If you want to travel from Bangkok to Malaysia, the train from Bangkok to Padang Besar is the best option - train number 45 is a daily, SRT, night sleeper service that takes you to the border station, where you can connect to the KTM services heading south to Butterworth (Penang), Ipoh, KL...
To view the timetable in the other direction from Padang Besar to Bangkok click here >
| Station | Arr. Time | Dep. Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 15:10 | |
| Hat Yai Junction | 7:20 | 7:58 |
| Padang Besar | 8:53 | |
This Special Express Train service operates daily.
All times shown are in Thai time - Malaysia time is one hour ahead!
This train departs Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station as train number 45 / 37. When arriving at Hat Yai Junction, Train 37 then continues on to Sungai Kolok, while passengers for Padang Besar (Train 45) must change to a smaller, two carriage, seat only train to the border at Padang Besar.
Departure times and fares can change, so to check for the latest departure times, we recommend you check with the State Railways of Thailand on their website.
To visit the State Railways of Thaiand's (SRT) official website (timetables page) click here >
This train operates as a 2nd class sleeper service only.
Tickets cost:
Adult - Upper Bed / Bunk - 870 Thai Baht.
Adult - Lower Bed / Bunk - 960 Thai Baht.
Child - Upper Bed / Bunk - 690 Thai Baht.
Child - Lower Bed / Bunk - 780 Thai Baht.
You can purchase your tickets from an main SRT railway station booking office, or you can book tickets online via the SRT booking website or by using an online agent (booking fees may apply to online purchases).
To book your tickets online click here >
Tickets for this route are usually available to buy 90 days in advance and we would recommend you always book as far in advance as possible, as this train is very popular and can often be full (especially during the high season).
When you arrive at Padang Besar, you have just crossed the border in to Malaysia.
First you have to go through the immigration process, then you can continue your journey south.
KTM Komuter trains are cheap commuter services that operate between PB and Butterworth Railway Station in Penang (15 minutes by ferry to Georgetown on Penang Island).
These trains operate every one to two hours and stop at places such as: Arau (the nearest station to Kuala Perlis with ferry boats to Langkawi), Alor Setar and Sungai Petani.
To see the latest full KTM Komuter train timetable click here >
For longer distances, you will have to take on of the fast Electric Train Services (ETS).
These trains head directly south (not taking the branch line to Butterworth) to places such as Taiping, Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur.
To see the latest full KTM ETS train timetable click here >
The only regular bus services from Padang Besar operate from the main street in town and take you to the town of Kangar, where you can connect to long distance buses, or buses to the port of Kuala Perlis for Langkawi.
For the timetable and fares for the bus from Padang Besar to Kangar click here >