Island, Malaysia
Getting around Penang
How to get around Penang
George Town is walkable and has a free CAT bus; elsewhere use Grab or Rapid Penang buses. Most nomads skip a scooter and use Grab.
Ways to get around Penang
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid Penang buses | About RM2–4 | Cover Gurney Drive, Batu Ferringhi, airport and Butterworth |
| Free CAT bus | Free | Loop around the George Town heritage zone |
| Grab / Bolt | About RM10–20 for 5 km | Most reliable for beaches and late nights |
| Penang Ferry | About RM1.40 from Butterworth | Short crossing between Butterworth and George Town |
Ride-hailing apps in Penang
A 5 km ride costs about RM10–20 ($2.4–4.9).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Most drivers, including airport pickups |
| Bolt | Cheaper at times; fewer drivers on the west coast |
| inDrive | Offer your own fare when apps surge |
- Metered taxis are rare in practice and often quote flat fares; prefer Grab. Trishaws are for short sightseeing only.
Arriving in Penang
Penang International (PEN)
Grab to George Town about RM25–40, 25–40 min; Rapid Penang bus 401E about RM4, slower.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rented for about RM40–70 a day in tourist areas; an international or motorcycle-class licence is required, and traffic is fast.
- Driving: on the left. Visitors can drive on an English-language licence; otherwise carry an IDP. Scooters need a motorcycle-class licence.
- Onward travel in Malaysia: KTM's ETS electric trains link KL with Ipoh and Butterworth (for Penang); express buses go everywhere; cheap flights reach Penang, Langkawi and Borneo.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Penang?
No. Use Grab, Bolt, inDrive instead.
What's the best way to get around Penang?
George Town is walkable and has a free CAT bus; elsewhere use Grab or Rapid Penang buses. Most nomads skip a scooter and use Grab.
How do I get from the airport to Penang?
Grab to George Town about RM25–40, 25–40 min; Rapid Penang bus 401E about RM4, slower.
Is Penang walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Penang
Going to Penang solo?
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Sources
- KTMB (Malaysian railways)
- AirAsia
- Rapid Penang
- Penang Ferry (Penang Port)
- Penang International Airport
- Gleneagles Hospital Penang
- Penang tourism board (Penang Global Tourism)
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.