Langkawi – General Information about the Destination
Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands located off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This tropical paradise is known for its idyllic beaches, lush interior jungles, and luxury resorts. Langkawi’s main island features attractions like the Langkawi Sky Bridge, offering panoramic views from above, and Pulau Dayang Bunting, home to Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. Visitors can enjoy water sports at Pantai Cenang, take a cable car up Machinchang Mountain, or go island hopping around the archipelago. The island is also duty-free, making it popular for shopping. Langkawi boasts dynamic nightlife and a range of cuisine from Malay, Chinese, and Thai flavors. With its mix of relaxation, adventure, natural scenery, and culture, Langkawi has become one of Malaysia’s premier vacation destinations.
Information about the Route (KL Sentral – Alor Setar – Langkawi)
If you want to get to Langkawi by train the best option is to take the ETS train from KL Sentral to Alor Setar and then take a ferry from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi.
You can also travel by bus. Be sure to check out the alternative options for trains at the end of this article.
KL Sentral to Alor Setar by ETS
Trains from KL Sentral to Alor Setar operate on the Northbound line and provide two service classes: Gold and Platinum. Travelers opting for the Gold class will reach Alor Setar in about 5 hours and 5 minutes, whereas Platinum class users will complete the trip in roughly 4 hours and 45 minutes.
Ticket prices (harga tiket) start at RM64.00 for Gold class and RM85.00 for Platinum class. Tickets can be conveniently bought online or at the station ticket counters available at multiple stops including Kuala Lumpur, Sungai Buloh, Tanjung Malim, Kampar, Batu Gajah, Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, Taiping, Parit Buntar, Tasek Gelugor, Sungai Petani, and finally Alor Setar.
See also: How to Get from Singapore to Langkawi.
Schedule of ETS Train KL Sentral to Alor Setar
(Jadual Komuter KL Sentral ke Alor Setar)
The train service from KL Sentral to Alor Setar runs 5 times a day. The first train of the day leaves at 07:08 in the morning, and the last one departs at 22:50 at night.
Download the current ETS schedule.
DownloadAlor Setar Railway Station to Kuala Kedah Ferry
Upon arriving at Alor Setar Railway Station, visitors have a couple of options to reach Kuala Kedah Jetty. One can hire a taxi directly to the jetty, which lies around 13 kilometers away, and the fare is typically about 20 MYR.
Alternatively, for those preferring public transportation, upon exiting Alor Setar Railway Station, turn right and walk past the historic old train station. At the main road, a left turn followed by a 10 to 15-minute walk leads into the city center, where the bus stop is situated on a road running parallel to the north.
Here, white HBR Group buses are available, with their destinations marked on the front window. The bus ride to Kuala Kedah costs 1.70 MYR and takes between 20 to 30 minutes, varying with traffic.
The bus stops along the main road right outside the Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal, where travelers can purchase tickets for the ferry to Langkawi. Additionally, these buses provide connections to and from Alor Setar’s primary bus terminal, Terminal Bas Shahab Perdana.
See also: Trains from Taiping to Alor Setar.
Kuala Kedah Ferry to Langkawi
Travelers at Kuala Kedah Jetty can buy a ferry ticket to Langkawi at a cost of 34.50 MYR for each adult. With five daily departures managed by the Langkawi Ferry Line, there are ample opportunities to schedule a trip to the island.
The ferry ride to Langkawi is designed to take about one hour. Departures are spread across the day, starting at 7:00 in the morning and ending with the last ferry at 19:00, allowing passengers to choose the most convenient time for their journey.
Ticket counter:
Kuala Kedah : 604-762 6295 / 604-762 6296
Langkawi: 604-966 1125 / 604-966 1126
Departure: KL Sentral Station
KL Sentral Station is a major transport hub in Kuala Lumpur, facilitating travel within the city and beyond. It links various modes of transport, such as buses, taxis, and the LRT, for smooth transit to local and longer-distance destinations. The station houses the Electric Train Service on Level Two, along with ticket services and a waiting area. Amenities at KL Sentral include shops, food outlets, and parking, making it a convenient point for commuters and travelers.
KL Sentral Station
Stesen Keretapi Kuala Lumpur Sentral,
50470 Kuala Lumpur
Contact number: 03-22798741
Arrival: Alor Setar Station
The Alor Setar railway station, situated in the capital of Kedah, serves as an important node for the KTM ETS and KTM Komuter Northern Sector lines. A brief walk from the city center, it provides travelers with convenient access and essential amenities. These include a digital display for information, a prayer room, an elevator for easy movement, a ticketing area, a sheltered waiting space, and toilet facilities, catering to the comfort of its users.
Alor Setar Station
Stesen Keretapi Alor Setar, Jalan Kolam Air,
Alor Malai, 05200 Alor Setar, Kedah
Contact number: 04-7314045
Alternatives – Buses and Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi
To travel to Langkawi, you have two additional transportation options at your disposal:
Buses
To travel to Langkawi by bus, you can start your journey from Kuala Lumpur or other major cities in Malaysia. The bus ride from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar typically takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes, though this duration can vary depending on traffic conditions. Upon arriving in Alor Setar, you will then need to take a ferry to reach Langkawi.
It’s important to note that, by Malaysian law, buses do not have toilets on board. However, there will be scheduled stops at gas stations along the route where passengers can use the restroom facilities and also have the opportunity to purchase snacks and refreshments.
Check the current bus schedule.
Check on 12go.comFlights
For a faster and more direct route to Langkawi, travelers can opt for flights from Kuala Lumpur or other major cities across Malaysia. Several airlines, including Air Asia, Malindo Air, and Malaysia Airlines, offer direct flights to this beautiful island destination. The flight duration from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi is quite short, typically ranging from approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Check the current flight schedule.
Check on 12go.comAbout ETS
ETS (Electric Train Service) is a high-speed rail service in Malaysia that provides swift and efficient transportation between major cities on the Peninsular. With speeds up to 140 km/h, ETS offers different service classes — Platinum, Gold, and Silver — catering to various travel needs and budgets. Trains are equipped with air-conditioned carriages, comfortable seating, power outlets, and luggage compartments. Amenities include dedicated spaces for prayers and dining, along with priority seating for the elderly and disabled. ETS is known for its punctuality and comfort, making it a popular choice for intercity travel.
Sources
https://www.ktmb.com.my/ETS.html