Penang International Airport is situated 18 km from Georgetown, the capital of the Malaysian island of Penang. In light traffic, the journey between the two takes around 30 minutes. There are three transport options available to you when traveling from Penang Airport to Georgetown: taxi, bus, or a Penang Airport transfer.
The fastest way to get to the city is by taking a Penang Airport taxi or booking a private transfer. Both offer door-to-door service and are available 24/7. Catching the local bus is a more inexpensive option, though it’s slower and can take upwards of 35 minutes to arrive in Georgetown.
3 options from Penang Airport to Georgetown
PRICE FOR 
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €25 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Private transfers are the easiest way to upgrade your travel experience and be treated to luxury. | ||||||
Taxi | €9.70 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Taxis are ideal for those who haven't booked a ride in advance but want the most convenient and efficient ride. | ||||||
Bus | €1.20 | 455min | 05:45–23:35 | Convenience | Read more | |
| The bus is a good option for those on a tight budget with light luggage who have extra time to wait. | ||||||
Getting from Penang Airport to Georgetown by taxi is quick, convenient, and straightforward. Penang Airport taxis serve the airport throughout the day and night and are easy to identify due to their red and white exterior and the ‘TAXI’ sign on the roof. On average, it takes 30 minutes to get to Georgetown.
Cost of taxi from Penang Airport to Georgetown
For trips from Penang Airport to Georgetown, taxi fares are fixed and aren’t calculated using taximeters. Some drivers may offer their own prices, but most charge €9.70 (MYR 44.70) for the service, which aligns with the rates set by the taxi information desk in the Arrivals Hall. Prices increase by around 50% for journeys between 00:00 and 06:00, with fares rising to about €14.50 (MYR 67). Keep in mind that larger vehicles typically incur higher fares.
Where do I get a taxi from?
The taxi rank at Penang Airport is located right out of the terminal building. Before you exit the Arrivals Hall, look for the yellow taxi desk. Here, you can inform the agent of your desired destination, pay the fare, and then continue outside to the rank with the coupon you received. When you find a driver, simply present the coupon to them to start the ride.
Convenience
Hopping into a taxi from Penang International Airport to Georgetown is one of the best ways to travel, as cabs are available 24/7. You’ll be dropped at the door to your hotel and can usually pay a fixed price for the service. However, during the high season, you might have to join lengthy queues at both the taxi desk and rank before finding a driver.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreRapid Penang is the island’s primary bus service, which provides several routes that can take you from Penang Airport to Georgetown. Bus lines 401E and 102 are the most convenient options, taking between 45 minutes to an hour to reach Georgetown. The 401E is more frequent but takes slightly longer, while the 102 is faster but has fewer departures.
How much is the bus from Penang Airport to Georgetown?
The Penang Airport to city bus fare is around €0.60 (MYR 2.70) for a one-way trip. You’ll need to pay the driver in cash as you board to receive your ticket.
The bus from Penang Airport to Georgetown runs between 05:45 and 23:35, though it can vary slightly depending on the service.
Where do I get the bus from?
Each of the buses that run from Penang Airport to Georgetown depart from directly outside the Arrivals Hall alongside the sheltered bus stop.
Convenience
Jumping on the bus from Penang Airport to Georgetown is a fantastic way for budget-conscious visitors to travel. Not only is the bus affordable and modern, but waiting times are also pretty short, with buses departing roughly every 20 minutes. Nonetheless, the buses don’t run late at night or in the early hours of the morning, so it’s not a viable option for everyone. Moreover, heavy traffic can significantly increase the duration of the ride.
Timetables
Rapid Penang Bus Services
Timetables - 401E, 102
Useful Tips
If you want to beat the queues at the taxi rank, secure a competitive, fixed fare, and enjoy a seamless ride to your hotel, arranging a private transfer from Penang Airport to Georgetown is the best option for you. At Welcome Pickups, we’re dedicated to providing five-star service for your transfer and include a bunch of convenient extras, including:
On the day of your arrival, your payment will already be taken care of, meaning all you have to do is kick back and unwind as you venture towards the city.
How much is a private transfer from Penang Airport to Georgetown?
When you organize your Penang Airport transfer with us, you’ll be able to pay ahead of time and won’t have anything to stress about on the day.
We offer modern sedans that can take up to three passengers from Penang Airport to Georgetown for €25 (MYR 115). Larger parties, such as those with up to seven travelers, can opt for one of our larger vehicles, which come in at €44 (MYR 203).
To secure your ride, you’ll need to open our app or website and provide some key details about your transfer. You’ll then receive a quote, and once you’ve made your secure payment, you’ll be all set.
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Penang International Airport.
Where do I get a private transfer from?
One of the many perks of booking a transfer from Penang Airport to Georgetown is that you won’t have to join the lines at the taxi booth or beside the rank. Instead, you’ll meet your driver in the Arrivals Hall. They’ll be holding a sign with your name on it, waiting to greet you and show you to your pre-selected vehicle.
Convenience
In terms of convenience and comfort, private transfers come out on top. They afford you all the benefits of taxis, including door-to-door service and 24/7 availability, along with a string of practical extras like round-the-clock customer support and cashless pre-payment. Transfers make getting around hassle-free, making them especially popular among families, large groups, and business travelers.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Penang Airport to Georgetown?
On average, a taxi from Penang Airport to Georgetown will set you back around €9.70 (MYR 44.70). If you arrive late at night, this will rise to about €14.50 (MYR 67). Penang Airport taxi prices are also based on the vehicle type, with fixed fares applicable to both standard and large cabs.
How to get to Georgetown from Penang Airport?
When traveling from Penang Airport to Georgetown, you’ll have three transport options to pick from. Opting for a taxi or private transfer will provide you with privacy and door-to-door service, typically taking around 30 minutes to reach Georgetown. A cheaper but slower alternative is to hop on a local bus, with a travel time of roughly 45 minutes.
How far is Penang Airport to Georgetown?
The distance from Penang Airport to Georgetown is approximately 18 km. If you choose to travel by taxi or private transfer, this trip will take around 30 minutes.
Adam Ryan
Adam is a travel writer with a soft spot for strange borders, street foods he can’t pronounce, and sleeper trains. He’s aiming to visit every country in the world, but somehow keeps ending up back in Southeast Asia.
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