Penang Hill & Penang National Park by Public Transport

Penang Hill and Penang National Park are the island's two big nature days out, and you can reach both without a car. Here's how, using what the operators themselves publish.

Penang Hill: getting to the funicular

Everything starts at the Penang Hill Lower Station, the funicular terminus at the end of Hill Railway Road (Jalan Stesen Bukit Bendera).

By bus. Penang Hill Corporation says the Penang Hill bus stop, within walking distance of the Lower Station, is served by Rapid Penang Bus 204. Rapid Penang runs the 204 from Weld Quay via KOMTAR, Air Itam and Kek Lok Si to the "Stesen Bukit Bendera" stop every 35–45 minutes, from 5:30 am; the last bus leaves Weld Quay at 11:30 pm and the hill at 10:35 pm. KOMTAR to the hill is about 10 km, RM 2.00 in exact cash. See Bus 204.

By Grab. Our Grab fare guide puts George Town to the Penang Hill base station at about 8 km and RM 15–20, and the airport to the hill at about 20 km and RM 30–40. From Batu Ferringhi it's about 19 km and RM 30–40. Penang Hill Corporation suggests entering "Penang Hill Lower Station" as the drop-off.

By car. You can't drive up the hill. Only residents, business operators and contractors with permits may. Park at the Penang Hill Multi-Storey Car Park, a short walk from the Lower Station, or the open car park near Thean Kong Thnuah Temple. See our driving and parking guide.

Hop-on hop-off. Penang Hill Corporation lists the Penang Hop On Hop Off bus as an option, and asks visitors to phone the operator (011-1230 5358) to check whether it's running.

For what to do at the top, see our Penang Hill guide.

Penang National Park: getting to Teluk Bahang

Penang National Park (Taman Negara Pulau Pinang) is at Teluk Bahang, at the north-western end of the island. Its administrative office is on Jalan Hassan Abbas, Teluk Bahang. The federal ministry that oversees the park says public transport to Teluk Bahang runs from the ferry terminal and KOMTAR.

By bus. Two Rapid Penang routes run to Teluk Bahang and on to the "Taman Negara" stop at the park entrance (bus route data).

• Bus 101 runs from Weld Quay, near the ferry terminal, via KOMTAR, Gurney Drive, Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi, every 10–12 minutes (about RM 3.40 from Weld Quay; the timetable allows 50–100 minutes).
• Bus 102 starts at Penang International Airport and runs via KOMTAR along the same north-coast road, about every 75 minutes.

It's a long ride along the coast road, so start early, especially if you plan to walk to the beaches inside the park.

By Grab. Our Grab fare guide puts George Town to Teluk Bahang at about 20 km and RM 30–40, adding 10–15 minutes on weekends when Batu Ferringhi beach traffic builds up.

Can you do both in one day?

They are at opposite ends of a long ride. The hill is inland from George Town, and the park is at the far end of the north coast. Our Grab fare guide prices Batu Ferringhi to Penang Hill at RM 30–40 on its own. Most people give each one its own morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bus goes to Penang Hill?

Penang Hill Corporation says the Penang Hill bus stop, near the funicular's Lower Station, is served by Rapid Penang Bus 204.

Can I drive to the top of Penang Hill?

No. Only residents, business operators and contractors with permits may drive up. Park near the Lower Station and take the funicular.

How do I get to Penang National Park by public transport?

Take a Rapid Penang bus to Teluk Bahang. Our route data lists Bus 101 from Weld Quay via KOMTAR and Bus 102 from the airport, both ending at Teluk Bahang. The park's administrative office is on Jalan Hassan Abbas in Teluk Bahang.

How much is a Grab to Penang Hill from George Town?

About RM 15–20 for roughly 8 km, according to our Grab fare guide.

More on getting around

• Penang bus routes
• Getting around Penang
• Accessible transport in Penang: including wheelchair access on the funicular