Ferries to Langkawi arrive at the Kuah jetty. See the crossing times from Penang, Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis and Satun, and book a private transfer from the jetty to your hotel from RM40.
Most visitors who do not fly arrive by sea: a ferry to Langkawi from Penang, Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis or Satun in Thailand. The crossing is easy, but the ferry lands at the Kuah jetty, and many hotels are far from it. This guide explains the ferry to Langkawi, the crossing times, and how to arrange a private transfer from the jetty to your hotel before you travel.
Ferry routes to Langkawi
| From | Approximate time | Best if |
|---|---|---|
| Kuala Perlis (Perlis) | About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes | You are driving or taking a bus from the south or from Kuala Lumpur |
| Kuala Kedah (Kedah) | About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours | You are coming from Alor Setar or the Kedah area |
| Penang | About 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours | You are already in Penang and want to combine both islands |
| Satun (Thailand) | About 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes | You are travelling from southern Thailand |
Times are approximate and change with the operator and sea conditions, so always confirm the current timetable before you travel. For flights and the full route guide, read how to get to Langkawi: flights, ferries and car pickup.
After the ferry: your ride from the jetty
When the ferry docks, everyone walks off together, so taxis and Grab cars are busy for the first twenty minutes. A booked transfer avoids the wait: your driver is already at the jetty. The jetty is in Kuah town, so a hotel in Kuah is only 5 to 15 minutes away, and the other areas are farther.
| Hotel area | Drive from the jetty | Sedan (3) | MPV (7) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuah town and the jetty | 5 to 15 minutes | RM40 | RM70 |
| Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah and Teluk Baru | about 25 to 30 minutes | RM70 | RM100 |
| Pantai Kok, Teluk Burau and Telaga Harbour | about 35 minutes | RM80 | RM100 |
| Tanjung Rhu and Ayer Hangat | about 40 minutes | RM70 | RM100 |
| Teluk Datai and the north west | about 50 minutes | RM130 | RM170 |
Prices are one way, for the whole car. A trip to the jetty costs the same as a trip from it. For all car types and the full guide, read Langkawi jetty to hotel transfer after the ferry.
Going back to the jetty for your ferry
For your trip home, book the transfer as a return, or as a separate one-way ride from your hotel to the jetty. Aim to be at the jetty about 45 minutes before the ferry leaves, so you have time for your ticket and the queue. Choose a pickup time at your hotel that allows for the drive in the table above. Ferry times can change with the weather and the season, so check your ticket before you choose the time.
First and last ferries
A pickup before 7:00 AM or after 11:00 PM has an odd hour charge, which is included in the total before you pay. If your ferry is the first or the last of the day, you will see it in the price. See late night and early morning airport transfer in Langkawi.
A day trip from the mainland
If you cross from Kuala Perlis for a single day, you can start a 4-hour, 8-hour or 12-hour car with driver package at the jetty. The driver meets you at Kuah, takes you around the island and brings you back to the jetty for your return ferry. See one day in Langkawi with a private driver and car with driver in Langkawi.
How to book
- Open the airport and jetty transfer page and choose the jetty, the date and time, and your hotel.
- Choose a type of car and add your flight number and any extras.
- Pay online. Pay in full, or pay a deposit now and the balance later. Your confirmation arrives by email.
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before pickup: message us on WhatsApp and we refund what you paid.
A driver at arrivals, a clean car and one fixed price. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Which jetty do ferries to Langkawi arrive at?
Most ferries from Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah and Penang arrive at the Kuah jetty (Langkawi Ferry Terminal). Check the details on your ferry ticket.
How long is the ferry from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi?
About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Times change with the operator and the sea, so confirm the timetable before you travel.
How much is a transfer from the jetty to my hotel?
A private transfer starts from RM40 in a sedan to Kuah town and RM70 to Pantai Cenang. Farther areas cost more. The price is for the whole car.
What if my ferry is late?
Message us on WhatsApp with your ferry time and we will tell your driver.
Can I book a transfer for my ferry home?
Yes. Book it as a return, or as a separate one-way ride from your hotel to the jetty. Aim to be at the jetty about 45 minutes before the ferry leaves.
Is there a direct ferry from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi?
No. From Kuala Lumpur you can fly directly, or travel by road to Kuala Perlis or Kuala Kedah and take the ferry from there.
