How to Get to Langkawi

Overview of Ways to Get to Langkawi

Langkawi Island is a popular resort, but you can only get there by air or sea, as it's separated from the mainland. The most convenient and fastest way is by plane, and that's what we recommend first. Ferry services connect the island with mainland Malaysia (Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis) and Thailand (Satun, Koh Lipe). The direct ferry from Penang, unfortunately, has been suspended.

In our guide below, we'll tell you in detail about all the ways and means to get to Langkawi on your own. First, here are quick tips by direction:

• From cities in Russia, the CIS, and other countries. There are no direct flights; you'll fly with connections. The most convenient is via Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Dubai, or Tashkent. You could also fly to Kuala Lumpur, then take a ferry or bus+ferry, but we don't recommend this option.
• From Langkawi Airport. You can only get to your hotel by taxi (from 12 ringgit to the nearest beaches) or a rental car. There is no public transport.
• From Kuala Lumpur. The fastest and most convenient way is by plane (about 1 hour, tickets from 30–40 ringgit). Alternative: bus to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis, then ferry (the journey will take about 10–12 hours).
• From Penang. It's best to fly (40 minutes, from $15), as the direct ferry is suspended. A complicated bus+ferry route via Kuala Perlis is also possible, but it doesn't make sense as a way to get from point A to point B unless it's part of a journey with stops for you.
• From Thailand (Phuket Island, Koh Lipe, mainland). The most convenient is by ferry from Satun or Koh Lipe (in high season). There are ready-made transfers at travel agencies that include a bus to the pier + ferry, which is much more convenient and even cheaper than going yourself.

For more detailed routes on specific directions, see our separate guides:

Entry Points: Airport and Ports of Langkawi

Langkawi International Airport (LGK)

This is the island's main air gateway. The airport receives regular flights from Kuala Lumpur (KLIA and Subang), Penang, Singapore, as well as seasonal flights from China and Thailand. For more details about the airport, ways to get to hotels, and infrastructure, read our overview: Langkawi Airport.

Kuah Jetty Ferry Terminal

Located in Kuah Town. This is the main port where ferries arrive from mainland Malaysia (Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis) and Thailand (Satun). The terminal is modern, with cafes, duty-free shops, ATMs, car rental counters, and taxis. You can only get to hotels by taxi or rented transport. More details in the separate guide about ferries and the port in Langkawi.

Telaga Harbour Ferry Terminal

Located in the Pantai Kok area, near the yacht marina. It is used for services from the Thai island of Koh Lipe (in high season) and some charter ferries. Pleasure boats are also based here. The infrastructure is less developed than at Kuah Jetty, but there are cafes and a taxi stand. More details in the separate guide about ferries and the port in Langkawi.

By Plane: The Fastest Way

Langkawi International Airport (IATA: LGK) is the island's main air gateway, where most tourists arrive. And it makes sense: flying is the fastest, most convenient, and often the most budget-friendly way to get to the island. For example, a flight from Kuala Lumpur takes about an hour and can cost as little as $20-30, comparable to the land route (bus + ferry), but saves you an entire day of your vacation.

The airport receives regular flights from Kuala Lumpur (KLIA and Subang airports), Penang, Singapore, Tashkent, Dubai, and during the high season, flights from Chinese cities may be added. The main airlines: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, Batik Air. Flights from Kuala Lumpur operate almost every hour like shuttles, and from Penang also many times a day.

If you're flying from Russia or CIS countries, your route will almost certainly involve a transfer in Kuala Lumpur, as it's often the most economical option. There are no direct flights to Langkawi yet. At Kuala Lumpur Airport, you'll need to change terminals from KLIA (international) to KLIA2 (budget airline terminal), so you should allow at least 3-4 hours for the connection.

Flights to Langkawi also operate from Kuala Lumpur's old Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (formerly Subang). These are used by Firefly and Batik Air. If your connection involves a terminal change, allow at least 5 hours and budget for a taxi (from 75 to 200 ringgit).

