Taxis in Penang
Taking a taxi in Penang continues to be the best way to explore all that this Malaysian island has to offer. Although the public transport system here is reliable and well-maintained, buses can’t offer the same level of comfort or flexibility as hopping in a Penang taxi. Cabs are available in most of Penang’s urban areas, and you can secure a ride by flagging down a driver, calling a local provider, using a Penang taxi app, or walking to a rank or busy tourist spot.
Most taxis are standard sedans, but you’ll sometimes find minivans or other larger alternatives operating on the island. Like most Malaysian taxis, cabs here are red and white with ‘TAXI’ signs on the roof. Drivers are obliged to use meters, but few do in practice. As such, most will offer fixed prices, including for popular routes like from Penang Airport to Georgetown.
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How much is a taxi in Penang?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM PEN TO GEORGETOWN | 9.70 € | 14.50 € | 30 MIN |
| FROM PEN TO BATU FERRINGHI | 16 € | 24 € | 50 MIN |
| FROM GEORGETOWN FERRY TERMINAL TO GEORGETOWN | 3 € | 4.50 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM GEORGETOWN TO PENANG HILL | 3.60 € | 5.40 € | 15 MIN |
| FROM GEORGETOWN TO KEK LOK SI TEMPLE | 3.80 € | 5.70 € | 15 MIN |
Penang Taxi Prices
Penang taxi prices tend to be quite affordable. However, because most drivers don’t abide by the government-regulated tariffs, fares can be a little unpredictable. In many cases, your driver will offer you a price based on the distance to your destination, the type of vehicle, and the traffic conditions.
Additionally, you’ll usually be charged an extra 50% for rides between 00:00 and 06:00. Other surcharges to look out for include toll and call-out fees.
These are the current Penang taxi rates to give you an idea of how much your trips will cost:
From 06:00 to 00:00:
Base fare: €1.30 (MYR 6)
Price per km: €0.30 (MYR 1.5)
Waiting time per hour: €6.50 (MYR 30)
From 00:00 to 06:00:
Base fare: €1.95 (MYR 9)
Price per km: €0.45 (MYR 2.30)
Waiting time per hour: €9.75 (MYR 45)
Despite these tariffs, many Penang taxi drivers continue to charge their own prices for most routes, though some are set in stone, which is the case for Penang Airport taxis. The 30-minute journey to Georgetown from Penang Airport will usually cost between €9.70 (MYR 44.70) and €14.50 (MYR 67), depending on the time of day. Shorter trips, like the 15-minute ride from Georgetown to Penang Hill, will set you back €3.60 (MYR 16.60) during the day or €5.40 (MYR 24.90) at night.
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How to get a taxi in Penang
It can sometimes be tricky to find a taxi in Penang‘s more remote corners, but in most parts of the island, it’s relatively easy. You’ll find cabs congregating in popular areas, but you may also call a local company over the phone to request a ride, book online using a ride-hailing app, or hail a driver from the street.
One of the best ways to secure a Penang taxi is by walking to a tourist hotspot or transport hub. For this reason, it’s often straightforward to find a ride at Penang Airport, Komtor Bus Station, Georgetown Ferry Terminal, Penang’s street art area, or at malls like Gurney Plaza.
How to get a taxi from Penang International Airport
Penang taxis serve the airport 24/7, and there’s typically a mix of sedans and minivans here. Not only can you snag a taxi to the center, but you’ll also find cabs that can take you from Penang Airport to Butterworth or from Penang Airport to Batu Ferringhi.
How to get a taxi from Komtor Bus Station
Many of Penang’s local and inner-city buses stop at Komtor Bus Station, and many longer-distance coaches also serve this area. As such, many taxi drivers frequent this bus terminal throughout the day. At night, bear in mind that cabs larger than sedans are challenging to come by, and there are usually fewer drivers in general.
