Penang Bus Routes 2026
Bus 101, 102, 401E, 204 and the free CAT loop, checked against Rapid Penang
Which buses should tourists use in Penang?
For George Town: the free CAT loop, every 10–15 minutes. For the beaches: Bus 101 from Weld Quay or Komtar to Batu Ferringhi (about RM 2.70, every 10–12 minutes). For Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si: Bus 204 (RM 2.00). For the airport and SPICE: Bus 401E (every 15–20 minutes). Pay the exact fare in cash, or use a card or pass.
The 5 Bus Routes Most Visitors Need
Penang's Rapid Penang network has dozens of routes, but most visitors only need these five. Select any route for its full stop list (from Rapid Penang's own timetable data), highlights and tips.
Bus 101 — North Coast Beach Route
Weld Quay and Komtar to Batu Ferringhi, Teluk Bahang and the National Park
Bus 102 — Airport to Teluk Bahang
Penang Airport to Teluk Bahang via Komtar and the north coast
Bus 401E / 401 — Airport Buses
Weld Quay and Komtar to the airport, SPICE and Balik Pulau
Bus 204 — Penang Hill & Kek Lok Si
Weld Quay and Komtar to Kek Lok Si and the Penang Hill funicular
Free CAT Bus — George Town Loop
Free loop: Weld Quay, Komtar, the Esplanade
Fares and Paying for Buses
Rapid Penang fares are by distance, RM 1.40–5.00 for an adult. Cash must be the exact fare: the farebox gives no change. Keep the printed ticket until you get off.
| Distance | Adult | Concession |
|---|---|---|
| First 7 km | RM 1.40 | RM 0.70 |
| 7.01–14 km | RM 2.00 | RM 1.00 |
| 14.01–21 km | RM 2.70 | RM 1.40 |
| 21.01–28 km | RM 3.40 | RM 1.70 |
| 28.01–35 km | RM 4.00 | RM 2.00 |
| 35.01–42 km | RM 4.70 | RM 2.40 |
| 42.01–49 km | RM 5.00 | RM 2.50 |
- Rapid Passport: RM 30 for 7 days of unlimited rides (tourists, Malaysian or foreign), bought at a Rapid Penang information kiosk.
- Mutiara Pass My50: free 30-day rides for Malaysians, subsidised by the Penang state government (RM 10 card).
- Stored-value cards and passes are accepted. Rapid Penang's own fare page does not list which bank or e-wallet cards work, so ask at a Rapid Penang kiosk (Weld Quay, Komtar) before relying on one.
Source: Rapid Penang's fare table, checked 2026-10-06. The CAT and the free CT shuttles need no payment.
How Penang's Bus System Works
Rapid Penang (Paid)
The island-wide network, run by Prasarana. Fares RM 1.40–5.00 by distance. Most island routes run from about 5:30–6 AM to 10:30–11:30 PM.
CAT Bus (Free)
Central Area Transit: Rapid Penang's free George Town loop from Weld Quay via Komtar, every 10–15 minutes, 6:00 am to 11:45 pm (last departure), daily. No payment required.
Weld Quay and Komtar
Most island routes start at the Weld Quay (Pengkalan Weld) terminal beside the ferry and pass through Komtar. 101, 102, 204, 401E and the CAT all stop at Komtar.
How to Pay
Cash must be the exact fare: the farebox gives no change. Keep the printed ticket until you get off. Board at the front. The CAT bus is free.
Tracking Buses
Moovit and Google Maps both carry Rapid Penang routes and give walking directions to stops. Rapid Penang also publishes its own journey planner (PULSE).
Watch Out For
Buses run late in rush hour (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and heavy rain. Some useful routes are infrequent (102 about every 75 minutes, 401 hourly), so check the next departure first.
Quick Route Reference
| Route | From → To | Fare | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 101 | Weld Quay (Terminal B) → Teluk Bahang (Penang National Park entrance) | RM 1.40–RM 3.40 | every 10–12 minutes |
| Bus 102 | Penang International Airport → Teluk Bahang (Penang National Park entrance) | RM 1.40–RM 5.00 | about every 75 minutes |
| Bus 204 | Weld Quay (Terminal B) → Bukit Bendera (Penang Hill lower station) | RM 1.40–RM 2.00 | every 35–45 minutes |
| Bus 401 / 401E | Weld Quay → Balik Pulau (401E) / Teluk Kumbar (401) | RM 1.40–RM 4.70 | 401E every 15–20 minutes; 401 about every 60 minutes |
| CAT Bus | Weld Quay (Terminal A) — loop → Weld Quay (Terminal A) | FREE | every 10–15 minutes |
From Rapid Penang's route table and timetable feed, checked 2026-10-06. Free shuttles also run: CT13 (CAT Bridge) (Seberang Jaya ↔ Bayan Baru bus terminal, over the Penang Bridge); CT14 (Bukit Mertajam ↔ Komtar); CT15 (CAT Hospital) (Komtar ↔ Penang General Hospital).
