What to expect when visiting 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.
4 ways to get from Langkawi to Penang
There are four ways to travel the distance of 143 km (89 miles) from Langkawi to Penang: by flight (40 minutes), ferry (2hrs 45m), ferry + bus via kuala perlis (3h5m) and ferry + train via kuala kedah (1h55m). The journey takes between 40 minutes - 3h05m and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 39 MYR ($8.00) for the ferry + bus via kuala perlis.Langkawi to Penang by Ferry + Bus via Kuala Perlis
Travelling by bus still involves a ferry ride, but this crossing is shorter than the direct ferry trip from Langkawi to Penang. This is an alternate option if you’re prone to seasickness and do not 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 located 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. Fares start from 40 MYR ($8.00) for a private taxi, but you can also get cheaper rates with a shared taxi ride.
Ferries operating this route have varying departure times from 08:30 to 18:00 daily. For the latest schedules and online booking, check the Langkawi Ferry Line website.
A ferry ticket costs 18 MYR ($3.80) and the journey takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The ferries dock at Kuala Perlis Port, which is only 200 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 early evening. If you prefer to travel earlier in the day, we suggest you ask your hotel for morning or afternoon bus schedules.
But if you don’t mind an early evening departure, you can book any of the trips below on BusOnlineTicket.
The buses arrive at Penang Sentral in Butterworth.
Ferry + Bus via Kuala Perlis options from Langkawi to Penang
Alternate option: Kuala Perlis to Butterworth by Train
There is also an option to take the train from Kuala Perlis to Butterworth. It’s double the cost of the bus, but it’s 30 minutes faster. Also, trains in Malaysia are generally more comfortable than buses.
From Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal, take a 15-minute taxi ride to Arau Railway Station. Taxi rates start from 29 MYR ($6.00).
You can take one of the regular and cheap KTM Komuter trains. Trains bound for Butterworth depart from Arau almost every hour from 05:44 to 21:44. The journey takes 1.5 hours and fares start from 13 MYR ($2.60).
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 05:20 to 00:10.
A ticket costs 3 MYR ($0.60) and this ferry ride takes 10-20 minutes, depending on the water conditions.
The ferries dock at Weld Quay, which is located 2 km away from George Town. To reach the town centre, you can take a 5-minute taxi for around 13 MYR ($2.70) or a bus (Line 101) for 5 MYR ($0.90).
Langkawi to Penang by Ferry + Train via Kuala Kedah
The last option is transiting from Langkawi to Penang through Kuala Kedah, a mainland town 60 km northeast off Langkawi. It is located between Kuala Perlis and Penang.
Step 1: Langkawi to Kuala Kedah by Ferry
Ferries operating from Langkawi to Kuala Kedah also depart from Kuah Jetty, which is located 40 minutes east of Pantai Cenang. A private taxi ride costs 40 MYR ($8.00), although you can also find cheaper shared taxis.
There are ferry departures every day from 07:30 to 18:00, but schedules vary day to day. You can check the Langkawi Ferry Line website for the latest departure times. You can also book with them directly.
Travel time is around 1 hour 45 minutes and a ticket costs 23 MYR ($4.80).
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 ($0.40) for the 25-minute bus ride.
Kindly ask the bus driver to drop you off at the nearest bus stop to Alor Setar Railway Sation. 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 21 MYR ($4.40).
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 7 available trains daily. You can buy your ticket at the train station for 17 MYR ($3.50).
Again, 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.
| Train | Schedule | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2941 | 06:03-07:12 | 1 hour 09 minutes |
| 2943 | 07:13-08:22 | 1 hour 09 minutes |
| 2947 | 09:13-10:22 | 1 hour 09 minutes |
| 2961 | 17:13-18:22 | 1 hour 09 minutes |
| 2963 | 18:13-19:22 | 1 hour 09 minutes |
| 2967 | 19:23-20:32 | 1 hour 09 minutes |
| 2971 | 21:13-22:22 | 1 hour 09 minutes |
Alternative option: Alor Setar to Butterworth by Bus
You can also take the bus from Alor Setar to Butterworth. Bus fares are similar to the train, but travel time is longer at around 2 hours 20 minutes. Also, the train is much more comfortable.
However, if you’re arriving at Alor Setar midday (between 10:00 to 17:00, when there are no train trips for this route), you might want to consider checking out the bus station for available buses.
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 05:20 to 00:10. A ticket costs 3 MYR ($0.60)) for the 10 to 20-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 ($2.70) or a 20-minute bus (Line 101) that costs 5 MYR ($0.90).
Langkawi to Penang by Ferry
If you’re staying in the main tourist area of Pantai Cenang in Langkawi, you’ll first have to travel 20 km east (40 minutes) to Kuah Jetty. This is the departure point for ferries bound for Penang. The taxi is the only transport option available for this part of the journey.
A taxi ride from Pantai Cenang to Kuah Jetty costs around 40 MYR ($8.50). If you want to lower the cost, you can always try finding shared taxis in town.
From Kuah Jetty, ferries bound for Penang depart twice daily at 10:30 and 15:00. As there are limited trips, we highly recommend that you book online beforehand. Tickets for the morning trip are available on BookAway for 94 MYR ($20.00).
If you’re not really an early riser and would prefer the afternoon trip, you’ll have to buy your ticket at the port. Ferry tickets at the port are cheaper at 75 MYR ($16.00), but you’ll have to buy them at least 2 hours before departure time.
The ferry journey from Langkawi to Penang takes 2 hours 45 minutes.
The ferries dock at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, which is located 4 km east of George Town. Similar to the first leg of the journey, your only option to reach town is a taxi. Fares start from 13 MYR ($2.70) for the 5-minute ride.
Langkawi to Penang by Flight
Langkawi Airport is located 8 km north of Pantai Cenang. You’ll need to take a 15-minute taxi, with fares from 30 MYR ($6.00) 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 41 MYR ($8.50) for a 3-seater car.
Air Asia, Firefly and Malaysia Airlines offer several flights from Langkawi to Penang every day. Airfares start from 90 MYR ($19.00) for the 40-minute flight.
Rates can go up during peak season though, so it’s always best to book your flight well in advance if you can.
From Penang Airport, you can get to George Town via 2 ways: a 30-minute taxi journey or a 1-hour bus ride. Fares start from 30 MYR ($6.00) and 3 MYR ($0.60), respectively.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Langkawi to Penang
What is the distance from Langkawi to Penang?
The distance from Langkawi to Penang is 143 km (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 40 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 39 MYR ($8.00).
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!
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.
