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Penang Layover Guide (PEN)

What are you looking for in PEN?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Penang Airport (PEN) is an international airport located in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia. It’s situated about 16 km (10 miles) from George Town, the capital city of Penang. The airport officially opened in 1935. Penang is one of Malaysia’s most vibrant states, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks. The island also offers beautiful beaches, delicious street food, and a diverse mix of modern and colonial architecture.

Can you leave Penang Airport (PEN) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a Penang Airport layover, you can leave the transit area after immigration clearance. Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days; others require an advance visa. Transit passengers must hold valid onward tickets and meet passport requirements. Check the Malaysian Immigration Department for visa exemptions and conditions. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• George Town Heritage Trail Discover colonial architecture, Chinese shophouses and vibrant murals on a self-guided walking trail through UNESCO-listed George Town. Follow the official map at http://heritage.penang.gov.my for insights into rich lore and history. (Time required: about 3 hours. / Airport to here: Rapid Penang bus 401 to Komtar (~60 min) then 10 min walk, or taxi (~30 min).)
• Penang Street Art Tour Embark on a guided or self-guided hunt for Ernest Zacharevic’s famous murals and hidden installations across George Town, learning stories behind each artwork from guides via the official trail app. (Time required: about 2 hours. / Airport to here: Rapid Penang bus 401 to Komtar (~60 min) then 5 min walk to Armenian Street, or taxi (~30 min).)
• Penang Hill Ride the historic funicular railway up Penang Hill for panoramic views of the island’s lush greenery and skyline, dine at colonial-era bungalows, and explore hiking trails amid cooler mountain air. (Time required: about 3 hours. / Airport to here: Rapid Penang bus 401 to Komtar then bus 204 to Penang Hill lower station (~90 min total), or taxi (~40 min).)
• Kek Lok Si Temple Visit Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temple complex, marvel at the towering Goddess of Mercy statue, wander through vibrant colorful prayer halls, and ride the inclined lift for stunning hilltop vistas. (Time required: about 2 hours. / Airport to here: Rapid Penang bus 401 to Komtar then bus 203 to Air Itam (~75 min) then 10 min walk, or taxi (~35 min).)
• Pinang Peranakan Mansion Explore a meticulously restored Peranakan home showcasing colorful ornate tilework, intricate antique furniture, and authentic cultural artifacts, gaining insight into the Straits Chinese heritage and lifestyle of Penang’s elite families. (Time required: about 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Rapid Penang bus 401 to Komtar (~60 min) then 10 min walk, or taxi (~30 min).)
• Gurney Drive Hawker Centre Savor iconic Penang street food at Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, sampling fragrant char kway teow, spicy assam laksa, and grilled satay amidst a bustling seaside atmosphere overlooking the Malacca Strait. (Time required: about 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Rapid Penang bus 401 to Gurney Drive (~70 min), or taxi (~30 min).)
• Chew Jetty Stroll along the historic Chew Jetty, admiring traditional wooden stilt houses, vibrant colorful community life, and charming, quaint souvenir stalls while enjoying unobstructed views of the waterfront and sunset opportunities. (Time required: about 1 hour. / Airport to here: Rapid Penang bus 401 to Weld Quay (~60 min) then 5 min walk, or taxi (~35 min).)
• Little India Immerse yourself in Penang’s vibrant Little India, sampling fragrant masala tea, exploring aromatic spice shops, and admiring colorful textile stores before indulging in authentic banana leaf curry at local eateries. (Time required: about 2 hours. / Airport to here: Rapid Penang bus 401 to Komtar (~60 min) then bus 101 to Little India (~15 min) and 5 min walk, or taxi (~30 min).)

Things to Do in Penang Airport (PEN)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Penang International Airport hosts two dedicated lounges—Golden Premium Lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge—offering comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, hot meals, Wi-Fi, workstations and shower facilities. Access is available via pay-per-use entry, airline class eligibility or lounge membership programs. Both provide a quiet retreat away from busy terminals. Daily operating hours vary. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several nearby hotels serve Penang Airport, including Sunshine Hotel and Bayview Hotel, offering day-use and overnight rooms. Complimentary shuttle transfers run on fixed schedules, while in-hotel amenities include covered pools, fitness centers and on-site dining. Advance reservation is recommended for early check-in and late-checkout options. Room rates vary seasonally. » Find and book airport hotel/sleeping pod in our Penang Airport (PEN) hotels/sleeping pods page.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Penang Airport lacks dedicated sleep pods but offers several quiet corners and padded seating near gates. Power outlets are sparsely available in seating zones. Travelers should carry eye masks, neck pillows and earplugs for comfort. Airport staff advise against overnight stays in main concourses due to early morning cleaning. Consider.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout Penang Airport with four-hour free sessions per device. Users register with email or social media and reconnect when needed. Speeds support browsing and messaging, though video streaming may be limited. Networking areas near boarding gates often feature stronger signals and seating with USB charging ports.

SIM/eSIM Card: Upon arrival at Penang Airport, find several Malaysian telco kiosks offering prepaid SIM cards with data, voice and SMS bundles reasonable for tourists. eSIM profiles from global providers can be activated online before landing. Top-up vouchers and self-service recharge machines are available. Valid passport required for registration. Activation instructions provided. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Penang Airport (PEN) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Licensed airport taxis queue outside the arrivals hall offering fixed fares to George Town and other zones. Rates vary by distance, payable in cash or card; surcharges apply after midnight. Ride-hailing services like Grab operate from designated pickup points. Drivers assist with luggage loading. Safety standards upheld. Available 24/7 round-the-clock.

Train: No direct rail link to Penang Airport; the closest station is Butterworth on mainland Malaysia accessible via KTM Komuter and ETS intercity trains. From Butterworth, transfer by Rapid Penang bus or taxi to the ferry terminal for Georgetown crossing. Journey takes 90 minutes end-to-end including transfers. more info

Bus: Rapid Penang bus route 401 operates between Penang Airport and Komtar in Georgetown, including stops at Queensbay Mall. Free CAT (Central Area Transit) shuttle covers inner city attractions. Buses run every 30 minutes from early morning to late evening. Tickets purchasable via mobile app or onboard. more info

Shuttle: Hotel shuttle services connect Penang Airport to many city hotels, typically on pre‐booked schedules. Shared vans and private minibus transfers can be arranged via hotel concierge or third‐party providers. Fares vary by distance and group size. Pickup is from the arrivals bay; advance reservation ensures seat availability. Available 24/7. Reliable.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies like Avis, Hertz, Europcar and Sixt have desks in Penang Airport’s arrival hall. Book in advance online for best rates and vehicle selection. Drivers must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid international or Malaysian driving license and present a credit card for deposit. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Penang Airport offers multi‐level parking facilities adjacent to the terminal, with short‐term and long‐term zones. Rates are calculated hourly and daily, with discounted weekly packages. Payment machines accept cash, credit cards and mobile e-wallets. Parking areas are monitored by CCTV and patrolled regularly for security. Electric vehicle charging stations provided.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Penang Airport does not offer self‐service lockers, but a left‐luggage counter provides bag storage and wrapping services near the information desk in arrivals. Charges apply per item and duration, with options for hourly or daily rates. Service operates during terminal hours and accepts cash or card payments. Secure facility. Operated. » Find out where to book and left your luggage in our Penang Airport (PEN) left luggage and storage page or directly book here (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Penang Airport (PEN) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks