A beautiful view from within central Penang-mobile

How to get from
Langkawi Island to Penang

Langkawi Island to Penang Trip Overview

Distance131 km (81.9 miles)
Price range$24-$40
Ride Duration Range35m-40m
Earliest Departure06:50
Latest Departure09:20

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Langkawi Island to Penang



























































































A beautiful view from within central Penang

About the ride from Langkawi Island to Penang

The Penang peninsula is connected to the Malaysian mainland by two of the country's longest road bridges but it can also be reached from Langkawi Island by ferry and by air. The ferry ride from Langkawi to Penang takes approximately two hours and 30 minutes. It's a popular and very affordable route. Ticket prices start from around $22 although there's only one crossing per day so make sure you're booked on board, in advance, to avoid the inevitable frustration.

Flights, on the other hand, are much more frequent. And they're also more expensive. Flights to Penang from Langkawi cost around $105. However, if you're looking to cross the 122 kilometer (75 mile) distance as quickly as possible then you'll find the 30 minute flight time the only way to travel. This also gives you more time on the ground – good to know if you're only considering visiting for a couple of days.

Once you arrive at Penang, after no doubt enjoying the sun, sea and sand on Langkawi Island, you'll find a colorful collection of cultural contrasts awaits. From the awesome urban graffiti of George Town to the Buddhist symbolism associated with Kek Lok Si Temple (the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia), Penang provides an array of exciting and eclectic examples of Eastern art.

Aside from the artwork, Penang also promises lots of protected natural beauty to enjoy during your vacation. Penang Hill, the botanical gardens and Penang National Park are all well worth a visit although, if you fancy some more sand and sea action, head to the beaches of Batu Ferringhi or Tanjung Bungah, and you won't be disappointed.

 

What to see when traveling from Langkawi Island to Penang 

If you're flying from Langkawi Island to Penang then keep an eye out for the tiny islets dotted across the Malacca Strait. Although the flight time is just 30 minutes, you still might be able to appreciate the gorgeous blue hues of the ocean as well as a few slithers of powder-white sand as you take off and come in to land.

Of course, if you're traveling from Langkawi Island to Penang by ferry, you're going to be able to get a much closer view of the sea as well as finding more time to rest and sunbathe whilst onboard. The Tourist Ferry has a couple of air-conditioned seating areas as well as onboard restrooms to offer travelers a relatively comfortable two and a half hour crossing. 

Grab a window seat, if you can, and keep a watch over the waves for small islands in the distance as you make the 122 kilometer (75 mile) voyage from south to north. There might also be an upper deck for sunbathing but please take care if you're still nursing a hangover from the previous night out in Langkawi - sometimes sleeping in the sun will equal a very bad sunburn.

You have been warned! Also, be aware that high season – November to February – can get very busy. Make sure you've booked your ferry ticket in advance as well as your first night's accommodation. In this way you might be met at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in Penang by a friendly hotel representative rather than the inevitable barrage of invitations from the local taxi cab drivers. It's your call!

 

How to get from Langkawi Island to Penang 

Taking a ferry

The most affordable way to get to Penang from Langkawi Island is on board the Tourist Ferry. This enables you to travel 122 kilometers (75 miles) for just over US$22. Not only is the ferry an inexpensive way to travel it's quite good fun, too. You'll get to meet fellow travelers from all over the world and swap stories about nights out on Langkawi, and where to go when you reach George Town.

It's a fairly quick crossing, just 2.5 hours, which means that you'll reach Penang around midday - just in time for a delicious  lunch of char kway teow (fried flat noodles). Keep in mind that there's only one ferry crossing from Langkawi Island to Penang each day. Ferries depart at 10.30am so make sure to book your tickets in advance and give yourself ample time to arrive so as to avoid a mad rush. 

 

Taking a flight

If you're flying from Langkawi Island to Penang you can expect to pay pretty much quadruple the price of a ferry ticket. However, for the extra expense you will arrive in style and probably feeling a lot more refreshed.

Also, as there's only one ferry crossing per day to Penang, ferries can get fully booked, especially during high season – November to February. Flights, on the other hand, are fairly frequent. Worth bearing in mind if you're looking to leave Langkawi in a hurry!

Companies Operating from Langkawi Island to Penang

Average time

35m - 40m

Average price

$24 - $25

(2)

Average time

40m

Average price

$26

Popular stations and stops in Langkawi Island and Penang

Departure stations in Langkawi Island

Langkawi International Airport (LGK)

Langkawi Airport

Arrival stations in Penang

Penang International Airport (PEN)

Penang International Airport

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