How to get a taxi from Georgetown Ferry Terminal
Alongside the Georgetown Ferry Terminal is a busy bus shelter. As you move past this area and continue towards the road, you’ll usually be able to flag down a driver quite quickly. Small and large taxis in Penang are available here at any time, but are easier to spot whenever a ferry is due to arrive.
How to get a taxi from the Penang Street Art Area
Penang’s street art area centers around spots like Armenia Street, Beach Street, and Love Lane. You’ll find cabs in most of the wider streets in this part of Georgetown, but because many of the roads are narrow, anything bigger than a sedan car is hard to find.
How to get a taxi from Gurney Plaza
There’s a designated taxi rank right outside the beachfront entrance to Gurney Plaza. Cabs in a range of sizes operate here day and night, as many hotels are located nearby, but there’s a greater supply of drivers during the mall’s opening hours.
Most popular Penang taxi apps
Ride-hailing apps like Grab and inDrive are commonly used by both locals and tourists in Penang. With these Penang taxi apps, you can arrange a ride with a driver for a set price, and they’ll meet you at your pre-agreed pickup spot.
Though both apps are very convenient and easy to use, waiting times can be long during rush hour traffic. For this reason, using an app may not be the best option if you’re short on time.
If you want to secure fixed prices without the extensive waiting periods, you might prefer to organize a Penang Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups instead. Whether you’re heading to the airport or anywhere else in the city, our English-speaking drivers and modern vehicles will ensure you do so in a timely fashion.
Useful Penang taxi numbers
Many people don’t want the hassle of downloading and installing an app on their phone. If this is the case for you, another option is to call a local operator over the phone to arrange a ride. Most cab companies accept pickup requests, and you can choose to contact a provider yourself or ask your hotel to do this for you.
Because some operators have affiliations with specific hotels and often charge a call-out fee, this is sometimes the most expensive way to get a taxi in Penang. Nonetheless, this option allows you to wait indoors in comfort until your driver arrives.
Some trustworthy Penang taxi numbers include:
- Penang City Taxi & Transport Service: +60 (10) 776 5996
- CT Radio Taxi: +60 (4) 229 9467
- Butterworth Taxi Service: +60 (17) 470 9105
Booking your Penang taxi in advance
Organizing your transport to any destination can be time-consuming and stressful, which isn’t exactly how you might have pictured your trip. That’s why we advise booking your taxi in Penang ahead of time.
When you arrange your transport or Penang Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups, you’ll enjoy all the perks of our five-star service, including on-time pickups and fixed prices.
Penang taxi tips
- If your driver chooses not to use the meter, make sure you agree on a price before accepting a ride with them.
- It's not common practice to tip for taxis in Penang, but you're welcome to add a small tip if you've enjoyed the service.
- Few drivers accept credit cards, with most only taking cash payments in Malaysian ringgit.
- Many drivers speak English, but having your address in written format is recommended just in case.
- Those traveling in larger groups are likely to have the lengthiest waiting times, meaning pre-booking might be a better option.
- Not all drivers carry sufficient change, so it's advisable to come prepared with small notes.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Penang
Standard taxis in Penang, unfortunately, aren’t wheelchair-accessible, though most will store foldable wheelchairs for free. If you’re looking for an adapted vehicle that’s better suited to the needs of passengers with reduced mobility, it’s best to arrange your transport in advance. Rapid Mobility offers a fantastic Penang taxi service for anyone who’d prefer to travel in a spacious minivan with lifts and ramps. To organize your ride with Rapid Mobility, contact them over the phone at +60 (04) 238 12 14.
Safety and complaints for taxis in Penang
Even though the majority of Penang taxi drivers are honest and friendly, there can be a lack of regulation, which can lead to some behaving unprofessionally. Some passengers have reported cases of overcharging as a result of unmetered journeys. If you feel you’ve been mistreated, take note of the driver’s name and ID number and get in touch with the tourist police or Penang Port Commission at +60 (4) 261 2211.