Penang taxis parked at the Bayview Georgetown Hotel Taxi Stand (16 May 2008)


Edisi BM

You can easily find taxis congregating at major shopping malls, the airport and bus terminals. Apart from these places, it may be quite difficult to hail a taxi in Penang. They are not as plentiful as in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.

In an effort to enhance the professionalism of taxis in Penang, the authorities have directed all taxis in Penang to use the meter. The taxis have even put a sticker on their vehicle saying "This Taxi uses the Meter, Haggling is Forbidden - Get Your Receipt". However, a check with most taxi users (as of end 2013) has indicated to me that all the taxis they have taken still refuse to use the meter. So the sticker, I suppose, is nothing but lip service.

Sticker on taxi that only uses meterSticker on taxi that only uses meter (5 June 2010)


Taxi stands are not as common as bus stops in Pulau Pinang. Also, taxis are not as ubiquitous on the streets in Pulau Pinang than they are in other major cities.

Call a Taxi in Penang

  1. Aswan Taxi: 04 210 8211
  2. BJ Radio Taxi: 04 643 0161 & 012 572 6487
  3. CT Radio Taxi: 04 229 9467
  4. Georgetown Taxi: 04 229 9467, 04 261 7098
  5. Jade Auto Company: 04 226 3015
  6. JRI Taxi: 04 229 0501
  7. Lee Taxi Services: 016 493 3827 (Desmond)
  8. MCI Taxi: 04 264 5534
  9. Penang Taxi Drivers Association: 04 262 5721
  10. Sri Radio Taxi: 012 469 9723, 017 527 0448
  11. Sunshine Radio Taxi: 04 642 5961
  12. Super Radio Taxi Service Center: 04 281 8766, 04 282 8753
  13. Taxi Drivers Association: 04 262 5721
  14. Teksi Seberang Perai Selatan: 04 593 1151

You can find taxi stands in front of all major hotels and shopping malls. So one way to get taxis is to go to the nearest major hotels. In George Town, that would be Bayview Georgetown Hotel, Cititel, Sunway Hotel, Georgetown City Hotel and g Hotel (in front of Gurney Plaza). There is also an abundance of taxis at the taxi stations next to the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal and Komtar Bus Terminal as well as Queensbay Mall, Bukit Jambul Complex and Sunshine Square. There are fewer taxis (but still possible) at the E & O Hotel, Gurney Hotel and Evergreen Laurel Hotel. For other locations, it's best to give the taxi a call.

Weld Quay Taxi Stand (22 October 2006)


Types of Taxi in Penang

There are two types of taxi on the streets in Penang. The regular (or "budget") taxi has a red body with some white to the livery, while the premium (or "executive") taxi is blue in colour. You will have more luck getting the blue taxis to go by the meter, with flag off at RM6 followed by RM2 for every kilometer. These taxis can also take you long distance across the border into Thailand and Singapore, if you are willing to pay for it. To get an executive taxi, call the taxi numbers on this page and ask for one.

The regular budget taxiThe regular budget taxi (11 February 2013)


The premium-rate blue Executive Taxi of Penang (15 December 2012)


The red-colour "budget" taxis are the ones you will find waiting for customers at taxi stands of shopping malls. Always choose a taxi that is willing to use the meter. You will find a sticker on their door (see picture) saying that the taxi uses the meter. Having said this, I have to say that it is a farce. I have been told many number times by many different people that despite the sticker, most taxi drivers refuse to use the meter. You may just have to threaten to report them, or take a different taxi. Always remember to check that they switch on their meter before the journey starts.

Still, if you can't find any willing to use the meter, and you are determined to take a taxi, then your only other option is to negotiate the fare before climbing on board. Most taxis have fixed fare from point to point within George Town, and people who are familiar with taking taxis in the city will know the charges. Hence even if you ask a few taxis, you are likely to be given the same price which they have agreed among themselves. Most taxi drivers agree to honor this rate, though it is possible that you may find unscrupulous drivers who will fleece foreigners. By shopping around, you will get familiar with street rates quoted by different drivers.

Passenger Feedback

I received the following feedback which I shall share with you from a taxi user:

12 December, 2015

The company I work with sent me to Penang for 3 weeks last Nov. 2015. And in all those days I stayed there, it was just the BALA RADIO TAXI that I had been in contact with. The drivers were nice and very respectful. I would just like to say that and commend them thru this. My stay in Penang was really easy because of their help to me. So yes, thanks to BALA RADIO TAXI SERVICE.

