Getting to Penang

Visitors destined for Penang can choose from a variety of options for getting here. Arriving by ferry from Butterworth on the mainland being the most popular way for those coming from Malaysia or Thailand. The road network is well-developed, making driving by private or hire car a good option. Penang’s International Airport is a busy airport that provides connections with domestic cities as well as some Asian destinations. The airport is a modern and efficient facility.

By car

The opening of the Penang Bridge connecting the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia to Penang Island has made driving to Penang a lot easier. A fee is charged on all classes of cars at the toll plaza in Perai on the mainland. No payment is necessary when travelling from the island to the mainland.

By rail

The train ride from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth takes about 6 hours. First and second class passengers travel in comfort in the air-conditioned coaches. Taking the train is a comfortable way to travel within the country and it gives travellers the opportunity to see a lot of the countryside. Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM Bhd or Malayan Railway) also runs regular services to Alor Setar, Padang Besar, Had Yai and Bangkok from Butterworth. For more information on schedules and services, visit the rail operator’s website at: www.ktmb.com.my, or call them on: +60 3 226 71200.

By bus

Several bus companies offer connections between Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown on Penang. The journey takes about 5 hours, 30 minutes. There are also services to other destinations within Malaysia including Melaka, Johor Baru and the Cameron Highlands. The buses are modern and comfortable. For more information visit: www.journeymalaysia.com/ptapenang.htm.

By air

Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport is located about 20kms from Georgetown and is a modern facility offering daily scheduled flights to and from a large number of Malaysian and Asian destinations. Bus services, operating at 1-hour intervals, run between the airport and Pengkalan Weld (Weld Quay) in Georgetown. Meanwhile, taxis are on hand, as are car hire companies. The airport offers good passenger facilities including a restaurant, bureaux de change and an information desk.

Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport

Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport operates a single terminal, from which all arrivals and departures are dealt with. Flights operate daily to cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Medan and Bangkok. ATM and bureau de change facilities can be found in the Arrivals Hall, while dining facilities can be found in both Arrivals and Departures. Both inbound and outbound duty-free shopping outlets are on hand.

Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport transportation

Transport options from the airport to Georgetown are limited to taxis and buses.
Taxis operate with a coupon system, by which fares between the airport and various destinations in Penang are fixed. Air-conditioned taxis and limousines charge higher fares. The Penang Yellow Bus Company runs an hourly service between the airport and Pengkalan Weld (Weld Quay) in the city from 06:00 to 22:00 daily (bus number 83). Some of the major hotels provide shuttle buses for guests arriving at the airport.

By ferry

From Butterworth, it is possible to take the ferry to Penang Island. The ferry service is available from 05:30 to 23:30 for both passengers and vehicles. Tickets are purchased at the Butterworth terminal and the rates are good for a return journey. Travellers can also take ferries to Langkawi Island (2 hours, 30 minutes), Pulau Payar (1 hour, 30 minutes) as well as to Medan (5 hours, 30 minutes) on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Website: www.langkawi-ferry.com/packages.html.