Air travel to the city of Sydney, the most populated city in Australia, is served by the Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport, also known as Kingsford Smith Airport or Sydney Airport. Sydney Airport is a major international airport located 8 km from the city center. Sydney Airport is accessible by a variety of transportation alternatives by both road and rail including taxis, buses, trains, rental cars, and bikes. The airport also features short-term and long-term parking options for those who want to drive their personal car.

Taxi

Taxis are the fastest and most comfortable transportation alternative to get to Sydney Airport. Taxis are easily accessible everywhere in the city; you can also have your hotel help arrange a taxi for you. Since Sydney Airport is located in such close proximity to the city center, only 8 km away, taxis are a great alternative in terms of speed and price.

Bus

Another transportation alternative to get to Sydney Airport from the city center is by bus. Buses are accessible everywhere in the city and provide cheap and quick transportation to the airport. Buses are a more affordable option compared to taxis and are still a fast alternative due to the airports close proximity to the city.

Train

Trains are accessible from every part of the city and provide direct transportation to both the domestic terminal and the international terminal. The train ride from the city center to Sydney Airport takes about 13 minutes. Trains are an affordable and quick transportation alternative to get to Sydney Airport from the city center. These trains also operate regional routes, which is a great transportation alternative to explore other parts of the country.

Bike

Traveling by bicycle is one of the oldest and one of the greenest methods of transportation. The use of bicycles continues to increase as a means of protecting the environment. Sydney Airport is an airport that places great importance on the environmentally friendly and positive impact that cycling has. You can follow designated bike paths to the airport and utilize the airport’s bicycle racks and parking areas.

Rental Car

Renting a car is another comfortable transportation alternative to get to Sydney Airport from the city center. Renting a car is also a great way to get around in the city during your trip. There are various rental car companies located in the city center that you can choose from.  

Airport Information

Kingsford Smith Airport, also known as Sydney Airport, is a major international airport in Sydney, the most populated city in Australia. Sydney Airport is located 8 km from the city center and operates both domestic and international flights.

Sydney Airport operates domestic and international air travel out of 3 passenger terminals. The airport is highly developed and equipped with a variety of services and amenities to meet passengers’ pre-flight and post-flight needs. Basic services offered at Sydney Airport include a lost and found, lounges, medical services, ATMs, Wi-Fi, postal services, currency exchange services, duty free stores, restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.

Venues where you can go shopping include Heinemann, Amuse, Australian Way, Bijoux, Carry On, Coach Leatherware, Blue Illusion, Burberry, Country Road, David Lawrence, Desigual, Edge, Emporio Armani, Guess, Mimco, Marcs, French Connection, Oxford, Seed, Pandora, Oroton, Rip Curl, Rolling Luggage, Sportscraft, Sunglass Hut, Swarovski, Victoria’s Secret, Witchery and more.

Restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can get a bite to eat or something to drink include places like Eagle Boys, Hungry Jack’s, Hinata, Italian Bite, Mc Donald’s, Pie Face, Gloria Jeans, The Hangar, Boost, Nando’s, Misterbianco, Sea Food, Tap House, Sumo Salad, Rolld, Terrace, Venuto, Toby’s Estate, Viaggio, and Bistro Bar.

Once you arrive at Penang International Airport, you can reach the city center, which is 16 kilometers away, by buses providing transportation service at reasonable prices as well as you can take advantage of the taxi or car rental options. If you want to take a taxi to reach the city center, make sure that the taximeter is turned on, or you should negotiate with the driver on taxi fare before moving on. Otherwise, taxi drivers may claim higher fares than usual.

The buses that may also offer free wireless internet connection is much more affordable than taxis. If you wish, you can continue your journey with alternative transfer options after arriving at George Town or other areas by bus.

Apart from taxi and bus, you can also take advantage of car rental option as another alternative for transportation from Penang Airport. You can choose from many international car rental companies and pick up your car at the airport. Then you can go on your journey from Penang Airport to the city center following the "city center" signs on the road. Alternatively, you can also rent a motorbike. Please keep in mind that you can leave the motorbike you have rented in the city center without having to return to the airport.

Bus

The bus ride is one of the best and economical alternatives to get to the city center from Penang International Airport. It is possible to reach many places such as Victoria Street in George Town by buses departing every 30 minutes. Buses 401, 401E and 401A heading to Komtar and Jetty also depart from the airport every 30 minutes. If you get on bus 401, you can also reach the bus terminal where you can take a bus to many places in Penang. Bus fare for a single passenger is usually around 3 Malaysian Ringgit. Bus fares are generally standard and do not change depending on vehicles. The bus services at Penang Airport start early in the morning and run until 10 pm. Those who would like to get to the city center from Penang Airport after that time should afford to take a taxi and to pay higher fees. You can get the Rapid Penang Tourist Passport, the weekly bus ticket you can use during the week, by paying 20 Malaysian Ringgit.

Taxi

You need to be especially careful when taking a taxi at Penang International Airport. Some taxi drivers may fool foreign tourists and demand higher fares than usual. You can prefer the airport licensed taxis or offer a pre-determined fare to avoid such a risk. The taxi ride from Penang Airport to the city center approximately costs 40 Malaysian Ringgit. If you are asked for an amount higher than this, you can bargain with the driver for a decent fare or take another taxi.

Motorbike

Renting a motorbike at the airport is also among the affordable transportation alternatives frequently preferred in the area. Motorbike rental fee is around 25 Malaysian Ringgit for 24 hours. You may also be asked to leave a 200-Ringgit deposit when renting a motorbike. Please keep in mind that you can deliver the motorbike you have rented at the airport later at the rental offices located on Penang Road or Chulia Street in the city center.

Ferry

It is possible to travel around Penang Island and between the places like Weld Quay and Butterworth by ferry after arriving at the city center from the airport. With its train station and bus terminal, Butterworth is also an important transfer point for those who want to travel to nearby cities. The ferry fare is around 1.20 Malaysian Ringgit. This is usually the fixed price and it doesn't change depending on the hours and days.

Rent a car

You can rent a car from the most preferred international car rental companies such as Europcar, AVIS, Alamo, Easycar, Dollar, Budget, and Thrifty at Penang International Airport. If you want to rent a car from AVIS, you can book your car on the internet in advance or call +60 04 643 9633 to make a reservation. You can contact Europcar at +60 13 399 8818 for 24-hour assistance and also book your car in advance. Car rental option also offers a great opportunity for visitors who would like to see the natural and historical beauties of Penang. Once you pick up your car at Penang International Airport, you can deliver the car at one of the rental offices in the city, or leave it at the offices in the airport terminal building if you return to the airport. The offices of AVIS and other car rental companies at Penang International Airport usually provide service between 8 am and 9 pm.