Travel by Train from Butterworth Penang
to Bangkok Thailand
Train number 36, the International Express or in Malay, the Ekspres Antarabangsa, used to leave from Butterworth railway station everyday as an all 2nd class overnight sleeper service to Thailand's capital city, Bangkok. However, since the electrification of the railway tracks in Malaysia, this service now originates from the Malaysia / Thailand border station of Padang Besar.
If you are looking to travel from Penang to Bangkok, this is still the easiest way to travel overland.
The other alternative to travel overland, is to catch a train or minibus to Hat Yai, then a bus from Hat Yai to Bangkok, or a train from Hat Yai Junction Station to Bangkok.
Train Times Butterworth to Bangkok
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| Train Number/Name | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|
| 46 International Express | 17:00**** | 09:05 |
All times shown are in Thai Time (one hour behind Malaysian time).
****Please Note: This service is no longer departing from Butterworth as the Thai Railways Train is now stopping at the border station of Padang Besar.
To get to Padang Besar you can take one of the regular Komuter Trains from Butterworth.
To view the Komuter Train service to Pdg. Besar click here >
Update from 2nd of December 2016:
There is a new service that operates from Padang Besar to Bangkok (train 46).
The Padang Besar to Bangkok train is scheduled to depart at 18.00 Malaysian time (17.00 Thai time).
This train is currently made up of only two carriages between PB and Hat Yai, where you will join with train number 38. Tickets for this service are only for sale at PB Station or you can book tickets online here >
Our suggestion is to take one of the Shuttle trains to Hat Yai, where there are more departures heading north to Bangkok every day.
To see the schedule for Hat Yai to Bangkok trains click here >
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Train Ticket Prices Butterworth to Bangkok
A Komuter train to the border costs 11.40 MYR
Tickets for the train from Padang Besar to Bangkok in second class sleeper coaches (the only coaches available from PB) cost:
Adult Fare:
Lower 960 THB
Upper 870 THB
Child Fare:
Lower 780 THB
Upper 690 THB
Buying Tickets
Komuter train tickets are not available for advance purchase - you just turn up and buy your ticket for the next departure.
Please Note: Tickets for the SRT train from Pdg. Besar to Bangkok are no longer available from the KTM ticket office in George Town or Butterworth Railway Station and have to be purchased at Padang Besar Station.
We would advise you not to turn up at Padang Besar without a ticket, as this train is very popular and often fully booked well in advance during the high season.
Seats / Berths
2nd class seatsSecond class coaches have a total of 40 sleeper seats, which are later turned into beds.
For a good nights sleep, try to avoid seats 1- 4 and 37 - 40 as they are near the toilets or automatic doors.
There is an electrical point in the centre of the carriage which comes in handy if you need to charge anything.
Seats are turned into berths / beds on the international express train
Sleeping berths with curtains for privacySleeping berths on Thai trains come in either "Upper" or "Lower."
Lower berth a quite a bit wider than the upper berths and so cost a little more, but are really worth it. They are also the first ones to sell out, so book as early as possible to get that little extra bit of comfort.
Immigration / Passport Control
When you arrive at Padang Besar station you will have to go through immigration and customs checks.
Padang Besar station did have a money-changer but is now closed so you may want to bring some Thai Baht with you.
There is a cafe upstairs that serves drinks and snacks (takes both MYR and THB currencies).
Food On the International Express to Bangkok
Once the train arrives in Hat Yai Junction, many more coaches are added, one of which is a restaurant car.
Thai railways staff will come around with a menu (in English) from which you can order your dinner and breakfast the next morning, or if you prefer, you can go down to the restaurant car yourself and have your food there.
If you order from your seat, your food will be delivered to you there and a foldaway table erected to eat off of.
To see the menu for food available on Thai trains click here >
You can also order soft drinks and coffee from one of the crew members (alcohol is no longer allowed on Thai trains).
If you don't fancy the food on-board, either bring your own or try to buy from vendors at the stations.
Arriving in Bangkok
The train used to arrive at Bangkok's main railway station, Hua Lamphong, which is within walking distance of Chinatown. However, from January 2023, all trains now terminate at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station).
If you are heading off to other areas of the city, the new station is well connected to the rest of the city by trains, buses or taxi.
If you are planning to catch another train from Bangkok click here >
Related Links:
Butterworth to Surat Thani Train
More Trains from Butterworth Penang