Langkawi – General Information about the Destination
Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 islands located off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The main island, Pulau Langkawi, features tropical beaches, lush rainforests, and limestone mountains. Langkawi is a duty-free island known for its upscale resorts and scuba diving. Popular attractions include the Langkawi Cable Car, offering panoramic views from Mount Mat Chinchang, and Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, showcasing unique rock formations and mangrove forests. Visitors can also explore the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park and the legendary Tasik Dayang Bunting freshwater lake. In addition to its natural beauty, Langkawi boasts rich folklore and legends like the story of Mahsuri, a local princess. With its mix of tropical vistas, outdoor adventures, luxury hospitality, and fascinating history, Langkawi has cemented its reputation as one of Malaysia’s premier vacation destinations.
Information about the Route (Ipoh – Alor Setar – Langkawi)
The travel route from Ipoh to Langkawi includes two stages:
Train from Ipoh to Alor Setar.
Ferry to Langkawi.
Ipoh to Alor Setar by Train
If you’re looking to travel from Ipoh to Alor Setar by train, you have two options to choose from: the ETS train and the KTM Komuter train.
Ipoh to Alor Setar by ETS
The ETS Northbound Train runs from Ipoh to Alor Setar with Gold and Platinum classes available. The journey in Gold class is around 2 hours and 25 minutes, and in Platinum class, it’s approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Prices for Gold class tickets begin at RM38.00, and for Platinum class, they start at RM49.00. Tickets can be bought either through the ETS website or at ticket counters at the stations. The train stops at several stations, including Sungai Siput, Kuala Kangsar, and Butterworth, before reaching its final stop at Alor Setar.
Schedule of ETS Train Ipoh – Alor Setar
(Jadual ETS Ipoh ke Alor Setar)
ETS trains from Ipoh to Alor Setar run five times a day. The first train of the day leaves at 09:44 in the morning, while the last one departs just after midnight at 01:19.
Download the current ETS schedule.
DownloadIpoh to Alor Setar by KTM Komuter
The travel route from Ipoh to Alor Setar includes two stages:
- KTM Komuter Ipoh to Bukit Mertajam;
- KTM Komuter Bukit Mertajam to Alor Setar.
Ipoh to Bukit Mertajam by KTM Komuter
The train from Ipoh to Bukit Mertajam stops at ten stations on the Ipoh – Butterworth railway line. The trip takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete, and this duration applies to both weekdays and weekends.
Schedule of KTM Komuter Alor Setar – Bukit Mertajam
(Jadual Komuter Ipoh ke Bukit Mertajam)
There are ten daily train services from Ipoh to Bukit Mertajam, operating every day of the week, including weekends. The earliest train departs at 4:40, while the final service of the day leaves at 18:35.
Bukit Mertajam to Alor Setar by KTM Komuter
Trains from Bukit Mertajam to Alor Setar stop at five stations along the Butterworth – Padang Besar railway line. The travel time for this trip is consistently around 1 hour, whether on weekdays or weekends. Tickets for this journey are available for purchase at the stations, as KTM Komuter services do not offer the option of booking in advance.
Schedule of KTM Komuter Bukit Mertajam – Alor Setar
(Jadual Komuter Bukit Mertajam ke Alor Setar)
The Bukit Mertajam to Alor Setar train operates 18 times a day, covering both weekdays and weekends. The schedule starts with the earliest train at 5:31 and ends with the last one departing at 21:46.
Download the current KTM Komuter schedule.
DownloadKuala Kedah Ferry to Langkawi
At Kuala Kedah Jetty, passengers can buy a ferry ticket to Langkawi for 34.50 MYR per adult. Operated by Langkawi Ferry Line, the service schedules five departures daily, giving travelers several options to plan their journey.
The ferry ride to Langkawi typically takes about one hour and 45 minutes. The earliest ferry leaves at 7:00 in the morning and the final one departs at 19:00, offering a range of times for passengers to choose from throughout the day.
See also: Train from KL to Langkawi
Ticket counter:
Kuala Kedah : 604-762 6295 / 604-762 6296
Langkawi: 604-966 1125 / 604-966 1126
How to Get to Kuala Kedah Ferry?
Upon arrival at Alor Setar Railway Station, visitors have the choice of taking a taxi or a bus to reach Kuala Kedah Jetty. For the taxi option, the jetty is around 13 kilometers away, and the fare is typically about 20 MYR.
