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In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about Penang Airport in 2025.
If you are planning a trip from Penang airport, it’s helpful to have a good understanding of the facilities and amenities available at this airport. We will share important information about food, facilities, amenities, and top tips for Penang Airport.
We will also share some very important advice to reduce the risk of missing your flight. So please read this article carefully. The Golden rule of travel, a little planning now saves a lot of stress later. So we hope this article helps you plan a smooth journey.
Planning a trip to Penang – Don’t miss these Amazing things to do in Penang
Getting around in Penang – Check out the Full guide – The Best ways to Get Around in Penang
What destinations can you fly to from Penang Airport?
Penang Airport has a wide range of domestic and international flights to destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Singapore, Bangkok, Siem Reap and much more. Penang International Airport hosts several budget airlines, including Scoot Airways and AirAsia. For long haul flights you generally need to connect through KLIA, Singapore or Bangkok.
How do you get to Penang International Airport?
Getting to the airport on time is probably one of the biggest stresses of flying. It is generally recommended that you aim to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
Penang International Airport is relatively small, so you can probably get away with arriving a little later. However, traveling around Penang can be very challenging, and there is a danger of missing your flight if you do not plan your journey carefully. This almost happened to me once, so we really do recommend making sure you leave plenty of time to travel around the island.
Penang International Airport is situated on the southeast corner of Penang Island. This is a long distance from George Town and even further from Batu Ferringhi. If you’re planning to travel during peak times, such as the morning or afternoon rush hour, we recommend leaving a couple of hours for the journey around Penang. This is particularly true on a Friday afternoon. The traffic around the East of the island can be very bad. If you’re traveling from George Town, we recommend leaving at least 1 hour for your journey during Rush Hour. We recommend leaving at least 1.5 hours for this journey if you are planning to travel from Batu Ferringhi. We recommend leaving as much as 2 hours during the rush hour.
Transport options to the Penang Airport
You can get to Penang International airport by taxi or by a local bus. A taxi is faster and more convenient; we recommend using the Grab Taxi app to order your taxi. Make sure you leave plenty of time because it can take a little while to find a taxi, especially during busy periods. An international airport should cost you around RM40 – RM50 from Georgetown (around £8 – £10 or $10 – $12). Taxis should have sufficient room to bring your baggage. Alternatively, you can take a local bus to Penang International Airport (around RM4 – RM6). Bus 102 goes from the Komtar to the airport.
How do you get to Georgetown from Penang Airport
The best way to get to Georgetown from Penang Airport is to use a Grab taxi. There is a small additional fee for a pick up at the airport on Grab. The journey should cost around RM40 – RM50 (around £8 – £10 or $10 – $12). You do need some internet data on the go to book a Grab. So if you haven’t sorted your SIM card you will either need to get one at the airport (expensive) or you will need to arrange a taxi yourself. This should cost around RM50 (£10 or $12). You will probably need to barter to get a fair price. Alternatively you can take the 102 bus to Komtar (in the centre of Georgetown).
What food and drinks are available at Penang Airport?
Penang airport has a small range of shops and restaurants where you can buy snacks, hot meals and drinks. When you arrive at the departure hall, there are a couple of shops and restaurants:
Line Clear Nasi Kandar
This is situated right by the entrance of the main departure hall. You can buy a range of Indian food, including Fried Chicken, thosai, and curries. They also serve a range of hot and cold drinks, including fresh juice, soft drinks, and tea tarik (Malaysian Indian tea). The prices at Line Clear are fairly reasonable, with most dishes ranging in price between RM8 – RM15. Although this is expensive compared to street food in Penang, it is relatively cheap for an international airport.
Starbucks
There is also a Starbucks outlet situated in the departures hall, so it is possible to get a coffee before you go through immigration. Starbucks in Malaysia is very similar to Starbucks anywhere around the world. They sell a range of tempting and tasty coffees and treats. The prices are also relatively high and similar to other places around the world. Most coffees range between RM12 – RM20. If you don’t have time to grab your coffee before you check in and go through immigration, there is also a Starbucks situated on the other side of Immigration close to the gates.
Kueh Kita
This is a small cafe situated in the departure hall. They serve a range of affordable Malaysian snacks and treats. This really is the last call for Malaysian treats before you leave. It is also a great option if you are looking for something tasty and affordable in the airport. You can buy banana leaf nasi lemak for RM5. This is amazingly affordable for an international airport. They also serve a wide range of other Malaysian snacks and drinks. There is a small seating area outside the cafe.
WHSmiths
This is also situated in the departure hall of Penang airport. WHS sells a range of magazines, books, and some snacks. There are no convenience stores at Penang airport so make sure you bring everything you need.
McDonald’s
Yeah the Golden arches really are everywhere in the world now! You can find a maccy D’s restaurant near the entrance to the departures hall (just by the drop off zone). You won’t be surprised to learn that the menu, prices and style of food is very similar to any other Mac Donald’s anywhere in the world. So if you need to start your journey with a fast food hit, make sure you find the Mac Donald’s before you go to immigration.
What can you find past immigration?
Once you have been through immigration and security, you can find boarding gates and a small range of Duty-Free shops, including Royal Selangor, which is great for jewelry, gifts, and high-priced items. They also have a duty-free shop called Eraman, which sells a tempting variety of international and European chocolates. You can also find a Starbucks and Noodles Restaurant near the boarding gates.
Top tip: If you’re spending your last ringgits in the Penang airport, they may let you split the bill between cash and card. This means you can spend your last notes and then pay the remainder on the card.
What are the facilities like at Penang Airport?
The facilities at Penang airport are very good, although they are not as sophisticated or developed as some of the larger airports, such as KLIA or Bangkok International Airport.
When you arrive, you can get a free baggage trolley (just by the drop off zone at departures). You can only take the trolly as far as the entrance to immigration. Penang Airport has toilets, baby changing facilities, prayer rooms, and duty-free shops. You can also find free water dispensers in the airport near the bording gates. They have a long and short stay car park and a drop off zone. There are no drop off charges at Penang Airport.
What is accessibility like at Penang International Airport?
Penang International Airport has excellent accessibility. It is also a relatively family-friendly airport. They have wheelchairs and staff can assist if you need help. They do not have any priority lanes or family lanes in the immigration or security; however, they do operate a priority boarding policy at the boarding gates. Immigration and Security are relatively quick and well staffed at Penang airport so you won’t generally need to wait to long.
