Langkawi to Penang in 85 minutes - 5 hours (2026)

Penang is Malaysia's food capital, built around the old streets of George Town. Flying is the quickest way to get from Langkawi to Penang, taking 1h 25m. Overland, the cheapest option is the ferry and bus via Kuala Perlis at $14 (59 MYR). The ferry and train via Kuala Kedah costs a touch more and takes 3h 50m - 4h.

Distance from Langkawi to Penang

Langkawi and Penang are about 122 km (76 miles) apart, and the overland-and-sea journey covers around 212 km. The quickest way to get from Langkawi to Penang is by taking the flight, which takes around 1h 25m.

~122 km

Straight-line distance

~212 km

Route distance

1h 25m

Fastest

Travelling the other way?Penang to Langkawi→

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3 ways to travel from Langkawi to Penang

There are three ways to travel from Langkawi to Penang. You can choose between the ferry + bus via Kuala Perlis, ferry + train via Kuala Kedah, and flight. The journey takes 1h 25m–4h 55m 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 $14 (59 MYR).

TransportDurationPrice

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

1h 15m$8.60 (35 MYR)

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 $5.90 (24 MYR).

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 $8.60 (35 MYR), 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

3h 20m - 3h 45m$5.40 (22 MYR)

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.

3h26mPluslinerExpressKuala PerlisButterworth09:3014:0014:3016:0019:30From $521 MYRTickets

3h21mKesatuan ExpressExecutiveKuala PerlisPenang Sentral07:1511:0016:0017:45From $522 MYRTickets

Bus tickets are available on Bookaway and BusOnlineTicket.

Alternate option: Kuala Perlis to Butterworth by Train

1h 30m$2.30 (9.5 MYR)

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 $5.90 (24 MYR).

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 $2.30 (9.5 MYR). 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

10 – 20m$0.50 (2 MYR)

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 $0.50 (2 MYR), 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 $3.20 (13 MYR) or a bus (Line 101) for $0.30 (1.4 MYR).

Penang

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

1h 45m$11 (45 MYR)

Ferries operating from Langkawi to Kuala Kedah depart from Kuah Jetty, which is 40 minutes east of Pantai Cenang. A taxi ride costs $5.90 (24 MYR).

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 $11 (45 MYR).

Step 2: Kuala Kedah to Alor Setar by Bus

35m$0.50 (2 MYR)

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 $0.50 (2 MYR) 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 $4.90 (20 MYR).

Step 3: Alor Setar to Butterworth by Train

1h 10m$2.70 (11 MYR)

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 $2.70 (11 MYR).

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

1h 35m - 2h 30m$3.50 (14.2 MYR)

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.

2h29mKesatuan ExpressExecutiveShahab Perdana Bus TerminalPenang Sentral17:3019:45$414 MYRTickets

2h29mPluslinerExpressAlor SetarButterworth10:3015:0015:3020:30From $415 MYRTickets

1h37mSri Theven TravelExpressAlor SetarButterworth09:0015:30$416 MYRTickets

1h37mSri Maju GroupVIP 24 SeatsAlor SetarButterworth17:00$417 MYRTickets

Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.

Step 4: Butterworth to Penang by Ferry

20 - 30m$0.50 (2 MYR)

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 $0.50 (2 MYR) 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 $3.20 (13 MYR) or a 20-minute bus (Line 101) for $0.30 (1.4 MYR).

Penang

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

15m$7.30 (30 MYR)

Langkawi Airport is located 8 km north of Pantai Cenang. You’ll need to take a 15-minute taxi, with fares from $7.30 (30 MYR) 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 $12 (50 MYR) for a 4-seater car.

Check Private Transfers with Klook

Step 2: Langkawi to Penang by Flight

40m$18 (75 MYR)

Air Asia, Firefly and Malaysia Airlines offer several flights from Langkawi to Penang every day. Airfares start from $18 (75 MYR) 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.

Check Flights with Skyscanner

Step 3: Penang Airport to George Town

30m$9.80 - $15 (40 - 60 MYR)

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 $9.80 (40 MYR). 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 $0.50 (2 MYR) to $1 (4 MYR).

Penang

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ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

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.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Langkawi to Penang, roughly 122 kilometres (76 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $14 (59 MYR). The quickest trip takes 1h 25m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Langkawi to Penang?

The distance from Langkawi to Penang is 122 kilometres (76 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 1h 25m.

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.

About the Authors

Ela

Senior Travel Writer

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.

KateReviewer

Travel Writer & Digital Nomad

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.

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Ferry Schedule Notice

Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.

How to Get From Langkawi to Penang

Distance from Langkawi to Penang

3 ways to travel from Langkawi to Penang

Step 1: Langkawi (Kuah Jetty) to Kuala Perlis by Ferry

Step 2: Kuala Perlis to Butterworth by Bus

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