How to Go

Penang is well connected by major air, road and train systems from international or domestic locations. Most visitors will fly in by air as Penang has an international airport. Still, a great number of visitors, especially local, will come by car from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, using the North-South Highway. The train is an alternative way of getting to Penang while visitors from Langkawi Island can use the ferry service to visit Penang.

Most local visitors or those from Singapore will drive their own vehicles to Penang. The North-South Highway which stretches from Johor Bahru to Perlis is the primary route of travel for cars, buses and taxis. From Kuala Lumpur, it is approximately 400 km to Penang, taking about 4 hours by car to reach. Visitors from Singapore will take about 7 to 8 hours to reach Penang. Once at Butterworth, the entry point to Penang Island, cars can take the Penang Bridge (Toll for entering is MYR7, free for going out) or ride on ferries. Bus tickets to Penang can be obtained from Puduraya Station in Kuala Lumpur.

Tourists from international destinations can fly direct or transit from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Penang. The major airline systems flying to Penang are Malaysian Airlines (MAS), budget carrier Air Asia and Tiger Airways (Singapore). The airport also has links to flights from Bangkok, Taipei, Medan and China. A flight from Kuala Lumpur to Penang ranges between half-an-hour to 45 minutes, providing a quick journey for hasty travellers. The Penang International Airport is located in Bayan Lepas, about 20 minutes from the city center of Georgetown.

The train offers a peaceful ride through countryside scenery and rural plantations from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth in Penang. It is a slow but pleasant journey, taking about 8 hours using the trains from Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM). Train services also run from Alor Setar in northern Peninsular Malaysia and even from Haadyai and Bangkok in Thailand. Travellers can choose between air conditioned luxury coaches to economy class seats in trains depending on budget. Once in Butterworth, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Penang Island.

All visitors in Butterworth need to cross the sea to reach Penang, which can be done via the Penang Bridge or through ferry services. There is another ferry service that runs from Langkawi Island to Penang daily, that takes about 3 hours. Ferry charges from Butterworth, which will carry your vehicle along, are priced at MYR7.70. It is an alternative way to travel if the Penang Bridge happens to be jammed or if you want to enjoy the sea breeze.