Kuala Lumpur to Kedah Road Trip: Complete Travel Guide

The Kuala Lumpur to Kedah road trip is a popular long-distance drive in Malaysia. Kedah is about 4-5 hours from Kuala Lumpur by road, making it an accessible destination for a road trip. This guide covers route ideas, stops, attractions and practical tips for your KL to Kedah road trip.

Route Overview

Starting Point: Kuala Lumpur

Start your trip in Kuala Lumpur. The route to Kedah is via the PLUS Highway (E1) north.

General Route

From Kuala Lumpur, take the PLUS Highway (E1) north to Kedah. The main exits for Kedah are:

• Exit 170 (Sungai Petani)
• Exit 180 (Alor Setar)
• Exit 182 (Alor Setar Utara)

Approximate Distance

The distance from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar is approximately 420 km, depending on the route.

Approximate Travel Time

The driving time is approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and weather. Driving times can vary significantly depending on traffic, road conditions and weather. Allow extra time, especially on weekends and public holidays.

Route Ideas

Route 1: Kuala Lumpur → Penang → Kedah

This route goes via Penang, allowing you to combine a Penang and Kedah trip.

1. Kuala Lumpur → Penang (about 4 hours)
2. Penang → Sungai Petani (about 45 minutes)
3. Sungai Petani → Alor Setar (about 45 minutes)

Suggested stops: Penang for food and heritage, Sungai Petani for food Attractions: See our best places to visit in Penang and best places to visit in Sungai Petani guides.

Route 2: Kuala Lumpur → Alor Setar → Langkawi

This route goes directly to Alor Setar, then to Langkawi by ferry.

1. Kuala Lumpur → Alor Setar (about 4-5 hours)
2. Alor Setar → Kuala Kedah (about 30 minutes)
3. Kuala Kedah → Langkawi (by ferry)

Suggested stops: Alor Setar for heritage, Kuala Kedah for the fort Attractions: See our best places to visit in Alor Setar and best places to visit in Langkawi guides. Ferry: Check current ferry schedules and availability with official sources before travelling.

Route 3: Kuala Lumpur → Sungai Petani → Alor Setar

This route goes via Sungai Petani to Alor Setar.

1. Kuala Lumpur → Sungai Petani (about 4 hours)
2. Sungai Petani → Alor Setar (about 45 minutes)

Suggested stops: Sungai Petani for food and parks Attractions: See our best places to visit in Sungai Petani and best places to visit in Alor Setar guides.

Route 4: Kuala Lumpur → Kulim → Kedah Nature Destinations

This route goes via Kulim to Kedah's nature destinations.

1. Kuala Lumpur → Kulim (about 3.5 hours)
2. Kulim → Sungai Sedim (about 30 minutes)
3. Sungai Sedim → Baling (about 45 minutes)

Suggested stops: Kulim for nature, Sungai Sedim for recreation, Baling for hiking Attractions: See our best places to visit in Kulim and best places to visit in Baling guides.

Suggested Stops

1. Penang

Penang is on the way to Kedah, about 4 hours from Kuala Lumpur. It is a good place for a food and heritage stop. See our best places to visit in Penang guide.

Why stop: Food, heritage Suggested stop duration: 1-2 hours (or overnight) What to do: Eat, visit heritage sites

2. Sungai Petani

Sungai Petani is on the way to Alor Setar, about 4 hours from Kuala Lumpur. It is a good place for a food stop. See our best places to visit in Sungai Petani guide.

Why stop: Food Suggested stop duration: 1 hour What to do: Eat, stretch legs

3. Rest Stops on the PLUS Highway

The PLUS Highway has rest stops with food, fuel and facilities. They are a good place to take a break during the drive.

Kedah Attractions

Once you arrive in Kedah, there is plenty to see and do. See our best places to visit in Kedah guide.

Alor Setar

• Zahir Mosque
• Alor Setar Tower
• Museums
• Pekan Rabu

See our best places to visit in Alor Setar guide.