It's convenient to search for flight options to Langkawi Airport for your desired dates on trusted search engines like Aviasales and Trip.com, or via the search widget:

ЦЕНА	ПЕРЕСАДКИ	АВИАКОМПАНИЯ	ДАТА ВЫЛЕТА	ДАТА ВОЗВРАЩЕНИЯ
Купить от 6246 ₽	Без пересадок		30.05.2026	06.06.2026
Купить от 4984 ₽	Без пересадок		28.06.2026	06.07.2026
Купить от 5122 ₽	Без пересадок		11.07.2026	14.07.2026
Купить от 4794 ₽	Без пересадок		06.08.2026	12.08.2026
Купить от 4924 ₽	Без пересадок		30.09.2026	07.10.2026
Купить от 4339 ₽	Без пересадок		22.10.2026	23.10.2026

ЦЕНА	МАРШРУТ	ПЕРЕСАДКИ
Купить от 51376 ₽	Москва ⇄ Лангкави	2
Купить от 65007 ₽	Санкт-Петербург ⇄ Лангкави	2
Купить от 77929 ₽	Новосибирск ⇄ Лангкави	3
Купить от 57446 ₽	Иркутск ⇄ Лангкави	2
Купить от 73431 ₽	Казань ⇄ Лангкави	2
Купить от 140696 ₽	Сочи (Адлер) ⇄ Лангкави	2
Купить от 73318 ₽	Нижний Новгород ⇄ Лангкави	3
Купить от 109392 ₽	Чита ⇄ Лангкави	4

How to Get from Langkawi Airport to the Resorts

Langkawi Airport is located away from the main resorts (see on map). There is practically no public transport on the island, so you can get to your hotel either by taxi or by rented transport.

💳 Currency exchange and ATMs. There are several exchange offices in the arrivals hall. The rate here is quite decent — better than at Kuala Lumpur Airport, but slightly worse than in Kuah Town. There are also Maybank and CIMB ATMs where you can withdraw ringgit with UnionPay cards without an ATM fee (your bank's fee still applies).

📱 SIM cards. Right there in the arrivals hall are official mobile phone shops for Tune Talk and Hotlink. Prices are the same as in town. A tourist SIM card for 30 days costs about 35 ringgit (8.82 USD).

🚗 Taxis and Grab. There are two main ways to leave:

• Official taxi — the counter is right at the terminal exit (see photo above). You state your destination, pay a fixed price, get a coupon, and go to the car. Convenient and reliable, but more expensive than using the app.
• Grab — the local Uber equivalent. Prices are lower, often 1.5–2 times less. We advise installing the app before your trip. To order, you can use the airport Wi-Fi or buy a SIM card immediately upon arrival.

Taxi fares from Langkawi Airport to resorts (estimate for 2026)

Destination	Fare in ringgit
Main beaches Cenang and Tengah (Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah)	25 ringgit (6.3 USD)
Kuah Town	45 ringgit (11.34 USD)
Kuah Jetty	50 ringgit (12.6 USD)
Pantai Kok	25 ringgit (6.3 USD)
Datai Bay	60 ringgit (15.12 USD)
Tanjung Rhu Beach	60 ringgit (15.12 USD)

You can also book an individual transfer in advance. They will meet you in the arrivals hall with a sign and take you directly to your hotel. This is convenient if you are traveling with children or a lot of luggage. You can book with payment by Russian card on trusted sites:

• Kiwitaxi.ru
• Intui.travel
• Trip.com

Renting a Car or Motorbike

If you plan to move around the island actively, the best option is to rent transport right at the airport. It's convenient: you can pick up a car or bike upon arrival and return it before your flight, without overpaying for taxis.

