Taxi stands are not as common as bus stops in Penang. Also, taxis are not as ubiquitous on the streets in Penang than they are in other major cities.
In the map above are the taxi stands where you can catch a cab. It is however much easier to call for one. The following are contact numbers where you can call for a taxi:
Georgetown Taxi: 04-2299467, 04-2617098
BJ Radio Taxi: 04-6430161 & 012 572 6487
Taxi Drivers Association: 04-2625721
Sunshine Radio Taxi: 04-6425961
Jade Auto Company: 04-2263015
Bayview Taxi Stand:
Super Radio Taxi Service Center: 04-281-8766, 282-8753
Individual Taxi Driver Contacts
Vincent Yeap: 012 -531 3250 or 017 - 4628 622, recommended by Colleen
Johnny: 04 2814535, recommended by Jennifer
Taxi Fare
Despite repeated calls from the government and various quarters, the taxis in Penang still do not use the meter. Hence, you need to do some negotiation with the driver before climbing on board. What the taxis do is determine a fixed rate for most journeys. Most taxi drivers agree to honor this rate. Hence even if you ask a few taxis, you are likely to be given the same price which they have agreed among themselves. What is that fixed rate? Ah, that is for them to know and for us to find out. But people who are familiar with taking taxis in Penang will soon be familiar with it. Also, the rate tends to be quite uniform among the different taxi companies.
As taxi rides can be much more expensive than taking the bus, you should carefully evaluate the options before calling the taxi. On the other hand, taxis provide the convenience of traveling from point to point, and for transporting of luggage. What's the minimum price? It used to be RM4.00, but not really sure now, considering the meter's been thrown out the window.
The following are fare estimation contributed by feedback from members who wrote to me:
George Town to Batu Ferringhi: RM30
George Town to Bayan Lepas: RM20
George Town to Airport: RM30
George Town to Gurney Plaza: RM12
Gurney Plaza to Macalister Road: RM12
Air Itam to Komtar / Jetty: RM12-15
Air Itam to Gurney Plaza: RM15
Air Itam to Airport: RM28-30
Air Itam to Batu Ferringhi: RM28-30
Altera to Green Lane: RM25
Bayan Baru to Airport: RM15
BJ Court to Altera: RM15
Queensbay Mall to Island Park: RM20
Penang Plaza to Island Park: RM17
Island Park to Airport: RM23
Gurney Hotel to Upper Penang Road: RM10-15
Pulau Tikus to Gurney Hotel: RM10
Mainland to Airport: RM45
Batu Ferringhi to Airport: RM60
Batu Ferringhi to Komtar: RM35
Batu Ferringhi to Island Plaza: RM20
Batu Ferringhi to One-Stop Midlands: RM25-RM30
Tour by Taxi: RM25-30 per hour
Acknowledgement
I wish to thank Loh Chee Kuang, Poay Kuan, HT Khor, Colleen Dunk, SB, Kamarul Syahril Kamal, Ewe Hean, PC Ong, Jennifer De Vries, Calvin Yeo, Michelle Loh, Pay Fern, Laura Joseph, Rani, Lucy Friedland, Peky for information on this page.
