Planning a trip to Langkawi and wondering how to get there? Knowing the best way to reach Langkawi is essential for a smooth trip. But with so many routes and options, figuring it out can be a bit overwhelming.

As a frequent traveler to Langkawi, we’ve explored every way to reach this stunning island—from the most convenient flights to ferry. We can help you choose the right mode of transport based on your time, budget, and preferences.

Whether you’re traveling from Kuala Lumpur or Ipoh or Penang, we’ve got all the information you need to make your journey hassle-free.

Let’s dive into how to reach Langkawi by bus, train, ferry, or flights!

How to Reach Langkawi?

By Flight

Langkawi is served by an international airport right on the island called Langkawi International Airport (Airport code: LGK). It offers domestic flights to various Malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Subang and international flights to Dubai and Singapore.

Domestic flights operate daily, while international flights have less frequent schedules. Flights are the fastest and the most easiest way to reach Langkawi.

Four main carriers operate domestic flights: Air Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and Firefly. For international routes, Flyscoot serves Singapore, while FlyDubai operates flights to Dubai.

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By Ferry

Two jetties, named Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah, are located in different parts of Malaysia from where the ferries depart to reach Langkawi.

Langkawi Ferry Ticket Price

The one-way ticket prices provided below are for reference purposes only and are subject to change. For the most updated pricing, please visit the link provided.

• Between Kuala Kedah and Langkawi
  • For Malaysian adult citizens – RM 26.50
  • For Malaysian child – RM 20.50
  • For foreign adults – RM 34.50
  • For foreign children –  RM 25.50
• Between Kuala Perlis and Langkawi
  • For Malaysian adult citizens – RM 21
  • For Malaysian children – RM 16
  • For foreign adults – RM 27
  • For foreign children –  RM 19.50

Duration of the Ferry

• Ferry journey between Kuala Kedah and Langkawi – 1.5 to 2 hours
• Ferry journey between Kuala Perlis and Langkawi – 1 hour

Langkawi Ferry Ticket Booking

You can buy ferry tickets from the ticket counters at the ferry terminals or online through Cuti Cuti Langkawi’s official website.

The ticket prices are the same whether you purchase them online or at the counter, and there’s no additional service fee for online bookings. Tickets can sell out quickly, even on weekdays, so booking them at least a few days in advance is better, especially during holidays.

When booking ferry tickets online, you must provide your passport number. If you buy tickets at the counter, you must show your passport. After booking, you’ll receive a confirmed ticket with an automatically assigned seat number.

When boarding and leaving the ferry, simply scan the QR code on your boarding pass.

Ferry Facilities Onboard

• The ferry boarding starts about 30 minutes before departure.
• A single ferry can accommodate from 300 to 600 passengers. The seats are cushioned but not of the push-back type.
• You can find food and beverages available for purchase in some ferries. However, it is better to carry your own, especially if you have children.
• Life vests are available under your seat.
• Only one passenger class exists in the entire ferry. No first or gold class exists.
• The ferry is completely air-conditioned, and some corners have additional fans. There is no open deck seating.
• The availability of luggage space varies depending on the ferry you select. While some ferries may lack dedicated luggage areas, others offer ample storage options. If there’s no designated space, you may need to stow your luggage under your seat or locate an area in the middle of the ferry, either in front of the first row or at the end.
• The ferry consists of three decks: lower, middle, and upper. Some decks, due to small windows, provide limited views of the island, while others offer expansive vistas. However, on certain ferries, the windows may be obstructed by fixed paper coverings that cannot be opened.
• You cannot walk along the outside aisle on any side of the ferry.
• There’s a television casting a movie with low volume. We noticed that not many people seem bothered by it.
• There are no charging outlets onboard.
• No Wi-Fi service either. The signal reception is also intermittent or absent when traveling by ferry.

Best Attractions in Langkawi you shouldn’t miss

How to Reach the Jetties?

From Butterworth (Penang) to Langkawi

Best and easy route from Butterworth to reach Langkawi: KTM Komuter train to Alor Setar -> Kuala Perlis Ferry terminal -> Langkawi

Due to COVID-19, the direct ferry service between Butterworth and Langkawi is suspended as of 2024. If you’re traveling from Butterworth, you can opt for an alternative route.

Take the KTM Komuter train to Alor Setar, which costs RM 7.10. From there, you can hire a Grab to Kuala Kedah Jetti, a journey of about 20 minutes, with fares ranging from RM 10 to RM 15. Taking a bus from Alor Setar KTM station is not recommended due to the limited frequency of buses.

ETS trains are available from Butterworth to Alor Setar and Arau, but they tend to be more expensive than KTM trains. Additionally, booking ETS trains in advance is necessary.

If you get down at KTM Arau (RM 9.50), you’ll need to take a couple of buses to reach the Kuala Perlis ferry terminal, which typically takes 30 minutes. Alternatively, Grab services are also accessible in the Arau area.

Although the ferry ticket price is RM 7 higher when boarding at Kuala Kedah instead of Kuala Perlis, the overall cost remains nearly the same when factoring in transportation expenses to reach the jetties.

Related: Refer to the transportation guide to learn how to book the train tickets and facilities offered in trains.

From Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi

• Best and Easy Route from Kuala Kumpur to reach Langkawi: ETS train from KL Sentral to Arau Station -> Kuala Perlis -> Langkawi
• Chepest Route from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi: KTM Train from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh -> Arau Railway Station (by KTM Train) -> Kuala Perlis -> Langkawi

Take a direct bus from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis to reach Langkawi, priced between RM 50 and RM 60. While the journey typically takes around 7 hours, it may extend to about 12 hours one way due to various factors, so plan your trip accordingly.

There are no direct KTM trains from Kuala Lumpur to Arau or Kuala Perlis. If arriving directly from KLIA airport, you can take the YoYo bus service to reach Ipoh and then catch a KTM train to Arau.

From Arau, use Google Maps to guide you on changing a few buses to reach Kuala Perlis Jetty. Or you can take the Grab services available in Arau, which take approximately 30 minutes.

Direct ETS trains from KL Sentral to Arau station are also an option, with gold class tickets priced at RM 80 and platinum class at RM 108. It’s advisable to book these tickets at least a week in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Opting for ETS trains provides a convenient and faster travel experience. Alternatively, direct bus services are a viable second best option to reach Langkawi.

Did you know? Many travelers go to Thailand – Koh Lipe from Langkawi Island!

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