How to Get From Penang to Langkawi

Ferries bound for Butterworth depart from Weld Quay. This is 2 km away from George Town and can be reached by either taxi for 13 MYR ($3.30) or bus (Line 101) for 1.4 MYR ($0.40).

Once you arrive there, you’ll then have to transfer to a ferry bound for Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal in Butterworth. A ticket costs 2 MYR ($0.50) and this ferry ride takes 10-20 minutes. Ferries depart twice every hour from 07:00 to 23:30.

The buses in Butterworth are parked at Penang Sentral, which is connected to the port by a walkway. You can reach it on foot in around 10 minutes.

The bus from Butterworth can only take you up to Kuala Perlis, the closest mainland town to Langkawi.

Bus fares start from 19.3 MYR ($4.90). You can buy your ticket at the terminal or online via BookAway. Below are their schedules:

From Kuala Perlis, a ferry will take you 35 km west to Langkawi Island.

Ferry schedules vary daily. Normally though, there are several departures from 06:30 to 19:30. You can check the latest schedules at the Langkawi Ferry Line website. Online booking is available on Cuti Cuti Langkawi.

A ferry ticket costs 35 MYR ($8.90) and the journey takes around 1h 15m.

The ferry docks at Kuah Jetty, 20 km east of the main tourist area of Pantai Cenang. From here, your only choice is to take a taxi. Fares start from 24 MYR ($6.10) for the 40-minute taxi ride.

Ferries from Penang Island depart from Weld Quay and arrive at Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal in Butterworth. The ride takes between 20 - 30 minutes, with tickets costing 2 MYR ($0.50). Ferries run twice an hour from 007:00 to 23:30.

From the ferry terminal, a walkway connects you to both Penang Sentral, where buses arrive, and Butterworth Railway Station, where trains stop.

If you're heading to Alor Setar or beyond, you can continue your journey by train or bus from here.

From Butterworth, you can take a northbound train to Alor Setar. There are trains available daily from 05:20 to 21:35. You can buy your ticket at the train station for 11 MYR ($2.80).

If you are a solo female traveller, you may want to take the Ladies Coach. This is identified through special stickers on doors and windows.

Another option is to take a bus from Butterworth to Alor Setar. Bus fares are more expensive than train tickets, and the journey takes longer at around 1h 30m - 2h 30m. Trains offer a much more comfortable ride.

The advantage of taking the bus is that you can reserve your seat in advance, whereas train seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

From Alor Setar Station, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the nearest bus stop. From there, you can catch a local bus to Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal.

The bus ride takes about 20 - 30 minutes and costs 2 MYR ($0.50), but keep in mind that buses run only every two hours.

If you prefer a faster option, a taxi ride to the ferry terminal takes around 20 minutes, with fares starting at 20 MYR ($5.10).

Several ferries run daily between Kuala Kedah Jetty and Langkawi.

Departure times vary, with the earliest ferry leaving at 07:00 on some days. There are usually around five departures until the afternoon or early evening.

Tickets cost 45 MYR ($12) for non-Malaysian travellers, and the journey takes about 1h 45m.

You can check the full schedule on the Langkawi Ferry Line website. Since tickets sell out quickly, it’s best to book online through Cuti Cuti Langkawi.

Ferry Arrival in Langkawi

Ferries arrive at Kuah Jetty, the island’s main terminal, about 20 km east of Pantai Cenang. From there, a taxi to your hotel takes around 40 minutes, with fares starting at 24 MYR ($6.10).

Penang Airport is located 18 km south of George Town. The fastest way to reach it is by a 30-minute taxi with rates from 40 MYR ($10).

You can also take the bus, but it takes around an hour to reach the airport since it makes multiple stops. Rapid Penang buses 401, 401E, and 102 run from George Town to Penang Airport. These air-conditioned buses are a a lot cheaper, costing just 2 MYR ($0.50) to 4 MYR ($1.00).

Air Asia normally offers the cheapest flights from Penang to Langkawi, with airfares starting from 78 MYR ($20) and the flight taking around 40 minutes.

Other carriers operating this route are Firefly and Malaysia Airlines, but they're more expensive than Air Asia.

From Langkawi Airport, you can take a taxi to reach the main tourist hub of Pantai Cenang. This is located 8 km south, and you can expect to pay around 30 MYR ($7.60) for the 15-minute journey.

If you prefer to have your ride ready and waiting when you arrive at the airport, you can also pre-book one through Klook. They offer 4-seater sedans up t0 18-seater vans with rates starting from 50 MYR ($13). The link below takes you straight to what you need; all you have to do is book!