Penang Island, Malaysia

Getting around Penang Island

How to travel around Penang Island — 5 options, what they cost, and which booking apps fix the fare before you go.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Rapid Penang buses

An extensive island network including free CAT shuttles around the old town.

Cost: RM 1.40–4

2. Grab

Widely used and cheaper than taxis, which routinely refuse the meter.

Watch outAirport and ferry taxis quoting fixed fares well above the metered rate.

3. Ferry from Butterworth

The passenger ferry across the channel, running since 1894.

Cost: RM 1.20

4. Rented scooter

Practical for the island's coast road, less so in George Town's one-way system.

Watch outPassport held as deposit and damage claimed at return.

5. Trishaw

Cycle rickshaws around the old town, more experience than transport.

Tip: Agree the price and the route; per-landmark charges appear otherwise.

Booking apps in Malaysia

Agreeing the fare in an app before you travel removes the argument at the end of the journey, which is where most transport scams happen. Links go to each app's official page — lookalike apps are themselves a scam.

Grab

The dominant ride-hailing service in Malaysia for cars and deliveries.

Coverage: Nationwide.
Why it helps: Fare is agreed in the app before the trip, and the route is recorded — which removes the refused meter, the tampered meter and the fixed 'foreigner price' in one move.

InDrive

Fare-negotiation ride-hailing, often cheaper than the incumbent.

Coverage: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru.
Why it helps: Fare is agreed in the app before the trip, and the route is recorded — which removes the refused meter, the tampered meter and the fixed 'foreigner price' in one move.

MyRapid PULSE

Official app for Kuala Lumpur's rail and bus network, with journey planning and passes.

Coverage: Klang Valley.

KTMB Mobile

National rail operator's booking app, including the intercity ETS services.

Coverage: Peninsular Malaysia.