If you plan on visiting Penang, getting there may seem a bit daunting. However, after familiarizing yourself with the transportation options available, you'll see that getting to this destination is really quite simple.  

Airport Basics

Penang International Airport is located about 12 miles from the center of Georgetown. Malaysia Airlines has about 20 daily flights that depart from and arrive at this airport. Singapore Airlines, AirAsia and Thai Airways are other big carriers that service this airport. It might be useful to know that Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia have ticketing offices in Penang.

Taxi Rides

Taxi counters are located within the Peneng airport. Purchase a fixed-rate voucher at the counter. Rates depend on which of the city's 7 zones you are traveling within. After purchasing your voucher, join the line outside to be assigned a taxi. A ride to Georgetown costs about $12 USD.  

Driving to Penang

If you’re driving from the west side of pinsular Malaysia, you’ll be taking the North-South Highway to Butterworth. This is Penang’s main entry point from the mainland. At Butterworth, take the ferry across to the island. There is a small fee for transporting your car. You can also use the Penang Bridge.  

Taking the Train

KTMB is the national train company. The train ride from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth takes about 9 hours. First-class tickets cost $25 USD, and economy tickets go for $5 USD. Once you arrive at Butterworth, take a taxi or the ferry to the island. The ferry costs about $0.35 USD, and the return trip is free.

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Since 1985, the island has been joined to the mainland by the Penang Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world. Alternatively, travelers arriving from the mainland can hop onto the ferry and take a 20-minute boat ride to the island.

There are international flights that connect directly to the international airport on the island. This airport has direct links with Singapore, Bangkok, Nagoya, Medan, Xiamen (China) and Madras, operated by Malaysia Airlines. The airline also operates more than 20 flights daily between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

The Penang International Airport is about 20 km from the city center. Taxis plying the route follow the 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 Co. operates an hourly service between the Airport and Pengkalan Weld (Weld Quay) in the city between 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. daily (Bus No. 83).