Road
The North-South Expressway, which starting from Bukit Kayu Hitam (Malaysia-Thai border town) till Singapore, has made it easy for any traveller to drive up to Kedah. Roads are accessible from and to major towns and cities in the Peninsula Malaysia. It is a 7-8 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur and 2 hours drive from Butterworth via North-South Expressway. From major towns, such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, air-conditioned express buses are also available.

Car
Travellers can drive to Alor Star by car from south and north via North-South Expressway, from east coast via East-West Expressway(Lebuhraya Timur Barat). Travellers can also prefer major roads from other major cities. Other towns can be accessed from Alor Star too, such as Butterworth, Thailand, Kangar etc. Car rental services are available, which their offices can be found at airport, train station or in the city.

Bus
Most of the bus companies in Peninsular Malaysia provide air-conditioned express bus services. Tickets can be bought at bus terminals or ticket offices. All the buses that arrived to Alor Star will be stopped at Shahab Perdana Terminal Bus, Alor Star. Those who wish to travel to other towns, including Thailand, can catch their bus at this terminal. Local bus services are also available. They service almost all towns in Kedah.

Taxi
Taxis or cabs can be hailed throughout the city.

Rail
Train services are provided by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). The train services are between Kuala Lumpur and Alor Star, Butterworth and Alor Star, Padang Besar and Alor Star, Hat Yai and Alor Star, and, Singapore and Alor Star. Alor Star train station is located near to the CBD. Tickets can be obtained from train station or online booking.

There is also an international express train service to Bangkok, Thailand, operated by State Railway of Thailand.

Air
The newly-built state-of-the-art Sultan Abdul Halim Airport (Alor Star Airport, IATA: AOR) is located at Kepala Batas, 15 km north from city. It serves mostly domestic flights. Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia fly daily to and from Alor Star and Kuala Lumpur.

Sea
Passenger ferry services to and from Langkawi are provided at Jetty Kuala Kedah, Alor Star. The jetty is located 25km west from city. Travellers can take bus or taxi from city to the jetty.