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How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi
Flying is the easiest way from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi: about 1 h, with many daily flights. Overland you take the ETS train or a bus north to Kuala Perlis or Kuala Kedah, about 5–7 h, then a ferry of about 1 h 15–1 h 45 to Langkawi.
Best option: Flight. Frequent one-hour flights are often cheap and save most of a day compared with going overland.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Flights from Kuala Lumpur (KLIA or KLIA2, or Subang) to Langkawi (AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air) | about 1 h flight | many a day | about RM100–400 one way | Langkawi airport is about 15–20 min by taxi from Pantai Cenang. |
| train ETS train from KL Sentral to Alor Setar or Arau, taxi to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis jetty, then ferry to Kuah | about 5–6 h by train plus taxi and about 1 h 15–1 h 45 ferry | several trains a day; ferries several a day | about RM60–120 train plus about RM20–40 ferry | Ferries can be cancelled in rough weather. Check current timetables. |
| bus Buses from Kuala Lumpur (TBS) to Kuala Perlis or Kuala Kedah, then ferry | about 6–7 h plus ferry | several a day, including overnight | about RM50–70 bus plus ferry | The cheapest overland option. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Langkawi is a duty-free island; prices for some goods are lower than on the mainland.
- Hire a car or scooter on Langkawi; public transport is very limited.
- Book flights early around school and public holidays.
- If going overland, Kuala Perlis has the shortest crossing to Langkawi.
Common questions
What is the best way from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi?
Fly. Flights take about an hour, run many times a day from KLIA and KLIA2, and are often inexpensive if booked ahead. Overland by train or bus and ferry takes about 7–9 hours. Langkawi airport is close to the main beach area at Pantai Cenang.
Can I take the train from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi?
Partly. The ETS train runs from KL Sentral north to Alor Setar and Arau, about 5–6 hours. From there, a taxi takes you to the Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis ferry jetty, and the ferry to Kuah on Langkawi takes about 1 h 15–1 h 45. Check current timetables for both.
How long is the ferry to Langkawi?
From Kuala Perlis about 1 h 15, and from Kuala Kedah about 1 h 45. Ferries arrive at Kuah jetty on Langkawi, about 30 minutes by taxi from Pantai Cenang. Services run several times a day, but can be reduced or cancelled in bad weather, so allow some flexibility.
Do I need a car on Langkawi?
It helps. Public buses on Langkawi are very limited, so most visitors rent a car or scooter, or use taxis and ride-hailing apps. Car hire is cheap and roads are quiet outside Kuah and Pantai Cenang. Drive on the left, and an international driving permit may be required.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.