Singapore to Penang Private Car & Taxi

Penang is one of Malaysia’s favourite holiday islands: a UNESCO-listed old town in George Town, street art on almost every corner, beaches along the north coast and, above all, some of the best hawker food in the region. It sits at the far end of the west coast, about 700 km from Singapore — a full day on the road, and a journey that is far easier when your whole group shares one comfortable car.

Luxway SGMY drives you from any Singapore address across the Causeway or Second Link, over the bridge to the island and right to your hotel door, with no luggage to haul through immigration. The fare is per car and includes tolls, checkpoint fees, fuel and parking. No deposit — pay your driver on arrival.

Kek Lok Si Temple roofs and pagoda on the green hills of Penang — Photo: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang by Renek78, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Children on a Bicycle street art mural in George Town, Penang — Photo: Street art, George Town by Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Restored heritage shophouses with red lanterns in George Town, Penang — Photo: Shophouses in George Town, Penang by Supanut Arunoprayote, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Distance

About 700–730 km

Travel time

About 8–9 hours

Onto the island

Penang Bridge or Second Penang Bridge

Best for

Food, heritage, beach holidays

Prices last updated: 1 October 2026

Vehicle	One way	Return
Toyota Innova	SGD 610	SGD 1,200
Toyota Alphard / Vellfire	SGD 660	SGD 1,300
Hyundai Staria	SGD 680	SGD 1,340
Toyota Hiace	SGD 810	SGD 1,620
Van 18-Seater	SGD 810	SGD 1,620

Need the driver to wait? Waiting hour: SGD 40 per hour.

Things to Do in Penang

George Town is compact and walkable, but Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si and the beaches are spread around the island — worth keeping in mind when you choose a hotel.

George Town Heritage Zone

Listed by UNESCO together with Melaka, the old town is a maze of shophouses, temples, mosques and clan houses such as Khoo Kongsi, plus the stilted clan jetties on the waterfront.

Street Art Trail

Murals like the children on a bicycle sit alongside witty iron-rod caricatures explaining local history. Start early in the morning to beat the heat and the photo queues.

Hawker Food

Char kway teow, assam laksa, Hokkien prawn mee, nasi kandar and cendol — many Singaporeans say Penang is worth the drive for the food alone. Gurney Drive and the old-town coffee shops are good starting points.

Penang Hill

A funicular railway climbs to the cooler summit for wide views over George Town, the bridges and the mainland. Sunset and the city lights after dark are especially popular.

Kek Lok Si Temple

One of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in Malaysia, on the hillside at Air Itam, with a seven-storey pagoda and a towering bronze statue of Guanyin.

Batu Ferringhi

Penang’s main beach strip on the north coast, lined with resorts, water sports and a lively night market. We can drop you straight at your beach hotel.

Planning the Long Drive to Penang

Singapore to Penang is one of our longest routes: roughly 8 to 9 hours door to door on a normal day, running the full length of the North–South Expressway past Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh before crossing to the island. There are a few ways to make it comfortable — pick the one that suits your group.

Go straight through

Leave Singapore early in the morning and arrive in Penang by late afternoon or early evening, with rest stops for meals and toilets along the way. Best for adults who don’t mind a long day.

Break the journey overnight

Split the trip into two easier days with a night in Kuala Lumpur or Ipoh — great with kids or elderly parents, and you get an extra city on the way. Ask us on WhatsApp to quote the split itinerary.

One-way by road, fly back

Some families enjoy the scenic drive up and fly home from Penang. We can just do the one-way transfer — or book the return drive if you prefer to keep all your shopping in the boot.

Whichever you choose, tell us your hotel in Penang and any stops you have in mind. Avoid starting on the eve of major holidays such as Chinese New Year or Hari Raya if you can — highway traffic heading north can add several hours.

Which Vehicle for Penang?

For a trip this long, we recommend sizing up. The Toyota Innova takes up to six passengers but only one large suitcase, so it suits couples or small groups packing light. The Toyota Alphard, Vellfire or Hyundai Staria are the most popular choice for Penang — reclining captain seats make the hours pass far more easily, and there is room for two large suitcases plus hand-carry bags.

Travelling with seven or more people? The Toyota Hiace and 18-seater van are available for Penang, with fares quoted on WhatsApp based on your date and group. You can also see all our Singapore to Malaysia routes if Penang is part of a bigger tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from Singapore to Penang?

Usually about 8 to 9 hours door to door, including both checkpoints and rest stops. Festive-season traffic can make it considerably longer.

How much is a private car from Singapore to Penang?

From SGD 610 one way in a Toyota Innova for the whole car — one fare for a door-to-door ride instead of flights plus airport transfers at both ends. Larger MPV, Hiace and van fares are in the table above.

Can we stop overnight on the way to Penang?

Yes. Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh are the most common overnight stops. Tell us where you want to stay and we will quote the itinerary on WhatsApp.

Which bridge do you use to reach Penang island?

Either the Penang Bridge or the longer Second Penang Bridge, depending on traffic and where your hotel is. Both are included in the fare.

Is the drive too long for young children?

Many families do it comfortably by leaving early and stopping every couple of hours, or by breaking the trip overnight. Child seats are available on request at SGD 10 (RM 35) per seat.

Can you drop us at a hotel in Batu Ferringhi instead of George Town?

Yes. We drive door to door anywhere on Penang island — just give us the hotel name or address when you book.

Can we book a one-way trip and fly back?

Absolutely. Book the one-way transfer to Penang only. If you change your mind later, message us and we can arrange the drive back too.

Do we have to get out at immigration?

No. You stay in the vehicle at both checkpoints with all your luggage. After the border, every stop on the eight-hour drive is one you ask for.