Penang to Langkawi Island tickets

About the ride from Penang to Langkawi Island

After you've experienced the ancient and urban artwork of Penang, as well as the beaches and public parks, there's only one place to head to and that's Langkawi. Now, although Langkawi Island is commonly considered as something of a 'party central' for travelers and Malaysians alike – mainly due to its duty-free alcohol status – there are lots of other things to do away from the all-night beach bars.

From snorkeling safaris and boat trips to the cable car ride to the top of Gunung Mat Cincang (the island's second highest peak at 850 meters), this is a great location to soak up the sleepy seaside ambiance overlooking the Andaman.  

Getting to Langkawi Island from Penang is pretty straightforward. You can either take a 2.5 hour ferry ride or you can fly down south in 30 minutes. Of course, there's a slight disparity in price – it's just over $100 for a flight and about $22 for a ferry – but then some folk like to arrive feeling refreshed whilst others prefer to meet a few new pals along the way.

That's basically the difference. A flight from Penang to Langkawi is fast and efficient whereas the ferry ride is slower but more sociable. One thing that is worth mentioning is that ferries are far less frequent than flights. There's literally just one boat leaving to Langkawi from Penang every day. If you miss it then you've got to wait 24 hours for the next one. Usually, as the ferry leaves at 8.30am, early risers are the ones who prefer to opt for an afternoon flight as opposed to setting their alarm clock!

What to see when traveling from Penang to Langkawi Island 

If you're flying from Penang to Langkawi Island then you might well see lots of tiny patches of land as you pass over the Malacca Strait and approach the Andaman Sea. Although the flight time is just half an hour, you'll still be able to catch a glimpse of the beautiful blue ocean waves as you fly above, so aim to get a window seat.

Alternatively, if you're traveling from Penang to Langkawi Island by ferry, you're going to be treated to a much more personal perspective of the sea. The daily Tourist Ferry is air-conditioned and also features onboard bathrooms and cabins with ample seating. Again, window seats are worthwhile if you're sitting down below although, there's also the chance to enjoy a spot of sunbathing if you're heading up onto the top deck. 

The crossing takes you down south for around 122 kilometers (75 miles). It's only two and a half hours but this is often just enough time to catch up on some sleep or swap stories with fellow passengers. High season tends to run from November to February and booking a place on the ferry is highly recommended.

Another piece of good advice is to also book accommodation in Langkawi before you arrive. Although there are lots and lots of hotels and hostels to choose from, sometimes it's worth getting somewhere in advance, at least for a night, just so you've got somewhere to head to when you dock at Kompleks Jetty Point.

How to get from Penang to Langkawi Island 

Taking a ferry

The Tourist Ferry from Penang to Langkawi Island is the most popular and most affordable way to travel. It only takes 2.5 hours and in this time you'll cover a total distance of 122 kilometers (75 miles) for approximately US$22. Although there's not a great deal to do on board you will get to meet lots of other travelers from all over the world. There are bound to be lots of local Malaysians, too, so get ready to practice a few words or just smile and converse in English once you've exhausted your Malay repertoire. 

The daily ferry from Penang to Langkawi leaves at 8.30am but it's a good idea to get down to Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal at least 30 minutes before departure. Once you arrive at Kompleks Jetty Point in Langkawi you'll either be met by a representative from your hotel, if you've booked in advance, or be invited to take a cab by one of the drivers conveniently located next to the duty-free shopping mall.

Note: There are lots of other liquor stores on the island, so don't spend all your Malaysian Ringgits in one go!

Taking a flight

If you're flying from Penang to Langkawi Island you can expect to pay somewhere in the region of US$105. This allows you to touch down at the island's international airport after just 30 minutes in the air. Flying to Langkawi from Penang is a great way to not only spend more valuable time on the ground but also to avoid an early morning start.

Flights leave throughout the day whereas the one and only ferry crossing leaves at 8.30 in the morning. Bad news for party-goers still nursing a sore head from the night before in George Town!