Sungai Petani

• Parks
• Food stalls
• Shopping malls

See our best places to visit in Sungai Petani guide.

Kulim

• Sungai Sedim
• Tree-top walk
• Nature attractions

See our best places to visit in Kulim guide.

Yan

• Gunung Jerai
• Beaches
• Nature attractions

See our best places to visit in Yan guide.

Baling

• Gunung Baling
• Caves
• Waterfalls

See our best places to visit in Baling guide.

Langkawi

• Beaches
• Cable Car
• Island hopping

See our best places to visit in Langkawi guide.

Parking

Alor Setar

Alor Setar has street parking and private car parks. The city centre can be crowded.

Sungai Petani

Sungai Petani has street parking and private car parks.

Kulim

Kulim has street parking and private car parks.

Langkawi

Langkawi has parking at the beaches, attractions and shopping malls. Note that Langkawi has its own transport and car-rental options — check current ferry/vehicle policies before planning to bring a vehicle across. See our Kedah car rental guide.

Driving Considerations

Traffic

Traffic can be heavy on weekends, public holidays and school holidays. The PLUS Highway can be busy. Allow extra time.

Weather

Kedah is hot and humid year-round. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Drive carefully in rain.

Motorcycles

Be aware of motorcycles, especially on the highway. Check your mirrors before changing lanes.

Road Safety

• Drive carefully: Follow speed limits and traffic rules. Be aware of motorcycles.
• Take breaks: Stop at rest stops to rest and stretch. Fatigue is a major cause of accidents.
• Check weather: Check weather conditions before leaving. Rain can make driving dangerous.
• Stay hydrated: Bring water, especially in the heat.
• Be patient: Be patient with other drivers. Stay calm.

Travel Tips

Before You Go

• Check traffic: Traffic can be heavy on weekends and public holidays. Check traffic conditions before leaving.
• Fuel: Fill up before leaving Kuala Lumpur. There are fuel stations along the highway and in Kedah.
• Tolls: The PLUS Highway has tolls. Have a Touch 'n Go card or use the RFID system.
• Weather: Check weather conditions. Kedah can be hot and humid.

During the Drive

• Take breaks: Stop at rest stops to rest and stretch.
• Stay hydrated: Bring water.
• Drive carefully: Follow speed limits and traffic rules. Be aware of motorcycles.

In Kedah

• Start early: Start early to avoid crowds and heat.
• Bring sun protection: Bring hats, sunscreen and water.
• Check water quality: Check water quality before swimming. Follow safety notices.
• Check attractions: Check current operating status for attractions before visiting.

FAQ

How far is Kedah from Kuala Lumpur?

Kedah is approximately 420 km from Kuala Lumpur, depending on the destination. See our places to visit in Kedah guide.

How long does it take to drive from Kuala Lumpur to Kedah?

The drive takes approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and weather. Driving times can vary significantly. See our Kedah travel guide guide.

Can I do a day trip from Kuala Lumpur to Kedah?

A day trip is possible but not recommended, due to the distance. An overnight stay is recommended. See our Kedah travel guide guide.

Is it safe to drive from Kuala Lumpur to Kedah?

Yes, driving from Kuala Lumpur to Kedah is generally safe. Follow traffic rules, be aware of motorcycles, and drive carefully in rain.

For other road trips from Kuala Lumpur, see our KL to Kelantan road trip guide.

For other road trips from Kuala Lumpur, see our KL to Perlis road trip guide.

Conclusion

The Kuala Lumpur to Kedah road trip is a great way to explore Kedah. For more ideas, see our best places to visit in Kedah, Kedah travel guide and Kedah car rental guide guides.

Planning to explore Kedah by car?

Enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace with ZOREX.

Explore ZOREX Car Rental and start your Kedah road trip.

For exploring beyond Kedah, see our Penang travel guide and Perak travel guide guides.