If you want to travel from Thailand to Malaysia without flying, this is the perfect route for you. 🚆🇹🇭🇲🇾 It’s a laid-back journey that turns the transit itself into a highlight of your trip. The main route follows Krung Thep Aphiwat → Hat Yai Junction → Padang Besar → Kuala Lumpur Sentral. While you'll be on the rails the whole way, please note that you must book your Thai and Malaysian train tickets separately.
Start by booking your Thai train tickets through the D-Ticket website or app. Search for "Krung Thep Aphiwat" as your origin and "Padang Besar" as your destination. Since it's a long-distance overnight trip, I highly recommend booking an air-conditioned sleeper berth for a comfortable ride. Before completing your payment, double-check the passenger names, travel date, train number, and destination. Keep your e-ticket on your phone and always have your passport handy.
The train will pass through Hat Yai Junction, a major hub in Southern Thailand. If your ticket is for Padang Besar, don't get off here. Stay alert for station announcements, check the signs, or ask the staff if you're unsure. At night, keep your passport, phone, cash, and cards in a small bag close to you rather than in your main luggage or at the foot of the bed.
Upon reaching Padang Besar, disembark and follow the signs to immigration. Have your passport, KTM ETS ticket, and Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) confirmation ready. You’ll clear Thai immigration first, then walk a short distance to the Malaysian checkpoint. I recommend allowing at least 2–3 hours for this process, as queues can be quite long during holidays or peak times. Definitely avoid booking your onward KTM ETS train too close to your arrival time.
Once you've cleared Malaysian immigration, board the KTM ETS from Padang Besar to Kuala Lumpur Sentral. The journey takes about 4–5 hours depending on the train. KL Sentral is a major transportation hub with easy access to the MRT, LRT, Monorail, and Grab, making it simple to reach Bukit Bintang, Chinatown, KLCC, or the airport.
The total journey takes around 20–24 hours, making it ideal for those who have the time and want an immersive cross-border train experience. 💙
Plan it yourself!
***Note: Train schedules, pricing, and border protocols are subject to change. Please re-verify both ticketing systems and MDAC requirements before booking.