Rapid Penang Bus 401E: Jetty to Balik Pulau
Rapid Penang Bus 401E is one of the most important airport bus routes in Penang, connecting George Town to Balik Pulau.
The "E" in its name used to stand for Express, because originally, it was the express counterpart to bus 401 between Jetty and Balik Pulau. However, nowadays Bus 401 goes only to Teluk Kumbar, not all the way to Balik Pulau, so it is no longer accurate to claim that Bus 401E is its express counterpart. For some reason, they did not change the route number of 401 or 401E when they changed the routes.
Rapid Penang Bus 401E Route
Bus 401E goes from Jetty to Balik Pulau. Unlike 401, which goes along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah for much of the way, bus 401E uses the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway and goes to Queensbay Mall while 401 does not. Bus 401E also plies Jalan Tun Dr Awang, Jalan Mahsuri, Jalan Mayang Pasir and Jalan Tengah, while 401 goes straight through Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah. Both buses go to the airport, but 401 terminates at Teluk Kumbar while 401E continues after Teluk Kumbar to terminate at the Balik Pulau Bus Terminal.
The main stops covered by Bus 401E include:
- Penang International Airport
- SPICE Convention Centre
- Queensbay Mall (a popular shopping destination)
- Komtar Bus Terminal (George Town’s main bus hub)
- Weld Quay (Pengkalan Weld, near the ferry terminal)
Passengers can board the 401E at the Airport Bus Terminal, which is located just outside the arrival hall of Penang International Airport. The bus provides a direct, affordable alternative to taxis or e-hailing services like Grab.
Why Choose the 401E Over the 401?
As mentioned, while 401E began as the express version of 401, they don't really follow the same route. You can compare here the route of 401 and 401E.
Fares and How to Pay
Rapid Penang buses, including the 401E, operate on a distance-based fare system. As of 2025, the fares are generally structured as follows:
- Short distance: RM1.40
- Medium distance: RM2.00 – RM2.70
- Long distance (such as Airport to George Town): Around RM3.00 – RM4.002
Passengers can pay in the following ways:
- Cash: Prepare exact change, as the driver does not provide change.
- Pas Mutiara: A subsidised travel pass that allows unlimited rides on Rapid Penang buses. This is ideal for frequent commuters or long-stay travellers3.
Travel Tips for Taking Bus 401E from the airport
- Board at the airport bus stop located directly outside arrivals – clearly signposted for easy navigation.
- Expect some waiting time, as the bus frequency may range from 30 to 60 minutes depending on demand.
- Keep small notes and coins ready if paying by cash.
- If heading to George Town hotels, Komtar is the best stop as most hotels are within walking distance or a short Grab ride away.
- During peak hours, the bus may be crowded, so consider travelling outside morning and evening rush periods.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the 401E bus route is one of the most photographed buses in Penang? Many travellers capture its iconic red-and-blue livery at the airport, as it’s their very first impression of public transport in the state!
Quick Facts
- Route: Penang International Airport ↔ George Town (via Bayan Lepas & Queensbay Mall)
- Type: Express bus with limited stops
- Main Terminals: Airport, Komtar, Weld Quay
- Fare: Around RM3 – RM4 from Airport to George Town
- Payment: Cash (exact fare), Touch ‘n Go, Pas Mutiara
- Operator: Rapid Penang
- Alternative: Bus 401 (slower, with more stops)
Map of Rapid Penang Bus 401E Route
The blue line denotes the route from Jetty to Balik Pulau while the red line the route from Balik Pulau back to the Jetty.References
Page Details
This page was created on 5 September 2025.Want to share your Penang travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
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