Getting to Penang

Just mention the word Penang, and many thoughts come to mind. Either it’s the great beaches and seaside or heritage and historical elements; however the ultimate thing that would strike anyone’s mind would be the great Penang Food. It is undeniable that plenty of tourists, coming from regional states or even neighboring countries, take time off their busy schedule to make a journey across the majestic Penang Bridge into the Pearl of the Orient. There are also other ways to access this charming island, and on top of that, there are even more ways to get around the island itself! Penang’s public transport system is efficient, and offers plenty of interesting modes of transport such as the trishaw while having the usual taxis and buses!

By Air

The fastest method getting to Penang would be by flight. Penang is easily accessible by air with daily flights from major capitals from regional countries. It has direct links with Singapore, Bangkok, Medan, Xiamen, Madras, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong operated by the following airlines:

Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, Thai Airways, China Airlines, Air Asia, Firefly Airlines, SilkAir, Jetstar, Tiger Airways

The Penang International Airport is about 20 km from the city center. To get to the city, you can choose the air-conditioned limousines plying the route using the coupon system by which fares between the airport and various destinations in Penang are fixed.

Visitors who require a comfortable and economical mode of transport from the Penang International Airport are recommended to take the Rapid Penang Bus No.401E. The bus makes a last-stop at the Weld Quay Jetty, allowing passengers to make a transit to their destination.

Travel fare:
•   RM2.00 – per person

Departure schedule:
•   Every 30 minutes from 0600 to 2330

By Land

If flight isn’t an option for you, there is always the road and expressway! The North-South Expressway connects Penang to major states of Peninsular Malaysia. Once you reach Butterworth, which is the entry point to the island, you may either take the Penang Bridge or a ferry to cross from the mainland. The opening of the Penang Bridge linking the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia to Penang island has facilitated driving to Penang.

Rates for various vehicles are listed as below:

•   Motorcycles: RM 1.40
•   Motorcycle with sidecars, cars including station wagon
    and commercial vehicles on three wheels: RM 7.00
•   Lorries, vans and buses with two axles and four
    wheels: RM 12.00
•   Lorries, vans and buses with two axles and five and six wheels: RM 25.00
•   Vehicles with three axles: RM 45.00
•   Vehicles with four axles: RM 60.00
•   Vehicles with five and more axles: RM75.00
No payment is required for traveling from the island to the mainland.

Do consider taking a ride in the historical ferries that transmute between Penang Island and Butterworth. From Butterworth, it is necessary to take the ferry to Penang Island. Operated by the Penang Port Commission, the ferry service is available for both passengers and vehicles; tickets are purchased at the Butterworth terminal. From Butterworth, visitors can take the ferry to Penang Island. Fares for passengers and vehicle charges are collected at the Butterworth terminal. No payment is required for the return journey.

Rates for pedestrian:

•   Adult: RM1.20
•   Children (between 5-12 years old): RM0.60

Season ticket for pedestrians (valid for 2 months from day of issue):

•   Adult: RM30
•   School-going children: RM6.00

Rates for vehicles:

•   Bicycle: RM1.40
•   Motorcycle (inclusive of pillion rider): RM2.00
•   Trishaw/tricycle: RM3.00
•   Motorcar: RM7.70
•   Lorry (2 axles with 4 wheels): RM13.20
•   Lorry (2 axles with 6 wheels): RM27.50

For more information, please contact:

Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda (Penang Island)
Hotline: +604-210 2363

Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (Butterworth)
Hotline: +604-310 2377

By Rail

Last but not least, there is always the option of the hitting the railway tracks! Taking the train is a comfortable way to travel within the country and if offers one the opportunity to see a lot of the countryside. The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth takes approximately 6 hours, and allows you to be pampered with first and second class passengers travel in comfort in the air-conditioned coaches. The Butterworth train station is located next to the Butterworth Ferry Terminal. Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM Bhd) also operates regular services from Alor Setar in Kedah and even from Bangkok in Thailand.

Looks like there won’t be much inconvenience getting to the Pearl of the Orient with so many modes of transports available, but how about your journey around the island? Traffic may be a hassle for some, so here are some modes you may consider. Generally, Penang's public transport system is efficient and moving around by taxis, buses or trishaws may be a fun way of catching the sights.