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)
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.
Wei Lin Tan
George Town native and former heritage conservation officer. 12 years of documenting Penang's food, architecture, and living traditions.