Penang International Airport

Penang International Airport is in Bayan Lepas, about 16 km (10 miles) south of George Town city center. The drive usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic, and longer on Friday to Sunday afternoons and public holidays. Rapid Penang buses 401 and 401E take about an hour to KOMTAR and the Weld Quay jetty.

Batu Ferringhi is on the north coast of Penang Island, on the opposite side of the island from the airport. A taxi, e-hailing car or private transfer goes door to door to the beach hotels. Rapid Penang bus 102 runs from the airport to Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang roughly every hour, but it is slow and has little luggage space.

Penang International Airport has one terminal for domestic and international flights, with separate sections for each. Arrivals are on Level 1 and departures on Level 2. An expansion of the terminal and apron is under way, with completion targeted for 2028, so expect some construction while it continues.

Yes. Rapid Penang buses 401 and 401E leave from the lower road outside the terminal for KOMTAR and the Weld Quay jetty in George Town. The trip takes about an hour, depending on traffic. Buses need exact change and have little room for luggage, so most travelers with suitcases take a taxi or car instead.

Buy a fixed-fare taxi coupon at the taxi counter in the arrivals hall, then take it to the taxi stand outside. Coupons are priced by zone, such as George Town or Batu Ferringhi, so you know the fare before you leave. Fares are higher late at night, and vans are available for larger groups.

Grab and other e-hailing cars pick up at the entrance of the multi-story parking garage, across the road from the arrivals hall on Level 1. Follow the e-hailing signs; a screen shows arriving cars, and there is an air-conditioned waiting area nearby. Drop-offs for departing passengers are on Level 2.

Yes, most foreign visitors must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online before arrival. It is free on the Immigration Department's official website and can be submitted within three days before you arrive. Malaysian citizens and permanent residents are exempt. Check the visa rules for your nationality separately.

AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia, Firefly and Malaysia Airlines fly to Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian cities. International routes include Singapore with Scoot and Singapore Airlines, Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific and HK Express, Taipei with China Airlines, Bangkok with Thai Airways and Thai AirAsia, and several Chinese and Indonesian cities.

Yes. The Plaza Premium Lounge is on the mezzanine floor of International Departures, near Gate A3, and opens daily from 6:00 to midnight. Travelers can pay to enter as walk-in guests or book ahead. Check eligibility through your airline, card or lounge program before you fly.

Yes. A left-luggage service next to international arrivals is open 24 hours, with racks and lockers for bags of different sizes. It suits travelers spending a day in George Town before an evening flight, or leaving bulky items while they visit Langkawi or the mainland.

Money changers and ATMs are in both the arrivals and departures areas, with more in domestic arrivals. Malaysia uses the ringgit (MYR), and cards are widely accepted in George Town hotels, malls and restaurants. Carry some cash for small food stalls and buses, which need exact change.

Yes. Penang International Airport stands in Bayan Lepas, and it was called Bayan Lepas International Airport until 1979, so many people still use that name. Its code is PEN. It is the only commercial airport on Penang Island and the main airport for the state of Penang.

Yes. A multi-story parking garage stands across the road from the arrivals hall, and its entrance is also the e-hailing pickup point. It is used for short stays, picking up passengers and longer trips; check the current rates and any online booking options with Malaysia Airports before you drive.