Your Complete Transfer Guide from Malaysia to Southern Thailand
If you’re looking to explore Thailand beyond the islands and beaches, a visit to Hat Yai, the bustling city in southern Thailand, is a great place to start — especially if you’re coming from Penang, Malaysia. Whether you’re a budget backpacker, a family traveler, or heading into Thailand for onward connections, here’s your updated guide for getting from Penang to Hat Yai smoothly in 2025.
🚐 Option 1: Minivan – The Most Popular Choice
Travel Time: 4–5 hours
Border Crossing: Bukit Kayu Hitam (Malaysia) / Sadao (Thailand)
Cost: 40–70 MYR (600–800 THB)
Minivan services are the most convenient and widely used way to travel from Penang to Hat Yai. These shared vans pick up passengers from George Town or Butterworth and include the immigration stop at the Thai-Malaysian border.
✅ Pros:
- Direct service
- Quick immigration stops
- Budget-friendly
- Daily departures
❗ Tip: Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity and check Thai visa requirements if necessary.
🚆 + 🚌 Option 2: Train + Local Transport
Travel Time: 6–8 hours
Route: Penang (Butterworth Station) → Padang Besar → Hat Yai
Take a train from Butterworth Railway Station to Padang Besar, where you’ll go through Malaysian and Thai immigration at the border station. Then, catch a Thai train or a shared minivan to Hat Yai city.
Cost: Around 40–60 MYR (350–600 THB)
✅ Pros:
- Scenic ride
- Ideal for train lovers
- Budget-friendly
⚠️ Cons:
- May require waiting time at Padang Besar
- Less flexible schedule
🚖 Option 3: Private Car or Taxi – Comfortable & Flexible
For a more personalized experience, you can book a private transfer directly from Penang to Hat Yai. This is ideal for families, small groups, or travelers with luggage.
Travel Time: Approx. 4–5 hours
Cost: Around 500–700 MYR depending on the service
✅ Pros:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Flexible timing
- Smooth border crossing with driver assistance
🛎️ Smarten Plus Tip: If you value comfort, privacy, and door-to-door convenience, private transfer is the best choice.
Service Area in Penang
- Geroge town any hotel
- Tanjung tokong any hotel
- Tanjung Bunga any hotel
- Penang International Airport
The price depends on your pick-up location and the type of vehicle selected. Kindly reconfirm your pick-up point before booking
🛂 Border Crossing Information
The main crossing used is Bukit Kayu Hitam (Malaysia) / Sadao (Thailand).
- Open daily: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (local time)
- Bring your passport and prepare your Thai arrival/departure card (usually provided by the driver or at the border)
- Some nationalities may need a visa or apply for visa exemption — always check before your trip!
Summary Table
| Method | Time | Comfort | Price (approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minivan | 4–5 hrs | ⭐⭐⭐ | 600–800 THB | Most travelers, budget |
| Train + Minivan | 6–8 hrs | ⭐⭐ | 400–650 THB | Scenic, flexible |
| Private Car | 4–5 hrs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5,000–6,500 THB | Families, comfort seekers |
Book Your Ride Today
Smarten Plus helps you book hassle-free transfers between Penang and Hat Yai. Whether you’re seeking a shared ride or a private van, we’re here to connect your journey with safety, comfort, and local expertise.
Important : All non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival.
More information you can click : TDAC
Apply here: https://tdac.immigration.go.th