Travel from Malaysia to Thailand: Routes and Transport Options

There are several transportation modes to travel between Malaysia and Thailand. These include air, car, and train.

Trains and buses are cheaper and good for long trips. You need a valid passport to enter Thailand. The journey is safe, and you can enjoy new food, culture, and beautiful places in Thailand. 

In this guide, discover the travel information on the ways to travel from Malaysia to Thailand. 

Malaysia to Thailand by Train

Trains are the most popular border crossing option for Malaysia and Thailand because of the efficiency of KTM Electric Train Service (ETS). The train service operates from Kuala Lumpur through Malaysia to the Padang Besar railway station at the Thai border.

The train journey between Malaysia and Thailand has two main stations as its starting and ending points.

• Kuala Lumpur Sentral (KL Sentral): All trains that travel to the Thai border depart from Kuala Lumpur Sentral. The main transport center of Kuala Lumpur is called KL Sentral. It provides an ETS train service to Padang Besar.
• Butterworth (Penang):  You should depart from Butterworth station when traveling from Penang.  It’s well-connected to the ETS service from Kuala Lumpur. You have two choices between the ETS and Komuter trains. 
• Padang Besar: Padang Besar functions as the border station situated in northern Malaysia. You must get off the train at Padang Besar to go through immigration procedures to depart from Malaysia. You can board a Thai train to proceed with your travel. Also, you need around 10 minutes to complete the process at Padang Besar. The station provides access to Thai trains which operate between Hat Yai and Bangkok.

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Train Routes and Journey Information

• Kuala Lumpur Sentral to Padang Besar: A train journey from Kuala Lumpur Sentral to Padang Besar requires 5 hours. The rail transportation features air-conditioning, and you can select between luxurious first-class or standard second-class seating options.
• Padang Besar to Hat Yai: From Padang Besar, you can access Hat Yai by a Thai train. This journey takes about 2 hours.
• Padang Besar to Bangkok: The railway service from Padang Besar to Bangkok operates with just a single daily departure. The train leaves Padang Besar for an overnight journey until it reaches Bangkok Hua Lamphong station the next morning.

The border crossing at Padang Besar requires train changes while maintaining a border procedure. You must complete immigration and carry your passport and visa as required documents. 

Malaysia to Thailand by Bus

You can travel from Malaysia to Thailand by bus. It is an affordable and convenient transportation option. The bus service operates from multiple cities, including Malaysia, with Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Hat Yai. The price of bus tickets ranges from 50 to 100 RM. It is based on the route and bus company. 

• The main bus departure point for Kuala Lumpur to Thailand services is Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur. Buses operating from this point reach multiple southern Thai destinations. These include Hat Yai, Krabi, and Phuket.
• All buses traveling from Penang to Hat Yai and beyond leave from Butterworth station. It functions as the main border crossing point for public transportation.

Make sure to check the best time to visit Thailand for a hassle-free and memorable trip. 

How to reach Thailand from Malaysia by Flight

If you are looking for quick transportation between Malaysia and Thailand, you should choose air travel. A flight from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok takes between 1.5 and 2 hours to complete.

The main airports that serve the Malaysia to Thailand flight routes include:

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA): The primary international airport for flights to Thailand from Kuala Lumpur. You can reach multiple Thai cities such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai from here. 
• The Penang International Airport: This airport enables you to reach Bangkok and other main Thai cities. AirAsia provides budget-friendly flights that operate frequently between Malaysia and Thailand.

If you are planning a visit to Thailand, read everything about the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for a smooth entry into Thailand!

Driving Between Thailand and Malaysia

You can also reach Thailand by driving across Malaysia. The journey from Kuala Lumpur to the Thai border covers 500 kilometers (310 miles). The driving time is around 8 hours.

The Sadao/Dannok border serves as the main entry point for travelers. After crossing into Thailand, you can continue your journey by car because the roads are well-maintained and you will find English signs along the way.

The essential routes for driving between Malaysia and Thailand include:

• The North-South Expressway provides the main connection between Kuala Lumpur and Sadao. It includes stops at Ipoh and Alor Setar before reaching the Sadao border.
• From the border, you can reach Hat Yai within 40 kilometers. This city serves as a main entry point for exploring Thailand further.

The journey connecting Malaysia to Thailand can be experienced through multiple transport options, including train, bus, car, and flight. A train journey stands out for its scenic comfort, which lets travelers relax while observing the landscapes. People who want to reach their destination can take a flight. Driving lets people enjoy the freedom to discover both countries as they please.

Visit 12go.asia to check the schedule for travel options from Malaysia to Thailand.

FAQs

• Do Malaysians need visa to Thailand?

Malaysians do not need a visa to enter Thailand for stays of up to 30 days for tourism. They must obtain the right visa before the journey if their stay exceeds 30 days. 

• How to drive to Thailand from Malaysia? 

You can use the North-South Expressway (E1) to reach the border while traveling from Malaysia to Thailand. The border crossing points are Sadao and Bukit Kayu Hitam. Your vehicle must have insurance and registration documents for the journey. Also, keep your passport accessible when you enter a border zone. 

• What is the Malaysia to Thailand train price?

The cost of train travel from Malaysia to Thailand ranges between MYR 40-100. This depends on the chosen class and route. The most famous travel path is between Kuala Lumpur and Hat Yai. The price differences between sleeper trains and regular seats affect the overall cost of travel between Malaysia and Thailand.

• How to go to Thailand from Malaysia?

You can travel between Malaysia and Thailand by plane, train, bus, and car. Flights offer a fast journey, but buses and trains provide affordable transportation options. Additionally, the Bukit Kayu Hitam and Sadao border crossings enable driving access to Thailand.