Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur

Contents

Overview | Flight | Train via Kuala Kedah | Train via Kuala Perlis | Bus

How to get from Langkawi to 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 vibes can by quite overwhelming, but it’s all about finding your rhythm in Kuala Lumpurs’ organized chaos.

A day trip to Batu Caves is also a great way to venture out of the busy city centre if you have some extra time. The colourful stairs and impressive statues provide the perfect photo opportunity. You’ll find the Batu caves just 30 minutes away from the city centre.

Looking for ways to get to Malaysia’s capital after exploring Langkawi?

Flight, Train via Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis or Bus via Kuala Perlis?

You can choose between 4 options when travelling the 415km from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur: a 1-hour flight (plus transfers); a 7-hour train ride via Kuala Kedah; a 6.5-hour train via Kuala Perlis; or a 9-hour bus also via Kuala Perlis. Prices range between 108 MYR ($26) and 133 MYR ($32).

We don’t usually recommend taking a flight due to its environmental impacts, but for this route, it really is the most convenient. Including airport transfers, a flight from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur takes only roughly 2 hours. Combined fares start from only 133 MYR ($32) if you book well in advance.

The train is a comfortable option if you’d rather travel by land. There are 2 train routes available from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur: via Kuala Kedah taking 7 hours or via Kuala Perlis taking 6.5 hours. Either way, you’ll first have to take a ferry from Langkawi to the mainland.

If you want to travel by land but looking for a simpler method, you can also take the bus. This option takes only 2 transfers – a ferry from Langkawi to Kuala Perlis and then a bus bound for the capital. Keep in mind though that the bus may not be as comfortable as the train and the bus takes longer.

Itinerary from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur

Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur by Flight

Duration: 2 hours (including transfers)
Cost: 133 MYR ($32)

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 usually cheap airfares, is the reason why we prefer flying for this route.

There are 2 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.

Step 1: Langkawi City Centre to Langkawi Airport

Duration: 15 minutes
Cost: 30 MYR ($7)

From the main tourist hub of Pantai Cenang, you’ll have to travel 8km north to get to the airport. The taxi is your only option. If you hail one from the street, rates start from 30 MYR ($7) for the 15-minute journey. Make sure you agree on a price before getting onboard.

Another option is to book one via Klook. This way you’ll be guaranteed 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 ($10). Bigger cars are also available for bigger groups.

Reserve a Taxi with Klook

Step 2: Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur by Flight

Duration: 1 hour 05 minutes
Cost: from 53 MYR ($13)

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 ($13) if you book early. Book with Air Asia for the cheapest rates.

Check Flights with Skyscanner

Step 3: Kuala Lumpur Airport to City Centre by Taxi

Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: 50 MYR ($12)

From Kuala Lumpur Airport, you’ll then have to travel 45km north to get to the city centre. You have 3 options here: a 30-minute train from 50 MYR ($12), a 1-hour bus for 12 MYR ($2.80), or a 1-hour taxi from 75 MYR ($17.50).

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.

Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur by Train via Kuala Kedah

Duration: 7 hours
Cost: 108 MYR ($26)

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

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cost: 40 MYR ($9) + 23 MYR ($5.50) 

If you’re staying at Pantai Cenang, you’ll first have to get to Kuah Jetty, located 20km east. A taxi is your only option. The cost for a private ride starts from 40 MYR ($9) 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 07:00-19:00. 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 there.

Travel time is around 1 hour 45 minutes and a ticket costs 23 MYR ($5.50).

Step 2: Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal to Alor Setar by Bus

Duration: 25 minutes
Cost: 4 MYR ($21)

From Kuala Kedah Terminal, you’ll need to take a bus or a taxi to get to the nearest train station in Alor Setar (12km east).

The bus is much cheaper at only 4 MYR ($1) 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 ($5).

Step 3: Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur by Train

Duration: 4.5 – 5.5 hours
Cost: 41 MYR ($10)

From Alor Setar, you can take the train to travel the 435km south to Kuala Lumpur.

Schedules differ every day, but there is always at least 3 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 ($10) for ETS Gold and 94 MYR ($23) 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.

See below for some of the usual train schedules from Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur.

Check Train Tickets with EasyBook

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 to in the city.

Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur by Train via Kuala Perlis

Duration: 6.5 hours
Cost: 132 MYR ($32)

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

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cost: 18 MYR ($4.20) + 40 MYR ($9)

For this option too, you’ll first need to head to Langkawi’s main ferry terminal, Kuah Jetty. It’s located some 20km east of Pantai Cenang, so a taxi ride takes about 40 minutes. Fares start from 40 MYR ($9). 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 08:00 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 ($4.20), 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

Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: 33 MYR ($8)

The only reasonable option to reach Arau Station from Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal is by taxi. Travel time for the 20km distance is around 30 minutes. Fares start from 33 MYR ($8).

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 2 buses. Also, travel time is at least 1.5 hours.

Step 3: Arau to Kuala Lumpur by Train

Duration: 4.5 – 5.5 hours
Cost: 41 MYR ($10)

For the last leg of this option, you’ll need to take a southbound train for 430km to Kuala Lumpur.

Below are the usual train schedules from Arau to Kuala Lumpur.

Some days there may be fewer departures, so it’s best to check on EasyBook the up-to-date schedule for your desired date. Train fares start from 41 MYR ($10) and the journey takes 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on which train you take.

Check Train Tickets with EasyBook

Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur by Bus via Kuala Perlis

Duration: 9 hours
Cost: 111 MYR ($27)

Travelling by bus from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur is simpler than taking the train as you’ll only need 1 transfer. It may not be the most comfortable option, but should be more than good enough for the 8-hour ride.

Step 1: Langkawi to Kuala Perlis by Ferry

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cost: 18 MYR ($4.20) + 40 MYR ($9)

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 ($9) or you can try looking around for a cheaper shared taxi.

Next, find the ferries bound for Kuala Perlis. They operate from 08:00 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 ($4.20).

Ferries dock at Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal, which is around 100m from the bus terminal.

Step 2: Kuala Perlis to Kuala Lumpur by Bus

Duration: 7 hours 50 minutes
Cost: 53 MYR ($13)

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 ($13). Tickets are available for early online booking on BookAway.

Below are our recommended schedules based on the operating hours of the ferries from Langkawi.

These buses have 2 arrival points in Kuala Lumpur: Hentian Duta Bus Terminal, which you can find 7km northwest of the city centre and Kuala Lumpur Bus Terminal (TBS), which is located some 13km south.

Check Bus Tickets with BookAway