Find the cheapest flights from Bangkok to Penang in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Bangkok (BKK) → Penang (PEN)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 3h 30m – 6h (1 stop)
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €110 | high |
| February | €95 | medium |
| March | €75 | medium |
| April | €65 | low |
| May | €70 | low |
| June | €85 | medium |
| July | €100 | high |
| August | €105 | high |
| September | €55 | low |
| October | €60 | low |
| November | €75 | medium |
| December | €130 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Thai AirAsia (direct): from €55 — Check both AirAsia website and Skyscanner. Clear your browser cache when prices increase – fares dynamically priced and can drop after several searches.
- Thai Lion Air (direct): from €50 — Download the Lion Air app – they release flash sales on Tuesday afternoons. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for best prices on this route.
- Malaysia Airlines (direct): from €120 — Use their web check-in 48 hours before. Malaysia Airlines offers better rebooking flexibility if plans change – worth the premium during high season.
- AirAsia (direct): from €45 — Join AirAsia membership for occasional 10% discounts. Their ‘Super+’ fare bundles offer best value if you need checked bags.
- AirAsia (via Kuala Lumpur) (connecting): from €70 — If BKK-PEN direct is sold out, AirAsia via KL is widely available. Book both sectors together to ensure luggage transfers – don’t book separate tickets.
Booking Strategy
For Bangkok to Penang, the sweet spot is booking 2-4 weeks before departure. Budget carriers (AirAsia, Thai Lion Air) release their cheapest seats 3-6 weeks out, then gradually increase prices. September and October offer the lowest fares (€45-65) as it’s Malaysia’s low season. Avoid December (€100+) and Chinese New Year (February) unless booked months in advance. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically €10-20 cheaper than weekend flights. Use Skyscanner’s ‘whole month’ view to spot the cheapest dates – flying mid-week in off-peak season can save 40%. Book directly on airline websites rather than OTAs for better customer service if issues arise. Malaysian immigration is straightforward for most nationalities – ensure passport valid 6 months beyond arrival.
Route Tips
- Book Thai AirAsia or Thai Lion Air directly through their apps — they often release flash sales on Tuesday afternoons with fares as low as THB 499 (€13).
- If holding a Pakistani, Indian, or Bangladeshi passport, ensure you have a valid Malaysian visa before booking — visa-on-arrival is not available for these nationalities at Penang airport.
- Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is huge — budget carriers often depart from Terminal 2 or the far ends of Terminal 1. Allow 2.5 hours for international departures even for short flights.
- Consider flying into Penang from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) instead of Suvarnabhumi — Thai Lion Air and AirAsia operate from DMK and fares can be €10-20 cheaper.
- Bring MYR from Bangkok or withdraw at Penang airport — airport currency exchange rates are poor, and many small hawker stalls in Georgetown don’t accept cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Penang?
The direct flight from Bangkok (BKK) to Penang (PEN) takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. This is one of the shortest international routes in Southeast Asia. If flying with a connection via Kuala Lumpur, expect 3.5 to 6 hours depending on layover duration. Most travelers prefer direct flights as the short distance makes stopping unnecessary. Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Malaysia Airlines all operate direct services multiple times daily.
How much does it cost to fly from Bangkok to Penang?
Budget airline tickets start from approximately €45-70 for a one-way fare during low season (September-October). During peak periods like December, Chinese New Year, and Thai holidays, prices surge to €100-150. Malaysia Airlines and Bangkok Airways charge €100-180 but include checked baggage. The total round-trip typically costs €100-300 depending on airline, timing, and class. September offers the best value with average prices around €55 one-way. Booking 2-4 weeks in advance secures the lowest fares on this popular short-haul route.
Are there direct flights from Bangkok to Penang?
Yes, multiple airlines operate direct flights between Bangkok and Penang. Thai AirAsia offers 2-3 daily flights, Thai Lion Air operates 1-2 daily, and AirAsia has regular services. Malaysia Airlines also runs direct flights, though less frequently than the budget carriers. Bangkok Airways provides premium direct options. There are no red-eye services; most flights depart between 6 AM and 8 PM. During peak season, some days have 4-5 direct flight options across all airlines combined.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Bangkok to Penang?
September and October are the cheapest months to fly from Bangkok to Penang, with average one-way prices of €55-65. This coincides with Malaysia’s low tourism season and the period between the monsoon seasons. April and May also offer good value (€65-75) before the summer travel rush. The most expensive period is December through early January (€110-150) due to holiday travel, plus February around Chinese New Year when many Malaysians travel home. Planning your trip during shoulder season can save 50% or more compared to peak periods.
Which airlines fly from Bangkok to Penang?
Five main airlines serve this route: Thai AirAsia (budget, from €45), Thai Lion Air (budget, from €50), AirAsia (budget, from €45), Malaysia Airlines (full-service, from €100), and Bangkok Airways (premium, from €120). Budget airlines charge extra for checked baggage (typically €10-25 for 15-20kg), while Malaysia Airlines includes 30kg in the fare. Thai Lion Air often has the lowest base fares but charges more for extras. All airlines operate from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Penang International Airport (PEN).
What airport do I fly into in Penang?
You will arrive at Penang International Airport (PEN), also known as Bayan Lepas Airport, located about 16 kilometers (30-45 minutes) south of Georgetown, Penang’s main city. From the airport, public bus Route 401E runs to the city center (adults: ~3 MYR / €0.60) but operates infrequently. Grab rideshare or taxis cost approximately 30-40 MYR (€6-8) to downtown Georgetown. Hotel shuttles are available at mid-range and luxury properties. The airport has minimal facilities but includes currency exchange, SIM card vendors, and small cafes.
How far in advance should I book Bangkok to Penang flights?
For Bangkok to Penang, book 2-4 weeks ahead for the best prices. Budget airlines release their cheapest seats early but don’t typically offer significant early-bird discounts beyond 6 weeks. If traveling during December or Chinese New Year, book 6-8 weeks in advance to secure sub-€100 fares. Last-minute bookings (within 3 days) rarely yield deals on this route – prices tend to increase as seats fill up. Tuesday and Wednesday departures offer the best value regardless of booking timing. Setting fare alerts 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date helps catch price drops.
Is it cheaper to fly from Bangkok to Penang on weekdays?
Yes, flying mid-week is noticeably cheaper for Bangkok to Penang flights. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €10-20 cheaper than Friday through Sunday flights. This difference is most pronounced on budget carriers like AirAsia and Thai Lion Air, where mid-week deals can reach €40-45 compared to €60-70 for weekend travel. Monday falls in the medium pricing tier. If your schedule allows flexibility, shifting a weekend trip to Tuesday or Wednesday can save 15-25% on the total fare. The difference is less pronounced during extreme peak periods like New Year’s Eve.
Data updated: 2026-03