Important price nuance: at the airport, prices are often lower than at the resorts. Here are figures from personal experience (2026):

• Motorbike: at the airport, you can get one from 30 ringgit if you book in advance and arrange delivery (7.56 USD). On Cenang Beach, they ask for a minimum of 50.
• Car: at the airport, rental starts from 50 ringgit/day (12.6 USD). On Cenang — from 120.

Where to look: There are many rental counters in the arrivals hall. You can arrange on the spot or book online in advance through aggregators — it's often cheaper that way:

For renting a motorbike, there are no stationary counters at the airport, but locals will approach you with offers. Want to save money? Search for rentals in advance on Google Maps, call or message them on messengers. They can deliver the bike right to the terminal or show you where the nearest rental is (there are many near the airport).

By Ferry from Malaysia and Thailand

You can get to Langkawi by ferry from mainland Malaysia (Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis), Penang Island, and also from Thailand — from Satun town and Koh Lipe Island. The ferries are comfortable, high-speed, and air-conditioned. However, in bad weather, trips may be delayed or canceled — keep this in mind when planning connections.

Langkawi has two passenger ports:

• Kuah Jetty (on map) — the main port in the island's capital, Kuah Town. Ferries from mainland Malaysia (Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis) and from Thai Satun arrive here. The terminal is modern, with cafes, duty-free shops, ATMs, exchange offices, and car rental counters.
• Telaga Harbour (on map) — a port on the west coast, a bit closer to the beach resorts of Cenang and Tengah. Only ferries from the Thai island of Koh Lipe arrive here. This is also an international port with full passport control. Official website: telaga-terminal.com. Tickets here are slightly more expensive than to Kuah, but the difference is small.

Two main ferry operators operate in Langkawi: Langkawi Ferry and Telaga Harbour. Each has its own schedule and destinations. You can check all current information on their websites, and it's most convenient to buy tickets online.

💳 Where to buy ferry tickets with a Russian card:

• Trip.com — accepts Russian cards, a large selection of routes.
• 12go.asia — you can book online and pay later in cash at 7-Eleven counters (handy if you have problems with online payments).
• busonlineticket.com — a specialized site for Malaysia.

Official carrier websites for checking schedules:

• langkawiferryline.com — ferries from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, Satun.
• telaga-terminal.com — ferries from Koh Lipe.
• Bundhaya Speedboat — another operator on the Koh Lipe route.

More details about ferry services:

• Penang - Langkawi (SUSPENDED)

  Attention! This ferry service has been suspended. Currently, to get to/from Penang, you need to use a plane (40 minutes, from $15 USD, from 15 USD), or travel via the bus + ferry route through Kuala Perlis. We advise using the plane; it's often even cheaper and definitely faster.

  Before the suspension, ferries ran twice daily from the George Town jetty in Penang. Travel time was 2 hours 45 minutes. For more details on alternative routes, read our guide How to Get to Langkawi from Penang.

• Satun Town - Langkawi

  Satun is a small town in southwestern Thailand, on the border with Malaysia. It's the main gateway for travelers heading to Langkawi from Thailand by land. One ferry departs daily from Satun pier (there used to be three). Remember that this is an international route: you need to go through passport control when leaving Thailand and entering Malaysia, and also fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) in advance.

  For a detailed guide on this route, read our article How to Get to Langkawi from Thailand by Ferry.

  Ferry fares (approximate 2026 prices):

  	Adult	Child (3-11 years)	Child (under 2)
  One way	450 baht (13.79 USD)	350 baht (10.72 USD)	150 baht (4.6 USD)

  Travel time: about 1.5 hours. Departure from Satun: 11:30. From Langkawi: 08:30. Times may change; check on booking sites:

  • 12go.asia
  • Redbus

• Kuala Kedah – Langkawi

  Daily ferry services to Langkawi operate from the pier in the town of Kuala Kedah. This is the main option for those traveling through Malaysia by train or bus. From Alor Setar railway station to the port, you can take a taxi (about 18 ringgit) or a city bus (1.5 ringgit).

  Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes. Ferries run from 7 am to 7 pm, approximately every 1-1.5 hours. Booking in advance is not required; you can buy tickets on the spot before departure.

  Ferry fares (approximate 2026 prices):

  	Adult	Child (3-11 years)
  One way	45 ringgit (11.34 USD)	32 ringgit (8.06 USD)

• Kuala Perlis – Langkawi

  Kuala Perlis port is a bit closer to Langkawi, so the ferry ride is faster (1 hour 15 minutes) and cheaper. This is a good option for those coming from northern Malaysia or from Thailand via Satun (from there you can take a taxi to Kuala Perlis).

  Ferries run from 7 am to 7 pm, departing every 30-60 minutes. Booking in advance is not required; you can buy tickets on the spot before departure.

  Ferry fares (approximate 2026 prices):

  	Adult	Child
  One way	35 ringgit (8.82 USD)	25 ringgit (6.3 USD)

• Koh Lipe Island – Langkawi

  A very popular route for those combining a vacation in Thailand and Malaysia. Ferries run daily during the high season (October to May); the schedule may be reduced in the low season. Arrival is at Telaga Harbour or Kuah Jetty depending on the chosen company. This is an international route, so don't forget to fill out the MDAC for entry into Malaysia in advance and note that you cannot take fruit out of Thailand.

  For a detailed guide on this route, read our article How to Get to Langkawi from Koh Lipe (Thailand).

  Ferry fares (approximate 2026 prices):

  	Adult	Child (2-12 years)
  One way	128 ringgit (32.25 USD) / 1300-1400 baht	108 ringgit (27.21 USD)

  Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 2 hours (depends on vessel type and weather). Departure from Koh Lipe: usually 10:30, 14:30, and 16:30 (Thai time). From Langkawi: 09:30 and 14:30 (Malaysian time). Check the schedule on the operator's website.

  Check schedules and buy tickets on:

  • Trip.com — accepts Russian cards.
  • 12go.asia — you can book and pay in cash at 7-Eleven counters.

Land Transport: Train and Bus + Ferry

Getting to Langkawi by train or bus is not so simple, because it's an island not connected by land. Ready-made transfers with connections are not common in Malaysia, so you'll have to plan everything yourself. Because of this, we cannot recommend this method just to get here. However, if you want to travel leisurely through Malaysia, it's a viable option. Here's how to do it:

The main entry points are the nearby mainland cities of Alor Setar (Kuala Kedah) or Arau (Kuala Perlis). From there, you take a ferry to Langkawi (see all details above). However, there's another thing. After getting off the train in Alor Setar or Arau, you'll still need to get to the ferry pier in Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis respectively.

The small fishing village of Kuala Kedah is on the coast, 12 kilometers from Alor Setar. The easiest way to get from the train station to the pier is by taxi. Taxi drivers will ask for about 25 ringgit (6.3 USD) for the trip, which is an excessively high price for 12 kilometers. Try to negotiate. If you can't negotiate, you can use a city bus or Grab. Buses from the station run frequently and cost only 1.5 ringgit (0.38 USD). Don't forget the time: the last ferry to Langkawi departs at 7 pm.

Kuala Perlis is also a small port town, a bit closer to Langkawi. The ferry from here is half an hour faster and costs 5 ringgit less. A taxi ride from Arau train station to the pier will be a little cheaper: from 14 ringgit (from 3.53 USD).

By bus from Malaysian cities, you can get directly to the Kuala Perlis pier (the bus station is within walking distance of the pier), and then take a ferry to Langkawi. Buses from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis depart from TBS bus station (more about TBS), the fare starts from $10 (from 10 USD).

You can check schedules, costs, and book tickets for buses, ferries, or trains in Malaysia on the website busonlineticket.com, or via the search widget from the booking system 12go:

Bus and Train Schedules to Kedah (then ferry to Langkawi)

🕒 27 April, 2026