Minnie Santos.

Bala Radio Taxi ServiceBala Radio Taxi Service (16 April 2011)
© Minnie Santos

16 May, 2015:

Just would like to share with you that I experienced pleasant taxi service which used metre from Sri Radio Cab. Thanks to your posting in your blog which featured compliments about this taxi company in Penang.

Kaelvin

11 August, 2014

Dear Timothy,

Hi, my name is Archnashree Nellan and I have been on vacation in Penang for the past two months. When I first arrived, I had terrible experiences with taxis. From negotiating the rate to riding in cabs with no seat belts and erratic driving, I had some terrible experiences with taxis. But things changed when I began using Sri Radio Taxi. Their service and rate was great and made traveling around Penang easier and enjoyable. I used their services for about 7 weeks now for 4-5 days a week and would love if more tourists knew about their service. I am not sure if you take submissions but if you do, I would love to write a review to put on your website. Please let me know if I can write a review for your site. Thank you and I look forward to hearing your response.

Best Wishes,
Archnashree
11 August, 2014

Teksi 1 MalaysiaTeksi 1 Malaysia (3 August 2014)

Use MyTeksi App

If you are using a smartphone while in Penang, you can download the MyTeksi app which helps you book a taxi. That way, you avoid getting ripped off. The advantage of using MyTeksi is that you know the name, number plate and phone number of the driver, so you can share this detail with someone for safety sake. For more information on MyTeksi, go to https://grabtaxi.com/myteksi/

Teksi Rakyat 1 Malaysia

Teksi Rakyat 1 Malaysia is another of the 1 Malaysia products that was rolled out in line with the Prime Minister Dato' Sri Najib Tun Razak. Click on the link for more details.

Penang TaxiTaxis at the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal (30 April 2008)


What is that fixed rate? Ah, that is for them to know and for us to find out. But people who are familiar with taking taxis in Pulau Pinang will soon be familiar with it. Also, the rate tends to be quite uniform among the different taxi companies.

As taxi rides can be much more expensive than taking the bus, you should carefully evaluate the options before calling the taxi. On the other hand, taxis provide the convenience of traveling from point to point, and for transporting of luggage.

What's the minimum price? It used to be RM4.00, but not really sure now, considering the meter's been thrown out the window. According to someone who wrote to me, the minimum rate that taxis charge is RM10, so the RM4 is not something you can find.

The following are fare estimations contributed by feedback from members who wrote to me:

  1. George Town to Batu Ferringhi: RM30.00
  2. George Town to Bayan Lepas: RM20.00
  3. George Town to Airport: RM30
  4. George Town to Gurney Plaza: RM12.00
  5. Gurney Plaza to Macalister Road: RM12.00
  6. Air Itam to Komtar / Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal: RM12.00-RM15.00
  7. Air Itam to Gurney Plaza: RM15.00
  8. Air Itam to Airport: RM28.00-RM30.00
  9. Air Itam to Batu Ferringhi: RM28.00-RM30.00
  10. Altera to Green Lane: RM25.00
  11. Bayan Baru to Airport: RM15.00
  12. BJ Court to Altera: RM15.00
  13. Queensbay Mall to Island Park: RM20.00
  14. Penang Plaza to Island Park: RM17.00
  15. Island Park to Airport: RM23.00
  16. Gurney Hotel to Upper Pulau Pinang Road: RM10.00-RM15.00
  17. Pulau Tikus to Gurney Hotel: RM10.00
  18. Mainland to Airport: RM45.00
  19. Batu Ferringhi to Airport: RM60.00
  20. Batu Ferringhi to Komtar: RM35.00
  21. Batu Ferringhi to Island Plaza: RM20.00
  22. Batu Ferringhi to One-Stop Midlands: RM25.00-RM30.00
  23. Tour by Taxi: RM25.00-RM30.00 per hour

Komtar Taxi Stand (16 May 2008)

Taking the Airport Limousine

There is an airport limousine service (that's a glorified way to call an airport taxi). You buy a coupon at the arrival level, then go outside to take the limo that is queuing up for passengers. Pass the coupon to the driver and tell him where exactly you are going.

