🚆 BANGKOK TO PADANG BESAR BY TRAIN
Travelling from Bangkok to Padang Besar by train is the main rail route between Thailand and Malaysia. Padang Besar is the official railway border crossing, with immigration for both countries located inside the station. There are two main options — a direct train from Bangkok, or a more modern sleeper to Hat Yai with a short connection.
🧭 Quick Overview
Distance~950 km
Journey Time15–18 hours
Direct TrainYes (No. 45)
Best OptionSleeper + connection
BorderInside the station
🔍 Bangkok to Padang Besar Train Timetable (2026)
Search all trains on this route, or browse the full timetable for every service:
💡 Tip: Use Bangkok (All Terminals) to see all departures from across the city.
🚆 Which Train Should I Take?
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Special Express No. 45 — Direct to Padang Besar
The only direct train across the border from Bangkok. Uses older rolling stock with sleepers and seating. Departs in the afternoon and arrives the next morning. No transfers required.
👉 Best if you want the simplest journey with no changes
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Special Express No. 31 (CNR sleeper) + connection at Hat Yai — Recommended
Modern CNR trainset with 1st Class private cabins, 2nd Class sleepers with curtains, power outlets at every berth, and a dining car. Travel overnight Bangkok → Hat Yai, then take a short onward train to Padang Besar (~45 minutes).
👉 Best for comfort, modern facilities, and overall experience
🚉 Hat Yai to Padang Besar
From Hat Yai Junction, the journey to Padang Besar takes around 45 minutes. Several trains run each day, typically timed to connect with long-distance arrivals from Bangkok:
- Train 45 — continues directly from Bangkok (no change needed)
- Train 947 — morning service from Hat Yai
- Train 949 — afternoon service from Hat Yai
Tickets for the Hat Yai–Padang Besar leg are easy to buy locally at the station.
🛂 Border Crossing at Padang Besar
Padang Besar station has a joint Thailand–Malaysia immigration checkpoint. The process is straightforward:
1Exit the train at Padang Besar station
2Clear Thai immigration (departure stamp)
3Clear Malaysian immigration (entry stamp)
4Continue your journey into Malaysia
Everything happens inside the station — simple and efficient.
🇲🇾 Continuing into Malaysia
After crossing the border, you can connect to Malaysian KTM trains for onward travel:
- Padang Besar → Butterworth (Penang) — approximately 2 hours
- Padang Besar → Kuala Lumpur — approximately 5–6 hours
Connections are usually straightforward on the same day. Book KTM trains separately via the KTM website.
🎟️ Tickets and Booking
Booking in advance is recommended for the Thai section, especially for sleeper berths:
- Bangkok → Hat Yai — book early, sleepers sell out quickly
- Direct Train No. 45 — can also sell out, especially in peak season
- Hat Yai → Padang Besar — easy to buy at the station on the day
- Malaysia (KTM) — book separately via the KTM website
📍 Choosing the Best Option
| Your Priority | Best Choice |
|---|
| Simplest journey, no transfers | Train 45 direct to Padang Besar |
| Most comfortable and modern | Train 31 (CNR sleeper) + connection at Hat Yai |
| Maximum flexibility | Travel to Hat Yai and choose connections on the day |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct train from Bangkok to Malaysia?
Yes — Special Express No. 45 runs directly from Bangkok to Padang Besar on the Malaysian border.
Which train is best?
Train 31 (CNR sleeper) to Hat Yai with a short connection to Padang Besar offers the most comfortable experience. The direct Train 45 is simpler but uses older rolling stock.
Is the border crossing easy?
Yes — Thai and Malaysian immigration are both inside Padang Besar station, making the crossing straightforward and convenient.
Can I continue to Kuala Lumpur by train?
Yes — after crossing the border you can take a KTM train from Padang Besar to Kuala Lumpur in approximately 5–6 hours.
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FINAL THOUGHTS: The Bangkok to Padang Besar route is one of the most interesting rail journeys in Southeast Asia — combining long-distance overnight travel in Thailand with a simple international border crossing. Whether you choose the direct train or the modern sleeper via Hat Yai, it's a rewarding journey.
Use Thai Tracks to plan your journey and find the best connections.
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This website is not affiliated with the State Railway of Thailand or KTM Berhad. All times are subject to change.