Thinking of a Malaysia to Thailand travel trip? Whether you’re catching a bus from Malaysia to Thailand, boarding a train from Malaysia to Thailand, or driving yourself, crossing the border is easy, affordable, and filled with adventure. But it does come with queues, immigration checks, and some important planning. This guide gives you all the details—where to buy tickets, which buses and trains to take, and how to avoid common hassles.
1. Main Border Crossings for Malaysia to Thailand Travel
If you’re crossing by land, here are the most common entry points:
- Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah) → Sadao (Thailand):
The busiest crossing, popular for direct buses to Hat Yai. - Padang Besar (Perlis):
Best for train from Malaysia to Thailand—immigration is handled inside the station. - Rantau Panjang (Kelantan) → Sungai Kolok (Thailand):
Less touristy, but mostly used by locals.
👉 Most travelers choose Padang Besar (train) or Bukit Kayu Hitam (bus) for convenience.
2. Bus from Malaysia to Thailand
A bus from Malaysia to Thailand is the cheapest option if you’re heading to Hat Yai or southern Thailand.
Where to Get the Bus:
- Kuala Lumpur (TBS Terminal Bersepadu Selatan):
Daily buses to Hat Yai (about 8–9 hours). - Penang (Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal):
Shorter ride—around 4–5 hours to Hat Yai. - Alor Setar / Butterworth:
Quick trips across the border, about 2–3 hours.
Popular Bus Operators:
- Sri Maju Express (Kuala Lumpur → Hat Yai, Penang → Hat Yai)
- KKKL Express (KL → Hat Yai)
- Supernice Grassland (KL → Hat Yai, Penang → Hat Yai)
Ticket Prices:
- KL to Hat Yai: RM 70–100 (USD 15–22)
- Penang to Hat Yai: RM 50–70 (USD 11–15)
👉 Tickets can be booked online via Easybook, BusOnlineTicket, 12Go Asia, or directly at bus terminals.
3. Train from Malaysia to Thailand
For many, the train from Malaysia to Thailand is the most scenic and comfortable way.
Route:
- KTM ETS (Electric Train Service) runs from KL Sentral → Butterworth → Padang Besar.
- At Padang Besar station, you clear Malaysian and Thai immigration inside the building (much faster and safer than road borders).
- After immigration, switch to a Thai State Railway (SRT) train to Hat Yai, Surat Thani, or even Bangkok.
How to Book:
- KTM ETS tickets: Buy at KTM website or KL Sentral counters.
- Thai trains: Tickets at Padang Besar station or via 12Go Asia.
Costs & Time:
- KL → Padang Besar: RM 80–100 (USD 18–22, about 6 hours)
- Padang Besar → Hat Yai: 50 THB (USD 1.50, 1 hour)
- Padang Besar → Bangkok (overnight train): 700–1200 THB (USD 20–35, 15–17 hours)
👉 Tip: Book early if traveling during Songkran (April) or Thai New Year, as trains sell out.
4. Driving from Malaysia to Thailand
If you love road trips, driving from Malaysia to Thailand is a fun option.
What You Need:
- Valid passport (6+ months left)
- Thai vehicle entry permit (issued at the border)
- Thai car insurance (buy at border kiosks)
- International Driving Permit (recommended)
Popular Routes:
- Penang → Hat Yai (~3 hours)
- KL → Hat Yai (~6–7 hours)
5. Immigration & Visa Requirements
During Malaysia to Thailand travel, expect queues at immigration checkpoints.
- Documents Required: Passport + visa (depending on nationality)
- Visa-Free: Malaysians get 30 days visa-free entry.
- Other Nationalities: Check Thai visa requirements before traveling.
- Queues: Peak times are weekends, Malaysian school holidays, and Thai festivals.
👉 Immigration at Padang Besar train station is usually faster than at road borders.
6. Best Time for Malaysia to Thailand Travel
- Avoid: Weekends, Songkran (April), Malaysia’s Hari Raya, December holidays.
- Best Times: Weekdays, early mornings.
- Weather Tip: November to February is cooler and less humid—great for outdoor activities.
7. Safety & Travel Tips
- Keep an eye on belongings—border crossings are busy.
- Carry small cash in Thai Baht for food, tuk-tuks, or local buses.
- Book tickets in advance during peak travel months.
- Use apps like Grab for cheap rides in Hat Yai and Bangkok.
- Have travel insurance—a must for cross-border trips.
Your Malaysia to Thailand travel adventure can be as easy or as complicated as you make it. For cheap and safe options, take a bus from Malaysia to Thailand if you want direct routes, or the train from Malaysia to Thailand if you prefer comfort and shorter queues. Driving is great for road-trippers, but make sure you have the right documents.
👉 Next, don’t miss our Cross-Border Bus and Train Singapore–Malaysia guide for more Southeast Asia travel hacks!
