How to Get from Satun (Thailand) to Langkawi: Ferry, Schedule, Tickets

The ferry from Satun (Thailand) to Langkawi (Malaysia) is the most popular sea route between the two countries. High-speed catamarans take passengers to the island in just 1.5 hours, and ticket prices remain quite affordable. The cabin has air conditioning, a TV, and the seats are comfortable enough for a one-and-a-half-hour trip.

In this guide, we'll tell you in detail how to take this route, how much tickets cost, where to buy them, how to get to the port in Satun, and what awaits you upon arrival in Langkawi. All information is on personal experience and traveler reviews.

Ferry Schedule and Prices

As of 2026, ferries between Satun and Langkawi run daily, but the number of trips may vary depending on the season. Usually, there are one or two trips per day. The current schedule is given below, but before your trip, we recommend checking it on booking sites like 12go.asia — they sometimes add extra trips during the high season.

• Departure from Satun (Tammalang Pier): 11:30
• Departure from Langkawi (Kuah Jetty): 08:30

Travel time – 1 hour 30 minutes.

This is an international route, so when departing from Satun, you will need to go through Thai exit passport control and customs, and upon arrival in Langkawi, Malaysian entry passport control and customs. Don't forget to fill out the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) in advance and consider visa requirements — details in the article All about Visas and Entry to Malaysia.

Port in Satun (Tammalang Pier)

Ferries depart from Tammalang Pier, which is about 12 km from the center of Satun town (pier on map). The terminal is small, but it has a waiting room, cafes, restrooms, and a currency exchange office (the rate is quite good; you can exchange baht for ringgit right away).

However, if you have dollars or euros, it's better to exchange money already in Langkawi. The rate at Langkawi port is not the best; exchange just enough for a taxi or transport rental, and do the rest in Kuah town or at the resorts.

How to Get to Satun Port

You can get to the pier in several ways. The choice depends on where you are coming from and your budget.

• By bus + ferry transfer (the most convenient)

  Travel agencies in Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, and even in Satun itself sell ready-made transfers that include pick-up from your hotel to the port and the ferry ticket. This is slightly more expensive than traveling independently, but much more convenient: they pick you up right at your door, and you don't have to worry about transfers. Locals also often use such transfers. You can buy them at any street travel agency in the resorts.

• By public transport

  First, you need to get to Satun bus station. From there, minibuses (songthaews) run to the port, costing 60 baht per person. This is the most budget-friendly option. If you arrived by ferry from Langkawi and want to save on a transfer to Phuket or Krabi, exit the port, catch a similar songthaew to Satun bus station, and buy a ticket for a scheduled bus there. The final point will be the bus station, not your hotel, but it's cheaper.

• By rented transport

  From Krabi, Koh Lanta, or Phuket, you can drive to Satun in a rented car or bike, leave the vehicle at the parking lot (cost is moderate), and continue your journey after returning.

For more details on how to get to Satun from different cities in Thailand, read our article How to Get to Satun.

Port in Langkawi (Kuah Jetty)

Ferries from Satun arrive at the island's main port, Kuah Jetty, located in Langkawi's capital, Kuah Town (port on map). This is a modern international terminal with all the amenities: ATMs, exchange offices, cafes, duty-free shops, and car and motorcycle rental counters.

There is practically no public transport on the island, so you can only get to your hotel by taxi or rented transport. Right at the port exit, there is an official taxi service with fixed prices (to Cenang beaches — about 40 ringgit). But it's more profitable to use the Grab app (the Uber equivalent) — prices are lower; we got there for only 17 ringgit. Renting a bike right at the port will cost about 30–50 ringgit/day if you find a rental in advance and arrange it via messengers. On the spot, they ask from 50 ringgit/day.

For more details on transport on the island, read the article Transport in Langkawi, How to Get Around.

Useful Tips

• 📜 Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). Since 2024, everyone entering Malaysia must fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card online (3 days before the trip). Don't forget to do this, otherwise they might not let you on the ferry.
• 💰 Buying tickets. Tickets are usually available at the port ticket offices, but during peak dates (New Year holidays, weekends) it's better to buy in advance online. Trip.com and 12go.asia (with payment at 7-Eleven) work with Russian cards.
• 🚗 Parking in Satun. When leaving your car at the parking lot near the pier, remove all valuables and documents from the cabin — just in case.
• 🚣 Fruit. You cannot bring fruit from Thailand into Malaysia. Eat them in advance or leave them at your hotel.
• 💰 Currency. There is an exchange office at Satun port with a good baht-to-ringgit rate. You can also exchange currency in Langkawi, but the rate at Kuah port is slightly worse. It's better to exchange a small amount immediately and do the main exchange in town.