Frequently Asked Questions
What bus goes from George Town to Batu Ferringhi?
Bus 101, from Weld Quay or Komtar, every 10–12 minutes. 101 from Weld Quay or Komtar every 10–12 minutes (Komtar to Batu Ferringhi is about 15.5 km, RM 2.70); 102 from the airport. Both continue to Teluk Bahang and stop at "Taman Negara", the Penang National Park entrance.
Is there a free bus in George Town?
Yes, the CAT (Central Area Transit), and it is still running. Free, every 10–15 minutes, 6:00 am to 11:45 pm: one loop from Weld Quay through Penang Road, Komtar, the Esplanade and Swettenham Pier. No payment needed: just board.
How do I get from Penang Airport to George Town by bus?
401E (every 15–20 minutes) is the main airport bus to Komtar and Weld Quay; 102 continues past Komtar to Gurney Drive and Batu Ferringhi; 401 is hourly. Komtar to the airport is about 17–24 km, so RM 2.70–3.40 on the fare table. Grab from the airport is about RM 26–35 by our estimate; the app shows the price before you book.
How do I pay on Penang buses?
Cash must be the exact fare: the farebox gives no change. Keep the printed ticket until you get off. Stored-value cards and passes are accepted. Rapid Penang's own fare page does not list which bank or e-wallet cards work, so ask at a Rapid Penang kiosk (Weld Quay, Komtar) before relying on one. The CAT and the CT shuttles are free.
Is there a tourist bus pass?
Yes. Rapid Passport: RM 30 for 7 days of unlimited rides (tourists, Malaysian or foreign), bought at a Rapid Penang information kiosk. For two or three trips a day, single cash fares (RM 1.40–5.00) usually cost less.
What time do Penang buses stop running?
It depends on the route. Bus 101's last departures are 11:30 PM from Weld Quay; 11:00 PM from Teluk Bahang; 401E's are 11:30 PM from Weld Quay (10:35 PM from Balik Pulau); 204's are 11:30 PM from Weld Quay; 10:35 PM from Penang Hill. The free CAT's last loop leaves at 11:45 pm. After that, Grab is the practical option.
How do I get to Kek Lok Si Temple by bus?
Alight at the "Kek Lok Si Temple" stop on 204 (Penang Hill), 201 (Paya Terubong loop), 203 (Air Itam via Farlim), or on the 502 when coming back from Balik Pulau. Routes 401 and 401E do not go there. From Komtar on the 204 it is about 8.7 km (RM 2.00).
How do I get to Penang Hill by bus?
204 from Weld Quay or Komtar to the Bukit Bendera (Penang Hill) lower station, every 35–45 minutes. Komtar to the station is about 10 km, RM 2.00.
Which bus goes to Setia SPICE or PWCC (The Light City)?
Setia SPICE has its own stops ("Amari SPICE", "SPICE Canopy") on 401E, 302, 303, 304 and 308. 401E is the most frequent from Komtar (about 15.5 km, RM 2.70). No Rapid Penang stop is named for PWCC or The Light City. The nearest stops are on the 401E along Jalan Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu: "Jabatan Laut Wilayah Utara" (southbound, about 400 m from PWCC in a straight line) and "Lotus E-Gate" (northbound, about 500 m). Jalan Gelugor stops ("BSN Gelugor", "Maybank Gelugor"), about 750 m away, are served by 102, 301, 302, 303, 304 and 401. The walking route from these stops has not been checked on the ground.
Explore More Transport Options
Grab in Penang
On-demand ride-hailing — faster and more convenient for many journeys
Walking Guide
George Town is best explored on foot — free and rewarding
Car & Scooter Rental
Full flexibility for multi-stop island exploration
Butterworth Ferry
Scenic RM 2.00 crossing to the mainland, about 10 minutes — worth doing once
Penang Attractions
Know where you're heading before choosing your bus
Penang Itineraries
Pre-planned routes with transport suggestions included