How to get from Langkawi to Penang

Beaches & Tropical · Malaysia · Nature & Outdoors · Langkawi · Penang

Langkawi to Penang is easiest by quick flight or a scenic island–mainland combo using the Langkawi ferries plus bus or train to Penang. Private cars on the mainland side make door-to-door simple for families. Compare the options below and follow the step-by-steps with map links.

At A Glance (Langkawi to Penang)

Mode Duration Best For
✈️ Direct Flight (LGK → PEN) ~40–50m in air (+ airport transfers) Fastest overall
🏷️ Cost: ~MYR 120–350 one-way (season/date) » search flights | Trip.com fares
⛴️+🚌 Ferry (Kuah→Kuala Kedah / Kuala Perlis) + Bus to Penang ~5–7h total (connections) Budget + simple routing
🏷️ Cost: Ferry ~MYR 21–27 + bus ~MYR 20–40 » compare routes | Klook listings
⛴️+🚆 Ferry (Kuah→Kuala Perlis) + KTM ETS (Arau→Butterworth) ~4.5–6.5h total (timing-dependent) Comfortable seats, traffic-proof
🏷️ Cost: Ferry ~MYR 21–27 + ETS ~MYR 17–35 » plan combo
⛴️+🚐 Ferry + Private Transfer (Mainland) ~4.5–6.5h (door-to-door) Families, big luggage, late arrivals
🏷️ Cost: Ferry + MYR ~350–700 per vehicle (mainland) » get quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Fastest/Most Convenient: Fly LGK→PEN, frequent daily services; 40–50 minutes in air.
  • Cheapest: Ferry + bus via Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis to Penang Sentral, then across to George Town.
  • Most Comfortable (Seats/Timing): Ferry + KTM ETS train via Arau to Butterworth, then hop into George Town.
  • Door-to-Door With Luggage: Ferry + private transfer on the mainland side (meet & greet).

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Tickets & combos: Check ferries and overland combos on 12Go; flights on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
  • Ride-hailing: Grab works across Langkawi and Penang for jetty/airport transfers. For fixed-rate cars on the mainland leg, compare GetTransfer.
  • Luggage storage: If you arrive early in George Town, stash bags with Radical Storage Penang and explore.
  • Staying over: Browse Langkawi or George Town hotels on Booking.com.
  • Two jetties on mainland: Kuala Kedah (closer to Penang via Butterworth) and Kuala Perlis (for Arau train). Choose based on your next leg.

✈️ Option #1 — Direct Flight (Langkawi LGK → Penang PEN)

Fastest Multiple daily Airport transfers

  • Overview: Nonstop flights take ~40–50 minutes, then a short ride into George Town or Batu Ferringhi.
  • How to book (with price): From ~MYR 120–350 one-way depending on season. Compare on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com.
  • Pros: Quickest; frequent. Cons: Airport transfers and baggage fees may add cost.

Step-by-step: Flight

  1. Get to Langkawi International Airport (LGK) by Grab or hotel transfer (15–25 minutes from Pantai Cenang).
  2. Book/check in via Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; arrive 90 minutes early.
  3. Fly LGK→Penang International Airport (PEN) (~45 minutes).
  4. At PEN, continue by Grab or taxi to George Town (25–40 minutes) or by Rapid Penang bus to Weld Quay/Komtar.

Getting to the main embarking points (LGK & PEN)

  • LGK departures: Small airport; cafés/ATMs available.
  • PEN arrivals: Rideshare pickup zones are signed; hotel shuttles operate for resort areas.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛴️+🚌 Option #2 — Ferry (Kuah → Kuala Kedah / Kuala Perlis) + Bus to Penang

Budget Frequent ferries More connections

  • Overview: Sail from Kuah Jetty (Langkawi) to Kuala Kedah (best for Penang Sentral) or Kuala Perlis, then bus to Penang Sentral (Butterworth) and cross into George Town.
  • How to book (with price): Ferry ~MYR 21–27 adult; buses ~MYR 20–40. Compare and reserve on 12Go or browse Klook.
  • Pros: Low cost; scenic. Cons: Multiple legs; travel time varies with traffic.

