There are plenty of convenient, reliable and affordable forms of public transportation in Penang, including buses, taxis, ferries and a funicular.
Buses
You can buy tickets to the Penang Hop on Hop
of Bus for 24 or 48 hours durations. Buses run about every 30 minutes.
These buses are a great way to see Penang and they offer discounts for
student. Rapid Penang runs air-conditioned coach service all over the
island. This is the cheapest easy to travel Penang, but it often involves
a long wait. The city of Penang offers free shuttle service to historical
sites. Shuttle run in a loop and you can hop on or off at any of shuttles
stop.
Bus Fare for foreigners
24 Hours
Adult: RM45
Child*/Student/Disabled: RM24
*Child aged 5 and under FOC
48 Hours
Adult: RM79
Child*/Student/Disabled: RM43
*Child aged 5 and under FOC
Bus Fare for MyKad holders
24 Hours
Adult: RM19
Child*/Student/Disabled: RM12
*Child aged 5 and under FOC
48 Hours
Adult: RM32
Child*/Student/Disabled: RM20
*Child aged 5 and under FOC
Ferries
A fleet of eight ferries links Georgetown to Penang Island and to Butterworth on the mainland. The first ferry departs from Butterworth at 6 am, with the last one leaving at midnight. Departures from Penang Island start at 5.30 am. The ferry can carry both pedestrians and cars.
Taxi
Taxis are convenient but can be troublesome. Drivers ignore the meter and charge what they want, even though the law prohibits it. It works out better to flag one on the street and negotiate the price in advance. Always ask the price before getting in, and unless you're sure it's fair, try to bargain it down.
Funicular
The Swiss-made funicular (cable car) takes about a half hour to climb Penang Hill. It's a slow-but-fun ride that reveals vegetable farms and colonial homes along the way.