Travel by Train (ETS) - Butterworth to KL Sentral

Travel by Train (ETS) - Butterworth to KL Sentral / KL Sentral to Butterworth

The following info were taken from other online sources, with my own inputs added as final compilation, just to keep a copy here for future reference.

Electric Train Service (ETS) Train Service

ETS train upgrades in 2022 and new train sets facilitate 6 dedicated services daily, in each direction (Butterworth - KL Sentral), which is currently (May 2024) follow this timetable:

The journey takes a little over 4 hours. In my personal experience, it keeps to the time as per the schedule. This is the full ETS Schedule (as of May 2024).

ETS Train Naming

• ETS Types
• EPxxxx: ETS Platinum
• EGxxxx: ETS Gold
• ESxxxx: ETS Silver
• ETS Route
• Ex90xx: ETS (Ipoh - KL Sentral)
• Ex91xx: ETS (Butterworth - KL Sentral)
• Ex92xx: ETS (Padang Besar - KL Sentral)
• Ex93xx: ETS (Butterworth - Gemas)
• Ex94xx: ETS (Padang Besar - Gemas)

Selecting Your Seat

The trains have 6 coaches with a driver cab at either end. Coach A generally leads when travelling South, Coach F has the driver when heading North. Confirm this as you approach the train, there will be a sign pointing to the direction of the carriages.

Choose the correct direction for your seating will gives you a more comfortable journey via ETS. I will normally choose the forward direction AND according to the sun direction during the whole journey (to avoid direct sunlight via the window). Besides, I personally preferred Window Seat than Aisle Seat.

Comparison of ETS (Old) vs ETS2 (New) Seating 

There are some changes on the ETS2 (New) seating arrangement. Please take note.

Anyhow, you are able to see the actual seating arrangement when you are login in online to buy the ticket.

Onboard Facilities

You may refer to this link for onboard facilities. I normally will use the Power Outlet (for phone charging), washroom and F&B Bistro (occasionally).

Buying Tickets

You can choose to buy via following channels:

• Go to any station
• Online (KTMB Website)
• Smartphone Apps (KTMB Mobile at Google Play or Apple App Store)

How to Book Online & Choose Your Seat

• Login to https://online.ktmb.com.my or use KTMB Mobile App.
• Input Origin / Destination / Departure Date / Pax.
• Click "Search" to proceed.

• Choose your Target Train of the selected date. [ Example: Platinum - 9173 ]
• Click "Pick Seats" to proceed.

• Select the Target Coach of the selected train. [ Example: Coach D ]
• You may choose "W" (Window Seat) or "A" (Aisle Seat). 

• Select the Target Seat of the selected coach. [ Example: 7A ]
• Seat 7A is facing forward and it is a Window Seat.
• The fare amount will be displayed, you may proceed to "Confirm Seats".

• Click "Proceed to Passenger Details" 

• Fill in the required info of the passenger. Click "Proceed to Payment".

• You will be asked to choose Takaful Plan (Basic or Premium Plan) or "No Thanks".

• Proceed for payment and you will be provided ETS Ticket with QR Code
• Payment Methods: KTM Wallet / Credit Card / Debit Card / e-Wallet

• Additional Notes:

• W: Window Seat
• A: Aisle Seat
• F: Female Passenger
• M: Male Passenger
• Forward Facing Seat: Seats with "U", e.g.: 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D
• Backward Facing Seat: Seats with "U" upside down, e.g.: 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D
• Selected Seat: Seat with tick / green colour, e.g.: 7A
• Unavailable Seat: Seat with "X" (disabled for selection).

ETS Ticket with QR Code (Example)

You may use KTMB Mobile App to scan QR at ACG (Automated Control Gate) or show to the conductor during boarding.

Departing from Butterworth (Penang Sentral)

1. At Penang Sentral (1st Floor), turn left when you see KFC restaurant outlet
2. Walk straight along the pathway towards KTM Butterworth
3. At the end of the pathway, take the escalator / staircase up to 1st Floor
4. You may opt to buy ticket at the TVM (Ticket Vending Machine) if you didn't buy online
5. Scan your ticket QR at ACG (Automated Control Gate) to enter the platform
6. You may wait the train at the Waiting Room if it is still early
7. Announcement will be made when the train arrive, prepare for boarding