What to expect when visiting Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur (KL) is Malaysia’s capital, a vibrant mix of skyscrapers, Asian-European architecture, large shopping districts, and flavourful cuisine. The busy city can be quite overwhelming, but it’s all about finding your rhythm in Kuala Lumpur’s beautiful chaos.
The Petronas Towers — the tallest twin towers in the world — are the city’s most iconic attraction. But there’s so much more to see in Kuala Lumpur. The old KL Railway Station, KL Tower, Bukit Bintang, and Jalan Alor are all must-visits. And if you have more time, the colourful Batu Caves is just 30 minutes away from the city.
4 ways to get from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur
There are four ways to travel the distance of 415 km (258 miles) from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur: by bus via kuala perlis (8h03m), train via kuala kedah (5h40m-6h40m), flight (50m) and train via kuala perlis (5h55m-6h15m). The journey takes between 50 minutes - 8h03m and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 67 MYR ($14.00) for the bus via kuala perlis.Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur by Bus via Kuala Perlis
Travelling by bus from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur is simpler than taking the train as you’ll only need one transfer. It may not be the most comfortable option but it should be more than good enough for the 8-hour ride.
Step 1: Langkawi to Kuala Perlis by Ferry
The first thing you’ll have to do to catch the ferry from Langkawi to Kuala Perlis is to get to Kuah Jetty.
This is the island’s main ferry terminal and is located some 40 minutes away from Pantai Cenang. You can get a private taxi from 40 MYR ($8.00) or you can try looking around for a cheaper shared taxi.
Next, find the ferries bound for Kuala Perlis. They operate from 08:30 to 18:00, with several departures daily. You can get the latest schedules, as well as book your ticket on the Langkawi Ferry Line website. Tickets are priced at 18 MYR ($3.80).
Ferries dock at Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal, which is around 100 m from the bus terminal.
Step 2: Kuala Perlis to Kuala Lumpur by Bus
You can choose from several bus companies to take you from Kuala Perlis to Kuala Lumpur. The bus journey takes close to 8 hours and fares start from 53 MYR ($11.00). Tickets are available for early online booking on BookAway.
Here are the recommended bus trips based on the schedule of ferries from Langkawi:
Bus via Kuala Perlis options from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur
These buses have two arrival points in Kuala Lumpur:
- Hentian Duta Bus Terminal, 7 km northwest of the city centre
- Kuala Lumpur Bus Terminal (TBS), 13 km south of the city centre.
Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur by Train via Kuala Kedah
Travelling by train from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur via Kuala Kedah is the cheapest option for this route.
This is the train route we prefer if you’re on a tight budget. It tends to be 30 minutes slower than the other train route via Kuala Perlis but allows you to save at least $6 dollars.
Step 1: Langkawi to Kuala Kedah by Ferry
If you’re staying at Pantai Cenang, you’ll first have to get to Kuah Jetty, located 20 km east. A taxi is your only option. The cost for a private ride starts from 40 MYR ($8.00) for the 40-minute journey. Alternatively, you can get shared taxis in town for a cheaper price.
At Kuah Jetty, ferries bound for Kuala Kedah depart from 07:30-18:00. Schedules vary daily, so it’s best to check the latest departure times from the Langkawi Ferry Line website. You can also book your ticket on this platform.
Travel time is around 1 hour 45 minutes and a ticket costs 23 MYR ($4.80).
Step 2: Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal to Alor Setar by Bus
From Kuala Kedah Terminal, you’ll need to take a bus or a taxi to get to the nearest train station in Alor Setar, about 12 km east.
The bus is much cheaper at only 4 MYR ($0.80) for the 25-minute ride. However, buses normally run just once every hour.
If you don’t have the time, or the patience to wait for the next bus, you can also take a taxi to Alor Setar Station. Rates start from 20 MYR ($4.20).
Step 3: Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur by Train
From Alor Setar, you can take the train to travel 435 km south to Kuala Lumpur.
