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Penang Taxi and Grab Guide
Grab is the right way to get around Penang. Here's what it costs, where taxis still make sense, and how to get from the airport to George Town without getting ripped off.
Penang is a small island — 1,048 km² — but George Town's historic core is not well-covered by public bus for tourists. The practical reality for most visitors is Grab for everything within George Town, and Rapid Penang bus for longer routes.
Grab in Penang (2026)
Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app in Malaysia and the reliable, affordable way to get around George Town and the island.
Typical Grab fares in 2026:
- George Town hotel to Penang Hill: RM 18–25
- George Town to Gurney Drive: RM 8–12
- George Town to Batu Ferringhi: RM 28–40
- George Town to Penang International Airport: RM 35–50
- George Town to Penang Sentral (ferry terminal): RM 8–12
Practical notes:
- Grab availability in George Town is high — wait times typically 3–7 minutes during the day.
- Prices are fixed upfront in the app; no negotiation or meter uncertainty.
- Peak hours (8–9am, 6–8pm on weekdays) and rainy days have surge pricing. The app shows the price before you book.
- Grab accepts credit/debit card and GrabPay (e-wallet). No need for cash.
From Penang International Airport
Grab from the airport to George Town: RM 35–50. Book from inside the terminal — Grab pickup is at the designated ride-hailing zone (Level 1, near the arrival hall exit). This is the recommended option.
Airport taxis (metered): Available outside arrivals. Metered taxis to George Town cost RM 35–55. The meter starts at a flag-fall rate. Ensure the driver uses the meter — if they quote a flat price before starting the meter, ask them to use it.
Public bus (Rapid Penang): Route 401 runs from the airport to Komtar (George Town city centre) for RM 2.70. It takes 35–45 minutes and runs approximately every 20–30 minutes from 6am to 11pm. The bus stops at the main bus stop outside arrivals.
Taxis in Penang
Penang metered taxis (recognisable by the red-and-white livery) are available but have a reputation for overcharging tourists who don't know the meter should be used. Always confirm the meter is on. The flag-fall rate is RM 3, with RM 0.25 per 200 metres or 45 seconds of waiting.
When taxis make more sense than Grab: Late-night (Grab surge), when you need a van for a group, or for hourly hire for a Penang island drive.
Rental Cars
International rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar) have counters at Penang International Airport. A compact car costs RM 100–180/day. In George Town, a car is a liability — parking is expensive, traffic is slow, and Grab is cheaper for short trips.
For day trips out of George Town (Penang Hill area, Balik Pulau, Teluk Bahang, Butterworth side), a rental car or Grab makes sense. The outer ring of Penang Island is served by public bus, but infrequently.
Rapid Penang Bus
The public bus network covers most of the island with fares under RM 3. Route 101 (Weld Quay to Balik Pulau) and Route 102 (George Town to Teluk Bahang and Penang National Park entrance) are the most useful tourist routes. Full schedules are at RapidPenang; the Rapid Penang app shows real-time bus positions.
For the ferry to Butterworth/Mainland: The Penang Ferry departs from Penang Sentral (Weld Quay) approximately every 30 minutes, costs RM 1.20, and takes 10–15 minutes. The ferry terminal is a 10-minute Grab ride from most George Town hotels.