Getting to Penang
Besides its past, Penang has beautiful natural surroundings and many attractions. It is a small city that has a lot of places for you to explore. If you decide to travel to Penang, it is very important to find out how to get to it.
If you have a car, or you rent one then this is the most comfortable choice. Penang is connected to the mainland by North-South Highway. Once you reached Butterworth, which is the island’s main entry point from the mainland, you may take either the Penang Bridge or the ferry to cross over to the island. Long family trips must be by car.
Cost from KL: The distance between Kuala Lumpur and Penang is about 331km. The toll price is within RM55 while the fuel cost for a sedan car is about RM65 for a one way trip.
There are two long distant bus terminals in Penang. One is situated in Penang Island at Sungai Nibong, Georgetown. The other one is located just beside the ferry terminal at Butterworth. Travel to Penang by bus from other cities is affordable and faster than train. Bus drivers respect their strict travel schedule.
Bus fare from KL: A one way trip ranges from RM31 to RM40. By using our coach booking system on this page, you can plan your trip by bus at your fingertips.
The Penang International Airport is located in Bayan Lepas. You can fly to Penang from other Malaysian airports in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Kuantan, and Langkawi. There are also direct international flights from Hong Kong, Taipei, Guangzhou, Bangkok, Ko Samui, Phuket, Singapore, Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan and Banda Aceh.
Getting to Penang by plane is convenient, safe and fast. From the airport you can either take a taxi or a bus to reach any point on the island.
KTMB – Malaysia Railway – offers train service to Butterworth train station, just beside the ferry terminal. Tickets can be booked at the train station, the ferry terminal, or KTM online. Many tourists choose to travel by train. The slow trains offer the most spectacular landscapes that can be photographed.
Train fare from KL: It takes about 6 hours to travel to KL and the fare is about RM35 for a second class seat.
If your travel plan includes Thailand, then you must know that there is minivan service between Georgetown and several cities in Thailand such as Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Trang, Surat Thani, Ko Samui, Krabi, Ko Pha Ngan, Hat Yai and Bangkok.
Penang is a charming and unique city. Its attractions and culture make it a favorite city for meetings, conventions and exhibitions. Just choose a transport and explore it!
