How to travel from Singapore to Langkawi by Train and Ferry
If you are looking to travel from Singapore to Langkawi by train, there are no direct KTM services to the closest ferry terminals for Langkawi Island of either Kuala Kedah (near Alor Setar) or Kuala Perlis (near Arau), so you will have to make a couple of stops along the way.
Train from Singapore to Langkawi via Alor Setar or Arau
The first step of the journey is to get from Singapore to JB Sentral Railway Station in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
JB Sentral is close to the main border crossing between Singapore and Malaysia.
You can choose to get there by bus or a much easier option is to take a Shuttle Train from Woodlands Railway Station in Singapore.
For times and fares from Woodlands station to JB Sentral station click here >
From JB Sentral you will then have to catch a Shuttle or Intercity Train to Gemas (where the dual electrified railway tracks currently start).
For the timetable for train to Gemas from JB click here >
From Gemas you will then have to change for one of the newer high-speed Electric Train Services (ETS) heading towards Padang Besar.
For the latest ETS timetable northbound towards Langkawi Island click on the timetable link below:
You will now have to decide at which station you want to disembark for the ferry over to Langkawi (Alor Setar or Arau).
The first station you come to is Alor Setar: from here you have to travel to the port of Kuala Kedah.
From the station in Alor Setar, you can either get a taxi or take a walk into the town centre and catch a very cheap local bus that can drop you off right outside the ferry terminal.
For information on Alor Setar Railway Station click here >
For information on the bus from Alor Setar to Kaual Kedah jetty click here >
For information on the ferry from K. Kedah to Langkawi click here >
The next option is to stay on the train a little longer and disembark at Arau.
From Arau, you will have to travel to the port of Kuala Perlis.
You may want to take a taxi from the station to the jetty, as buses are very infrequent and will only get you to Kangar where you will have to change buses for another service to Kuala Perlis .
This can make it a more expensive option, but you will save a few RM on the ferry fare, as boats from Kuala Perlis Jetty to Langkawi are around half an hour shorter than from K. Kedah (so are a little cheaper).
For information on Arau Railway Station click here >
For information on the ferry from K. Perlis to Langkawi click here >
A boat on the Langkawi ferry service in Malaysia
Singapore to Langkawi by Train via Butterworth Penang
Another option is to travel from Singapore to Langkawi, via Penang.
You will again first have to travel to Gemas by Shuttle Train, then from there connect to a Gemas to Butterworth ETS Train.
For times and fares from Gemas to Butterworth click here >
Butterworth Railway Station is located just a short ferry ride over to the island of Penang and the old heritage city of George Town.
If you want to travel from Singapore to Langkawi this way you have a few options open to you once you arrive at Butterworth railway station, but you will have to spend at least one night in Penang.
For the best places to stay in George Town Penang click here >
You can continue your journey to Langkawi by either of the following routes:
You can catch a high-speed ferry service from George Town to Langkawi.
There are two departures every morning and one in the afternoon (seasonal).
Or take a cheaper option and catch a bus or train from Butterworth to Alor Setar and then another local bus from there to the ferry terminal at Kuala Kedah.
Or take a direct bus from Butterworth to Kuala Perlis.
Boats from these ports are much cheaper than from Penang as the distance over to Langkawi is much shorter.
Singapore to Langkawi by Bus
If you want a more direct way to travel from Singapore to Langkawi (apart from flying) you can get a bus from Singapore to Alor Setar or from Singapore to Kuala Perlis port.
See our bus booking page for times and fares >
Back to Singapore Trains Main Page >
KTM Berhad (Malaysia Railways) official website >
