Bangkok to Penang,Malaysia by Train

Penang is a renowned tourist city in Malaysia, located in the northern region of the country. It is about 200 kilometers from the Thai border, specifically at the Padang Besar border checkpoint in Songkhla Province. Traveling from Bangkok to Penang is convenient, with daily train services available from Bangkok to Padang Besar. We have a guide for traveling by train.

3 Steps from Bangkok to Penang

Bangkok to Padang Besar by Thai Railways
Padang Besar to Butterworth by Ktm Kumuter Malaysia
Butterworth to Georgetown, Penang by Ferry

The steps Detail for the journey

Bangkok to Padang Besar, Malaysia: Thailand Train No.45 operates daily from Bangkok to Padang Besar Railway Station in Malaysia. The train departs Bangkok in the afternoon and arrives in Padang Besar the following morning. It takes about 16 hours.
If you arrive at the Padang Besar Train Station, you will need to go through passport control. Thai and Malaysian immigration officers will be present inside the train station.
Padang Besar to Butterworth: KTM Komuter Malaysia now offers regular train services from Padang Besar Train Station to Butterworth Train Station. The journey takes approximately two hours. You can buy tickets directly at the Padang Besar Train Station without needing to reserve them in advance. The ticket price is RM 11.40.
Butterworth to Georgetown, Penang: If you arrive at Butterworth Railway Station, you can take a ferry to Georgetown. There is a ferry port near the train station where you can board the ferry. The ticket price is RM 2. However, in 2024, you cannot pay for the ferry ticket in cash; payment must be made using a credit card, debit card, or e-wallet. The ferry ride takes approximately 15 minutes.
If you arrive at the ferry port in Georgetown, you can take a bus, taxi, or Grab taxi to your hotel.

Review Trip from Bangkok to Penang, Malaysia

Upon arriving at Padang Besar Railway Station in Malaysia and after clearing the immigration process, you can purchase KTM Komuter train tickets either from the counter or from the ticket vending machine located on the second floor of the station. After obtaining your ticket, make your way down to the first-floor platform to wait for the train.

We Wait the KTM Kumuter at Padang Besar Train Station in Malaysia

We arrived at the Butterworth train station.

Buy Ferry ticket go to Georgetown Penang

The cabin inside the ferry has cool air conditioning

The ferry is arriving at the ferry port in Georgetown, Penang.

Walk to the ferry port exit to catch a bus or taxi to your hotel.

Wait for a Taxi to the Hotels. We book taxis from the Grab Taxi app.

Travel Time

Travel from Bangkok to Penang, Malaysia, using Thai Railways, KTM Komuter, and a ferry. The journey takes approximately 20 hours, including immigration at the border.

Buy Thailand Railways Ticket Online

ฺBook the Thailand Train No.45 from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok to Padang Besar Train Station in Malaysia. Check the timetable – price and book your ticket online in advance.

Plan your trip from Bangkok to Penang, Malaysia, and book Thai Railways tickets in advance. Now.