Travel Time: Penang To Hat Yai By Bus

If you're looking to travel from Penang to Hat Yai, you have a few options. You can travel by bus, van, train, car, or plane. The distance between the two locations is around 134-220 kilometres, and the time it takes to travel between them ranges from 4 to 13 hours. The fastest way to travel is by car, which takes around 2 and a half hours. The cheapest way to travel is by train, which costs around $4.40.

Travel by bus

Taking a bus from Hat Yai to Penang is a popular option. It is cheaper than flying and often the most affordable way to travel. Buses usually make bathroom and lunch stops along the way.

If you can, try to book a higher-class bus for a more comfortable experience. These often have added benefits such as air conditioning, soft reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and bathrooms. It's a good idea to book your bus ticket in advance to secure a good seat, but be aware that delays are possible. Aim to get to the bus station at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

There is a direct bus service from Hat Yai to Komtar Bus Terminal in Penang, operated by New Asian Travel. The journey takes around four hours and there are three departures a day. Tickets cost around $17.

Another option is to take a minivan from Hat Yai to Penang, which will cost around 500 baht. This journey will also take around four hours.

If you are starting your trip from Penang and heading to Hat Yai, you can catch a bus from Komtar Bus Terminal. There are approximately 62 departures per day. Tickets cost around $12.29.

Travel by train

Travelling by train from Penang to Hat Yai is a great way to cross the Malaysia-Thailand border. The journey includes several transfers, but they are all pretty straightforward.

First, you'll need to get to Butterworth on the mainland, just across from Penang Island. If you're in George Town, you can take a 5-minute taxi or 20-minute bus (Line 101) to Weld Quay, where ferries to Butterworth depart. Taxi and bus rates start from 15 MYR ($3.50) and 5 MYR ($1.20), respectively. Ferries depart every 30 minutes from 06:30 to 20:30, taking just 10-20 minutes, and tickets cost 2 MYR ($0.50).

Once you arrive at the Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal in Butterworth, the train station is conveniently connected via a walkway. Trains from Butterworth to Padang Besar, the border town, depart almost every hour from 05:20 to 21:35, taking about 2 hours. Tickets cost 12 MYR ($2.80) and can be purchased at the Butterworth Station.

At Padang Besar Station, you'll need to go through customs and immigration for both Malaysia and Thailand. The office is located between Platforms 1 & 2 of the train station. Show your passport, get your luggage checked, and be prepared for long queues if travelling at the weekend.

After clearing immigration, head upstairs to buy your train ticket to Hat Yai. There are only 2 trains operating from Padang Besar to Hat Yai daily, departing at 09:55 and 16:40. Alternatively, there is a "special" train bound for Bangkok that departs at 17:00 and also stops in Hat Yai, but tickets are more expensive.

The total duration of the journey by train is approximately 4 hours.

Please note that the cross-border train from Malaysia to Thailand was suspended as of June 2022, so be sure to check for updates before planning your trip.

Travel by van

Travelling by van from Penang to Hat Yai is a quick and affordable option. The journey takes between 4 and 5 hours and costs as little as USD 13.98. There are approximately 62 van departures per day, so you can be flexible with your travel plans.

You can book your van trip online in advance with companies such as New Asian Travel and BEH Travel. A van ticket with New Asian Travel costs around USD 15.83, while BEH Travel offers tickets from USD 13.98.

When booking, keep in mind that there may be issues with the pick-up location, as some travellers have reported being dropped off at random locations or having to ask for directions to the correct pick-up point. It's a good idea to message the company in advance to get clear instructions and, if necessary, request that they send you photos of the meeting point.

Vans are typically comfortable and punctual, with air conditioning and friendly drivers. However, they may not have much space for luggage, so it's advisable to pack light and bring only what you need in a backpack that's easy to carry.

The journey from Penang to Hat Yai by van covers a distance of approximately 99 miles (159 km) to 134 miles (215 km). Along the way, the van will make a stop at the Malaysian border in Bukit Kayu Hitam for customs and immigration procedures before crossing into Danok Sadao, Thailand, for another check. Remember to have your passport ready and be prepared for your luggage to be checked.

It's also important to note that your Thai SIM card will not work once you cross the border into Malaysia, so you may want to purchase a Malaysian SIM card at the Padang Besar Railway Station or in George Town.

Overall, travelling by van from Penang to Hat Yai is a convenient and cost-effective option that offers a balance between speed and affordability.

Travel by taxi

If you're travelling from Penang to Hat Yai by taxi, the journey will cover a distance of 99 miles (159 km) or 215 kilometers (134 miles) depending on the route. The time it takes to get from Penang to Hat Yai can vary depending on the mode of transportation. The whole journey should take from 4 to 5 hours.

Taking a taxi from Penang to Hat Yai is the most expensive option, with a one-way taxi ticket costing about USD 95.94 to USD 104.44.

• It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator to ensure you're on the right track.
• If you're travelling with others, consider the number of passengers and book a taxi that can accommodate everyone comfortably. For example, a Sedan for 1-4 passengers or an SUV for 5-8 passengers.
• If you're travelling with pets, be prepared to pay an additional fee for cleaning the taxi.
• If you're crossing borders, keep in mind the customs and immigration procedures, including any necessary paperwork and luggage checks.

Travel by plane

Flying is a quick and convenient way to get from Penang to Hat Yai, with a flight time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Penang International Airport is located 16 km (9.9 miles) south of downtown George Town, the capital city of Penang. The airport offers a range of domestic and international flights, including direct flights to Hat Yai.

When booking your flight, consider the following airlines that service this route: AirAsia, Firefly, and Malaysia Airlines. These airlines offer daily flights between Penang and Hat Yai, with multiple departure times to choose from. It is recommended to book your flight in advance to secure your preferred flight time and date.

Upon arrival at Hat Yai International Airport, you will need to clear customs and immigration. The airport is located about 9 km (5.6 miles) from the city centre, and there are several transportation options available to get you there. These include airport taxis, private transfers, and car rentals. Alternatively, you can use the local bus service, which is a more affordable option but may take longer.

When travelling by plane, it is important to consider the time needed for check-in and security procedures at the airport. Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time to allow for these processes. Additionally, keep in mind any layovers or connecting flights you may have, as these will add to your total travel time.

In terms of cost, flying is generally more expensive than other transportation methods such as buses or vans. The price of your flight will depend on the airline, the time of year, and how far in advance you book your ticket. On average, you can expect to pay around USD 198.54 to USD 224.25 for a one-way flight from Penang to Hat Yai.

When packing for your trip, be mindful of any weight restrictions and liquid limitations imposed by the airline. These restrictions are especially important if you are connecting from another flight, as you may need to collect and re-check your luggage.

Overall, travelling by plane between Penang and Hat Yai offers a balance between speed and cost. With a relatively short flight time and convenient transportation options at both airports, you can easily get between these two destinations while still having time to explore all that each location has to offer.

Frequently asked questions