Quick answer: Travelling from Thailand to Malaysia offers several strong options: flight, land bus/train crossing, or a combined overland route via southern Thailand. The flight gives the quickest and simplest option; land crossings are budget‑friendly and adventurous. You can book tickets from Thailand to Malaysia easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Route examples: Bangkok → Kuala Lumpur | Hat Yai → Penang | Southern‑Thailand → Malaysia border.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~2–3 hours | Bus/Train via land ~1‑2 days.
- 💰 Price range: Flight US$ 50‑150 pp | Overland bus/train US$ 40‑90 pp.
- ✈️ Flight: Numerous direct flights from major Thai cities to Malaysian destinations (e.g., Bangkok → Kuala Lumpur).
- 🚍 Land/Bus/Train: Overland routes via southern Thai provinces (e.g., Hat Yai → Malaysia), involving border crossings like Padang Besar.
Last updated in July 2026
From Thailand to Malaysia you can travel by plane, train, bus, ferry or private car.
Traveling from Thailand to Malaysia is easy by air, land or sea. Direct flights are the fastest option, while trains, buses and ferries are popular with budget travelers and those exploring southern Thailand.
✈️ Plane
Fastest option with direct flights from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur and other cities.
🚆 Train
Travel via Padang Besar and continue to Penang or Kuala Lumpur.
🚌 Bus
Affordable long-distance buses connect Thailand with major Malaysian cities.
🚗 Private Car
Cross the border by car with the required documents and insurance.
| Transfer Mode – Thailand to Malaysia | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flight (Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur) | 2 hours | $50-200/pp |
| Train (Bangkok to Padang Besar) | 16-18 hours | $20-90/pp |
| Bus (Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur) | 15-20 hours | $30-50/pp |
| Car (Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur) | 20-25 hours | N/A |
| Ferry (Koh Lipe to Langkawi) | 1-1.5 hours | $20-50/pp |
🎫 How to book bus, train tickets + flights from Thailand to Malaysia?
Now it is very easy to book bus, train tickets or flights from Thailand to Malaysia online. You will save your travel time and also money. You can search and book tickets or various flights to Malaysia at 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜ online. These websites are the one of the best search engines for Southeast Asia. 12go.asia offers to book tickets or flights for various countries of Asia, eg.: Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, India, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar. Various well-known transport companies and airlines. Read all the information before you book and buy your tickets online.
1. Travel by plane from Thailand to Malaysia:
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Thailand to Malaysia. Direct flights operate daily from Bangkok and several other Thai cities, making this the best option if you want to save time.
Airlines: AirAsia, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines and other carriers operate regular flights to Kuala Lumpur and other destinations in Malaysia.
Airports: Most flights depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). International flights are also available to Penang, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu.
Flight Time: A direct flight from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur takes about 2 hours. Flight times from other cities vary by route and airline.
Ticket Price: One-way flights usually cost between $50–200, depending on the airline, travel season and booking date.
Travel Documents: Bring a valid passport and check the latest Malaysian visa and entry requirements before your trip.
2. Travel by train from Thailand to Malaysia:
Traveling by train from Thailand to Malaysia via Padang Besar is the cheapest overland option, but it also takes the longest. Most travelers first take a train from Bangkok via Surat Thani before continuing to the Malaysian border.
Train Route: Trains are operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Malaysia’s KTMB. They depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok and continue to Padang Besar, where you can change to Malaysian trains.
Travel Time: The journey from Bangkok to Padang Besar takes about 16–18 hours. Both overnight sleeper trains and daytime express trains are available.
Ticket Price: Express train tickets start at about $15, while sleeper berths usually cost $30–90, depending on the class.
Border Crossing: At Padang Besar you must complete Thai and Malaysian immigration before continuing your journey.
Comfort: Most long-distance trains offer air-conditioned coaches, sleeper berths and onboard food services, making them a comfortable option for overnight travel.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS with 12go.asia ➜
3. Travel by bus / van from Thailand to Malaysia:
Traveling by bus or minivan from Thailand to Malaysia is an affordable alternative to flying. Direct services operate from Bangkok, Phuket and Hat Yai to several destinations in Malaysia.
Travel Time: The journey from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur takes about 15–20 hours, depending on traffic, the route and border crossing times.
Ticket Price: Bus tickets usually cost between $25–50 per person, depending on the operator and seat type.
Border Crossing: All passengers must complete Thai and Malaysian immigration procedures. Keep your passport and required travel documents ready.
Comfort: Most long-distance buses offer air-conditioning and reclining seats. Overnight buses are widely available on this route.
Travel Tip: Choose reputable operators, wear your seatbelt and book tickets in advance during weekends and holiday periods.
BOOK BUS TICKETS with 12go.asia ➜
4. Travel by car / motorbike from Thailand to Malaysia:
Traveling by private car or motorcycle from Thailand to Malaysia offers maximum flexibility, but it is best suited for experienced drivers. You can use your own vehicle or rent a car, although not all rental companies allow cross-border travel.
