How to Take the Train From Padang Besar to Bangkok: Complete Guide
Train 46 International Express, roughly 16 hours direct to Bangkok
The direct train from Padang Besar to Bangkok is Train 46 International Express, departing at 17:00 Thai time (which is 18:00 Malaysian time) and arriving in Bangkok at 09:05 the next morning, a journey of roughly 16 hours. Sleeper berths run 848 to 918 THB (approx. RM108–117). Here's everything you need to know before you go.
The important time-zone detail
Easy to miss, worth double-checking before you head to the station
What kind of train this actually is
Train 46 runs as a Special Express with just two 2nd Class air-conditioned sleeper carriages continuing all the way to Bangkok, plus additional 3rd Class seat carriages that only run between Padang Besar and Hat Yai Junction. At Hat Yai, the 3rd Class carriages are detached, and the two 2nd Class sleeper carriages are joined onto Train 38 (which runs from Sungai Kolok), continuing together to Bangkok. This train replaced the older SRT Butterworth to Bangkok service.
Full schedule
Once daily in each direction, direct, no transfers
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train 46 (Padang Besar → Bangkok) | 17:00 Thai time (18:00 MY time) | 09:05 next day | ~16 hours |
| Train 45 (Bangkok → Padang Besar, reverse) | 16:10 | 08:50 next day | ~16.5 hours |
Trains run once daily in each direction, direct, no transfers required.
Real pricing
2nd Class A/C sleeper carriages continue all the way to Bangkok
| Class | Price (THB) | Approx. (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Class sleeper, upper berth | 848 THB | RM108 |
| 2nd Class sleeper, lower berth | 918 THB | RM117 |
| 3rd Class seat (Padang Besar to Hat Yai only) | Lower fare, shuttle-train rate | Cheaper, local rate |
| Reverse direction (Bangkok to Padang Besar), upper/lower | 940–1,040 THB | RM120–133 |
Sourced from train36.com, Rome2Rio, and thailandtrain.org. RM figures are approximate conversions and will shift with the exchange rate.
Note that if you specifically want 2nd Class sleeper only for a shorter stretch (say, just to Hat Yai), tickets cost considerably more than the 3rd Class local fare, roughly 6 to 7 times as much, since you'd be paying the surcharges attached to this Special Express service.
Where you actually arrive: an important station update
A newer terminus, not the historic Hua Lamphong station
The train now terminates at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, also known as Bang Sue Grand Station, a newer station rather than the historic Hua Lamphong. If you've read older guides referencing Hua Lamphong as the Bangkok terminus for this route, that's now outdated, plan your onward transport in Bangkok around Bang Sue Grand Station specifically.
Useful stops along the way
The same train also serves Surat Thani (for boat connections to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan), Chumphon (for boats to Koh Tao), and Hua Hin, worth knowing if your actual destination isn't Bangkok itself, you don't need to book all the way through if you're getting off partway.
How this compares to flying or the bus
| Option | Cost (USD) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train 45/46 sleeper | $28–31 (RM119–132) | ~16–16.5 hours | Baggage included, no hidden costs |
| Budget flight (to Penang) | $65–110 (RM276–468) | ~5 hours door-to-door | Baggage fees ($25+), airport transfers extra |
| VIP bus (to Hat Yai) | $22–26 (RM94–110) | ~14 hours + 1hr minivan to border | Requires a separate transfer to the border |
Flying is genuinely faster, but at roughly $90 all-in versus $31 for the train, the price gap is significant enough that most travellers on anything but a tight schedule find the train worthwhile, and it also saves a night's hotel cost since you sleep on board.
Practical tips
Book your sleeper berth ahead of time, especially during peak travel periods, availability on this once-daily direct service can genuinely sell out.
Bring your own snacks and water for the journey. While onboard food service typically exists, having your own supplies covers the full 16-hour duration comfortably.
Double-check the time-zone conversion before departure day. Given the printed departure time is in Thai time, confirm what that means in your own local time before planning your arrival at the station.
Have your passport and any required travel documents ready for the border crossing procedure, since this route crosses from Malaysia into Thailand.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Arriving at the station based on the printed 17:00 departure time without converting for the time-zone difference. The train departs at 18:00 Malaysian time, arriving based on the Thai-time figure alone risks missing it
- Assuming 3rd Class tickets cover the whole route to Bangkok. They only run as far as Hat Yai Junction, if you're travelling all the way to Bangkok, you need the 2nd Class sleeper
- Planning your Bangkok arrival around Hua Lamphong station. This route now terminates at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station), a different, newer terminus, update your onward travel plans accordingly
- Not booking sleeper berths in advance. With only one direct daily service and limited 2nd Class sleeper capacity, last-minute availability isn't guaranteed
- Assuming the train is always the cheapest overall option without comparing total costs. While the ticket itself is affordable, factor in your specific itinerary, sometimes a budget flight with advance booking can come close depending on route and dates, worth a quick comparison before assuming the train wins automatically