Penang Airport serves the island of Penang, known for Georgetown's UNESCO heritage site and celebrated street food, approximately 16 km from the historic center.
It is the most convenient access point to one of Southeast Asia's most renowned gastronomic destinations.
How to get to Penang International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to PEN
Parking near Penang International Airport
A multi-story parking structure is located next to the terminal.
Parking costs are typical for the area.
How to get to Penang from PEN
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Penang International Airport
Major car rental names all have desks in the arrivals area.
Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card; remember that driving is on the left in Malaysia.
Hotels near Penang International Airport
Bayan Lepas
About 4.6 km and a 14-minute drive from the airport; taxi or Grab are the only practical options.
Best for: Short layovers and dawn departures, for those who want to stay near the terminals without the trip into the centre.
- The area closest to the terminals among those with international-chain hotels
- Queensbay Mall, with restaurants and supermarkets, just minutes away by car
- Historic George Town remains 25-40 minutes away by taxi depending on traffic
- A residential and industrial area, with little evening life of its own outside the shopping malls
Historic George Town (UNESCO)
About 16 km from the airport, 25-40 minutes by taxi or Grab depending on traffic; no direct train or bus from the terminals.
Best for: Murals, shophouses, temples and street food of the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre, all within walking distance.
- Murals, temples and the UNESCO World Heritage streets within walking distance of most hotels
- Street food and restaurants open late, especially along Chulia Street and Armenian Street
- Narrow streets and little parking, with traffic concentrated in the same pedestrian tourist streets
- The journey from the airport lengthens considerably during rush hour
Recommended hotels
- JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La In the heart of George Town, just minutes on foot from the murals and the UNESCO World Heritage streets; breakfast and cleanliness are among the most praised points in reviews. View availability
- Macalister Hotel Managed by The Ascott Limited A residence in the historic centre, a 5-minute walk from Penang Times Square and 9 from KOMTAR; rooms with a kitchenette useful for longer stays. View availability
Gurney Drive
About 19 km from the airport, 30-40 minutes by taxi or Grab; historic George Town, meanwhile, is just 10 minutes away by car from here.
Best for: Restaurants, shopping malls and a more modern waterfront than the historic centre, without giving up proximity to the sea.
- Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon, with restaurants and shops, just steps from the area's hotels
- The pedestrian Gurney Drive waterfront, with views of Penang Hill, less congested than the streets of the historic centre
- Few landmarks of its own: for the murals and temples you need to head to historic George Town
- Further from the airport than both Bayan Lepas and the historic centre
Recommended hotels
- Penang Marriott Hotel On Persiaran Gurney, right on the Gurney Drive waterfront; among the island's most praised hotels for service and location. View availability
- Gurney Bay Hotel, A PARKROYAL Partner Hotel Opened in 2024 in the new Gurney Bay development, a one-minute walk from the Gurney Drive promenade; pool, hot tub and views over the coast and Penang Hill. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is sized appropriately for the heavy tourist traffic to the island.
It is best practice to arrive with a 2.5-hour margin for international flights.
Map of Penang International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why is Penang famous for its food?
Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is considered one of Southeast Asia's culinary capitals, with street food that blends Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences.
Q. How do you get to Georgetown from the airport?
By bus 401E (2.70 ringgit, 45-60 minutes) or by taxi/Grab (45-60 ringgit, 30-40 minutes).
Q. Do you need cash for bus 401E?
Yes, it's advisable to have the exact amount in cash, since paying on board often requires exact change.
Q. Why is Georgetown's historic center a UNESCO World Heritage site?
For its unique colonial architecture, blending Chinese shophouses, Indian-style buildings, mosques, and European churches within a few central streets: a multi-ethnic heritage recognized by UNESCO in 2008 together with the Malaysian city of Malacca.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
