How to get from Langkawi to Penang
Why visit Penang?
Penang is a cultural melting pot on the northwest coast of Malaysia. For such a small island, it has so much to offer — vibrant culture, colourful heritage, amazing food, urban wonders, and untouched rainforest.
At its heart is George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a city rich in history. Famous for its street art, you can easily spend hours exploring its alleys. Sure, the island can be touristy. Yet somehow, it is able to maintain a laidback vibe and a charm that you can only find in Penang.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Langkawi to Penang?
There are 3 ways to travel the 143 kilometre (89 miles) distance from Langkawi to Penang. You can choose between the flight, ferry + bus via Kuala Perlis and ferry + train via Kuala Kedah. The journey takes 1 hour 25 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry + bus via Kuala Perlis with tickets starting at 59 MYR ($15).
Langkawi to Penang by Ferry + Bus via Kuala Perlis
The direct ferry from Langkawi to Penang hasn’t resumed since the pandemic, but you can still make the trip via Kuala Perlis. This is an alternate option if you don’t want to take a flight.
To take the bus, you first need to get the ferry to the mainland. The closest town is Kuala Perlis, which is 35 km east of Langkawi.
Step 1: Langkawi (Kuah Jetty) to Kuala Perlis by Ferry
Kuah Jetty is the departure point for ferries bound for Kuala Perlis. This port is 40 minutes away from Pantai Cenang. You can take a taxi for 24 MYR ($6.10).
Ferries operating this route have varying departure times from 09:30 until the afternoon or early evening. Check the Langkawi Ferry Line website for the latest schedules. Online booking is available on Cuti Cuti Langkawi.
A ferry ticket costs 35 MYR ($8.90), and the journey takes around 1h 15m.
The ferries dock at Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal, 450 meters away from the bus terminal.
Step 2: Kuala Perlis to Butterworth by Bus
From Kuala Perlis, buses bound for Butterworth, a mainland town just 3 km across from Penang Island, normally depart in the afternoon. There are a few departures in the morning and early evening.
You can book any of the trips below on BookAway or BusOnlineTicket.
The buses arrive at Penang Sentral in Butterworth.
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Alternate option: Kuala Perlis to Butterworth by Train
There is also an option to take the commuter train from Kuala Perlis to Butterworth. It’s cheaper and faster than the bus. Also, trains in Malaysia are generally more comfortable than buses.
From Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal, take a 30-minute taxi ride to Arau Railway Station. Taxi rates start from 24 MYR ($6.10).
You can take one of the regular and cheap KTM Komuter trains. Trains bound for Butterworth depart from Arau almost every hour from 05:39 to 21:54. The journey takes around 1h 30m and fares start from 9.50 MYR ($2.40). You can get your ticket on the day of your travel because advanced bookings or seat reservations are not available.
PRO TIP: For solo female travellers, it is best to take the Komuter Ladies Coach. This coach reduces the risk of sexual harassment and helps ease off direct contact with members of the opposite sex.
Step 3: Butterworth to Penang by Ferry
Penang Sentral is conveniently connected by a walkway to Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal. From here, ferries depart for Penang Island twice every hour from 06:30 to 23:00.
A ticket costs 2 MYR ($0.50), and this ferry ride takes around 10 – 20 minutes, depending on the water conditions.
The ferries dock at Weld Quay, which is 2 km away from George Town. To reach the town centre, you can take a 5-minute taxi for around 13 MYR ($3.30) or a bus (Line 101) for 1.40 MYR ($0.40).
Langkawi to Penang by Ferry + Train via Kuala Kedah
You can make the trip from Langkawi to Penang via Kuala Kedah, a mainland town about 60 km northeast of Langkawi. Located between Kuala Perlis and Penang, this route involves a ferry ride to Kuala Kedah, followed by a train or bus to Penang.
Step 1: Langkawi to Kuala Kedah by Ferry
Ferries operating from Langkawi to Kuala Kedah depart from Kuah Jetty, which is 40 minutes east of Pantai Cenang. A taxi ride costs 24 MYR ($6.10).
