How to Get From Langkawi to Penang

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 ($6.00).

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).

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 ($5.00).

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.

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.

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 1.4 MYR ($0.40).

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 ($6.00).

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 ($8.80), and the journey takes around 1h 15m.

The ferries dock at Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal, 450 meters away from the bus terminal.

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.

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 ($6.00).

You can take one of the regular and cheap KTM Komuter trains. Trains bound for Butterworth depart from Arau almost every hour from 05:39 to 21:54. The journey takes around 1h 30m and fares start from 9.5 MYR ($2.40). You can get your ticket on the day of your travel because advanced bookings or seat reservations are not available.

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.

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 1.4 MYR ($0.40).

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 ($13) for a 4-seater car.

Air Asia, Firefly and Malaysia Airlines offer several flights from Langkawi to Penang every day. Airfares start from 75 MYR ($19) 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.

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). 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 ($1.00).