Transportation in Penang

Transportation in Penang is not a big problem. You can easily travel within and outside Malaysia as Penang is well-connected by road, rail, sea and air. Not only is Penang’s air and train service good, the seaways also offer good transportation in Penang.

Penang Roadways

There are well maintained bridges, roads and highways in Penang. The best means of public transport are buses and taxis. Penang boasted of an efficient public transport network right up to the 1970s. Electric trams, trolleybuses and double-deckers used to ply the streets of Penang. But today, the Penang bus services are generally unsystematic and do not have a reputation of reliability.

However, there are two main bus terminals for express buses which travel out of the state. One is located at the ferry terminal in Province Wellesley, and a newer one at Sungai Nibong on the island. Taxis in Penang have not conformed to the meter system as exhorted by the federal authorities.

Penang Railways

Railways are one of the transportation in Penang though trains are not a popular mode of transportation due to their low speed Butterworth is serviced by the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) or Malayan Railway West Coast line which runs from Padang Besar on the Malaysia-Thailand Border in Perlis to Singapore. Senandung Malam is the daily night express running from Kuala Lumpur to Haadyai via Butterworth.

Penang Airways

International flights are available to London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Medan, Taipei, Bangkok, Bangalore, Seoul, Riau, Xiamen and Guangzhou at the Penang International Airport (PEN). The airport serves as the northern gateway to Malaysia.

Bayan Lepas International Airport (IATA: PEN, ICAO: WMKP), also known as Penang International Airport, is situated in the Bayan Lepas area of Penang, Malaysia. The airport facilities include an incoming and outgoing duty-free shop, restaurant, bank, foreign exchange office and car rental.

Penang Seaways

Ferry and seaports are available to make transportation in Penang easier. Penang ferry is provided by the Penang Ferry Service that connects George Town and Butterworth. The Port of Penang is operated by the Penang Port Commission. There are four terminals, one on Penang Island (Swettenham Pier) and three on the mainland.