Bus 401 is the long way round from T1 at Penang
Rapid Penang Bus 401 runs from Penang International Airport’s T1 into town via Balik Pulau and then on to Komtar, so it is not the quick George Town option. The route literally loops around the south and west of the island before heading north, which is why regulars treat it differently from the airport 401E service. If you’re heading to Balik Pulau or the western side, this is the one that actually goes there.
The official Rapid Penang route list shows 401 as “Penang International Airport – Balik Pulau – Komtar,” and that middle section is where your time goes. Travellers on TripAdvisor report airport–Komtar runs stretching beyond 90 minutes when traffic builds on the coastal roads. In contrast, the 401E heads more directly toward George Town, so people trying to reach Komtar or Weld Quay usually wait for that instead of climbing onto 401.
Budget flyers use 401 when they care more about saving money than saving time, or when their hotel is on the south or west side rather than in George Town. Exact fares change, but Rapid Penang buses are typically priced in a low, fixed-band structure, so 401 should still undercut Grab or a taxi by a wide margin on the airport–Balik Pulau–Komtar corridor. Locals on TripAdvisor specifically mention picking 401 only when staying near Balik Pulau or the western villages.
How to use Rapid Penang Bus 401 from PEN
- 1. Exit arrivals into T1 landside. After baggage claim at Penang International Airport T1, walk straight out to the ground transport area where the public bus bays sit just beyond the main doors.
- 2. Look for the Rapid Penang stop with “401” on the signboard. The stop usually lists “Balik Pulau” and “Komtar” alongside the route number, so check you are not boarding 401E by mistake if you truly want the loop via the west.
- 3. Pay the driver when boarding. Rapid Penang buses generally accept cash fares paid directly to the driver; have small notes or coins ready so you are not slowed down at the door.
- 4. Ride through Balik Pulau before town. Expect the bus to swing out toward Balik Pulau first, then continue on toward Komtar; in heavy traffic, users report the full airport–Komtar leg pushing past 90 minutes.
- 5. Get off at Balik Pulau or Komtar, as needed. For stays on the western side, hop off in Balik Pulau; for George Town transfers, stay on until Komtar and then switch to another Rapid Penang route or walk or Grab to your final hotel.
Tip: If your target is central George Town and a 401E is due within the next timetable slot, wait for that instead of 401 to avoid spending an extra half hour or more looping via Balik Pulau.