TRISHAW
One of the most distinctive ways to explore George Town is by trishaw, a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi that remains part of the city's living heritage. Once a common mode of transport in Penang, trishaws today offer visitors a slower and more relaxed way to experience the streets, architecture and everyday atmosphere of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Trishaw rides often pass heritage landmarks, clan houses, temples, street art and historic shophouses, allowing visitors to take in the sights at a comfortable pace while travelling through George Town's narrow streets and cultural quarters. Many riders also share stories and local knowledge, adding a personal touch to the experience.
Visitors are encouraged to agree on the fare and route before beginning their journey.
PUBLIC BUS
Rapid Penang operates the state's public bus network, providing extensive coverage within both Penang Island and Seberang Perai. The service connects major residential areas, commercial centres, transportation hubs and popular attractions, making it an affordable and convenient option for visitors travelling around Penang.
KOMTAR in George Town and Penang Sentral in Butterworth serve as the main interchange hubs for Penang's bus services. Many popular destinations, including Penang Hill, Batu Ferringhi, Teluk Bahang and various mainland townships, can be reached through the Rapid Penang network.
Visitors exploring the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site can also make use of the free Central Area Transit (CAT) Bus, which serves key locations within the city centre. For the latest routes, schedules, fares and visitor passes, travellers are encouraged to refer to Rapid Penang's official website.
TAXI
Taxis remain available throughout Penang and can be found at major transport hubs, shopping centres, hotels and popular visitor areas. They provide a convenient option for travelling between attractions, commercial districts and accommodation.
Visitors are advised to confirm whether a metered fare or fixed fare will apply before beginning their journey. Taxi services are particularly useful for direct point-to-point travel, especially when visiting destinations that may be less accessible by public transport.
Taxi services are also available at Penang International Airport, where fixed-fare airport taxi services operate based on destination zones.
E-HAILING
E-hailing services are widely available throughout Penang and have become one of the most convenient ways for visitors to travel around the state. Popular platforms such as Grab and AirAsia Ride provide easy access to attractions, shopping districts, transport hubs and accommodation.
Visitors can book rides directly through mobile applications, allowing them to view fares, estimated arrival times and driver details before confirming a trip. E-hailing services are particularly useful for point-to-point travel and destinations that may be less accessible by public transport.
CAR RENTAL
Car rental services are widely available throughout Penang, with many operators offering convenient pick-up and drop-off locations, including Penang International Airport. Visitors can arrange rentals upon arrival or make advance reservations online before their trip.
Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring both Penang Island and Seberang Perai at your own pace, allowing visitors to travel easily between urban areas, coastal attractions, countryside landscapes and destinations further afield. Chauffeur-driven services and guided tour arrangements are also available through selected operators for visitors seeking a more personalised travel experience.
Europcar Rental
Tel: +6010 298 9403
Hawk Rent-A-Car
Tel: +6016 207 6530
Hertz Car Rental
Tel: +604 226 8602 / +604 643 0208
Kasina Rent-A-Car
Tel: +604 644 1842 / +6012 438 2534
Mayflower Car Rental
Tel: +604 642 5088
New Bob Rent-A-Car
Tel: +604 226 6111 / +6012 472 5577
Orix Car Rental
Tel: +604 644 2366
LINKBIKE
LinkBike is Penang's public bicycle-sharing system, offering a convenient and environmentally friendly way to explore parts of George Town and its surrounding neighbourhoods. The service allows users to pick up and return bicycles at designated stations, providing flexibility for short-distance travel and sightseeing.
Cycling offers an enjoyable way to discover heritage streets, waterfront areas, public spaces and local neighbourhoods at a relaxed pace while avoiding traffic congestion in busier parts of the city. For the latest station locations, rental information and usage details, visitors are encouraged to refer to LinkBike's official website.
FERRY
Photo Credit: Penang Port website
The Penang Ferry remains one of the state’s most recognisable modes of transport, providing a convenient connection between George Town and Butterworth across the channel. In addition to serving daily commuters and travellers, the ferry offers passengers scenic views of the waterfront, port activities and the surrounding city skyline during the crossing.
Ferry services provide a useful link between Penang Island and Seberang Perai, especially for visitors arriving via Butterworth Railway Station and Penang Sentral. The service operates between Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU) in George Town and Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH) in Butterworth, carrying pedestrians and two-wheelers between the island and mainland.
For the latest schedules, operating hours and fare information, visitors are encouraged to refer to the Ferry Operator's official website.
