kl to bangkok train

Great news! A direct train service connecting the two capital cities, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, might be making a comeback soon!

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced that Malaysia and Thailand are working together to revive the long-awaited direct rail link connecting the two capital cities. The best part? No new tracks are needed! It will use the existing railway line running through Bangkok, Padang Besar, Butterworth, and Kuala Lumpur.

“KTM and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have three months to prepare for this cross-border train operation,” said Loke.

The plan focuses on coordination, joint marketing, and a seamless ticketing system between the two nations. During his visit to Thailand, Loke met with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, toured Bang Sue Central Terminal, and received a briefing on Thailand’s high-speed rail ambitions.

But that’s not all. Thailand has proposed extending train services from Sungai Golok to Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas in Malaysia, a move Loke supports.

“This could uplift border communities and spark economic growth,” he said.

“But we’ll need time to restore the old, unused tracks in Rantau Panjang and Sungai Golok.” So, before you book that pricey last-minute flight, you might soon have a scenic and affordable alternative and all aboard to Bangkok!

Currently, the commercial land transport options from Kuala Lumpur to Thailand only stop at Hat Yai:

Travel from Malaysia to Hat Yai

Train from KL to Hat Yai

1. Direct Train from KL to Hat Yai: MySawasdee Special Service

Service Name: MySawasdee Tren Khas

Departure: KL Sentral at 10:30 PM (Malaysian time)

Arrival: Hat Yai at 8:50 AM (Thai time)

Duration: Approximately 11 hours

Ticket Prices (One-Way):

  • Seater: RM95
  • Upper Berth Sleeper: RM109
  • Lower Berth Sleeper: RM119

Availability: Operates on specific dates; tickets are sold one-way only.

Note: Passengers must disembark at Padang Besar for immigration checks.

2. Indirect Train via Padang Besar

Step 1: ETS Train from KL Sentral to Padang Besar

Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours

Ticket Prices:

  • Gold Service: RM76
  • Platinum Service: RM102

Step 2: Shuttle Train from Padang Besar to Hat Yai

Duration: Approximately 1 hour

Ticket Price: 50 Thai Baht (~RM6.50)

Total Estimated Cost: RM82.50–RM108.50

Note: Tickets for the shuttle train are purchased on the day of travel at Padang Besar station.

Travel from KL to Hat Yai by Bus

1. Alisan Golden Coach

Departure Points:

  • Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS)
  • Hentian Duta
  • Kepong

Departure Times: Various departures throughout the day and night, including late-night options.

Duration: Approximately 8–9 hours

Ticket Prices (One-Way):

  • From TBS and Hentian Duta: RM95
  • From Kepong: Starting from RM70

Note: Buses are equipped with reclining seats and USB ports.

2. Super Nice Express

Departure Points:

  • Hentian Duta
  • Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS)

Departure Times: First Bus: 8:30 AM; Last Bus: 11:15 PM

Duration: Approximately 8–9 hours

Ticket Price: Starting from RM75 (One-Way)

Note: Buses offer first-class comfort services.

3. Other Operators

Operators: Alisan Golden Coach, Suasana Tony Coach, Sri Maju Group, and more

Ticket Prices: Range from RM55 to RM90, varying with seasons and coach types.

Duration: Approximately 8 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

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