Driving Route: The most common route crosses the border at Sadao and continues through Penang, Kuala Lumpur and other destinations. Driving from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur covers about 1,500 km and takes around 20–25 hours.
Border Crossing: You need a valid passport, vehicle documents and any required visas. Vehicle insurance for Malaysia is usually purchased at the border.
Road Conditions: Major highways are generally in good condition. Remember that both Thailand and Malaysia drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Extra Costs: Budget for fuel, highway tolls and border insurance when planning your trip.
5. Travel by ferry / boat from Thailand to Malaysia:
Traveling by ferry or speedboat is the best option if you plan to visit the islands of southern Thailand and northern Malaysia. The most popular route is the ferry from Koh Lipe to Langkawi. Koh Lipe is easily accessible by van and ferry from Hat Yai.
Travel Time: The ferry from Koh Lipe to Langkawi takes about 1–1.5 hours. Other ferry routes operate between Satun, Langkawi and Penang.
Ticket Price: Ferry tickets usually cost between $20–50, depending on the route, operator and season.
Border Crossing: International ferry passengers must complete Thai and Malaysian immigration before departure or upon arrival, depending on the route.
Travel Tip: Book ferry tickets in advance during the high season and check the weather, as rough sea conditions can affect schedules.
BOOK FERRY TICKETS with 12go.asia ➜
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Thailand to Malaysia
How to book tickets from Thailand to Malaysia?
Book flights, trains, buses and ferries online via Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Thailand to Malaysia?
Flights take about 2 hours, trains 16–18 hours, buses 15–20 hours, ferries 1–1.5 hours and driving about 20–25 hours.
How much does transport from Thailand to Malaysia cost?
Flights cost about $50–200, trains $20–90, buses $25–50 and ferries $20–50 per person.
How far is Bangkok from Kuala Lumpur?
The flight distance is about 1,200 km, while the road distance is approximately 1,500 km.
What is the fastest way to get to Malaysia?
Direct flights from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur are the fastest and most convenient option.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
The cheapest option is usually the train via Padang Besar, although it also takes the longest.
Is there a direct train from Thailand to Malaysia?
No. Travel by Thai train to Padang Besar and continue by KTM train to destinations in Malaysia.
Can you travel by ferry from Thailand to Malaysia?
Yes. The most popular route is the Koh Lipe – Langkawi ferry, taking about 1–1.5 hours.
Are there direct flights to Malaysia?
Yes. Direct flights operate from Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai to Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian cities.
What are Malaysia’s main international airports?
The main airports are Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Penang (PEN), Langkawi (LGK), Kota Kinabalu (BKI) and Kuching (KCH).
Where can you travel from Padang Besar?
Padang Besar has train and bus connections to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Butterworth, Ipoh and other Malaysian cities.
How can you travel around Malaysia?
Malaysia has an extensive network of buses, KTM trains, domestic flights and ferries. See Transportation in Malaysia.
What is the weather like in Malaysia?
Malaysia has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Learn more about the weather in Malaysia.
What currency is used in Malaysia?
The official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), used throughout the country.
5 Ways of Transfer from Thailand to Malaysia:
| Transport Mode | Thailand to Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Plane |
Airlines: AirAsia, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and more. Airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok), Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Penang International Airport, Johor Bahru Senai International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Flight Time: Around 2 hours from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur. Cost: $50 to $200 or more. |
| Train |
Train Service: State Railway of Thailand and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). Train Types: Overnight sleeper trains and express trains. Train ride: Around 16-18 hours from Bangkok to Padang Besar. Cost: Second-class sleeper ticket $30-50, first-class sleeper ticket $60-90, express train ticket $15-30. |
| Bus / Van |
Bus Service: Nakhon Si Racha, Hat Yai, Phuket Travel, and more. Bus ride: Around 15-20 hours from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur. Cost: $25-50. |
| Car / Motorbike |
Driving Route: Sadao checkpoint in southern Thailand, west coast of Malaysia (Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca). Distance: Around 1,500 kilometers, 20-25 hours driving time. Border Crossing: Customs and immigration required. Vehicle Rental: Avis, Budget, Hertz (car), Turtla, Big Bike Rental Bangkok (motorcycle). Insurance cost: $10-20. |
| Ferry / Boat |
Ferry Service: Langkawi Ferry, Tigerline, Bundhaya Speed Boat, and more. Ferry ride: Around 1 hour from Langkawi to Satun, 2-3 hours from Satun to Penang. Ferry from Koh Lipe to Langkawi takes about 1-1.5 hours. Cost: $20-50. |
Chumphon to Surat Thani｜Hua Hin to Chumphon｜Hua Hin to Surat Thani｜Koh Lanta to Koh Phangan｜Koh Lanta to Surat Thani｜Bangkok to Railay