If opting for the bus, one would exit Alor Setar Railway Station, turn right and pass by the old train station building. Then, turning left at the main road and continuing for about 10 to 15 minutes towards the city center, the traveler will find the bus stop on a parallel road northward after the main road transitions into a one-way system.
The buses to Kuala Kedah are white and operated by the HBR Group, with the destination indicated on the front window screen. The bus ride costs 1.70 MYR and lasts between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
These buses will drop passengers off on the main road directly in front of the Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal, where ferry tickets to Langkawi can be purchased. Additionally, the same bus service can be used for travel between the railway station and the main bus station in Alor Setar, Terminal Bas Shahab Perdana.
See also: Trains from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur.
Alternative – Buses
For those considering a bus trip from Ipoh to Langkawi, here’s how you can make the journey. First, take a bus from Ipoh to Alor Setar, which usually takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Then, you’ll board a ferry to reach Langkawi.
It’s important to keep in mind that Malaysian buses do not have onboard toilets due to legal regulations. Nevertheless, there’s a planned restroom stop at a gas station along the route, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Check the current schedule here.
Departure Point – Ipoh Station
The Ipoh railway station is located in the southwest of Ipoh city, in close proximity to key buildings like the main post office, the court complex, and the town hall. It’s conveniently within walking distance to the Birch Memorial Clock Tower and the State Mosque, with the bus station also just a 10-minute walk away.
Operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM), the station supports KTM ETS services across three of its four electrified tracks, out of a total of nine tracks. The remaining tracks are utilized for freight train operations. This makes the Ipoh railway station an important hub for both passenger travel and goods transport within the state of Perak.
Ipoh Station
Stesen Keretapi Ipoh,
Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab
30000 Ipoh, Perak 30100
Contact number: 05-2547987
Arrival Point – Alor Setar Station
Alor Setar Railway Station serves as a pivotal rail hub in the city of Alor Setar, Kedah, facilitating travel for both the KTM ETS intercity trains and the KTM Komuter Northern Sector. It’s conveniently located just a short walk away from the city center and the main bus terminal, making it easily accessible for commuters.
The station offers a range of amenities aimed at providing a comfortable and efficient travel experience, including a digital information board to display train schedules, a dedicated prayer room, an elevator for easy access to different levels, a ticket counter for purchasing and inquiring about train services, sheltered areas where passengers can wait for their trains, and clean restroom facilities.
Alor Setar Station
Stesen Keretapi Alor Setar, Jalan Kolam Air,
Alor Malai, 05200 Alor Setar, Kedah
Contact number: 04-7314045
About ETS
The ETS, or Electric Train Service, is a high-speed train service in Malaysia that operates along the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia at speeds up to 140 km/h. It provides faster travel times compared to the traditional KTM Komuter service, with various service tiers including Silver, Gold, and Platinum, catering to different travel needs and budgets. ETS trains are modern and well-equipped with amenities such as air-conditioning, comfortable seating, food and beverage services, and accessibility features for a convenient and efficient travel experience.
About KTM Komuter
Since its inception in 1995, KTM Komuter has been providing commuter rail services in Malaysia, primarily serving Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding suburbs in the Klang Valley. In 2015, the service expanded to encompass the northern states as well. KTM Komuter offers several amenities to enhance the passenger experience, such as a designated Ladies’ Coach, priority seating for elderly and disabled passengers, 24/7 CCTV surveillance for security purposes, and trains equipped to accommodate bicycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Ipoh to Langkawi?
The fastest way to get from Ipoh to Langkawi is to take the ETS train from Ipoh to Alor Setar, with the journey taking approximately 2 hours and 15 to 20 minutes. Upon arriving in Alor Setar, you will then transfer to the ferry terminal at Kuala Kedah, which is a short distance away, and take a ferry to Langkawi. The ferry ride is around 1 hour long.
How far is it from Ipoh to Langkawi?
The distance from Ipoh to Alor Setar is approximately 230 to 240 kilometers by road. After reaching Alor Setar, the next leg of the journey is to take a ferry from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi. The ferry terminal at Kuala Kedah is around 13 kilometers away from Alor Setar, which adds a little more distance to the total travel. The ferry ride from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi is around 1 hour.
Sources
https://www.ktmb.com.my/ETS.html