Rapid Penang Bus 401 / 401E
Cross-island route through the hills — George Town to Balik Pulau
How does Bus 401 / 401E work?
Bus 401 / 401E runs from Weld Quay / Komtar to Balik Pulau Town via Air Itam (Kek Lok Si), Paya Terubong, Balik Pulau. Fare: RM 2.00–RM 4.30, every 401: every 30–45 minutes. 401E (express): every 60 minutes. First bus 6:00 AM (401E from airport: ~5:45 AM), last bus 10:00 PM (401) / 9:00 PM (401E). Pay cash or tap Touch 'n Go card on boarding.
Bus 401 is the essential cross-island route, connecting George Town's Komtar bus hub to Balik Pulau town on the southwest of the island, passing through Air Itam (home of Kek Lok Si Temple) along the way. The 401E is the express variant that skips some stops and is faster by 10–15 minutes. This route takes you through Penang's hilly interior, past durian orchards and kampung houses, offering a completely different side of Penang from the tourist beach strip. It's essential for visiting Kek Lok Si Temple, Snake Temple, and Balik Pulau's famous durian season (June–August). The route also serves Penang International Airport — making it the main budget option for airport transfers.
Route Details
Route
Weld Quay / Komtar → Balik Pulau Town
Via
Air Itam (Kek Lok Si), Paya Terubong, Balik Pulau
Journey Time
~75–90 minutes (Komtar to Balik Pulau), ~50 minutes (Komtar to Kek Lok Si)
Fare
RM 2.00 – RM 4.30
Frequency
401: every 30–45 minutes. 401E (express): every 60 minutes
Hours
6:00 AM (401E from airport: ~5:45 AM) – 10:00 PM (401) / 9:00 PM (401E)
Fare is distance-based. Komtar to Kek Lok Si/Air Itam is RM 2.00–2.40. Komtar to Balik Pulau is RM 3.50–4.30. Airport (401E) to Komtar is RM 2.70.
Tourist Highlights — Where to Get Off
These are the stops most useful for tourists. Click any stop in the full list below for more details.
Kek Lok Si Temple
One of Penang's most iconic attractions — Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temple with the famous 36-metre Kuan Yin statue. Allow 2–3 hours. Take the funicular up (free) and be there before 10 AM to avoid crowds.
Air Itam (Pasar Air Itam)
Get off here for a bowl of Penang Assam Laksa at the famous market stalls before or after visiting Kek Lok Si — the two stops are only 10 minutes walk apart.
Penang International Airport (401E only)
Budget airport transfer option — RM 2.70 from Komtar to airport versus RM 30–40 for Grab. Allow 60 minutes from Komtar. 401E runs direct with fewer stops.
Balik Pulau (Town Centre)
The "other side" of Penang — an authentic Malay and Chinese kampung town famous for durian season (Jun–Aug), nutmeg orchards, and its own version of Assam Laksa. Much quieter and more rural than tourist George Town.
All 12 Stops — Bus 401 / 401E
Search by stop name or nearby attraction. Tap any stop for details. Gold stars mark tourist highlight stops.
Showing all 12 stops
Weld Quay (Pengkalan Weld)
Komtar
Main boarding point for tourists going to Kek Lok Si or airport
Jalan Dato Keramat
Air Itam (Pasar Air Itam)
Famous for Air Itam Assam Laksa — one of Penang's best versions
Kek Lok Si Temple
Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temple — unmissable attraction
Paya Terubong
Relau
Sungai Ara
401E stops here for Penang Airport connection — key transit point
Penang International Airport (401E only)
Airport connection — only 401E serves this stop; regular 401 does not
Teluk Kumbar
Balik Pulau (Town Centre)
Charming heritage town — best for durian season, local food, and countryside life
Balik Pulau (Terminus)
Bus 401 / 401E · 12 stops total · Tap a stop for details
Insider Tips for Bus 401 / 401E
- Take the 401E for the airport — it's direct and saves 15–20 minutes vs the regular 401
- For Kek Lok Si, get off at "Kek Lok Si Temple" stop (not Air Itam Market) for the closer entrance
- The journey through the hills is scenic — enjoy the forested interior views between Air Itam and Balik Pulau
- Balik Pulau is great for a half-day trip — combine with a fruit farm visit during durian season
- Check the 401E schedule at Komtar terminal board — it's less frequent than the regular 401
- The Air Itam Assam Laksa stall near the market is legendary — go before 1 PM (sells out)
- Returning from Balik Pulau: buses back to George Town can be infrequent — check return timing before you go
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Taking the regular 401 to the airport — only 401E serves the airport, the regular 401 goes via a different route
- Arriving at Kek Lok Si at midday — it's packed and extremely hot, go at 8–9 AM
- Underestimating journey time to Balik Pulau — it's 75–90 minutes from George Town, not a quick trip
- Missing the last bus back from Balik Pulau — service ends around 9–10 PM and Grab is scarce in rural areas
- Not knowing that the 401E skips many stops — tourists wanting Air Itam should take the regular 401, not 401E
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Bus 401 from the airport to George Town?
Yes, but only on the 401E (express) variant. The fare is approximately RM 2.70 from Penang International Airport to Komtar. The journey takes 50–60 minutes. The regular Bus 401 does not serve the airport.
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 ride takes about 20–25 minutes and costs approximately RM 2.00. The temple is right at the bus stop. Alternatively, alight one stop earlier at Air Itam Market for the famous Assam Laksa before walking up (10 minutes).
What is the difference between Bus 401 and 401E?
Bus 401E is the express version that skips many stops between Komtar and the airport/Balik Pulau area, making it significantly faster (about 15–20 minutes saved). The 401E is the one that goes to Penang Airport. The regular 401 makes more stops, passes through Air Itam Market, and is better for Kek Lok Si access.
How long does it take to get to Balik Pulau by bus?
From Komtar in George Town, Bus 401 takes approximately 75–90 minutes to reach Balik Pulau town. The route goes through the hilly interior of Penang and can be slower during heavy rain. Plan to arrive no later than 2 PM if you want to catch buses back — the last return bus is around 9 PM.