There are ferry departures every day from 07:30 to 19:00, but schedules vary day to day. You can check the Langkawi Ferry Line website for the latest departure times. You can book your ferry tickets through Cuti Cuti Langkawi.
Travel time is around 1h 45m, and a ticket costs 45 MYR ($11.50).
Step 2: Kuala Kedah to Alor Setar by Bus
In front of Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal, you can take a cheap local bus to Alor Setar, a train station located 13 km east. A ticket costs around 2 MYR ($0.50) for the 30-minute bus ride.
Kindly ask the bus driver to drop you off at the nearest bus stop to Alor Setar Railway Station. From here, you’ll have to walk around 800m (10 minutes) to the train station.
Alternatively, you can just take a direct taxi from Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal to Alor Setar Railway Station. Rates start from 20 MYR ($5.10).
Step 3: Alor Setar to Butterworth by Train
From Alor Setar, you can take a southbound train to travel the 90 km to Butterworth. There are trains available daily from 06:03 to 22:18. 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.
Alternative option: Alor Setar to Butterworth by Bus
You can also take the bus from Alor Setar to Butterworth. Bus fares are more expensive than a train ticket, and travel time is longer at around 1h 35m - 2h 30m. Also, the train is much more comfortable.
The only advantage of taking the bus is that you can pre-book your seat, unlike the train, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
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- 24/7 customer support
Step 4: Butterworth to Penang by Ferry
At Butterworth, trains arrive at Butterworth Railway Station, while buses park at Penang Sentral. Both are connected to Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal by a walkway.
From here, ferries depart for Penang Island twice every hour from 06:30 to 23:00. A ticket costs 2 MYR ($0.50) for the 20 to 30-minute ferry ride.
At Penang Island, the ferries dock at Weld Quay, which is 2 km away from George Town. You can reach the town centre by a 5-minute taxi that costs 13 MYR ($3.30) or a 20-minute bus (Line 101) for 1.40 MYR ($0.40).
Langkawi to Penang by Flight
Flying from Langkawi to Penang is much faster, even with airport transfers. Plus, with cheap fares, we highly recommend this option.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Langkawi City Centre to Langkawi Airport
Langkawi Airport is located 8 km north of Pantai Cenang. You’ll need to take a 15-minute taxi, with fares from 30 MYR ($7.60) when you hail them from the street.
Alternatively, you can pre-book your ride with Klook. Their rates are a few dollars more expensive, but you’ll be assured of a stress-free ride and a good driver. Rates start from 50 MYR ($12.70) for a 4-seater car.
Step 2: Langkawi to Penang by Flight
Air Asia, Firefly and Malaysia Airlines offer several flights from Langkawi to Penang every day. Airfares start from 75 MYR ($19.10) for the 40-minute flight.
Rates can go up during peak season, so it’s always best to book your flight well in advance if you can.
Step 3: Penang Airport to George Town
From Penang Airport, you can reach George Town in two ways: a 30-minute taxi ride or a 1-hour bus ride.
If you want a quick service from the airport, taking a taxi is a good choice, though it comes at a higher price from 40 MYR ($10.20) - 60 MYR ($15.30). Always confirm the taxi fare with the driver before you go.
Take the bus if you’re tight on budget and don’t mind the extra travel time. Rapid Penang Bus routes 401, 401E, and 102 run from the airport to George Town. These air-conditioned buses offer a comfortable ride, with fares ranging from 2 MYR ($0.50) to 4 MYR ($1).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Langkawi to Penang. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Langkawi to Penang
What is the distance from Langkawi to Penang?
The distance from Langkawi to Penang is 143 kilometre (89 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Langkawi to Penang?
The fastest way to get from Langkawi to Penang is by flight and takes 1 hour 25 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Langkawi to Penang?
The cheapest way to get from Langkawi to Penang is by ferry + bus via Kuala Perlis with ticket costs starting from 59 MYR ($15).
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Kate is a travel content creator, writer and founder of Stay Wild Travel, a tour company running group trips for women beyond your typical destinations. Her full-time travels have taken her to almost 60 countries, and she doesn’t intend to stop anytime soon.
