Getting to Penang
Flights, ferries, buses, and drives - all the ways to reach the Pearl of the Orient
How do you get to Penang?
Fly into Penang International Airport (PEN) — direct flights from Kuala Lumpur (55 min), Singapore (1h 20min), and Bangkok (1h 45min). From KL, express buses take 4-5 hours (from RM 35) and the train-plus-ferry combination is a scenic budget option. Drive via Penang Bridge from the mainland for RM 8.50 toll.
Book your transport
Trains are sold by KTMB. For coaches and ferries, a booking site lets you compare times and prices in one place.
See what 12Go lists from Penang. Check the route, time and price on 12Go before you pay.
We may earn a commission.
By Air
Penang International Airport (PEN)
- •Direct flights from KL (55 min), Singapore (1h 20min), Bangkok (1h 45min)
- •Airlines: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, Batik Air, Singapore Airlines, Scoot and more
- •Airport is 16km south of George Town (20-30 min by Grab)
- •Grab from airport to George Town: RM 25-40
- •Airport bus (401E) to Komtar: about RM 3.40, every 15-20 min
By Bus
From KL, Singapore, and Thai border
- •KL to Penang: 4-5 hours, from RM 35-60
- •Departures from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) in KL
- •Arrives at Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal (south Penang)
- •Singapore to Penang: 8-9 hours, from RM 60-90
- •Operators: Plusliner, Transnasional, Aeroline (luxury)
By Ferry
Butterworth to George Town
- •Penang Ferry from Butterworth: about 10 minutes (RM 2; last boat 11 PM)
- •Runs every 20-30 minutes, 5:20am to midnight
- •Fare: RM 1.40 (pedestrian), free for return trip
- •Iconic experience - views of George Town waterfront
- •Connects to KTM train from KL at Butterworth station
By Car
Penang Bridge or Second Bridge
- •KL to Penang: 3.5-4 hours via PLUS highway (E1)
- •Hat Yai (Thailand) to Penang: 2.5–3 hours via Bukit Kayu Hitam / Sadao crossing — see the full driving guide
- •Second Penang Bridge toll: RM 5.74 for a car (Penang Bridge: check PLUS)
- •Parking in George Town: RM 1-3/hour street parking
- •Consider using Grab in George Town - parking is limited
Coming by train?
KTM's ETS trains end at Butterworth on the mainland. Our train page has every ETS service to and from Butterworth in KTMB's current timetable, the Komuter from Padang Besar and Ipoh, and the walk through Penang Sentral to the ferry. See getting to Penang by train →
Driving from Thailand?
Over a million Thai visitors drive to Penang each year via the Hat Yai–Bukit Kayu Hitam route. The full guide covers both border crossings, toll costs, parking in George Town, and drive times from Hatyai, Pattani, and Yala. See the driving guide from Thailand →
Flying in?
Direct flights to Penang (PEN) now come from Medan, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Taipei, Chennai, Shanghai, Qingdao and more — alongside the usual KL, Singapore and Bangkok routes. See all direct flights to Penang →
New routes keep opening (Haikou, Batam and Chongqing are announced for October 2026). Latest flight & travel updates →
How Do You Get Around Penang Once You Arrive?
Grab (Recommended)
The easiest way to get around. Rides within George Town typically RM 5-10. Download the app before arriving.
RapidPenang Bus
Public buses cover most of the island. Fare: RM 1.40-5.00 by distance (exact cash). Free CAT bus loops George Town every 10-15 minutes.
Motorbike Rental
RM 30-50/day. Great for exploring Balik Pulau and rural areas. International driving permit recommended.
Walking
George Town is walkable for street art, heritage sites, and food. Bring an umbrella — tropical rain is unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Penang from Kuala Lumpur?
The easiest option is a flight from KL to Penang International Airport (PEN) — 55 minutes on AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines, from RM 60-150. Alternatively, take an express bus from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) for RM 35-60, which takes 4-5 hours. Train enthusiasts can take the KTM to Butterworth and then the Penang Ferry across (about 10 minutes, RM 2).
What is the cheapest way to get to Penang?
The cheapest options are the express bus (RM 35-60 from KL) and the KTM train + Penang Ferry combination. Budget flights on AirAsia can be cheaper when booked in advance. The Penang Ferry from Butterworth costs RM 2 per adult crossing.
Which airlines fly to Penang International Airport?
Airlines serving Penang (PEN) include AirAsia (KL, Singapore, Johor Bahru, Langkawi, Ho Chi Minh City and more), Malaysia Airlines (KL), Firefly (KL Subang, Kota Bharu, Langkawi, Phuket, Banda Aceh), Batik Air (KL), Singapore Airlines and Scoot (Singapore), Thai AirAsia and Thai Airways (Bangkok), Indonesia AirAsia and Lion Air (Medan), and several Chinese, Hong Kong, Taiwanese and Indian carriers. The airport is 16km south of George Town.
How much is the Penang Bridge toll?
The first Penang Bridge is a PLUS toll bridge; check PLUS for the current car toll. The Second Penang Bridge (Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge) charges RM 5.74 for a car (Class 1), per its operator Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd. Both bridges connect Penang Island to the mainland. The Penang Bridge is 13.5km long — the one used in the PBIM marathon.
Is there a train directly to Penang?
There is no train directly onto Penang Island. The KTM train from KL goes to Butterworth station on the mainland (4-5 hours, from RM 20). From Butterworth, take the Penang Ferry (about 10 minutes, RM 2) to George Town. This train-ferry combination is scenic and budget-friendly.
How do I get from Penang Airport to my hotel?
Grab is the easiest option (RM 25-40, 25-40 minutes to George Town). The Rapid Penang 401E airport bus runs to Komtar every 30-60 minutes for RM 2.70. Many hotels offer paid airport transfers — check in advance. Fixed-rate airport taxis cost RM 45-60 to George Town using a coupon system at the terminal.
Can I rent a car at Penang Airport?
Yes — the major international rental companies (Hertz, Budget, Avis, Europcar, Mayflower) all have counters in the Penang International Airport terminal. Rates typically start around RM 80-120 per day for a compact. A car is useful if you plan to venture outside George Town — Penang Hill, Balik Pulau, and the northern beaches are easier with your own wheels. Note that parking in George Town itself is tight, so most visitors park near the heritage zone and walk.