Penang Bus Routes 2026
Complete guide to Bus 101, Bus 102, Bus 401/401E, and the Free CAT Heritage Bus
Which buses should tourists use in Penang?
For George Town: the free CAT bus loops all heritage sites every 20 minutes — no payment needed. For beaches: Bus 101 from Komtar to Batu Ferringhi (RM 3.40, 45 min). For Kek Lok Si Temple: Bus 401 from Komtar (RM 2.00, 25 min). For the airport: Bus 401E (RM 2.70, 55 min). All accept cash or Touch 'n Go card.
The 4 Essential Bus Routes for Tourists
Penang's Rapid Penang network has dozens of routes, but most tourists only need these four. Select any route for full stop lists, tourist highlights, and travel tips.
Bus 101 — Coastal Beach Route
George Town to Batu Ferringhi via coast
Bus 102 — Inland Beach Route
George Town to Batu Ferringhi via Tanjung Tokong
Bus 401 — Cross-Island Route
George Town to Balik Pulau via Kek Lok Si
Free CAT Bus — Heritage Loop
Free hop-on hop-off around George Town
Paying for Buses: Touch 'n Go & Beep Card
All Rapid Penang buses accept both cash and contactless transit cards. Using a card is faster (no waiting for change) and slightly cheaper on some routes.
Touch 'n Go Card
- Works on buses, highways, and toll roads
- Buy at most convenience stores (7-Eleven, myNews)
- Reload at ATMs, convenience stores, or TnG kiosks
- TnG e-wallet app available for NFC phone tap
Beep Card (Rapid Penang)
- Penang-specific transit card for buses
- Buy at Komtar Terminal for RM 5 (includes RM 0 credit)
- Reload at Rapid Penang offices and select shops
- Less versatile than TnG — only for transit use
Tip: If you already have a Touch 'n Go card from the Penang Bridge toll or KLIA, you can use the same card on all Penang buses. The free CAT bus does not require any card — just board.
How Penang's Bus System Works
Rapid Penang (Paid)
The main island-wide network. Covers all of Penang Island with routes numbered 100–500+. Fares: RM 2–5 depending on distance. Most routes run 6 AM–10 PM.
CAT Bus (Free)
Central Area Transit — the free George Town heritage loop. Government-funded, air-conditioned, runs every 20 min until midnight. No payment required.
Komtar Hub
Komtar is the main bus terminal in George Town. All key routes (101, 102, 401, CAT) depart from here. Find the bus bays on the ground floor.
How to Pay
Cash (exact change preferred) or Touch 'n Go card. Board at the front, pay driver for cash, or tap TnG card on the reader. The CAT bus is free — no payment.
Tracking Buses
Use the Moovit app (free) for real-time bus arrival tracking in Penang. Google Maps also shows bus routes accurately and gives walking directions to stops.
Watch Out For
Buses can run late during rush hour (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) or heavy rain. Weekend service is similar to weekday. Night buses are limited after 10 PM — plan accordingly.
Quick Route Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
What bus goes from George Town to Batu Ferringhi?
Bus 101 is the main route from Weld Quay/Komtar in George Town to Batu Ferringhi beach. It runs every 15–20 minutes along the northern coastal road via Gurney Drive and Tanjung Bungah. The fare is approximately RM 3.40 and the journey takes 45–55 minutes from Komtar. Bus 102 is an alternative via Tanjung Tokong that can be slightly faster.
Is there a free bus in George Town?
Yes. The CAT (Central Area Transit) bus is completely free and covers all major heritage sites in George Town's UNESCO zone. It runs every 20 minutes from 6 AM to midnight, 365 days a year. Stops include Komtar, Chulia Street, Clan Jetties, Fort Cornwallis, Armenian Street, and Kapitan Keling Mosque — no payment needed, just board.
How do I get from Penang Airport to George Town by bus?
Take Bus 401E (express) from Penang International Airport to Komtar in George Town. The fare is RM 2.70 and the journey takes 50–60 minutes. The 401E is the only Rapid Penang route that serves the airport — the regular Bus 401 does not stop there. Alternatively, Grab from the airport costs RM 30–40 and takes 30–40 minutes.
What is a Beep Card and where can I buy one?
A Beep Card (also known as Rapid KL Beep card) is a reloadable transit card that can be used on all Rapid Penang buses. It makes boarding faster and avoids the need for exact change. You can buy one at Komtar Bus Terminal, some 7-Eleven stores, and convenience shops near bus hubs. The card costs RM 5 and you top it up with credit. A Touch 'n Go card also works on Rapid Penang buses.
How do I use Touch n Go on Penang buses?
Touch 'n Go (TnG) is accepted on all Rapid Penang buses. Simply tap your physical Touch 'n Go card on the reader when boarding — the correct fare is deducted automatically based on your destination. The TnG e-wallet app on your phone also works at bus card readers. Make sure your card has sufficient credit before boarding.
What time do Penang buses stop running?
Most Rapid Penang routes run until 10–11 PM. Bus 101 last departure from Teluk Bahang is around 10:30–11 PM. Bus 401 runs until around 10 PM. The free CAT bus runs until midnight. After buses stop, Grab is the only practical transport option for getting around Penang.
How do I get to Kek Lok Si Temple by bus?
Take Bus 401 from Komtar and alight at the Kek Lok Si Temple stop. The fare is RM 2.00–2.40 and the ride takes about 20–25 minutes. The 401E express variant also passes through the area. Once at the temple, take the free funicular ride up to the main temple complex.
Is there a day pass for Penang buses?
Rapid Penang offers a Tourist Bus Pass for unlimited rides on all Rapid Penang routes. Check the current pricing at Komtar Terminal — prices have changed over time. For most tourists doing 2–3 bus trips per day, paying per-ride cash or with TnG is often more economical. The free CAT bus doesn't require any pass.
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 1.20 crossing to the mainland — worth doing once
Penang Attractions
Know where you're heading before choosing your bus
Penang Itineraries
Pre-planned routes with transport suggestions included