Major Highways & Driving Tips in George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
1. Penang Bridge
A double-decked bridge connecting Penang Island and the mainland, offering stunning views. Solves the challenge of crossing the strait without taking a ferry.
- Length: 13.5 km long, making it one of the world's longest bridges.
- Two Decks: Each deck is dedicated to traffic flow, ensuring smooth driving experience.
- Toll Road: A fee is required for using this bridge, but it's worth it for the convenience and stunning views.
2. Jelutong Expressway (LEKMA)
A major highway connecting Penang Island's north and south, reducing traffic congestion significantly. Offers easy access to various attractions.
- Length: Approximately 24 km long, connecting the northernmost and southernmost parts of Penang Island.
- Rapid Development: Constantly being upgraded to accommodate increasing traffic demands.
- Bus Lanes: Bus lanes are provided, ensuring public buses can bypass traffic during peak hours.
3. Penang Second Bridge
Another upcoming bridge in Penang, expected to ease traffic congestion further. Offers an alternative route for drivers.
- Location: Planned between Batu Maung on the mainland and Sungai Nibong on Penang Island.
- Construction Status: Under construction, expected to be completed by 2026.
- Toll-free Road: Upon completion, it will be a toll-free bridge, offering an affordable alternative to the Penang Bridge.
4. Jelutong Bypass
A major highway that bypasses Jelutong town, helping drivers avoid congestion in this area. Provides easy access to the Penang Bridge.
- Length: Approximately 5 km long.
- Construction Year: Opened in the late 1980s, helping to reduce traffic congestion since then.
- Bus Lanes: Like other major highways in Penang, bus lanes are provided for public transportation.
5. Jerejak Island Ferry
A ferry service connecting Penang Island with Jerejak Island. Solves the challenge of accessing this lesser-known destination.
- Schedule: Regularly scheduled departures from both Penang Island and Jerejak Island.
- Fare: Affordable fares for passengers and vehicles.
- Historical Site: Jerejak Island was once home to a leper colony and features historical buildings that can be visited.
6. Penang Outer Ring Road (Lebuhraya Persekutuan Pulau Pinang)
A proposed ring road around Penang Island, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and improve overall connectivity.
- Construction Status: Currently in the planning phase.
- Length: Planned to be over 100 km long, encircling the entire island.
- Upcoming Benefits: Upon completion, it will offer a smoother driving experience and shorter travel times for residents and visitors alike.
7. Penang International Airport (Airport Pulau Pinang)
The main airport serving Penang, offering both domestic and international flights. Solves the challenge of traveling to or from Penang Island.
- Flight Destinations: Direct flights to numerous cities across Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East.
- Location: Located on Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, about 15 km south of George Town.
- Terminals: Two operational terminals (Main Terminal and the smaller Contact Pier Terminal), handling both domestic and international flights.
8. Penang Rapid Bus Transit (PRBT)
A mass rapid transit system connecting various parts of Penang Island, reducing traffic congestion and offering an affordable alternative to driving.
- Rapid Development: Constantly being extended to cover more areas of the island.
- Eco-friendly: Uses electric buses, reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel buses.
- Frequency: Bus services operate frequently, allowing passengers to travel easily and conveniently.
9. George Town Ferry Terminal
A ferry terminal connecting Penang Island with the mainland, offering an alternative mode of transportation for drivers.
- Schedule: Regularly scheduled departures from both sides.
- Fare: Affordable fares for passengers and vehicles.
- Location: Located in the heart of George Town, near various tourist attractions.
10. Penang Coastal Expressway (LEKMA)
A major highway along Penang's coastline, providing easy access to beaches and coastal attractions.
- Length: Approximately 36 km long.
- Construction Year: Opened in the early 2010s, improving accessibility to Penang's coastal areas.
- Bus Lanes: Like other major highways in Penang, bus lanes are provided for public transportation.
11. Penang Hill Funicular Railway (Train to Penang Hill)
A funicular railway offering an alternative mode of transport to Penang Hill. Solves the challenge of steep inclines and congested roads.
- Height: Reaches a height of approximately 825 meters above sea level.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of George Town and the surrounding areas.
- Attractions: Features attractions such as a mosque, temple, and food courts at the summit.
12. Penang Monorail (Light Rail Transit)
A monorail system connecting various parts of George Town, reducing traffic congestion and offering an affordable alternative to driving.
- Rapid Development: Constantly being extended to cover more areas of the city.
- Eco-friendly: Uses electric trains, reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional buses and cars.
- Frequency: Trains operate frequently, allowing passengers to travel easily and conveniently.
13. Penang International Shuttle Ferry (PISF)
A ferry service connecting Butterworth on the mainland with Penang Island, offering an alternative mode of transportation for drivers.
- Schedule: Regularly scheduled departures from both sides.
- Fare: Affordable fares for passengers and vehicles.
- Connection: Provides a direct connection to the KTM train station in Butterworth, allowing easy access to other parts of Malaysia.
14. Penang Island Car Ferry
A car ferry service connecting Penang Island with the mainland, offering an alternative mode of transportation for drivers.
- Schedule: Regularly scheduled departures from both sides.
- Fare: Affordable fares for passengers and vehicles.
- Location: Located in the town of Sungai Nibong on Penang Island and Butterworth on the mainland.
15. Penang Bus Quick Pass (MyQuick Pass)
An electronic ticketing system for buses in Penang, making travel more convenient and efficient.
- Easy to Use: Simply top up the card and tap it on the card reader when boarding a bus.
- Discounts: Offers discounted fares for students, seniors, and frequent users.
- Coverage: Valid on all Penang Rapid Bus Transit (PRBT) services.