The heritage centre of George Town is compact and easy to explore on foot, but many of Penang’s major attractions lie well beyond it. Batu Ferringhi, Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple and the airport all require some form of transport, and most visitors combine several options during their stay.
Buses, e-hailing, taxis, bicycles, trishaws and rental vehicles all have their place, and the right choice depends on your budget, schedule and the weather. Each option is compared below for cost, convenience and limitations, using the most recent fares we could confirm. Transport prices do change, so it pays to check the latest rates before you travel.
Rapid Penang Buses
Rapid Penang runs the public buses on the island and across to the mainland. The two hubs you will use most are Komtar, the tall tower in the middle of George Town, and the Weld Quay ferry and bus terminal, which locals call the Jetty.
Fares and how to pay
Fares are based on distance:
| Distance | Fare |
|---|---|
| First 7 km | RM1.40 |
| 7 to 14 km | RM2.00 |
| 14 to 21 km | RM2.70 |
| 21 to 28 km | RM3.40 |
| Over 28 km | RM4.00 |
You can pay in cash, but the driver does not give change, so carry coins and small notes. Keep your ticket until you get off, because inspectors sometimes check. Prasarana, the company behind Rapid Penang, said in May 2026 that it plans to bring in tap-on payment with credit and debit cards on its buses, Rapid Penang included, but no Penang date was given.
If you will ride a lot, the Rapid Passport gives 7 days of unlimited travel for RM30. Malaysians can also look at the Pas Mutiara monthly pass.
The MyRapid PULSE app shows nearby stops and when the next bus is due. It is worth installing, because buses on quieter routes can be far apart.
Key routes for visitors
- 101: Weld Quay to Teluk Bahang, passing Batu Ferringhi. It runs about every 10 to 12 minutes from 5:30am to 11:30pm, so it is the easiest beach bus.
- 102: Airport to the northern beaches, but only about every 75 minutes.
- 103: A loop from Komtar to Pulau Tikus, handy for the cafes and old houses in that area.
- 204: To the lower station of the Penang Hill funicular, every 35 to 45 minutes.
- 401E: Express bus between the Jetty, Komtar and the airport, then on to Balik Pulau.
For Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, ask at Komtar or check the app for the current route.
Our honest take: buses are cheap and the aircon is strong, but traffic in George Town can be slow. A trip to Batu Ferringhi can take about an hour, longer on a weekend afternoon.
The Free CAT Shuttle in George Town
CAT stands for Central Area Transit. It is a free Rapid Penang bus that loops around the heritage zone between the Jetty and Komtar. As of 2025, it ran from about 6am to 11:45pm, every 10 to 15 minutes. One full loop takes around 40 minutes.
The loop has 19 stops. Useful ones include Lebuh Muntri (near the famous trishaw man mural), Campbell Street, Chowrasta Market, St George’s Church, the Town Hall and Fort Cornwallis. It is perfect for hopping between sights on the street art trail when your legs give out.
Do not mix it up with a newer free CAT service. Since January 2026, a separate shuttle links Komtar with Penang Hospital and nearby private hospitals. It is meant for patients and carers, not sightseeing.
Grab and Other E-Hailing
Grab is the most popular ride app in Penang, and it is what we use most. You see the price before you book, which takes away the stress of haggling. Pay by card or cash. If you use a foreign card, one guide notes a 3% payment fee.
There are a few ride types. GrabCar is the standard choice, GrabCar Plus gets you a newer car with more boot space, and there is a 6-seater for families.
Some tips from experience:
- Fares jump at rush hour and in heavy rain, which in Penang often means late afternoon.
- At busy spots like Penang Hill on weekends, be ready to jump in as soon as a driver accepts.
- At far-off places like Penang National Park, book a little early, since few drivers wait nearby.
- In the old town, walk to a main road for pickup. The narrow lanes are slow for cars.
From the airport to George Town, expect about RM30 to RM50.
Taxis
Taxis still work in Penang, but most visitors now prefer Grab. If you take a street taxi, agree on the price before you get in, because many do not use the meter. At the airport, buy a fixed-price coupon at the counter instead.
LinkBike Bike Share
LinkBike is Penang’s public bike share, run by Fast Rent Bike (PG) Sdn Bhd as a Penang Island City Council (MBPP) project. In July 2026, it had 29 stations and about 250 bikes. Stations are mostly in George Town, with some in Queensbay and Straits Quay.
To ride, sign up in the LinkBike app and buy credit or a package. Scan the QR code on a bike to release it, then return it to any LinkBike dock.
The old town is flat, so cycling is fun early in the morning. Be careful, though. Penang has about 49 km of dedicated bike lanes, but cyclists say cars and delivery vans often park in them. Small shops on Armenian Street also rent bicycles.
Trishaws
The trishaw (beca in Malay) is a three-wheeled bicycle with a passenger seat at the front. Riding one along Beach Street or past the clan houses is slow, breezy and very George Town. It is more of an experience than transport.
Always agree the price and the route before you set off. Many riders charge by the hour. Good spots to find them are near the main sights in the heritage zone. Tip: go in the late afternoon, when the sun is lower and the light on the shophouses is soft.
Renting a Car or Scooter
A car makes sense if you want to see the whole island in a day or two, such as the fruit farms of Balik Pulau or the long coastal roads in the north. Rentals start from about RM100 a day. Bring an International Driving Permit along with your home licence, and get a Touch ’n Go card for tolls and parking. Malaysians drive on the left.
In George Town itself, a car is more hassle than help. Lanes are narrow and one-way, and parking in the heritage zone is tight.
Scooters are common, but we would only suggest one if you ride confidently at home. Traffic is heavy, and you must wear a helmet. Check that your licence covers motorcycles.
Walking and the Heat
Walking is the best way to see George Town. The heritage zone is compact, and you will find something new down every five-foot way (the covered walkway in front of shophouses). Expect uneven or missing pavements in places, so watch your step.
The real challenge is the heat. Penang is hot and humid all year. Our advice:
- Walk early, before 10am, or after 4pm.
- Plan a long lunch in a kopitiam (old-style coffee shop) or a cool museum from noon to 3pm.
- Carry water and an umbrella. It works for sun and for the sudden afternoon storms.
- Wear light clothes, but bring a layer for buses and malls, where the aircon is icy.
Our 1-day George Town itinerary follows this rhythm.
The Ferry Between the Island and Butterworth
The ferry links Raja Tun Uda Terminal at Weld Quay with Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal in Butterworth. It is the easiest way to reach the mainland trains and buses at Penang Sentral, and it is a nice short ride in its own right.
Adults pay RM2 and children aged 5 to 11 pay RM1. You can pay by Touch ’n Go card, at the counter or online. Ferries leave George Town from 7am to 11:30pm, every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes otherwise. The crossing takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Getting Around Penang: Options at a Glance
| Option | Best for | Approx cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid Penang bus | Beaches, Penang Hill, airport | RM1.40 to RM4.00 per trip |
| Rapid Passport | Heavy bus users | RM30 for 7 days |
| CAT shuttle | Heritage zone hops | Free |
| Grab | Door to door, rainy days | About RM30 to RM50 airport to town |
| Taxi | When Grab is slow | Agree the fare first |
| LinkBike | Short rides in the old town | See the LinkBike app |
| Trishaw | A slow heritage tour | Agree the fare first |
| Car rental | Round-island trips | From about RM100 a day |
| Ferry | George Town to Butterworth | RM2 adult, RM1 child |
For more ideas on where to go once you are moving, see our list of Penang attractions. And if you have not arrived yet, read how to get to Penang.