Kuala Kedah Ferry vs. Langkawi RORO: Which One Do Travellers Actually Prefer?
Planning a trip to Langkawi? Travelers often face a choice between two sea routes. Both connect the Kedah mainland with Kuah Jetty in Langkawi, but they serve different needs. One service focuses on passenger transport, while the other caters to vehicles and passengers.
Let’s compare them across speed, cost, comfort, and convenience.
At a Glance: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Kuala Kedah Ferry | Langkawi RORO Ferry |
| Travel Time | 1 hr 30 min | 2 hr 30 min – 3 hr |
| Ticket Price (adult) | RM 23–25 one-way | RM 20–30 per passenger |
| Vehicle Option | No | Yes (RM 200–300 per car) |
| Comfort | Air-conditioned, fixed seating | Basic seating, industrial setup |
| Best For | Solo travelers, tourists | Families, groups with cars |
Travel Time: Speed vs. Practicality
Kuala Kedah to Langkawi ferry takes about 1.5 hours. This makes it one of the fastest sea links and ideal for those who want to reach the island quickly.
Langkawi RORO ferry takes around 2.5–3 hours, since vehicles must be loaded and unloaded. It works better for those bringing cars or motorcycles and who don’t mind the longer journey.
Verdict: If time matters most, the passenger ferry is the better option.
Price Breakdown
| Ticket Type | Kuala Kedah Ferry | Langkawi RORO Ferry |
| Adult fare (one-way) | RM 23–25 | RM 20–30 |
| Child fare | RM 15–18 | RM 10–20 |
| Vehicle fare | Not applicable | RM 200–300 (car), RM 80–120 (motorbike) |
For families bringing a car, the RORO option can help balance costs since it saves on rentals once in Langkawi.
Comfort & Passenger Experience
Kuala Kedah Ferry
• Air-conditioned cabins
• Organized boarding with fixed seating
• Shorter duration reduces fatigue
• Preferred for those prone to seasickness
Langkawi RORO Ferry
• Primarily focused on vehicles
• Seating is basic, with a more industrial setup
• Longer travel duration can be tiring
Verdict: For comfort, the passenger ferry is the clear winner.
Who Should Take Which?
Choose the Kuala Kedah to Langkawi ferry if:
• You are traveling solo or as a couple
• Speed and convenience matter
• You do not need your own vehicle on the island
Choose the Langkawi RORO ferry if:
• You are bringing a car or motorcycle
• You are a family or group sharing costs
• You want flexibility to explore with your own transport
Booking Your Ferry with redBus
Both routes can be booked conveniently on redBus. Simply:
• Visit the website or app
• Select your route:
• Pick your date and seats (or vehicle type)
• Complete payment online
• Receive instant e-tickets via email or app
Final Verdict: Which Ferry Should You Pick?
For most tourists, the Kuala Kedah ferry is faster, more comfortable, and budget-friendly.
For drivers, families, or groups, the Langkawi RORO ferry justifies the longer journey with the convenience of having your own vehicle.
Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you value speed and simplicity, or flexibility and vehicle access. With redBus, booking is straightforward and reliable, ensuring a smooth start to your Langkawi trip.
