Getting to Penang is Easy
Penang is accessible by land and air through a vast network of travel options.
Penang International Airport sees incoming international flights from many countries. You can fly directly to Penang or transit through major cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar and Bangkok.
Domestic flights are also widely available for students to fly to Penang from other states within Malaysia; you can easily fly in from Sabah, Sarawak, Johor and Melaka, among many other destinations.
Alternatively, you can travel to Butterworth from other states within Malaysia by train using KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) train services such as KTM Intercity or KTM Electric Train Service (ETS). Students from Thailand and Singapore can transit through Padang Besar and JB Sentral to travel by train to Butterworth.
Other than the Penang Bridge and the Second Penang Bridge, another option of getting to Penang island from Butterworth is via the Penang Ferry Terminal. Travel time is only 20 minutes. If you are taking a train to Penang from Kuala Lumpur or other cities, you may board the ferry to the island from the ferry terminal at Butterworth, which is located just next to Penang Sentral. Although it is possible to travel between the island and the mainland via both Penang bridges, taking the ferry will be a memorable experience.
Alternatively, you can travel to Butterworth from other states within Malaysia by train using KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) train services such as KTM Intercity or KTM Electric Train Service (ETS). Students from Thailand and Singapore can transit through Padang Besar and JB Sentral to travel by train to Butterworth.
Other than the Penang Bridge and the Second Penang Bridge, another option of getting to Penang island from Butterworth is via the Penang Ferry Terminal. Travel time is only 20 minutes. If you are taking a train to Penang from Kuala Lumpur or other cities, you may board the ferry to the island from the ferry terminal at Butterworth, which is located just next to Penang Sentral. Although it is possible to travel between the island and the mainland via both Penang bridges, taking the ferry will be a memorable experience.
Moving Around Penang is Breezy
Once you have figured out where you are staying in Penang, you may want to know how to move around the island.
Walking
Walking is the best way to see the city. George Town is small enough to walk around. The roads are pedestrian friendly, too. Many facilities such as convenience stores (7-Eleven and Happy Mart), laundrettes and mamak stalls are open 24 hours and are within a reasonable distance.
Cycling
Penang is the first cycling state in Malaysia. It is a convenient, affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
Bicycle rental is everywhere in George Town. Additionally, foldable bicycles with a maximum dimension of 180 cm (5.9 feet) in length and 120 cm (3.9 feet) in height are allowed on board Rapid Penang buses.
The Penang state government has introduced LinkBike, a public bicycle sharing system with its dedicated lane in the island. Currently, there are 250 LinkBike bicycles and 25 stations throughout the city, including its UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as suburban places such as Gurney Drive and Queensbay Mall.
Cycling
Penang is the first cycling state in Malaysia. It is a convenient, affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
Bicycle rental is everywhere in George Town. Additionally, foldable bicycles with a maximum dimension of 180 cm (5.9 feet) in length and 120 cm (3.9 feet) in height are allowed on board Rapid Penang buses.
The Penang state government has introduced LinkBike, a public bicycle sharing system with its dedicated lane in the island. Currently, there are 250 LinkBike bicycles and 25 stations throughout the city, including its UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as suburban places such as Gurney Drive and Queensbay Mall.
Bus
The state’s public bus service is provided by Rapid Penang and covers an extensive area, both on the island and the mainland. It also offers students unlimited travel around Penang at only RM35 for Malaysian students and RM55 for foreign students through its Rapid Youth concession card.
Alternatively, a free shuttle bus service, the Central Area Transit (CAT), provides a convenient way of moving around town.
Taxi and E-Hailing Services
Taxis are commonly available around the island. E-Hailing services are available in Penang. Simply download the app to start booking your trips. Payment is either by cash or credit card.
Taxi and E-Hailing Services
Taxis are commonly available around the island. E-Hailing services are available in Penang. Simply download the app to start booking your trips. Payment is either by cash or credit card.