The Penang International Airport (PEN) is the gateway for people arriving in Penang by plane. Previously called the Bayan Lepas International Airport, the Penang International Airport is located about 16km (10 miles) from George Town. The Arrival Hall is located on the ground floor of the airport. There are two eateries on this level, a Tourist Information Centre, where you can collect brochures and flyers on most states of Malaysia, and a taxi stand.
If you need to know about customs and immigration matters, find out at the entry requirement page.
If you don't have someone to pick you up at the airport, the most convenient way to leave the airport is by airport taxi.
 Taking the bus
Since 1 July 2008, Rapid Penang, the main bus operator in Penang, has a bus service from the Penang International Airport terminal building. Bus number 401, 401A and 401E takes you to town. The Rapid Penang buses have a red roof, cream-and-blue body, and red livery with the words "rapid PENANG" in white. If you are going to George Town, make sure the buses show "Weld Quay" as the destination, not "Balik Pulau", to ensure you don't go in the wrong direction! The fare is about RM2.00 or RM3.00.
Beginning 15 March, 2010, Rapid Penang Route 102 has also been re-launched. This route goes from the Penang International Airport to Batu Ferringhi.
Booking an Airport Transfer by Air-Conditioned Coach or Minivan
Another way to leave the Penang International Airport is to book an airport transfer. There are services between the airport and your hotel available from Tour East. If you book this service, a tour representative from Tour East holding a sign with your name on it and wearing the Tour East uniform (vertical striped shirt and navy blue skirt or trousers), will be on hand to welcome you. For details, please click here
 Renting a car
Driving around Penang Island is quite easy. The city of George Town, however, is full of one-way streets, so getting around might be a bit tricky for the unfamiliar. Having said that, you can easily rent a car right from the airport. Arriving by plane, you will find the car rental counters at the Arrival Hall, near the staircase to Level One. Just shop around for one that suits your needs. You can also call the following car rental companies:
Avis-Rent-A-Car: +60-4-646 2410
Hertz-Rent-A-Car: +604-263 5914
Mayflower Car Rental: +60-4-262 8196
Kasina Baru: +60-4-228 2641
National Car Rental: +60-4-262 9204
New Bob: +60-4-226 6111
Orix Car Rental: 1 800 88 1555
Syarikat Ruhanmas: +60-4-881 1071
 Nearest Petrol Station
Driving out of Penang airport, you can find two petrol stations nearby, a Petronas and a Shell. One is on Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, on the way towards the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone. To get there, take the ramp immediately after the flyover. The other is on the road into Bayan Lepas Town. To get there, make a left turn in front of the flyover. See location in the map on this page.
Arranging a local tour
Some times it is just more practical to arrange a local tour to take you around. Here are some local tours of Penang to consider.
Arranging a private guide
A private tour guide will be able to show you exactly what you are looking for. Myself and a few of my tour guide friends do take visitors around, from time to time, either on walking tours or car trips. Find out more.
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 Taking a taxi
The Taxi Booth stands right in the middle of Arrival Hall. You can't miss it. It has the word "Teksi" on it, and it looks like this:
Taxi Booth at the Penang International Airport
| Fare | Destinations |
| RM14.00 | Bayan Lepas, Tabung Haji |
| RM22.00 | Mutiara Perdana, Jalan Tengah, Jalan Mayang Pasir, Sungai Tiram, Free Trade Zone Phase 1 & 2, Kampung Seronok, Permatang Damar Laut |
| RM26.00 | Kampung Jawa, Batu Maung, Teluk Tempoyak, Free Trade Zone Phases 3 & 4, Sungai Ara, Sungai Dua, Queensbay Mall, Batu Uban, Gelugor, Bukit Jambul |
| RM31.00 | Jalan Yeap Chor Ee, Bukit Gelugor, Jalan Tengku Kudin, Jalan Masjid Negeri, Batu Lanchang, Jelutong |
| RM38.00 | George Town, Weld Quay, Air Itam, Balik Pulau |
| RM47.00 | Mount Erskine, Tanjung Tokong, Marina Bay, Island Plaza, Chee Seng Garden, Pantai Acheh |
| RM60.00 | Batu Ferringhi, Mount Pleasure, Teluk Bahang, Ratu Mutiara |
Locations of Petrol Stations near the Penang airport
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