Flying from Kolkata (CCU) to Penang (PEN): what you need to know
The timezone in George Town is UTC+8, which is two hours 30 minutes ahead of Kolkata.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are travel rules worth sticking to. Make sure you're at the airport on time to catch your CCU to PEN flight.
During popular months such as January, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during a high season in general.
Consider adding a stopover when booking your ticket from Kolkata to Penang. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' to break up your trip, or perhaps see a new city along the way. Here are some options between CCU and PEN:
Kuala Lumpur International
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi
Singapore Changi
How to find the cheapest flights from Kolkata (CCU) to Penang (PEN)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Kolkata to Penang flight is ₹ 14,687. A round-trip fare right now is ₹ 24,686. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares could change.
It's usually best to book as early as possible if you're hoping to get cheap tickets from CCU to PEN. That's because airlines adjust prices based on demand, which tends to rise closer to departure.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest flights from Kolkata to Penang throughout the entire month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
You won't have to check back in every day to find out if fares have gone down when you create a Price Alert. We'll send you an update the moment the price changes on cheap flights from CCU to PEN.
Discover the right flight for you with the help of the filters. To see the 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Kolkata to Penang, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter results by airline, departure and arrival times, and journey duration.
Handy information about Kolkata (CCU)
72% of flights taking off from Kolkata land at their destination on time.
Kolkata is about 18 kilometres from central Kolkata. If you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 35 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
The journey on public transport typically takes 50 minutes.
Need a convenient hotel near CCU? If you're catching an early flight from Kolkata to Penang, these stays will put you moments from your departure lounge:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Kolkata Airport (CCU) to Penang Airport (PEN)?
Most airlines operating flights from CCU to PEN include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here is what you can generally expect from the main airlines serving this route:
AirAsia
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (56x36x23cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 20kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Kolkata Airport (CCU), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Penang Airport (PEN), Main Terminal
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
IndiGo
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55cm x 35cm x 25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Kolkata Airport (CCU), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Open 2 hours before departure
Malaysia Airlines
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (56x36x23cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 30kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Kolkata Airport (CCU), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Penang Airport (PEN), Main Terminal
Check-in counters: Opens 3 hours before departure, closes 1 hour before departure
You can access essential facilities including free Wi-Fi, currency exchange services, and medical assistance at Kolkata Airport (CCU). The airport also provides baby care rooms, prayer facilities, and various dining options to ensure your comfort before departure. Additionally, you'll find ATMs, baggage storage services, and convenient transport connections available throughout Kolkata Airport (CCU).
Arriving at Penang (PEN)
The last thing you want is a long trip to your hotel if you're landing late on a Kolkata to Penang flight. Reserve one of these accommodation options near PEN instead:
Go where the road takes you with a Penang rental car. Pick up your wheels from ASIA CAR, Paradise or Hawk and venture far and wide through George Town and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your vehicle from Penang around four weeks before your travel date.
Getting from Penang (PEN) to central George Town
From Penang, George Town is approximately 16 kilometres away. It takes around 25 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Getting there on public transport will take you around 55 minutes.
When to fly to Penang (PEN)
January is the busiest month for flights from Kolkata to Penang. To avoid the crowds, go to George Town in March.
The warmest month in George Town is March, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC and 33ºC. Book your flights from Kolkata to Penang in this month if this is the kind of weather you like.
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from CCU to PEN in January. Temperatures average between 23ºC and 31ºC then.
Weather snapshot
The weather in George Town stays warm and humid year-round with tropical temperatures and frequent rainfall. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: The northeast monsoon brings one of the best times to explore George Town, with cooler temperatures and occasional refreshing showers that clear the humid air. Pack light cotton clothes and a compact umbrella for brief downpours.
March – May: The dry season brings warm, sunny days perfect for exploring George Town's streets and markets. Stay hydrated and seek shade during the hottest afternoon hours.
June – September: George Town's southwest monsoon season delivers warm, humid days with frequent afternoon showers. Light, breathable clothing works best for exploring heritage areas and indoor attractions during this wet period.
October – November: The rainy season winds down, bringing warmer and more settled weather perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and wandering through heritage areas. You'll find ideal conditions for sightseeing and discovering local markets without the earlier heavy downpours.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
George Town blends Chinese shophouses, Indian temples, and colonial buildings into one of Southeast Asia's best-preserved historic cities. Street art covers its walls, hawker stalls serve some of the region's finest food, and heritage walks reveal centuries of multicultural history. Anyone booking flights to George Town can explore this UNESCO World Heritage site at their own pace.
Things to do in George Town: Wander through the morning bustle of Chowrasta Market, about 2 kilometres northwest of the centre, where vendors sell tropical fruits and local street food. Take a stroll along Gurney Drive Promenade, roughly 4 kilometres north, for sea views and evening food stalls. Head to Penang Hill, approximately 6 kilometres west, where a funicular railway takes you up for sweeping views across the island and mainland coastline.
Cultural experiences: Admire intricate Peranakan tiles and woodwork at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, about 2 kilometres northeast of the city centre in the heritage quarter. Sample traditional kuih and coffee at local kopitiam in Armenian Street, roughly 1 kilometre north of the main area. Catch Chinese opera performances at the Khoo Kongsi clan house, around 1.5 kilometres northwest in the old town district.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the colourful Chinese New Year celebrations in January or February with street performances and traditional lion dances throughout the heritage district. The George Town Festival runs from July to August, featuring local and international arts performances across the city's historic venues. December brings cooler, drier weather that marks the best time to visit George Town for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage streets and sampling famous street food without the intense humidity.
Explore more of Malaysia
You've seen George Town, now it's time to discover more of Malaysia. Journey about 225 kilometres east to Kota Bharu to tick off its top sights. From Istana Negeri Kelantan to Museum Of Islamic Culture and Siti Khadijah Market, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Kuala Lumpur is another favourite destination in Malaysia and is around 290 kilometres south-east of George Town. No trip is complete without experiencing Petronas Twin Towers, Sky Terrace KL Tower and Warisan Merdeka Tower.
