Direct Flights from Kota Kinabalu to Penang
BKI → PEN · about 2 hours 40 minutes · 1 carrier
Can you fly direct from Kota Kinabalu to Penang?
Yes. AirAsia operates scheduled direct service between Kota Kinabalu (BKI) and Penang (PEN). Approximate flight time is about 2 hours 40 minutes. Days and frequency change with airline schedules — check the airline website for current timings before booking.
Kota Kinabalu to Penang is a direct Borneo-to-peninsula link flown by AirAsia, saving the change of planes in Kuala Lumpur that most Sabah–Penang trips used to need.
Departure airport: Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), Sabah
Airlines on the BKI–PEN Route
AirAsia
About 2 flights a day
Flight codes: AK5320–AK5325 series
Route status last checked 6 October 2026. Frequencies are what operated (or was announced) at that date — schedules and fares change frequently, so confirm current days, timings and prices directly with the airline before booking.
Visa & Entry for Malaysia (Sabah) Nationals
Domestic Malaysian flight — no immigration on arrival in Penang. Sabah and Sarawak run their own immigration controls, so document checks on flights to and from East Malaysia differ from other domestic routes: Malaysians bring MyKad, and foreign visitors should carry their passport.
We do not give immigration advice. Confirm everything with imi.gov.my (Imigresen Malaysia) or the nearest Malaysian mission before you travel — rules can change at short notice and individual cases vary.
Arriving at Penang International Airport (PEN)
PEN is in Bayan Lepas on the south of Penang island, about 16km from George Town where most hotels, restaurants and the heritage zone are. The transfer is straightforward:
- Grab (the regional ride-hailing app) to George Town is around RM 25-40 and takes 25-40 minutes depending on traffic. Pricing is shown upfront in the app. Download and register before you fly.
- Rapid Penang 401E airport bus to Komtar in central George Town is RM 2.70. Runs roughly every 30 minutes during the day.
- Metered taxis are available landside. Pay at a coupon counter inside the terminal for a fixed-fare option, or use the meter.
- Immigration at PEN is usually quick — under 20 minutes outside Chinese New Year and school holiday peaks.
See Getting Around Penang for moving around the island once you arrive, and Hotels for accommodation options.
Other Direct Routes Into Penang
Penang has direct service from a growing network of Asian cities. See the full list or jump to a specific origin:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there direct flights from Kota Kinabalu to Penang?
Yes. AirAsia operates scheduled direct service between Kota Kinabalu (BKI) and Penang (PEN). Approximate flight time is about 2 hours 40 minutes. Days and frequency change with airline schedules — check the airline website for current timings before booking.
Where does the flight arrive in Penang?
Penang International Airport (PEN) is in Bayan Lepas, about 16km south of George Town. Grab (the regional ride-hailing app) to the city centre costs roughly RM 25-40 and takes 25-40 minutes. The Rapid Penang 401E airport bus runs to Komtar for RM 2.70.
Do I need a visa to enter Malaysia from Malaysia (Sabah)?
Domestic Malaysian flight — no immigration on arrival in Penang. Sabah and Sarawak run their own immigration controls, so document checks on flights to and from East Malaysia differ from other domestic routes: Malaysians bring MyKad, and foreign visitors should carry their passport. Imigresen Malaysia (imi.gov.my) is the official source of immigration rules. We do not give immigration advice — check before you book.
What is the IATA code for Penang Airport?
PEN. The ICAO code is WMKP. The airport is operated by Malaysia Airports Holdings (MAHB) and handles both international and domestic services.
Can I get a SIM card or money changer at the airport?
Yes. There are several Malaysian mobile providers (Maxis, Celcom, Digi/U Mobile, Yes) with prepaid SIM kiosks landside at PEN, plus moneychangers and ATMs from Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank and RHB. Many travellers prefer to bring a small amount of MYR for the airport transfer and change the rest in George Town where rates are typically better.
Flight schedules, visa rules and fares change regularly. Information on this page is general travel guidance current as at publication — verify with the airline, with imi.gov.my for immigration, and with your bank for currency before you travel.