Arrival by Air
Penang is easily accessible by air with daily flights from major capitals in the region. The Bayan Lepas International Airport is situated about 10 km and 20 km from Universiti Sains Malaysia main campus in Minden and the City Centre, respectively. Taxis plying the route operate a coupon system by which fares between the airport and various destinations in Penang are fixed. Passengers pay the fare at the taxi booth in exchange for a coupon which they then produce to the taxi driver. Air conditioned taxis and limousines charge slightly higher fares. Fares to the Minden campus for the airport range between USD4 during the day to USD5 at night.
Arrival by Road
You can get to the island using the ferry service or by the Penang Bridge.
By Ferry
You can take the ferry service of the island from Butterworth on the mainland. The ferry service is available round the clock for both pedestrians and vehicles. Tickets are purchased at the Butterworth terminal and the rates are applied for a return journey. Fares: Adult – USD0.10;Children – USD0.05. The rates charged for vehicles are based on the engine capacity of the car and the number of passengers. Cars below 1200cc – USD1; Cars above 1200cc – USD1.50. Once you have reached the island you can take a taxi or bus to the Minden campus. The taxi fare from the ferry terminal on the island to the campus is about USD5.
By the Penang Bridge
A charge of USD2 is levied on all classes of cars at the toll plaza in Perai on the mainland. If you travel by coach or bus, the charge is absorbed by the bus operator. No payment is required for travelling from the island to the mainland. If you travel by bus, you will pass the Minden campus and alight at a nearby town called Gelugor. Although Gelugor is within walking distance to the University, you may want to hire a taxi, which is readily available, to take you into the campus area which is vast and hilly.
