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MalaysiaThe capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and the country's most popular tourist island, Langkawi, are just over 400 kilometers apart in a straight line (Langkawi on the interactive map of Malaysia). This is the most popular route to the island, as most international flights to Malaysia, including those from Russia and the CIS, arrive in Kuala Lumpur. We'll tell you about all the ways to get to the island, and what awaits you upon arrival.
Quick answer: the best way is by plane
This is the fastest (1 hour) and often the most budget-friendly option. Tickets on low-cost carriers like AirAsia or Firefly often cost the same as bus+ferry, but save you an entire day. Land transport (train or bus) only makes sense if you want to combine the trip with visiting other cities in Malaysia.
Important update for entry in 2026: All tourists arriving in Malaysia (by plane or ferry) must fill out the electronic MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) in advance. Details in the article: All About Visas and Entry to Malaysia.
Our separate guides on this topic:
Here are also articles on ways to get to Langkawi from other places:
By Plane
Langkawi Island has an international airport (LGK). Flights from the capital operate almost every hour, with a travel time of about an hour. Planes fly from both the main Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA (terminals KLIA and KLIA2) and from the old Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (formerly Subang). It's better to choose flights from KLIA, as budget airlines are based there and there are more flights. Airlines operating: AirAsia, Firefly, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air.
📌 Important nuance for transit passengers: If you are flying from other countries via Kuala Lumpur, you will most likely have to change terminals (e.g., from KLIA to KLIA2 for a connecting flight on AirAsia). An express train runs between the terminals for 2 ringgit. However, for the connection, considering going through controls and re-checking in, you should allow at least 3-4 hours. If your flight to Langkawi departs from the old Subang Airport (SZB), allow at least 5 hours and budget for a taxi (about 100-200 ringgit).
Round-trip flight prices start from $25 USD (from 25 USD), and a one-way ticket can cost as little as $15 USD (from 15 USD). You can find and book flights for your desired dates using the search widget:
| ЦЕНА | ПЕРЕСАДКИ | АВИАКОМПАНИЯ | ДАТА ВЫЛЕТА | ДАТА ВОЗВРАЩЕНИЯ |
| Купить от 4763 ₽ | Без пересадок |  |
16.07.2026 | 22.07.2026 |
| Купить от 4744 ₽ | Без пересадок | |
11.08.2026 | 15.08.2026 |
| Купить от 4232 ₽ | Без пересадок | |
13.09.2026 | 16.09.2026 |
| Купить от 4341 ₽ | Без пересадок | |
23.10.2026 | 03.11.2026 |
| Купить от 4376 ₽ | Без пересадок | |
05.11.2026 | 07.11.2026 |
| Купить от 5675 ₽ | Без пересадок | |
16.12.2026 | 12.01.2027 |
By Train + Ferry
Trains don't go to Langkawi, but you can get there with a transfer. First, take a train to the coastal towns of Alor Setar (port Kuala Kedah) or Arau (port Kuala Perlis), and then take a ferry to the island.
Trains to Alor Setar and Arau depart from Kuala Lumpur's main train station, KL Sentral. They run frequently, up to 7 times a day. Travel time is about 5 hours. The cost for a seat starts from 73 ringgit (17.89 USD). Also read more details about trains in Malaysia.
Via Alor Setar (Kuala Kedah port): From the train station to the pier, you can take a taxi (about 18-25 ringgit, 4.41-6.13 USD) or a city bus (only 1.5 ringgit, 0.37 USD). Ferries from Kuala Kedah depart every 30-60 minutes from 07:00 to 19:00; travel time 1 hour 45 minutes; adult fare — 45 ringgit (11.03 USD).
Via Arau (Kuala Perlis port): From the train station to the pier, a taxi costs about 14-24 ringgit (3.43-5.88 USD). Ferries from Kuala Perlis depart every 30-60 minutes from 07:00 to 19:00; travel time 1 hour 15 minutes; adult fare — 35 ringgit (8.58 USD).
You can check the current schedule and fares on the ferry operator's website: langkawiferryline.com.
By Bus + Ferry
Buses from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis depart from TBS bus station. This is convenient, as the bus station is within walking distance of the pier. Services run several times a day; travel time is about 7 hours; cost from 55 ringgit (from 13.48 USD).
From Kuala Perlis pier, ferries to Langkawi depart according to the same schedule (every 30-60 minutes, 1 hour 15 minutes travel time). The ferry costs 35 ringgit (8.58 USD) per person.