Step-by-step: Ferry + Bus

  1. Go to Kuah Jetty by Grab (20–35 minutes from beachfront areas).
  2. Take the ferry to Kuala Kedah (recommended for direct bus to Penang Sentral) or Kuala Perlis (more departures at times).
  3. From the jetty, board a bus (or Grab) to Penang Sentral (Butterworth).
  4. From Penang Sentral, take the passenger fast ferry to Raja Tun Uda Terminal (Weld Quay) in George Town, or a Rapid Penang bus across the bridge.

Getting to the main embarking points (Kuah Jetty & Penang Sentral)

  • Kuah Jetty: Ticket counters, ATMs, snacks; arrive 30–45 minutes early.
  • Penang Sentral: Hub for buses/ferry; easy last-mile by Grab to hotels in George Town.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛴️+🚆 Option #3 — Ferry to Kuala Perlis + KTM ETS (Arau → Butterworth)

Comfy seats Reliable timing One extra transfer

  • Overview: After the ferry to Kuala Perlis, a short taxi/Grab takes you to Arau station for KTM ETS to Butterworth (Penang Sentral), then hop into George Town.
  • How to book (with price): Ferry ~MYR 21–27; ETS Arau→Butterworth ~MYR 17–35. Plan combos on 12Go.
  • Pros: Smooth ride, less traffic risk. Cons: Must sync ferry with ETS schedules.

Step-by-step: Ferry + Train

  1. Reach Kuah Jetty and sail to Kuala Perlis.
  2. Grab/taxi (~20 minutes) to Arau Railway Station.
  3. Board KTM ETS to Butterworth (Penang Sentral). Reserve seats in advance when possible.
  4. From Penang Sentral, take the passenger fast ferry to Weld Quay or bus/Grab over the bridge into George Town.

Getting to the main embarking points (Kuala Perlis & Arau)

  • Kuala Perlis Jetty: Restaurants/shops nearby; taxis wait outside.
  • Arau Station: Clear signage; ETS is air-conditioned with assigned seats.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛴️+🚐 Option #4 — Ferry + Private Transfer (Mainland Meet & Greet)

Door-to-door Great with luggage Higher cost

  • Overview: You ferry to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis, meet a prebooked driver on the mainland, and ride directly to your Penang hotel.
  • How to book (with price): Mainland transfer from ~MYR 350–700 per vehicle (size/time vary). Get instant quotes on GetTransfer. For local hops, just book Grab on arrival.
  • Pros: Minimal lugging; ideal for families/late ferries. Cons: Costs more than bus/train.

Step-by-step: Ferry + Private Transfer

  1. From Langkawi, sail Kuah→Kuala Kedah (best for Penang Sentral) or Kuala Perlis.
  2. Meet your prebooked driver at the jetty exit.
  3. Ride directly to your Penang hotel (George Town/Batu Ferringhi/Tanjung Bungah).

Getting to the main embarking points (Kuah Jetty & Mainland Jetties)

  • Kuah Jetty: Allow buffer for ferry queues on weekends/holidays.
  • Mainland jetties: Share your driver’s contact; many wait in the car park opposite arrivals.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Langkawi to Penang)

Is there a direct Langkawi–Penang passenger ferry?
Direct services have been irregular/suspended in recent years; most travelers route via Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis, or simply fly.

Which mainland jetty should I choose?
Kuala Kedah suits bus/taxi straight to Penang Sentral; Kuala Perlis pairs well with the Arau ETS train.

How long does the overland route take?
Usually 5–7 hours door-to-door depending on ferry times and traffic; the ETS combo can be ~4.5–6.5 hours with good connections.

Can I bring a car or scooter?
Standard passenger ferries are foot-passenger only. Rent on arrival in Penang (scooters/bikes) via BikesBooking if you need wheels.

Best area to stay in Penang?
George Town for food/history, or Batu Ferringhi for beach resorts—compare on Booking.com.

Any luggage tips?
Keep water/snacks handy for the ferry; if your room isn’t ready, drop bags with Radical Storage and explore.

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