Langkawi Layover Guide (LGK)

What are you looking for in LGK?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Langkawi Airport (LGK) is an international airport located in Padang Matsirat, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia. It’s located about 15 km (9.3 miles) from Kuah, the island’s principal town. The modern airport first opened officially in March 1962. It serves international carriers. Langkawi is an archipelago known for its pristine beaches and duty-free shopping, and it’s considered one of Malaysia’s premier tourist destinations. It’s also celebrated for its geopark and outdoor activities.

Can you leave Langkawi Airport (LGK) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Most travellers can exit Langkawi Airport during a layover to explore duty-free zones and nearby attractions. Visa requirements depend on nationality: many passport holders enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to Malaysia; others must obtain an eVisa in advance. Ensure you plan enough time and carry proper onward travel documentation when exiting. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Langkawi Cable Car & Sky Bridge Experience a thrilling cable car ascent to Mount Mat Cincang, walk the iconic curved Sky Bridge and enjoy panoramic rainforest and sea views. Perfect for photography and adventure seekers. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 minutes.)
• Pantai Cenang Beach Relax on powdery white sands at Pantai Cenang, enjoy vibrant beach bars, watersports and sunset strolls. Lined with shops and restaurants, it’s the island’s liveliest coastal hotspot for all visitors. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 minutes.)
• Underwater World Langkawi Explore Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium at Underwater World, featuring over 200 marine species, interactive feeding sessions and an underwater tunnel. Ideal for families and wildlife enthusiasts seeking ocean immersion. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 minutes.)
• Kilim Geoforest Park Mangrove Tour Embark on a boat tour through Kilim’s UNESCO-listed mangrove forests, spot eagles, monitor lizards and limestone caves. Learn about unique geology and local ecosystems from expert guides. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 minutes.)
• Oriental Village Discover Oriental Village’s eclectic collection of shops, cultural performances and culinary stalls set amid lush jungle. Perfect spot to sample local crafts, watch traditional dances and relax in cafes. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 minutes.)
• Eagle Square (Dataran Lang) Visit Eagle Square’s monumental eagle statue symbolizing Langkawi, admire waterfront views and surrounding fountains. A quick cultural photo stop that captures the island’s emblematic spirit and scenic harbor. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi 10 minutes.)
• Tanjung Rhu Beach Unwind at serene Tanjung Rhu Beach, framed by limestone islets and calm turquoise waters. Perfect for peaceful walks, birdwatching and witnessing traditional fishing villages along the northern coastline. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 30 minutes.)
• Mahsuri’s Tomb & Cultural Centre Learn the legend of Mahsuri at her tomb and museum, exploring exhibits on Langkawi’s history, folklore and culture. Guided audio tours provide deep insight into the island’s mythical past. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 minutes.)

Things to Do in Langkawi Airport (LGK)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Langkawi’s Plaza Premium Lounge is in the Departure Hall outside security, offering complimentary snacks, hot meals and beverages, free high-speed Wi-Fi, TV entertainment, newspapers, magazines and shower facilities. Comfortable seating, charging stations and attentive staff make it ideal for relaxation or work during layovers. Flexible access packages start at three hours. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
While LGK lacks an on-site hotel, several properties lie within a 10-minute drive. Dayang Bay Resort, Adya Hotel and Alia Residence offer comfortable rooms, day-use packages and free airport shuttle service. Advance booking is recommended for early arrivals or overnight stays, with rates varying by season. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
LGK has no dedicated rest zones or cots and may close overnight. Seating is limited to public waiting areas without privacy partitions. Travelers planning to sleep in the terminal should have a backup plan, as operating hours and facilities can change without notice.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Langkawi Airport. Connect to the “FreeWiFi@Langkawi Int’l Airport” network without a password. Speeds are suitable for browsing and messaging, though congestion can slow performance during peak periods. There is no session limit for domestic passengers.

SIM/eSIM Card: Kiosks and convenience stores in the arrivals hall sell prepaid SIM cards from major Malaysian operators such as Maxis, Digi, Celcom and Tune Talk. Starter packages begin around RM10 for 10 GB. Alternatively, eSIMs can be ordered online before travel for instant connectivity upon landing. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official coupon-based airport taxis operate from counters at the baggage claim area and Exit Door 4. Fixed fares start at RM24 to Kuah Town for up to four passengers, with higher rates for larger groups. Coupons must be purchased before boarding; Grab rides and private transfer services are also available.

Train: There is no train service to Langkawi Airport, as the island lacks rail infrastructure. Travelers must use road transport options such as taxis, private transfers or hotel shuttles. For information on Malaysia’s rail network, see the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTMB) website.

Bus: No scheduled public bus services connect LGK to the town center. Passengers rely on taxis, pre-booked private transfers or complimentary hotel shuttles. Many hotels in Kuah and Pantai Cenang provide free or paid shuttle buses; check with your accommodation for details.

Shuttle: Numerous nearby resorts and hotels offer shuttle services to and from the airport, with both complimentary and paid options. Vans typically depart every 30–60 minutes to Kuah Town and Pantai Cenang. Schedules and fares vary by property, so it’s best to arrange transfers in advance.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, SIXT and local providers have desks inside the arrivals terminal. Meet-and-greet service is common, and vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs and vans. Advance online booking secures the best rates and ensures prompt pick-up upon landing. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: LGK’s open-air car park offers 600 bays with public parking rates of RM3 per hour for the first three hours, RM2 per hour from the fourth to the twelfth hour, and RM1 per hour thereafter. Cashless payment options are available at entry and exit points.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no official luggage lockers within the terminal. However, Ultra Travel Langkawi operates secure off-site storage at the ARTBOX complex opposite the airport, with flexible daily rates and 24-hour access. Baggage carts are available free of charge inside the terminal for transporting luggage. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Langkawi Airport (LGK) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks