Transportation To Penang
Because Penang is so compact, getting around the island and exploring the mainland is very easy, whether you choose public transport or a rental car. The Rapid Penang bus service offers an extensive network of travel routes throughout the state; in fact all the buses are equipped with air conditioning facilities. In addition to taxi and e-hailing services, the use of rental cars, motorbikes and bicycles is also very popular in Penang.
Through the Air
Penang is easily accessible with daily flights from major airports in the country and in the Asian region. Penang International Airport is located 20km from the city center.
Taxis offering service along this route are subject to a coupon system that sets fares between airports and various destinations.
Through the Road
The North-South Highway connects Penang with the main cities on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The journey through the highway can take between 4-5 hours with toll fees charged.
Via Passenger Ferry
The Ferry Terminal or Jetty is where passengers board the ferry that travels between the island and the mainland. The ferry ride from Butterworth to Penang only takes 10 minutes. If you are taking a train to Penang from Kuala Lumpur or another city, you can take a ferry to Penang from the ferry terminal in Butterworth which is next to the train station. Although you can use the Penang Bridge, the ferry ride is an interesting experience.
Operating Hours
7am – 11pm** Departs from the island side (Swettenham Pier) to the mainland (Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim)
6.30am – 10.30pm** Departs from the mainland (Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim) to the island side (Swettenham Pier)
Operating Frequency: Every 30 minutes (peak hours) & 60 minutes
Fare: Adults RM1.20 / Children RM0.60
Note
- Note, the ferry service from the island to the mainland is free – the fare is only charged for travel from the mainland to part of the island.
** Itinerary is an estimate
Train
The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth takes about six hours. Trains are a comfortable way to travel within the country and allow you to see the countryside. The train station on the Penang mainland is a stop for the main train line from Bangkok to Johor Bahru (for entry from Singapore).
MOVING AROUND PENANG ISLAND
Although the city center in Penang is small in size, there are various types of public transport from tricycles to free shuttle buses, public buses and taxis. You can also take a walk around George Town and nearby areas. Public transport services are also available for travel to attractions further away from George Town such as Kek Lok Si Temple, Bukit Bendera and other attractions in Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang or Penang National Park. Check the schedule and fares before choosing your mode of transport.
Taxi
Taxi facilities can be found around the island; it is a service frequently used by tourists. Make sure you have agreed to the set price before getting into the taxi. Start the conversation by asking the price to your destination; you can bargain if you think the price is too high.
e-Hailing service
Apps like Grab are used in Penang. Download this app to start booking your service. Payment is accepted in cash or credit/debit card.
Bus
The main public bus service is operated by Rapid Penang and it covers an extensive area on the island as well as on the mainland. It also operates a free Central Area Transit ( CAT ) bus service around George Town. KOMTAR Terminal is the central interchange terminal for buses that cover the entire island area. You can ask or look at the information board for the most suitable route. When boarding the Rapid Penang bus, inform the driver of your destination, pay the amount charged and receive a ticket for your journey. Do not forget to prepare the correct payment because the balance is not returned. This is because buses do not provide change for security reasons.
*Fare is based on travel distance.
Travel Pass (1 month)
Fare:
Adults RM110 (Foreigners) RM75 (Malaysians),
Students RM55 (Foreigners) RM35 (Malaysians)
Registration Preparation
- 1 photo identification card
- 1 copy of applicant’s passport
- 1 copy of student identification card
- Fee RM5
Website: www.rapidpg.com.my
Free CAT Bus
The free Central Area Transit Bus (CAT – Central Area Transit) is a free shuttle bus service that operates around George Town. It is the most frequent mode of transport used by tourists to go to popular local attractions for free. The frequency of this bus trip is every 15 minutes. You can wait for the Rapid Penang bus which displays the “Free CAT Bus” sign.
Operating Hours: 6.00 am to 11.45 pm
Fare: Free
Bus Stop from Ferry Terminal to KOMTAR
2 Ferry Terminal → 3 Little India → 4 Immigration → 5 National Bank → 6 Museum → 7 Lebuh Muntri → 8 Lebuh Campbell → 9 KOMTAR
Bus Stop from KOMTAR to Ferry Terminal
9 KOMTAR → 11 Jalan Kedah → 12 Pasar Chowrasta → 13 East KOMTAR → 14 Lebuh Carnarvon → 15 Kampung Kolam → 16 High Court of Penang → 17 Dewan Sri Pinang → 18 Kota Cornwallis → 19 Lebuh Downing → 1 Pengkalan Weld → 2 Ferry Terminal
Trishaw
Powered entirely by bicycle, this iconic symbol is perfect as transportation around George Town. Opt for a rickshaw ride if you like a windy ride. Make sure you agree on the price before starting the trip. The average price for two people is RM30 per hour, depending on the distance between the starting and ending places.
Rent a car
The use of a rental car makes travel easier and offers greater flexibility. It’s a daily rate – you just pay a deposit and the car can be driven anywhere. Car hire services are available around the city – most hotels can suggest the type of service that is right for you.
Europcar Car Rental
Tel: +6012 329 3010
Hawk Car Rental Penang
Tel: +6016 207 6536
Hertz Car Rental Tel: +604 226 8602
Kasina
Car Rental Tel: +604 228 8602 La Belle Car Rental Tel: +604 264 2717 Mayflower Car Rental Tel: +604 641 1191 New Bob Car Rental Tel: +604 226 6111 Orix Penang Car Rental Tel: +604 644 4772
Motorcycle/Bicycle Rental
Bicycles and motorbikes are a fun and inexpensive way to explore the island. There is a bicycle sharing system in the city and surrounding areas and also facilities for renting bicycles and motorbikes along the hotel strip in Batu Feringghi.
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