Penang to Langkawi: Ferry or Flight?

Combine culture and beaches by traveling from Penang to Langkawi. The scenic ferry is the most popular option, but flights are available.

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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#

Recommended
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Bus + Ferry (via Kuala Kedah)

4-5 hours total

RM 60-80

Most reliable option

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Flight

35 min

RM 100-200

Fastest option

Bus + Ferry via Kuala Kedah (Recommended)#

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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 (3-11): RM 32
  • Frequency: Up to 6 ferries daily

Tips

  • • 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#

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Penang to Langkawi Flight

Flights are faster but less scenic. Good option if you're short on time or traveling during monsoon season.

  • • Duration: 35 minutes
  • • Airlines: Firefly (most frequent)
  • • Price: RM 100-200 one way
  • • Frequency: 2-3 daily flights

Tips

  • • 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)

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.