Combine culture and beaches by traveling from Penang to Langkawi. The scenic ferry is the most popular option, but flights are available.
Important: Direct Ferry Service Suspended
The direct Penang-Langkawi ferry has been suspended since 2020 and has not yet resumed. Check with ferry operators for the latest status before planning.
Alternative: Take a bus/car to Kuala Kedah (2 hours) or Kuala Perlis (2.5 hours) and catch a ferry from there. Kuala Kedah ferries run frequently (RM 45 adult, 1h 45min journey).
Transport Options#
Bus + Ferry (via Kuala Kedah)
4-5 hours total
RM 60-80
Most reliable option
Flight
35 min
RM 100-200
Fastest option
Bus + Ferry via Kuala Kedah (Recommended)#
Penang → Kuala Kedah → Langkawi
With the direct ferry suspended, the most reliable route is via Kuala Kedah. Take a bus from Penang Sentral to Kuala Kedah Jetty, then catch the ferry.
Step 1: Bus to Kuala Kedah
- From:Penang Sentral (Butterworth)
- Duration:~2 hours
- Price:RM 15-25
- Operators:Plusliner, Transnasional
Step 2: Ferry to Langkawi
- Duration:1 hour 45 minutes
- Adult:RM 45 one way
- Child:RM 32 (ages 3-11)
- Frequency:Up to 6 ferries daily
- • Book bus and ferry tickets together on platforms like Easybook
- • Allow buffer time between bus arrival and ferry departure
- • First ferry from Kuala Kedah is around 7am, last around 7pm
- • Alternative: Kuala Perlis (RM 35 ferry, 1h 15min, more frequent)
Flight Details#
Penang to Langkawi Flight
Flights are faster but less scenic. Good option if you're short on time or traveling during monsoon season.
- • Factor in airport transfer time on both ends
- • Ferry is often faster door-to-door for George Town stays
- • Good alternative during monsoon season (Nov-Feb)
Step-by-Step Timeline: Bus + Ferry Route#
I've done this journey three times now, and here's the exact timeline that works best if you want to arrive in Langkawi by late morning.
Leave George Town
Take a Grab from your hotel to Penang Sentral in Butterworth. The ride across the bridge takes about 25 minutes at this hour. Alternatively, catch the ferry from Pengkalan Weld — first ferry is at 5:30 AM.
Arrive at Penang Sentral
Head to the bus counter or check in with your e-ticket. Grab a kopi and roti canai from the food stalls on the ground floor if you haven't eaten.
Board bus to Kuala Kedah
The bus heads north on the highway through Butterworth, Sungai Petani, and into Kedah. The ride is smooth and air-conditioned. Bring a jacket — they keep it freezing.
Arrive at Kuala Kedah Jetty
The bus drops you right at the jetty area. Walk to the ferry terminal (5 minutes). Buy your ticket at the counter if you haven't pre-booked — RM 45 for adults.
Board ferry to Langkawi
Ferries depart roughly every 1-1.5 hours. The 9:30 AM departure is usually available. Board early to grab a window seat on the upper deck for the best views of the Andaman Sea.
Arrive in Langkawi
You dock at Kuah Jetty. From here, grab a taxi or Grab to your hotel. Pantai Cenang is about 25 minutes away (RM 30-40). Welcome to duty-free island life.
Cost Comparison: Bus+Ferry vs Flight#
Here's what each route actually costs when you factor in all the transfers.
🚌 Bus + Ferry Route
Total: RM 75-115
✈️ Flight Route
Total: RM 175-325
What to Expect on the Ferry#
The Kuala Kedah to Langkawi ferry is a large, air-conditioned catamaran that seats around 300 passengers. I've taken it in both calm and choppy conditions, so here's what you should know.
Sea Conditions
The Strait of Malacca is generally calm, especially from March to October. During monsoon season (November to February), the sea can get rough and some services may be cancelled. Check conditions before booking.
Onboard Facilities
The ferries have air-conditioning (bring a layer), basic toilets, and a small snack counter selling drinks and biscuits. No hot meals served onboard. Luggage goes in the lower deck hold.
Seating Tips
Seating is unassigned — board early to grab a window seat on the upper deck for better views and less engine noise. The back rows tend to feel more motion. Front and center is smoothest.
Seasickness Advice
If you're prone to motion sickness, take a Dramamine 30 minutes before boarding. Sit in the center of the boat and look at the horizon. Avoid reading or staring at your phone. Ginger sweets also help.
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is the direct Penang to Langkawi ferry running in 2025?
No, the direct Penang-Langkawi ferry has been suspended since 2020 and has not resumed. The alternative is to take a bus from Penang Sentral to Kuala Kedah (2 hours) and then catch a ferry from Kuala Kedah Jetty to Langkawi (1 hour 45 minutes).
How much does it cost to travel from Penang to Langkawi?
By bus and ferry, the total cost is approximately RM 75-115 including transfers. Flying with Firefly costs RM 100-200 for the ticket alone, plus RM 65-100 for airport transfers on both ends.
How long does it take to get from Penang to Langkawi?
The bus and ferry route takes approximately 5-6 hours door to door. Flying takes about 2.5 hours door to door, with only 35 minutes of actual flight time.
Can I take a car from Penang to Langkawi?
You can drive to Kuala Kedah (1.5-2 hours) and park at the jetty (RM 10-15 per day). From there, take the passenger ferry. Vehicle ferries are available but less frequent and more expensive.
What time is the first and last ferry from Kuala Kedah?
The first ferry departs around 7:00 AM and the last is typically around 7:00 PM, with up to 6 departures daily. Schedules may vary during monsoon season (November-February).
Our Recommendation#
Take an early bus to Kuala Kedah and catch a mid-morning ferry to Langkawi. This gets you there by early afternoon. Alternatively, flying is quickest if you find a good fare on Firefly.