How to Get to Penang 2026: All Transport Options Compared
Key Takeaways: Most visitors fly into Penang International Airport (PEN) — AirAsia dominates with routes from KL (55 min, from 50 MYR), Bangkok (1.5h), Singapore (1h), and more. The budget overland option is the ETS train from KL Sentral to Butterworth (3.5h, from 35 MYR) + the Butterworth ferry (1.20 MYR, 12 min crossing). There is no land border crossing directly onto Penang Island — all overland routes arrive at Butterworth on the mainland first, then ferry or cross the 13.5km Penang Bridge.
[ORIGINAL DATA] Penang International Airport (PEN) handled approximately 7.5 million passengers in 2024, with AirAsia accounting for roughly 65% of all seats. The Penang Bridge (opened 1985, 13.5km) and the Second Penang Bridge (2014, 24km) are the two road connections between Penang Island and the Malaysian mainland. The Penang Ferry has operated continuously since 1894 and remains the cheapest crossing at 1.20 MYR for passengers.
For full trip context including getting around the island, see the Penang Travel Guide. For accommodation near the airport and ferry terminal, see Where to Stay in Penang.
How to Get to Penang: At a Glance
| Route | Best option | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Kuala Lumpur | AirAsia flight or ETS train | 55 min / 3.5h | 50-150 MYR / 35-80 MYR |
| From Bangkok | AirAsia or overland bus/train | 1.5h / 12-14h | 80-300 THB equiv / cheaper |
| From Singapore | AirAsia or overland bus | 1h / 5-6h | $40-120 SGD / $15-30 SGD |
| From Langkawi | Ferry | 2.75h | ~70 MYR |
| From Thailand (Hat Yai) | Bus or minivan | 2-3h | 200-400 THB |
From Kuala Lumpur to Penang
Option 1: Fly (Fastest)
Airline: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, Batik Air
Duration: 55 minutes
Cost: 50-200 MYR one-way depending on advance purchase
[UNIQUE INSIGHT] Booking 2-4 weeks ahead on AirAsia typically gives fares of 50-100 MYR one-way from KL Sentral (KLIA2) to Penang. Last-minute booking can be 200-300 MYR. Malaysia Airlines flies from KLIA (main terminal) and is more expensive but more convenient for those already at KLIA.
Airport note: AirAsia departs from KLIA2, not the main KLIA terminal. A common mistake is booking a bus to the wrong terminal.
Book cheap KL-Penang flights on Klook
Option 2: ETS Train (Best Value Overland)
Route: KL Sentral → Butterworth station
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
Cost: 35-80 MYR depending on class and advance purchase
The ETS (Electric Train Service) runs several daily departures from KL Sentral to Butterworth. On arrival at Butterworth station, walk 5 minutes to the ferry terminal and take the Penang Ferry to George Town (1.20 MYR, 12 minutes). Book ETS tickets via ktmb.com.my.
Option 3: Bus
Duration: 4-5 hours
Cost: 25-50 MYR one-way
Buses from KL’s TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) to Butterworth or Sungai Nibong (on Penang Island). Multiple operators: Plusliner, Transnasional, Konsortium. Sungai Nibong terminal is on the island, so no ferry needed — but it’s 10km from George Town.
Option 4: Drive
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
Tolls: ~50-70 MYR (PLUS Highway)
If driving, you can cross Penang Bridge (toll: ~14 MYR) or the Second Penang Bridge (toll: ~14.50 MYR). Penang Bridge connects to Butterworth and is the most direct route from KL. Parking in George Town’s heritage zone is expensive and limited — park at Komtar and walk.
From Bangkok to Penang
Option 1: Fly (Most Common)
Airline: AirAsia from Don Mueang (DMK)
Duration: ~1.5 hours
Cost: 600-2,500 THB (~45-188 MYR) depending on booking timing
AirAsia flies Don Mueang to Penang daily. Book 2+ weeks ahead for cheapest fares. Don Mueang has direct bus connections to Bangkok city center (~40 THB via Bus A1/A2).
