesy of Kelvin Khew.
Head through the turnstiles as usual.
Picture courtesy of Kelvin Khew.
The boarding location is downstairs from the waiting area.
Picture courtesy of Kelvin Khew.
The original starboard berth (viewpoint of the port controller) has now been converted into a floating pontoon jetty.
Picture courtesy of Kelvin Khew.
The floating pontoon is the new boarding point of the Penang Fast Ferry.
Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Georgetown (Island)
Picture courtesy of Kelvin Khew.
Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal is located approximately 600 meters north of the original Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal, and is the new passenger boarding point for Penang Fast Ferry passengers on Penang Island.
Picture courtesy of Kelvin Khew.
The Penang Fast Ferry uses the existing floating pontoon jetty at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.
Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal
Picture courtesy of Kelvin Khew.
Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal is used by the vehicular ferry only, for bicycles and motorbikes only.
Penang Fast Ferry Fleet
Passenger Ferries
Despite almost every news article stating that these are catamarans (twin-hulled boats), the Penang Fast Ferry passenger fleet only operates with single-hulled ferries by Langkawi Ferry Services.
Kenangan 2
Picture courtesy of Kelvin Khew.
Picture courtesy of Kelvin Khew.
Kenangan 2 is operated by Langkawi Ferry Services for Penang Port.
Kenangan 3
Picture courtesy of Kelvin Khew.
Picture courtesy of Kelvin Khew.
Kenangan 3 is operated by Langkawi Ferry Services for Penang Port.
Kenangan 6
Picture courtesy of Kelvin Khew.
Kenangan 6 is operated by Langkawi Ferry Services for Penang Port.
Vehicle Ferry
Pulau Angsa
Picture courtesy of Kelvin Khew.
Pulau Angsa is operated by Penang Port.
Penang Fast Ferry Timetables
Passenger Ferries
The Penang Fast Ferry passenger service operates from 6.30am to 11.00pm at 30 to 60 minute intervals.
Vehicle Ferry
The Penang Fast Ferry vehicle service operates from 6.30am to 8.00pm at 60 to 120 minute intervals.
Penang Fast Ferry Fares
Passenger Ferries
Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal, Butterworth (Mainland) to Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Georgetown (Island)
Adult: RM1.20
Child: RM0.60
Senior Citizens: RM0.60
OKU: RM0.60
Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Georgetown (Island) to Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal, Butterworth (Mainland)
Free of charge.
Vehicle Ferry
Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal, Butterworth (Mainland) to Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Georgetown (Island)
Bicycle: RM1.40
Motorcycle: RM2.00
Fares are inclusive of rider and pillion. No other vehicles allowed.
Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Georgetown (Island) to Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal, Butterworth (Mainland)
Free of charge.
Penang Fast Ferry Future
Passenger Ferries
Water buses will replace the leased Langkawi Ferry Services passenger ferries, and will be operated directly by Penang Port. Each water bus will have the capacity of 200 passengers. The Penang water buses are expected to reduce travel time to 10 minutes during peak hours and 15 minutes during non-peak hours, at an average frequency of 30 minutes.
Vehicle Ferry
Vehicle transporters will replace Pulau Angsa and will be operated directly by Penang Port. Each vehicle transporter will have the capacity of 100 motorbikes.
Really going to miss those old ferries. Wonderful to stand at the front and look over Georgetown to Penang Hill as you approach the island.