Singapore to Penang is a quick, cheap hop across the Strait of Malacca — barely over an hour in the air and one of the most competitive short-haul routes in the region. With a full-service carrier and two low-cost airlines flying it non-stop several times a day, a weekend of George Town street food and heritage lanes is easier to reach than most Singaporeans realise. This guide covers who flies it, what a fair return costs in Singapore dollars, and how to keep the price down.
Route: Singapore Changi (SIN) → Penang International (PEN)
Distance: approximately 600 km (373 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 1h 15m – 1h 25m
Direct flights: Yes — Singapore Airlines, Scoot and AirAsia all fly non-stop between Changi and Penang, with roughly ten departures a day between them.
Fares from Singapore to Penang (SGD)
Penang is an easy year-round trip, and because it is so short the fares stay low — the main swings come from Singapore’s school holidays, long weekends and Malaysian festival periods such as Chinese New Year and the Penang food-festival season. The figures below are typical economy return fares in Singapore dollars; the low-cost carriers set the floor, while Singapore Airlines sits a little higher for the full-service extras.
| Month | Demand | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | medium-high (CNY) |
| February | — | medium |
| March | — | medium |
| April | — | low-medium |
| May | — | medium |
| June | — | medium-high (school holidays) |
| July | — | medium |
| August | — | low-medium |
| September | — | low |
| October | — | low-medium |
| November | — | medium |
| December | — | high (holidays) |
Checked against every return fare on sale as we write, this route barely moves: the whole sample runs S$120–S$136 return, with a median of S$121. So S$120 is the floor rather than a target, and a fare in the low S$120s is simply what the flight costs — there is no cheaper tier to book ahead for. Scoot sits at S$120–S$121 and AirAsia at S$120–S$136. Those are bare fares; Singapore Airlines sells the route with baggage and a meal included and did not appear among the cheapest, so price it separately if you want the full-service option.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 1¼ hours):
- Singapore Airlines — the full-service option, with checked baggage, a snack and a proper cabin even on a short hop.
- Scoot — the Singapore Airlines group’s low-cost carrier; a cheap base fare with bags and seats sold as add-ons.
- AirAsia — the regional budget leader, usually neck-and-neck with Scoot for the lowest fare and very frequent.
On a route this short there is no reason to connect — every option is non-stop. Pick AirAsia or Scoot for the cheapest cabin-only fare, or Singapore Airlines if you want a bag and a bite included without the add-on maths.
When to book & how to save
- Book 3–8 weeks ahead — short-haul fares to Penang are cheapest well in advance and creep up as the plane fills.
- Travel light: the low-cost base fares are cabin-only, so if you can pack for a weekend in one carry-on you’ll get the lowest price.
- Avoid the peaks: Chinese New Year, the June school holidays and the December break are the busiest and dearest — book those far ahead.
- Watch for fare sales: AirAsia and Scoot run frequent promotions on this route, and a flexible weekend can shave the fare in half.
- Fly midweek for the cheapest seats, and consider a Friday-out, Monday-back long weekend if you want more time in George Town.
Arriving in Penang
Flights land at Penang International Airport (PEN) in Bayan Lepas, on the south-east of the island about 16 km from George Town. A metered or app-based taxi into the city runs roughly S$12–S$20 (about RM40–65) and takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Public Rapid Penang buses (such as routes serving Komtar in the city centre) are far cheaper at around RM3–4, though slower with luggage. The airport is compact and easy to clear, so transfers are quick either way.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Singapore to Penang?
Non-stop flights take about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes. It is one of the shortest international hops from Changi, so you are usually descending not long after the seatbelt sign goes off. The return leg to Singapore takes roughly the same time.
Are there direct flights from Singapore to Penang?
Yes. Singapore Airlines, Scoot and AirAsia all fly non-stop between Changi and Penang, with around ten departures a day between them. There is no need to connect — every service on this route is direct.
How much does it cost to fly from Singapore to Penang?
A typical economy return runs about S$120–S$136 before bags, median S$121 — a remarkably narrow band, and the whole low-cost market fits inside it. Chinese New Year and the December holidays price above this range, and full-service fares with baggage included sit higher again.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Singapore to Penang?
April, August and September are usually the cheapest. In the dates we could price, returns started at S$120. Avoid Chinese New Year (January–February), the June school holidays and the December break, which are the busiest and most expensive weeks.
Which airlines fly from Singapore to Penang?
Non-stop: AirAsia (S$120–S$136, behind about two-thirds of the cheap fares) and Scoot (S$120–S$121) carried every cheap fare we found; both charge extra for bags and seat selection. Singapore Airlines also flies it non-stop as the full-service option with baggage included, but did not appear among the cheapest fares when we checked.
Which airport do I fly into in Penang?
You land at Penang International Airport (PEN) in Bayan Lepas, on the south-east of Penang Island. It is about 16 km from George Town, roughly a 25–40 minute taxi ride, and is the only commercial airport serving the island.
How far in advance should I book Singapore to Penang flights?
Aim to book 3 to 8 weeks ahead for the best low-cost fares. Prices on this short route tend to rise as the flight fills, so early booking wins — and for peak periods like Chinese New Year and the year-end holidays, book even earlier.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Usually, yes — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) are typically cheaper than Friday–Sunday, when weekend travellers push demand up. Flying out and back midweek, or being flexible by a day, can noticeably cut the fare on this route.
Fare guidance based on aifly.one deal tracking and current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Prices are indicative economy returns and change with demand — always check the live fare before booking.
