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What are people's experiences and tips for train travel from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur?
Train TravelBangkok to Kuala LumpurThailand-Malaysia Border CrossingTravel TipsVisa RequirementsTransportation AlternativesPersonal ExperiencesTravel RecommendationsSoutheast Asia Travel
Sep 1, 2022
4 years ago
Iris ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERThoughts on train travel from Bangkok to Kula Lumpur
TLDR : Answer Summary
Traveling from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur by train is a lengthy and often uncomfortable journey according to various experiences shared in the comments. Travelers need to be aware that they cannot cross the border on one train; instead, they must undergo border control at the Thailand side and then board a different train in Malaysia. Some travelers highlight the expected duration, anticipating it can take upwards of 20 hours including stops and necessary transfers, with a notable portion spent waiting for customs and changing trains. While some enjoy the adventure and the sights along the way, many recommend flying as a more convenient and time-efficient option. Overall, while the train rides can offer a unique experience, they’re often characterized by long travel times, the need for frequent transfers, and varying levels of comfort—from air-conditioned sleeper trains to challenging conditions on cheaper services.
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Jo **********
plane
J.R. *******
😆
Donald ***********
I haven't done that run yet but I have taken several train trips in Thailand over the years. I have enjoyed all of them.
Steve **********
Don’t do a long journey on a cheap day train ticket (no aircon, hard seats)!
I did from Nong Khai to Bangkok once when I missed the night train and needed to scrimp, and it was 12 hours on a hard seat with the sun baking us first from one side of the train and then the other. Little room to walk (with people and chickens in baskets on the floor) and too noisy for easy conversation (windows wide open).
And the views were pretty monotonous until we got to the hills and forest approaching Saraburi.
I did from Nong Khai to Bangkok once when I missed the night train and needed to scrimp, and it was 12 hours on a hard seat with the sun baking us first from one side of the train and then the other. Little room to walk (with people and chickens in baskets on the floor) and too noisy for easy conversation (windows wide open).
And the views were pretty monotonous until we got to the hills and forest approaching Saraburi.
No ******
i did it. train frm bangkok to hatyai then change bus executif coach to tbs kl.
Shane ************
Plane
Anthony **********
Do it in luxury on the orient express.
Jeffrey **********
Great idea
Rob *********
Look on this as an adventure or an experience not just a means for getting from A to B. Some time ago I did BKK to Butterworth and in 1959, as a child, I did Butterworth to Singapore. A chance to experience the sights, smells, sounds and atmosphere of the vibrant SEA. Wonderful.
Franky ******
Deep .
Mitchell *******
Thoughts? Sounds like fun when you say it, but when I start thinking about it, BKK to the border is probably at least 20 hours. Then you would HAVE to get off and do immigration stuff, then get on another train for 5 plus hours. Some people may enjoy that, but many wouldn't.
What I would do, as suggested by someone above, would be to catch several trains and overnight in a few Thailand towns/cities, etc. Then do the last slog in one go from the border to KUL.
What I would do, as suggested by someone above, would be to catch several trains and overnight in a few Thailand towns/cities, etc. Then do the last slog in one go from the border to KUL.
Jonny *******
Just get a plane ✈️
Steve **********
I did Bangkok to Georgetown/Penang a few times (but between 2004 and 2007!!) and loved it!
Aircon, comfy 2-person seat to yourself, seats convert into bunkbeds (choose top or bottom when you book).
So the carriage is like one long dormitory with everyone behind their personal curtains (with fresh sheets put on in front of you and a blanket in sealed bag given you), and the train staff guy walking up and down the train. The cheaper top bunks were narrower with a little ladder. I’m sure you can book a private room though?
You can order hot meals on the train or buy stuff from street vendors who sell things through the windows at some points, which is fun.
Great views! And nice movement and clickety-clack sound.
Aircon, comfy 2-person seat to yourself, seats convert into bunkbeds (choose top or bottom when you book).
So the carriage is like one long dormitory with everyone behind their personal curtains (with fresh sheets put on in front of you and a blanket in sealed bag given you), and the train staff guy walking up and down the train. The cheaper top bunks were narrower with a little ladder. I’m sure you can book a private room though?
You can order hot meals on the train or buy stuff from street vendors who sell things through the windows at some points, which is fun.
Great views! And nice movement and clickety-clack sound.
