Getting to Penang
Penang is a busy internation hub, so there are a lot of ways to get there.
Planes
Air travel is the natural choice to get to Penang. The national carrier, Malaysia Air System, flies between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Thai and Singapore airlines also offer direct flights from their respective countries. For more information about the airport and airlines, see the Asia Airports guide to Penang International Airport.
Planes arrive at Penang's International airport (airport code: PEN) at the southern end of the island. It's about half an hour by taxi to reach Georgetown. The fare is fixed at RM 30 (8.33 USD) for taxis from the airport to the city, or you can book a transfer in advance through the links below.
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Penang Airport Arrival Transfer  | From: $ 9.63 |
Travel from Penang Airport to your Penang Hotel. Choose between a shared vehicle transfer, and your own private vehicle transfer.
When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your accommodation details. Your transfer will be confirmed within 24 hours and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. Vehicles used:
At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details:
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Penang Airport Departure Transfer | From: $ 9.63 |
Travel from your Penang hotel to the Penang Airport. Choose between a shared vehicle transfer, and your own private vehicle transfer.
When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your accommodation details. Your transfer will be confirmed within 24 hours and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. 24 - 48 hours prior to your Hotel to Airport transfer, you will be required to reconfirm exact pick up times and places (the contact number will be provided on your travel voucher). Vehicles used:
At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details: | ||
Trains
Penang is easily reached by train from either Singapore via Kuala Lumpur or Thailand. Malaysian Rail has daily trains traveling up and down the entire length of the peninsula. Trains arrive in Butterworth on the mainland and it's just a short ferry ride across to Georgetown.
Buses
Traveling by bus is not something that readily comes to mind, but there are some excellent services around Malaysia that offer a level of comfort that can even out-do first class air flight. Check out Plus Liner for more information.
Ferry
In addition to the mainland just minutes away, you can also get to Penang by ferry from Langkawi (about two hours) and Medan in Indonesia (up to six hours). Both of these services dock at the pier next to Fort Cornwallis.
