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George Town, Penang, is served by Penang International Airport (PEN) on the island. On the mainland, Butterworth is home to Penang Sentral, a major intermodal hub integrating bus, train, and ferry services. Within George Town, Komtar acts as a central bus terminal, while the Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal connects the island to Butterworth.
Penang International Airport (PEN) is located about 16 km south of George Town. Flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) typically take around 55 minutes, with fares ranging from RM 39 to RM 76, though prices can fluctuate. Direct flights from Langkawi (LGK) to Penang are also available, taking approximately 40 minutes and costing between $20-80 USD (approx. RM 90-370).
Buses from Kuala Lumpur to Penang usually take 4.5 to 6 hours. Fares typically range from RM 34 to RM 59, arriving at Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal on Penang Island or Penang Sentral in Butterworth. From Sungai Nibong, a Grab taxi to George Town takes about 20 minutes, or local buses (e.g., 102 or 401) can take approximately 50 minutes to Komtar. Buses from Singapore to Penang take about 8.5 to 10.5 hours, with fares from RM 168 to RM 268, typically arriving at Penang Sentral (Butterworth).
Butterworth Railway Station, located on the mainland, is the closest train station to Penang Island. ETS (Electric Train Service) trains from Kuala Lumpur Sentral to Butterworth take just over 4 hours and cost around RM 60. From Butterworth, a 15-20 minute ferry ride connects to George Town's Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal, costing RM 1.20 for adults. A free shuttle bus is available from Butterworth Railway Station to the ferry terminal.
The Rapid Ferry service operates between Butterworth (Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal at Penang Sentral) and George Town (Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal). The journey takes 15-20 minutes and costs RM 1.20 for adults. Note: Direct ferry services from Langkawi to Penang have generally ceased operations; travelers often fly or take a ferry-bus/train combination via Kuala Perlis or Kuala Kedah.
Car rental is available at Penang International Airport, with daily rates ranging from RM 79 to RM 350. Ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available and offer a convenient way to travel around the island. A Grab taxi from Penang International Airport to George Town costs approximately RM 40-50 and takes about 25-30 minutes.
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