Penang International Airport (PEN)

Overview

Penang International Airport is served by a number of low-cost carriers. It's the perfect gateway to one of Malaysia's popular coastal towns just near the Thai border. Penang International Airport won the 2009 Airport of the Year Award for airports serving fewer than 15 million passengers each year. It used to be called Bayan Lepas International and is a mid-sized, visitor-friendly airport offering passengers easy access to one of the premier destinations in southeast Asia.

Location

Penang Airport is located four miles (6km) north of Bayan Baru or 10 miles (16km) west of Georgetown.

Getting to the city

The hourly (6am to 9pm) yellow bus 83, costs RM 1.60 and goes to Georgetown via Penang's main bus station (Komtar), the trip takes about an hour. However, most foreign visitors take taxis, which are available outside the terminal.

Time

GMT +8.

Contacts

Tel: +60 (0)4 643 4411.

Car rental

Avis, Hertz and National and a number of local car rental companies are all represented at the airport, however most first-time visitors take taxis or hire a car with a driver.

Airport Taxis

Taxis are available outside the terminal, but, to avoid being overcharged, it is best to buy prepaid taxi vouchers inside the terminal. Taxis to Georgetown cost about RM 40 and the trip takes approximately 45mins to an hour. Taxis to Batu Ferengghi cost about RM 60.

Facilities

Facilities include lounges/travel clubs, banks, bureaux de change, a tourist help desk, shops and restaurants.

Parking

Short-term parking for just over 800 cars is available at Penang International Airport.

Departure Tax

MYR 45 (generally included in the ticket price)

Website

www.malaysiaairports.com.my

Airlines

Flights to Penang International Airport can be booked on Asia's premier low-cost carrier AirAsia, as well as Cathay Pacific, Firefly, Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways.

Business Lounges

A business centre is located in the main terminal.

Penang International Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.