Your holiday (or business trip) is coming to an end, and soon it's time to leave. On this page, we look at leaving Penang by plane.
As mention in Arriving by Plane, the Penang International Airport is located about 16km (10 miles) from George Town. If you are residing in one of the hotels in George Town, or farther away, in one of the beach hotels in Batu Ferringhi, allow at least an hour of travel time to the airport. The roads passing through George Town, including Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, and roads leading to the Penang Bridge, can get badly congested, especially during "rush hour" (not sure why they call it "rush" when it's really "crawl"). The traffic jam is worst on Friday evenings, between 4.30pm and 8.30pm, so make sure you allow ample time to reach the airport.
Going to the airport by Taxi
Here's a list of taxi numbers which you can use to get a cab.
BJ Radio Taxi: (04) 643 0161 / 012 572 6487
Taxi Drivers Association: (04) 262 5721
Georgetown Taxi: (04) 2299467
Sunshine Radio Taxi: (04) 642 5961
The above information is available in pdf format here: Penang Taxi Numbers
Going to the airport by Air-Conditioned Coach or Minivan
Some times, it might be cheaper and more convenient to go to airport by an air-conditioned coach or van than to call several taxis, especially if you are travelling in a group with a lot of luggage. An airport transfer service is available with Tour East Coach. Click here for details.
Going to the airport by Car
If someone is dropping you at the airport, the Departure Hall is on Level One. Cars may only drop passengers at the curb. For a longer stay at the airport, car parks are available at ground level (though often limited and full). The rates are RM1.00 for every 30 minutes. If you're parked for only 10 minutes, it's RM0.50.
Going to the airport by Bus
As no public buses stop right at the airport terminal, I would really avoid taking the bus to the airport, as it requires a walk of about 300-500 meters - certainly something to think about if you are carrying a lot of luggage. In any case, Rapid Penang buses go to the bus stop near the Chung Shan primary school near the airport.
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Finding Your Way Around the Penang Airport
Let me draw you a simple floor plan of the Departure Level of the Penang International Airport:
The check-in counters are located on the right side of the airport. For baggages that you want to check in, run them through the screening machines before bringing them to the check-in counters. Hand-carry luggages do not have to go through screening.
Having obtained your boarding pass, you proceed to Departure. Domestic departures are on the far left of the terminal, next to international departures. They are basically the same, except that international departures includes passport check. Oass through the X-Ray screening and onwards towards your departure gate.
