Penang Ferry Guide 2026
The direct Langkawi ferry is discontinued — here's how to actually get there
There is no direct Penang–Langkawi ferry anymore
The passenger ferry between Penang's Swettenham Pier and Langkawi's Kuah Jetty was suspended during the pandemic and has not resumed. Schedules and prices on other sites are out of date. The good news: getting to Langkawi is now easier and usually cheaper — you just fly, or go overland and ferry across from Kuala Perlis or Kuala Kedah. Here's how.
How to Get to Langkawi from Penang Now
Three real options, fastest first
Fly (fastest, recommended)
AirAsia and Firefly operate direct Penang ↔ Langkawi flights of about 35–40 minutes. This is now the standard way to make the trip — often cheaper and faster than the old ferry ever was.
Overland via Kuala Perlis
Travel from Penang to the Kuala Perlis ferry terminal (in Perlis) by intercity bus or by KTM Komuter to the north plus a short taxi, then take the frequent Kuala Perlis → Langkawi ferry. Check the operator for current times and fares.
Overland via Kuala Kedah
The Kuala Kedah terminal (near Alor Setar) also runs regular ferries to Langkawi. Reach it from Penang by bus or KTM Komuter + taxi. Confirm sailing times directly with the operator before travelling.
Planning a combined trip? See our Penang + Langkawi itinerary — it now uses the short flight for the hop between the islands.
Ferries That Still Run From Penang
What's actually operating
George Town ↔ Butterworth (cross-channel)
Rapid FerryThe historic Penang Strait crossing — still running for pedestrians and motorcycles (cars are no longer carried). A cheap, scenic hop linked to the Butterworth train and bus terminals.
Penang ↔ Medan (Belawan), Indonesia
— not currently operating —The international Penang–Belawan ferry stopped years ago (budget flights replaced it). A Belawan–Penang reactivation was proposed by North Sumatra authorities in August 2025 but is not confirmed as operating. Treat it as suspended and check Penang Port for any update before planning around it.
Penang Ferry Terminals
Where the remaining services run from
Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal
Weld Quay, George Town
Penang's main deep-water pier, used by cruise ships. It once hosted the Langkawi and Medan ferries — neither runs on a scheduled basis today. Worth knowing for cruise arrivals, not for island ferries.
Getting there: Taxi/Grab from George Town centre (5 min), airport (45 min). Bus: Rapid Penang 101, 102.
Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (George Town Ferry)
Weld Quay, George Town
The George Town end of the Rapid Ferry cross-channel service to Butterworth — the one ferry that still runs day to day. Pedestrians and motorcycles only; quick connection to the mainland train and bus terminals at Butterworth.
Getting there: A short walk from the George Town heritage core along Weld Quay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there still a ferry from Penang to Langkawi?
No. The direct passenger ferry between Penang (Swettenham Pier) and Langkawi (Kuah Jetty) was suspended during the pandemic and has not resumed as of 2026. Older schedules you may find online are out of date. To reach Langkawi, fly (about 35–40 minutes with AirAsia or Firefly) or travel overland and take a ferry from Kuala Perlis or Kuala Kedah.
What is the fastest way from Penang to Langkawi now?
Flying. AirAsia and Firefly run direct Penang–Langkawi flights of roughly 35–40 minutes, usually for a modest fare. It is faster and more reliable than any overland-plus-ferry combination.
Can I still take a ferry to Langkawi from somewhere near Penang?
Yes — but not from Penang itself. The two mainland gateways are Kuala Perlis (in Perlis) and Kuala Kedah (near Alor Setar), both of which run regular ferries to Langkawi. Get to either terminal from Penang by intercity bus or KTM Komuter plus a short taxi, then catch the ferry. Confirm current times and fares with the operator.
Which ferries still operate from Penang?
The Rapid Ferry cross-channel service between George Town (Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda) and Butterworth (Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim) still runs for pedestrians and motorcycles — a short, cheap, scenic crossing linked to the Butterworth train and bus terminals. The Penang–Medan (Belawan) international ferry is not currently operating.
Can I take a ferry from Penang to Indonesia (Medan)?
Not reliably. The Penang–Belawan (Medan) ferry ceased operating years ago as budget airlines took over the route. A reactivation was proposed by North Sumatra authorities in August 2025 but is not confirmed. Fly to Medan (Kualanamu) instead, or check Penang Port for the latest.
Plan Your Penang + Langkawi Trip
The classic two-island trip still works beautifully — just fly the short hop instead of the ferry.