The fare is as follows (updated in Dec 2012), for daytime (7:00 am to 23:59 pm) and after hours (12:00 midnight to 6:59 am):

Penang Airport Taxi Fare (27 October 2012)


Acknowledgement
I wish to thank Loh Chee Kuang, Poay Kuan, HT Khor, Colleen Dunk, SB, Kamarul Syahril Kamal, Ewe Hean, PC Ong, Jennifer De Vries, Calvin Yeo, Michelle Loh, Pay Fern, Laura Joseph, Rani, Lucy Friedland, Peky for information on this page.

 Buy, rent or sell properties in Penang

Do you have a property for sale or to rent out? Are you looking to buy or rent a property? Get in touch with me. WhatsApp me (Timothy Tye) at 012 429 9844, and I will assign one of my property agents to serve you. I will choose the agent for you, according to your property needs. So when you message me, provide me some details of what you need, whether to sell, to buy, to rent or to rent out, and what type of property, is it condo, apartment, house, shop, office or land.

 New Properties in Penang

Looking to buy property in Penang? Get the e-brochures right here without having to visit or contact individual developers.

  1. Anggun Residences E-Brochure, Batu Kawan
  2. Aston Acacia E-Brochure, Bukit Mertajam
  3. Beacon Executive Suites E-Brochure, George Town
  4. Beverly Heights @ Bukit Gambir E-Brochure, Gelugor
  5. BM Highland E-Brochure, Bukit Mertajam
  6. Cypress Villa E-Brochure, Sungai Ara
  7. D'Zone Condominium E-Brochure, Teluk Kumbar
  8. Elements Garden E-Brochure, Butterworth
  9. Ferringhi Residence 2 E-Brochure, Batu Ferringhi
  10. GEM Residences E-Brochure, Prai
  11. Golden Triangle 2 E-Brochure, Sungai Ara/Relau
  12. Grace Residence E-Brochure, Jelutong
  13. Granito @ Permai E-Brochure, Tanjong Bungah
  14. Green City Residence E-Brochure, Jelutong
  15. Havana Beach Residences E-Brochure, Bayan Lepas
  16. Imperial Residences E-Brochure, Sungai Ara/Relau
  17. Imperial Grande E-Brochure, Sungai Ara/Relau
  18. Lucerne Residence E-Brochure, Bayan Lepas
  19. Mezzo @ The Light City E-Brochure, Gelugor
  20. Middleton E-Brochure, Gelugor
  21. Orchard Villa 3 E-Brochure, Simpang Ampat
  22. Primero Heights E-Brochure, Permatang Pauh
  23. Queens Waterfront Q2 E-Brochure, Bayan Lepas
  24. Royale Heights @ Tambun Royale City E-Brochure, Simpang Ampat
  25. Royale Infinity @ Tambun Royale City E-Brochure, Simpang Ampat
  26. Rubica @ Harbour Place E-Brochure, Butterworth
  27. Sensasi Commercial Suites E-Brochure, Batu Kawan
  28. Setia Sky Ville E-Brochure, Jelutong
  29. Setia Sky Vista E-Brochure, Sungai Ara/Relau
  30. Setia V Residence E-Brochure, Gurney Drive
  31. Sinaran Residence E-Brochure, Batu Kawan
  32. Sky @ TriPark E-Brochure, Bukit Mertajam
  33. Skyridge Garden E-Brochure, Tanjong Tokong
  34. Starhill Luxury Residences E-Brochure, Gelugor
  35. Straits Residences E-Brochure, Tanjong Tokong
  36. Taman Nuri Emas E-Brochure, Nibong Tebal
  37. The Light Collection IV E-Brochure, Gelugor
  38. The Loft @ Southbay E-Brochure, Batu Maung
  39. The Terraces Condominium E-Brochure, Bukit Jambul
  40. Trehaus Condo Villas E-Brochure, Bukit Jambul
  41. Triuni Residences E-Brochure, Batu Uban
  42. Urban Suites E-Brochure, Tanjong Tokong
  43. Valencia Residence E-Brochure, Bayan Lepas
  44. Vertu Resort E-Brochure, Batu Kawan
  45. Vivo Executive Apartment E-Brochure, Batu Kawan
  46. Viluxe E-Brochure, Batu Kawan
  47. Waterside Residence E-Brochure, Gelugor

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Map of Roads in Penang

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Disclaimer

Please use the information on this page as guidance only. The author endeavours to update the information on this page from time to time, but regrets any inaccuracies if there be any.[an error occurred while processing this directive][an error occurred while processing this directive]