Schedules differ every day, but there are always at least three trains that operate on this route. You can check the latest departure times as well as book your ticket online on EasyBook.
Rates start from 41 MYR ($8.50) for ETS Gold and 94 MYR ($19.50) for ETS Platinum. Note that the only difference between the two is travel time. Platinum trains only stop at major train stations, so they complete the journey faster.
Train via Kuala Kedah options from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur
When you arrive in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll need to get off at KL Sentral From there, you can easily transfer to another train bound for wherever you’re heading in the city.
Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur by Train via Kuala Perlis
Another way to take the train from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur is via Arau Station in Kuala Perlis, the nearest mainland town to Langkawi.
This route tends to be 30 minutes faster than the other train option but is slightly more expensive.
Step 1: Langkawi to Kuala Perlis by Ferry
For this option too, you’ll first need to head to Langkawi’s main ferry terminal, Kuah Jetty. It’s located some 20 km east of Pantai Cenang, so a taxi ride takes about 40 minutes. Fares start from 40 MYR ($8.00). You can make it cheaper if you’re willing to take a shared taxi.
From Kuah Jetty, ferries bound for Kuala Perlis depart several times a day between 08:30 and 18:00. Their departure times vary, but you can always check the latest schedules at Langkawi Ferry Line website. Online booking is also available on this platform.
A ticket costs 18 MYR ($3.80), and the journey takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. The ferries dock at Kuala Perlis Terminal.
Step 2: Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal to Arau Station by Taxi
The only reasonable option to reach Arau Station from Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal is by taxi. Travel time for the 20 km distance is around 30 minutes. Fares start from 33 MYR ($6.50).
We don’t think it’s worth considering taking the bus for this leg of the journey. There are no direct trips, so you’ll need to take two buses. Also, travel time is at least 1.5 hours.
Step 3: Arau to Kuala Lumpur by Train
For the last leg of this option, you’ll need to take a southbound train for 430 km to Kuala Lumpur.
Train via Kuala Perlis options from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur
Some days there may be fewer departures, so it’s best to check on EasyBook for an up-to-date schedule on your desired date. Train fares start from 41 MYR ($8.50) and the journey takes 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on which train you take.
Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur by Flight
Even if you add on the transfer time to and from the airports, you’ll still save a lot of time when flying from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur. This, along with the usual cheap airfares, is the reason why we prefer flying this route.
There are two airports in Kuala Lumpur:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
- Subang Airport (SZB).
Since fares from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur International Airport are often at least 50% cheaper, we’ll focus on that route.
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
From the main tourist hub of Pantai Cenang, you’ll have to travel 8 km north to get to the airport. The taxi is your only option. If you hail one from the street, rates start from 30 MYR ($6.00) for the 15-minute journey. Make sure you agree on a price before getting on board.
Another option is to book one via Klook. Expect a spacious car and a reliable driver who will pick you up from your hotel at your desired time. With Klook, you can get a 3-seater car for 41 MYR ($8.50). Bigger cars are also available for larger groups.
Step 2: Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur by Flight
You shouldn’t have a hard time getting a flight from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur. There are plenty available every day, and airfares start from as low as 53 MYR ($11.00) if you book early.
Air Asia offers the cheapest rates on this route.
Step 3: Kuala Lumpur Airport to City Centre by Taxi
From Kuala Lumpur Airport, you’ll then have to travel 45 km north to get to the city centre. You have three options here: a 30-minute train from 50 MYR ($10.50), a 1-hour bus for 12 MYR ($2.50), or a 1-hour taxi from 75 MYR ($15.50).
If you’re in a hurry, it’s better to take the train as the roads from the airport to the city can get congested. Visit our page on Kuala Lumpur Airport for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions about Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur
What is the distance from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur?
The distance from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur is 415 km (258 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur?
The fastest way to get from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur is by flight and takes 50m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur?
The cheapest way to get from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur is by bus via kuala perlis with ticket costs starting from 67 MYR ($14.00).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur. 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!
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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 writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.
