Key hubs
Penang airport and railway station
- Airport
- Penang International Airport (PEN) at Bayan Lepas, about 16 km south of George Town; roughly 30 to 45 minutes by road to the old city depending on traffic
- Railway station
- None on Penang Island. Butterworth station on the mainland is the railhead, linked to the Penang Sentral bus terminal and the ferry to George Town; ETS trains run to KL Sentral
- Getting around
- Ride-hailing apps and taxis are the easiest option for older travellers. The heritage core is walkable. A short ferry crosses between Butterworth and George Town for foot passengers, bicycles and motorcycles; two road bridges link the island to the mainland.
How to reach Penang by air
Penang International Airport (PEN) is at Bayan Lepas, about 16 km south of George Town, roughly 30 to 45 minutes by road depending on traffic. Wikipedia listed an IndiGo route to Chennai at the time of writing; check current direct flights from India before booking, since many itineraries connect via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.
How to reach Penang by train
There is no railway on Penang Island. Butterworth station on the mainland is the railhead, linked by a short walkway to the Penang Sentral bus terminal and the ferry terminal. ETS trains run from Butterworth to KL Sentral and onwards; KTM Komuter serves Padang Besar and Ipoh. Check timetables and booking rules locally.
How to reach Penang by road
Two road bridges, the Penang Bridge and the Second Penang Bridge, link the island to the mainland near Butterworth. Taxis and coaches run from Butterworth and Penang Sentral, and many visitors arrive by road from Kuala Lumpur or Ipoh. Allow for traffic around the bridges.
Getting around Penang
In George Town, walk the heritage core and use ride-hailing apps or taxis for longer trips. A ferry between Butterworth and George Town carries foot passengers, bicycles and motorcycles but not cars. Buses exist but are slow for visitors.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Penang
- Use ride-hailing apps or taxis between areas instead of walking long distances. Confirm the fare or use the meter, and keep your hotel's address saved in English and Malay.
- Dress modestly for mosques and temples, and carry a scarf. Remove shoes at the door and carry socks for hot or cold floors.
- Buy travel insurance that covers hospital care. Gleneagles Hospital Penang on Jalan Pangkor is a large private hospital with a 24-hour emergency department.
- Carry a small umbrella and water at all times. Showers are common in every month and the humidity is high.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.