David ********
@Steve *********
i did the same trip and I'm glad did because i thoroughly enjoyed itReply to
David ********
Reply
Grant *******
Fly
Qing *******
i did twice from hua hin to sungai golok, it was an 18 hour ride, wouldn't have done it if i didnt need to do my visa run. in my honest opinion, there's plenty of other travel options and a flight dont cost that much difference
Gertjan ********
I think of it every day …
Dan *******
Very civilised (far greener than flying)
Mika ********
@Dan ******
😂😂😂Reply to
Mika ********
Reply
Daniel **********
Don't do it!
Jo **********
don’t do it
James ******
used to be a lot of bed bugs, but I think they fixed the problem.
Murray *******
Long and painful
Nigel ********
Been thinking about doing this trip. Should be fun
Jim **********
It seems a 12+ hour train ride is a one time adventure for most people including me 😂
Henrik **************
Took a train from BKK to Surat thani once, quite an adventure but won't do it again, ever!
Penny *********
I love that journey, make sure you get a bottom bunk
Rog ***********
Fly is much easier, comfortable and cheaper
Otto *********
Check out the connectionj from Butterworth to K.L. first.
And it's a mighty slow ride.
And it's a mighty slow ride.
David ********
I'd just fly.
Fizz *******
You could check out the Oriental Express voyages. I think it goes between Thailand to Singapore via Malaysia, never experienced but only heard about it.
Brandon ************
@Fizz ******
insanely expensiveReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Paul *******
Go second class air com with a sleeper.
Renau ******
It's a full night on it dear
Allan ********
We did it last week. Stopped at Hat Yai and stopped at Penang. I honestly prefer the Thai diesel trains over the ETS electric trains in Malaysia. We continued right down to Singapore… then back again. Currently writing up the Bangkok to KL one but here’s the return journey:
**************************************************************************
Roy ***********
@Allan *******
fantastic, detailed account, an excellent resource!Allan ********
@Roy **********
thanks Ray 👍Reply to
Allan ********
Reply
Martin *******
Best way to travel but it might take a while
Gregg *************
Why not fly and save yourself some valuable sleep
James *********
I took a train to Hua Hin several years ago. Though it was a bit of an adventure, it was Slow, scary (I was in fear of derailment due to someone stealing the track for scrap) VERY bumpy, and had no air-con. I won't be doing it again.
James *********
I'd heard of it - but not verified it.
Roy ***********
@James ********
stealing rails? Has this ever happened in Thailand?Reply to
Roy ***********
Reply
Mark ********
There was a train for this route but they told me it shut down during covid and never re-opened.
Bonnie *******
I love it! It's an overnight train in Thailand. Done it both ways many times.
Siddhartha *********
@Bonnie ******
can you suggest trains, the class to book, fares and some other hintsBonnie *******
@Siddhartha ********
it's kind of whatever you can get sometimes. They don't have many choices on the Thailand side. On the Malaysia side if you can't get a train you can take a bus.Reply to
Bonnie *******
Reply
Nick ****************
Haemorrhoids and sleeplessness!
Marguyvin **********
Did the reverse 12 years ago. It's a long haul but adventurous spirits will enjoy it.
Stefan ************
Pain in the ass.
Maxim ***********
Malaysian train are great, but Thai train are just awful. I would recommend the ride if most of it was on Malaysian side, but it's not the case.
Pat *********
18 hours from Bangkok to Hat Yai alone - once at your Hat Yai you need to change and go to Padang Besar once you're there, you'll need to go through customs and border control, change trains again and ride down through Alor Setar, Ipoh etc. Long way, so you'll want to stop somewhere.
I'd normally suggest Hat Yai but having lived there it's pretty dead these days - ever since Covid it's had a tough time recovering.
I'd normally suggest Hat Yai but having lived there it's pretty dead these days - ever since Covid it's had a tough time recovering.
Stephenie **********
Slow
Av **********
I did it when i was a teenager...will never do it again...u have to take train then bus
Pat *********
@Av *********
No buses needed, train only - I've done it fairly recently (well 2020!)Reply to
Pat *********
Reply
Israr *************
And cannot come back if u don't have multi entry visa ?
Brandon ************
You can't actually cross the border on the train, so it will involve you doing border control after exiting the train on the Thailand side of the border, and getting on a different train in Malaysia.
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Brandon ************
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