You can find and book a bus or train ticket to stations in Kedah using the search widget (service accepts Russian cards):
🔍 Set your search criteria
💲 Pay for your ticket online
✉ Get your itinerary receipt by email
🚌 Arrive at the point of departure
By Car with Ferry
If you are traveling through Malaysia by rental car, you can take a vehicle ferry to the island. To do this, drive from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis, from where the Langkawi Ro-Ro ferry departs. It runs once a day (usually in the evening), travel time is about 1.5 hours. The fare for a passenger car starts from 130 ringgit (31.85 USD), depending on the size. Check the schedule and book on the official carrier's website: langkawiroro.com.
What You Need to Know Upon Arrival in Langkawi
Once on the island (at the airport or port), you'll need to get to your hotel. There is no public transport on Langkawi, so you'll have to use taxis, Grab, or rented transport. Below is detailed information that will come in handy immediately upon arrival.
How to Get from Langkawi Airport to Your Hotel
Langkawi Airport is located away from the main resorts (see on map). You can get to your hotel in one of three ways:
- Official taxi: The counter is at the terminal exit. You tell them your hotel, pay a fixed price (see table below), get a coupon, and go to the car. Reliable, but more expensive than Grab.
- Grab (online taxi): The local Uber equivalent. Prices are often 1.5-2 times lower than official ones. We advise installing the app in advance and linking a card. You can use the airport Wi-Fi to order.
- Pre-booked transfer: Booked online. They will meet you in the arrivals hall with a sign. Convenient if you are traveling with children or a lot of luggage.
Money-saving life hack for Grab: Don't order a car immediately after landing, when the crowd is just exiting — prices are highest. Wait 10-15 minutes, or leave the terminal, walk about 200 meters to the right towards the main road, and order from there. The price could drop by 20-30%. Also, choose the Grab Saver tariff.
| Destination | Official Taxi (MYR) | In Rubles* | Grab (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pantai Cenang | 25 | 6.13 USD | 15-18 MYR |
| Pantai Tengah | 25 | 6.13 USD | 15-18 MYR |
| Pantai Kok | 25 | 6.13 USD | 15-20 MYR |
| Kuah Town | 45 | 11.03 USD | 25-30 MYR |
| Kuah Jetty | 50 | 12.25 USD | 30-35 MYR |
| Datai Bay | 60 | 14.7 USD | 40-45 MYR |
| Tanjung Rhu Beach | 60 | 14.7 USD | 40-45 MYR |
You can book an individual transfer in advance on these sites (work with Russian cards):
Currency Exchange, ATMs, and SIM Cards
💳 Currency exchange: There are several exchange offices in the airport arrivals hall. The rate here is quite decent — better than at Kuala Lumpur Airport, but slightly worse than in Kuah town. The best rate is often at the SMJ exchange office. Old series US dollars (small bills) may be exchanged at a bad rate or not at all.
💳 ATMs: Next to the exchange offices are Maybank and CIMB ATMs. They do not charge a fee for withdrawals from foreign cards (your bank's fee still applies). UnionPay cards work well.
📱 SIM cards: Right there are official Tune Talk and Hotlink mobile phone shops. Prices are the same as in town. A tourist SIM card for 30 days costs about 35 ringgit (8.58 USD).
Detailed money guides:
Renting a Car or Motorbike
The best way to explore the island is to rent transport right at the airport. This is often cheaper than renting on the beaches.
- Motorbike (scooter): At the airport, you can find one from 30 ringgit/day (7.35 USD) if booked in advance. On Cenang Beach, the minimum is 50. There are no stationary bike rental counters at the airport, but locals will approach you near the exit. It's cheaper to search on Google Maps and arrange delivery to the terminal.
- Car: At the airport, rental starts from 50 ringgit/day (12.25 USD). On Cenang — from 120. There are many rental counters in the arrivals hall.
Look for the best rental deals here:
Bus and Train Schedules to Kedah (then ferry to Langkawi)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is faster: plane or bus+ferry from Kuala Lumpur?
The plane, without a doubt. The flight takes 1 hour. Bus+ferry will take at least 8-9 hours (7 hours bus + 1 hour transfer + 1 hour ferry).
Where to buy ferry tickets with Russian cards?
Should I exchange money at Kuala Lumpur Airport before flying to Langkawi?
We don't advise it. The rate at Langkawi Airport is 10-15% better than at KLIA. It's better to withdraw a small amount of ringgit from an ATM (Maybank) at KLIA for a taxi/train if needed, and exchange the main amount already in Langkawi.
Which port in Langkawi is closer to Cenang and Tengah beaches?
Telaga Harbour port, where ferries from Koh Lipe arrive, is closer to these beaches (taxi about 20 ringgit). The main port, Kuah Jetty, is further away (taxi about 30-35 ringgit to Cenang).