​Travelling by KL train to Hat Yai is one of the most affordable and exciting cross-border train journeys in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re a backpacker, family, or casual traveller, this railway route offers a value-for-money adventure that connects Kuala Lumpur to southern Thailand via scenic landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and smooth border crossing through Padang Besar.

Overview of the KL Train to Hat Yai Route

​The journey involves two train rides:

• First: From KL Sentral Station to Padang Besar Railway Station using the Malaysia railway service (KTM Berhad).
• Second: From Padang Besar to Hat Yai Junction Railway Station using the Thai railway service (State Railway of Thailand).

This short train journey covers over 500km and can be completed in about 8-10 hours, depending on your chosen schedule.

What Makes This Train Ride Special?

Budget-friendly: Much cheaper than flights.
​Scenic views: Enjoy Malaysian countryside and border town scenery.
Smooth border crossing: Immigration at Padang Besar is simple.
​Rich experiences: End the ride with Thai nightlife, shopping, and food. Multiple train options, including ETS Platinum, ETS Gold, and ETS Silver

Step-by-Step: How to Travel from KL to Hat Yai by Train

Step 1: Take a Train from KL Sentral Station to Padang Besarick

• Board ETS train (Platinum, Gold, or Silver)
• Journey time: ~5.5 hours
• Trains: Train 9272, Train 9274, Train 9420, Train 9206

Step 2: Pass Through Immigration at Padang Besar Railway Station

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• Complete Malaysian exit and Thai immigration control
• Process takes ~30-60 minutes, depending on the  queue

Step 3: Board the Thai Train to Hat Yai Junction

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• Use the Thai railway service
• Train options: Train 948, Train 950, Train 46
• Journey time: ~1.5 hours
• Time zone changes from Malaysia Time to Thailand Time

KL to Hat Yai Train Schedule, Tickets & Booking Info

Segment	Train Numbers	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Class Types	Ticket Price Range
KL Sentral to Padang Besar	9272, 9274, 9420, 9206	Various	Various	ETS Platinum/Gold/Silver	RM 79 – RM 102
Padang Besar to Hat Yai	948, 950, 46 (Thai trains)	9:55 AM / 3:40 PM ~2 hours	~2 hours	Ordinary/Special Express	50 – 80 THB

Ticket Booking Options

• KTM Website or App
• State Railway of Thailand counters
• Through travel agents near the stations
• Online portals like 12Go Asia

Crossing the Border at Padang Besar

​The interchange station of Padang Besar serves as the Malaysia-Thailand border checkpoint. This is where:

• You exit Malaysian immigration
• Enter Thai immigration control
• Must carry your passport (valid 6+ months)
• May be asked for proof of onward travel

This is a popular border crossing point for passenger travel between Malaysia and Thailand

What to Expect in Hat Yai?

​Once you reach Hat Yai Junction Railway Station, you enter a buzzing city known for:

• Shopping centres and market stalls
• Delicious local food & seafood restaurants
• Vibrant nightlife on Saneha Nusorn Road & Thumnoonvithi Road
• Tourist attractions popular among Asian visitors
• Plenty of convenience stores and McDonald's outlets

Recommended Hotels Near Hat Yai Junction

Budget:

• Grand Pink Hotel – Affordable & central
• Grand Plaza Hotel – Walkable from the station

Mid-range:

• Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel
• New Season Hotel

Luxury:

• Centara Hotel
• Hansa JB Hotel

Most hotels offer great value for money and are ideal for those arriving from the KL train to the Hat Yai route.

Real-Life Story: My Journey on the KL Train to Hat Yai

It was 6 a.m. at KL Sentral Station. We boarded the ETS Gold Train 9272, excited for our cross-border trip. After hours of passing green landscapes and small towns, we reached Padang Besar.
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The immigration process was smooth—our passports were stamped within 30 minutes. We grabbed a quick snack and then hopped on Thai Train 948. By the time we reached Hat Yai, we were greeted by street vendors, local food, and the bright lights of nightlife.
We checked into Grand Plaza Hotel, had dinner at a seafood restaurant, and explored Saneha Nusorn Road. The next day, we booked our return ticket via a KLIA Express Ticket—quick, digital, and hassle-free.

KLIA Express Ticket: Research & Travel Tip

​According to a 2023 study by the Malaysia Tourism Board, over 2 million passenger travel bookings were made using the KLIA Express for long-distance trips like the KL train to Hat Yai. Travelers rated it highest in:
 

• Punctuality
• Easy online ticket booking
• Seamless QR code scanning at station gates

 
KLIA Express Ticket remains Malaysia’s best train service, trusted for border crossing trips and journeys to Padang Besar.

FAQs

Following are the Faq's:

How much is a KTM ticket from KL to Hat Yai?

RM 95 one‑way for a standard seated ticket on the KTM MySawasdee train from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai

Does ETS go to Hat Yai?

No, the KTM ETS does not go to Hat Yai. It only runs between KL and Padang Besar, and you'd need to take a separate shuttle train or bus from Padang Besar to Hat Yai.

Can you take a train from Malaysia to Thailand?

Yes — you can take a train from Malaysia to Thailand via the Padang Besar border crossing, with direct services to Hat Yai and beyond.

​​How much is the Sawadee train ticket?

One-way MySawasdee train ticket prices (KL Sentral → Hat Yai) are:

• Seated (2nd class): RM 95
  
• Sleeper–upper berth: RM 109
  
• Sleeper – lower berth: RM 119

How long is the KL to Hat Yai train journey?

Around 8–10 hours, including transfer time.

Is it safe for solo travellers?

Yes. The entire route is safe and popular with tourists.

Final Thoughts

The KL train to Hat Yai is more than just transportation—it’s a cross-border adventure rich with local flavour, comfortable travel, and scenic charm. Whether you’re on a budget or exploring Southeast Asia, travel slowly—routes like the KL train to Melaka also offer an unforgettable experience.