THE SHORT VERSION
Railay to Penang (George Town) at a glance.
- From
- Railay ไร่เลย์
- Road distance
- About 511 km
- Straight line
- 332 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~6 h 30 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Not listed as direct
- Border
- Thailand → Malaysia. Passport and visa rules apply
Ready to travel from Railay to Penang (George Town)?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Railay
Railay is a peninsula near Ao Nang that can only be reached by boat. Bus tickets to Railay combine a bus or minivan to Ao Nang or Krabi with a longtail boat.
- Longtail boat landings
Boats from Ao Nang beach and from Krabi Town.
Arriving in Penang (George Town)
From Butterworth, ferries and buses cross to George Town.
- Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal
On the island, south of George Town. - Penang Sentral (Butterworth)
On the mainland, by the ferry terminal.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Check whether your bus ends on the island or at Butterworth.
KEEP GOING
From Penang (George Town), the road continues.
Other ways to reach Penang (George Town)
More buses from Railay
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Railay from Penang (George Town) by road?+
About 511 km by road (332 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Railay to Penang (George Town) take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 6 h 30 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Railay?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Railay include Longtail boat landings, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Penang (George Town) to Railay?+
12Go's public route list doesn't include Penang (George Town) to Railay as a direct route. You may need to change in another town.
Where does the bus from Railay arrive in Penang (George Town)?+
It depends on the operator. In Penang (George Town), services use Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, Penang Sentral (Butterworth). From Butterworth, ferries and buses cross to George Town.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Penang (George Town)?+
From Butterworth, ferries and buses cross to George Town.
What kind of vehicle runs from Railay to Penang (George Town)?+
12Go lists minivan (shared van) services on this route rather than full-size buses. Vans are usually quicker but have less luggage space, so check the luggage allowance for your departure before you book.
Can I book the Railay to Penang (George Town) bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Penang (George Town) by bus?+
Direct buses from Penang (George Town) include Ipoh, Hat Yai, Cameron Highlands (Tanah Rata), Kota Bharu, Kuala Lumpur and more. See all connections on our Penang (George Town) bus page.
Do I need a visa to take the bus from Railay to Penang (George Town)?+
This journey crosses from Thailand into Malaysia. Check the current entry and visa rules for your nationality before you travel, and keep your passport with you on the bus.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Railay → Penang (George Town) on 12GoFOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Railay to Penang (George Town) bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Ao Nang (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: George Town (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →