Guide to Penang International Airport (PEN): Everything Travelers Need to Know

Penang has long been one of Malaysia’s most beloved destinations. Anyone who has visited Penang before would tell you that is a place where hawker food rivals the best dining experiences in Asia. Whether you’re coming for George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage magic to the beaches of Batu Ferringhi, your journey will likely begin at Penang International Airport (PEN).

Often simply referred to as “Penang Airport”, this hub is the island’s primary gateway for both domestic and international travelers. The airport is located in Bayan Lepas, which is about 16 kilometers south of George Town. Welcoming millions of passengers each year, with direct connections to cities across Southeast Asia and beyond, the airport is considered one of the most important in the region.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Penang International Airport – from flights and arrival procedures to facilities, transport options, and insider tips.

Quick Facts About Penang International Airport (PEN)

• Official Name: Penang International Airport
• IATA Code: PEN
• Location: Bayan Lepas, about 16 km (10 miles) south of George Town
• Opened: 1935 (modernized several times since)
• Annual Traffic: Handles millions of passengers
• Main Airlines: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Firefly, Cathay Pacific
• Domestic Connections: Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi
• International Connections: Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Taipei, Doha (via Qatar Airways)
• Facilities: Duty-free shopping, lounges, free WiFi, restaurants, car rentals, money changers, SIM card counters
• Distance to City: Roughly 30 to 40 minutes by car or Grab to George Town, depending on traffic

Flights to Penang

Due to how Penang Airport is well connected across Southeast Asia and beyond, it makes it easy for travelers to reach the island whether they’re coming for a short getaway or a longer holiday.

Regional Flights

• Singapore to Penang: Around 1 hour 30 minutes, operated by Singapore Airlines, Scoot, AirAsia, and Firefly. This is one of the busiest short-haul routes.
• Kuala Lumpur to Penang: Less than 1 hour by air. Flights operate almost hourly with AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Batik Air.
• Bangkok to Penang: Around 2 hours, served by Thai AirAsia and other carriers.
• Jakarta to Penang: About 2 hours 30 minutes, with multiple airlines.

Longer International Connections

• Hong Kong to Penang: Roughly 3 hours 45 minutes, with Cathay Pacific and AirAsia.
• Doha to Penang: Qatar Airways offers a direct connection from the Middle East, linking Penang with Europe and beyond.
• Seasonal and charter flights from other destinations also bring tourists directly into Penang.

Flight Tip

Because Penang is such a popular regional hub, budget airlines frequently run promotions. If your travel dates are flexible, you can often find return tickets from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur for the price of a nice dinner.

Arrival Experience at Penang International Airport

Landing at Penang International Airport (PEN) is generally smooth and straightforward. The airport is modern but compact, so you won’t face long walks between gates or endless queues like in some mega-airports. Here’s what to expect:

Immigration & Customs (Visa Requirements)

• ASEAN travelers (from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, etc.) can usually enter visa-free.
• Visitors from many other developed countries get visa-free entry for short stays.
• For some weaker passports, like my Ghanaian passport, a visa is required before arrival.

When I flew into Penang from Singapore’s Changi Airport, the process was simple but very clear-cut:

1. After disembarking, I went straight to the immigration counters.
2. Since Ghanaian travelers require a visa, I had mine ready and presented it along with my passport.
3. The officer asked a couple of standard questions – about my stay, where I was headed in Penang, and how long I planned to visit.
4. After the passport was stamped, I picked up my luggage and went through a brief customs check.

Everything was handled professionally, and within minutes I was through. The main difference compared to ASEAN travelers is just the need for pre-approved documentation.

Baggage Claim

• The baggage area is compact, so luggage usually arrives quickly.
• Trolleys are free to use.

Services After Arrival

• SIM Cards & Mobile Data: Several telco counters (Maxis, Digi, Celcom) are located right after customs. It’s cheaper to buy here than at tourist areas.
• ATMs & Money Changers: Found in the arrival hall. Rates are slightly better in George Town, but convenient if you need quick cash.
• Tourist Information Desk: Staff can provide maps and brochures if you’re planning your Penang itinerary.

First Impressions

Travelers often describe PEN as efficient and traveler-friendly. From my own experience flying in from Singapore, I can say the airport staff were professional, and the process was much faster than I expected.

Transport Options from Penang Airport to George Town and Beyond

Depending on your choice of transport, the trip from the airport to George Town, (which is the island’s center) is about 30 to 45 minutes long. Here are the main ways to get from the airport into the city:

1. Grab (Most Recommended)

Grab is Southeast Asia’s version of Uber, and it’s the easiest and most cost-effective way to leave the airport.

• Cost: Around RM25 – RM35 (USD 5 – 7) to George Town.
• How it works: Simply book via the Grab app once you land. Drivers pick up passengers at the designated area outside the arrival hall.
• My experience: On my last trip, I booked a Grab after clearing immigration. It took about 5 minutes for the driver to arrive, and the ride into George Town was hassle-free.

2. Airport Taxi

If you don’t want to use an app, airport taxis are available. They operate on a coupon system. So what you do is buy a coupon at the taxi counter in the arrival hall, then head outside where a driver is assigned.

• Cost: RM40 – RM50 (USD 8 – 11) to George Town.
• Pros: Reliable, straightforward.
• Cons: More expensive than Grab, especially during peak hours.

3. Rapid Penang Bus

Budget travelers can take the Rapid Penang Bus directly from the airport. A number of the routes connect the airport to George Town, KOMTAR, and other parts of the island.

• Cost: Only RM2 – RM4 (under USD 1).
• Travel time: 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic.
• Best for: Backpackers or those without much luggage.

4. Car Rentals

Car rental desks are located inside the airport if you’d prefer to drive yourself.

• Cost: Around RM80 to RM150 per day (USD 17–32), depending on the vehicle.
• Pros: Freedom to explore the island, including harder-to-reach spots like Balik Pulau or Penang Hill.
• Cons: Driving in George Town can be tricky with narrow streets and limited parking.

Facilities at Penang International Airport (PEN)

While Penang International Airport is not as massive as Kuala Lumpur or Singapore’s Changi, it has all the essentials travelers need for a smooth arrival or departure. Here’s what you can expect inside the airport:

Free WiFi

• The airport provides complimentary WiFi, though the connection can be patchy during peak hours.
• Best for checking messages or booking your Grab ride once you land.

Duty-Free Shopping

• Located in the departure area after security.
• Shops sell alcohol, tobacco, chocolates, perfumes, and souvenirs.
• Prices are competitive, though many travelers wait to shop in George Town’s malls for more variety.

Restaurants & Cafes

• Arrival Hall: Local coffee shops and snack stalls.
• Departure Hall: Mix of local and international outlets like Starbucks and a plethora of fast-food options.
• Tip: If you want authentic Penang food, save your appetite for George Town. To me, the airport is more about convenience than taste.

Lounges

• Plaza Premium Lounge: Open to all passengers for a fee, with food, drinks, WiFi, and comfortable seating.
• Airline Lounges: Malaysia Airlines and a few other carriers have dedicated lounges for business-class passengers and frequent flyers.

SIM Cards & Mobile Services

• Telco counters (Maxis, Digi, Celcom) are right after customs in the arrival hall.
• Prepaid SIMs with data plans are affordable, usually between RM20 and RM50 (USD 4 to 10).

Currency Exchange & ATMs

• ATMs are located near the arrival hall.
• Money changers are available, though exchange rates are often better in George Town.

Other Traveler Services

• Prayer Rooms: Available for Muslim travelers.
• Medical Clinic: For emergencies or minor issues.
• Baby Care Facilities: Changing rooms and nursing spaces for families.
• Car Rental Desks: Multiple local and international operators.

Tips for Travelers Using Penang Airport

• Currency: Exchange some Ringgit before arrival. Airport rates aren’t the best, but ATMs and money changers are available.
• Transport: Grab is cheaper and easier than airport taxis. I used it on arrival and was in George Town within 30 minutes.
• Arrive Early: Queues can build up on weekends so it is a good idea to be at the airport at least 2 hours before departure.
• SIM Cards: Buy one at the arrival hall; it’s cheap and handy for booking transport right away.
• Visa Check: ASEAN travelers enter visa-free, but some passports, like mine (Ghana), require a visa beforehand. Having it ready made immigration smooth.
• Food Tip: The airport has basics, but save your appetite. Penang’s street food is worth the wait.