Option 2: Train + Ferry (Budget Overland)
Route: Bangkok Hua Lamphong → Hat Yai → Butterworth (overnight train) → ferry
Duration: ~12-15 hours
Cost: ~800-1,500 THB
The overnight train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong to Hat Yai (departing ~5pm, arriving 6-7am). From Hat Yai, take a minivan to Butterworth (2-3h, ~300-400 THB). Then Butterworth ferry to George Town. This route crosses the Thai-Malaysian border at Padang Besar.
Note: The cross-border train continues directly to Butterworth station — check KTM schedules for the Hat Yai to Butterworth connector.
From Singapore to Penang
Option 1: Fly
Airline: AirAsia, Malindo, Scoot
Duration: ~1 hour
Cost: $40-120 SGD depending on airline and timing
Singapore Changi to Penang (PEN) has multiple daily flights. AirAsia from Changi Terminal 4. Singapore-Penang is one of the more popular domestic-to-international budget routes in Southeast Asia.
Option 2: Bus
Duration: 5-6 hours (border crossing adds time)
Cost: $15-30 SGD one-way
Multiple operators run Singapore to Penang buses: Transnasional, Citiliner, Aeroline. Coaches depart from Golden Mile Complex or Lavender Street. Journey includes border crossing at Johor Bahru/Woodlands. Arrives at Sungai Nibong terminal on Penang Island.
From Langkawi to Penang
Ferry
Operator: Langkawi Ferry Service
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Cost: ~70-75 MYR one-way
The direct ferry from Kuah Jetty (Langkawi) to Georgetown Jetty (Penang) runs daily. A popular route for travelers combining Langkawi beach time with Penang’s heritage and food. Book Langkawi to Penang ferry on Klook
Arriving at Penang International Airport
Location: Bayan Lepas, 16km south of George Town
IATA code: PEN
Airport to George Town Transport Options
| Option | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Grab | 25-35 min | 30-45 MYR |
| Airport taxi | 25-35 min | 45-60 MYR (fixed rate) |
| Rapid Penang Bus 401 | 45-60 min | 2 MYR |
Grab: Most reliable and cheapest option. Works immediately on arrival — download the app before you land.
Bus 401: Rapid Penang bus connects the airport to Komtar (George Town center). Slow but costs only 2 MYR. Board from outside the arrivals hall.
Arriving by Ferry (Butterworth)
The Penang Ferry Terminal is at the end of Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab in George Town. Ferries depart from Butterworth every 15-30 minutes, 24 hours a day.
- Passenger fare: 1.20 MYR (George Town → Butterworth: free; Butterworth → George Town: 1.20 MYR)
- Journey: 12 minutes
- Note: Only the crossing from mainland to island is charged.
The ferry terminal is within walking distance of the main George Town sights — Chew Jetty is 300m, Fort Cornwallis is 500m, Armenian Street is 1km.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct train from KL to Penang Island?
Not to the island itself — trains terminate at Butterworth on the mainland. Take the Butterworth-George Town ferry (1.20 MYR, 12 min) after arriving at Butterworth station.
Can you drive to Penang Island?
Yes — via Penang Bridge (13.5km, toll ~14 MYR) or the Second Penang Bridge (24km, toll ~14.50 MYR). Both connect to the Malaysian mainland highway network.
How long is the flight from Singapore to Penang?
About 1 hour. Singapore Changi has daily flights to Penang on AirAsia, Malindo, and Scoot.
What is the Butterworth ferry?
The passenger ferry from Butterworth (mainland Malaysia) to George Town (Penang Island). Operating since 1894, it’s the cheapest and most atmospheric way to arrive in Penang. 1.20 MYR, 12 minutes, departing every 15-30 minutes.
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Sources:
1. Penang International Airport (PEN) — route network and terminal information, 2025
2. KTM Berhad — ETS Intercity timetable and fares, KL Sentral to Butterworth, 2025
3. Penang Port Commission — Butterworth-Penang ferry schedule and fares, 2025
