While some people only consider visiting Langkawi because of its pristine beaches, this beautiful archipelago has a lot more to offer.
Langkawi is a fantastic place to go if you want to experience tropical islands in Malaysia. Apart from its beaches, it’s also blessed with breathtaking scenery, magical rainforests, waterfalls and vibrant local culture.
But before you get to enjoy Langkawi, you need to get there!
If you’re looking at heading to Langkawi from Alor Setar or vice versa, then you’re in luck!
Below, I describe exactly how to go to Langkawi from Alor Setar whether you are looking for a flight Alor Setar – Langkawi or wanting to take the Alor Setar – Langkawi ferry. This guide provides details for exactly how to make this journey including the overland portion as well as details on the ferry Alor Setar to Langkawi schedule and ticket prices.
I also cover the journey in reverse from Langkawi to Alor Setar.
Let’s start!
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Contents
Map: Alor Setar To Langkawi
This map shows you the distance between Alor Setar to Langkawi. It’s around 60 kilometres.
The approximate travel time is a 20 minute drive plus a 1.75 hour ferry.
BEST OPTION: Alor Setar to Langkawi Ferry
The following table describes the best way to get from Alor Setar to Langkawi.
| Travel By | Approx. Travel Time | Notes | |
| Part 1 – Alor Setar to Kuala Kedah | Grab taxi or local bus | 20-30 minutes | Buses do not leave often so a Grab is the easiest option. It’s affordable too |
| Part 2 – Kuala Kedah to Langkawi | Ferry | 1.75 hours | Arrive half an hour before departure at the Jetty for your ferry. Book here |
Part 1: Alor Setar To Kuala Kedah Jetty
The first part of your journey is to get from Alor Setar to Kuala Kedah Jetty where the ferry leaves for Langkawi.
This is only about 20 minutes via taxi. I recommend you use the Grab app to book your taxi. This is the easiest way to take this part of the journey. When we took this journey, it cost RM14.
If you would prefer to take a local bus, this is possible. One departs about every 90 minutes from Alor Setar and takes about 30 minutes. If you want to take this option, click here and look at the option in Google maps to see the route and next departure. This costs a few ringgit.
Part 2: Kuala Kedah To Langkawi
Once you arrive at Kuala Kedah’s jetty, you can purchase tickets for the ferry to Langkawi from Alor Setar. However, I recommend you buy this in advance online as ferries do sell out.
If you already have tickets, you can walk straight into the waiting area as pictured above. Otherwise, line up and buy your tickets. If the crossing is already sold out, the ticket counters may not open.
Our ferry started boarding about 30 minutes early. We arrived an hour in advance as per the instructions on our ticket, but this wasn’t necessary.
The ferry – Alor Setar – Langkawi travel time is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, and ferries usually sail around five times a day although this can vary day-by-day.
Generally, the first boat leaves Kuala Kedah at 7am while the last ferry leaves at 7pm. There are usually ferries at 10:30am, 1pm and 4pm as well.
However, the schedule can and does vary so check before you go. Ferry times usually are posted about two months before the travel dates.
Click here to see the latest schedules.
When your ferry is ready to board, they will make an annoucement in the terminal. You then show your ticket and walk out to the ferry.
On board, there is a cage area to place your luggage and you can take a seat. It’s comfortable enough and there are toilets.
Mid-way through the journey, a snack trolley came around with the chance to buy a snack.
You can read our full guide to taking the ferry from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi here.
Ferries arrive at Kuah in Langkawi. This is the main town on the island, but generally not where tourists stay. On arrival, it’s a short walk through the terminal (and through shops) to the exit.
You can take a Grab taxi or regular taxi to your destination. There are also cars and motorbikes available here for hire.
Alor Setar to Langkawi Flight?
Another alternative if you don’t want to take the ferry is to fly via plane from Alor Setar to Langkawi. However, I really don’t recommend this as there are no direct flights from Alor Setar to Langkawi.
This means it takes longer to fly than to travel overland as described above.
Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia offer flights from Alor Setar to Langkawi Airport via Kuala Lumpur. One way fares start at RM550, depending on the airline and season. It is possible to get cheaper fares during sales, but you are still going to pay more than taking the ferry.
The fastest flights take over four hours including transit time. Plus, you need to get to the airport, check-in, etc.
Click here to see the prices for your dates.
Langkawi to Alor Setar
In terms of how to get from Langkawi to Alor Setar, all you need to do is to take the above transportation options in reverse.
On Langkawi, simply take a Grab taxi to the ferry terminal in Kuah.
You can then take the ferry back to Kuala Kedah. The ferry schedule is similar as the opposite direction except the first ferry is usually at 7:30am.
Click here to see the latest fares and to book your tickets.
Alternatively, if you’re after a flight from Langkawi to Alor Setar, there is no direct Langkawi to Alor Setar flight. However, you can fly via Kuala Lumpur to get between Langkawi and Alor Setar.
This takes over four hours and costs more than the ferry so I recommend you take the ferry instead.
Click here to see the prices for your dates.
Final Words
In this guide, we’ve given you exact instruction for travelling from Alor Setar To Langkawi (and vice versa!)
The fastest (and the cheapest) way to get to your destination is to travel via Grab or ferry to Kuala Kedah and then take the ferry.
Alternatively, you can also fly, but this is a more costly and time consuming option given there are no direct flights available.
I hope you found this guide to how to travel from Alor Setar to Langkawi useful. Click here to check out our guide to things to do in Langkawi or here for where to stay in Langkawi. If you’re travelling somewhere else after Langkawi, you’ll find our full guide to how to get to Langkawi here. Our full Langkawi travel guide is here.
Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!
