Singapore to Thailand by Train (Overland to Bangkok)

Updated November 2026.

By now we have covered this Singapore to Thailand route a whole bunch of times, following various inland and coastal routes, on trains, planes and automobiles. But my favourite will forever be the rail routes, when in 2022 we travelled the entire way from Singapore to Bangkok by train (in the video below). A journey of near 2000km and 30-hours (not including transfers) with stops along the way at Johor Bahru (JB Sentral), Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral) and the Thai border at Padang Besar. (A basic map outline here).

We also put together this YouTube video documenting the entire train route from Singapore to Bangkok in June 2022.

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Singapore to Bangkok by Train: The Route and Connections

The big change since our 2022 journey is Malaysia’s railway. KTM has extended its electric ETS services south to Johor Bahru, making it possible to travel directly from JB Sentral to Kuala Lumpur. Some trains also continue north towards Padang Besar. Compare departures on the official KTM timetable.

There is still no single through train from Singapore to Bangkok. First take the Shuttle Tebrau from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral; continue north on KTM’s electric ETS services and change to a Thai train at Padang Besar. For the return route see my Thailand to Singapore by Train guide.

1. Singapore–Johor Bahru: Shuttle Tebrau from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral, about five minutes on the train.
2. Johor Bahru–Kuala Lumpur: KTM ETS direct train, with some services continuing farther north.
3. KL / Butterworth–Padang Besar: KTM ETS or KTM Komuter connection to the Malaysia–Thailand border.
4. Padang Besar–Bangkok: Thai sleeper train via Hat Yai to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.

I will also highlight some easy online bookings for each route and train from Singapore to Thailand (through 12go.Asia) as well as the better stopovers for tourists and travellers along the way. These include Kuala Lumpur, Penang (Butterworth) and Hat Yai.

In Southeast Asia we normally use Agoda then there is cozycozy.com for short-term rental comparisons.

Singapore to Bangkok by train is possible in roughly two days when you plan the connections carefully, including an overnight sleeper in Thailand. I would allow longer for stopovers in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, and build your journey around the Thai train departure rather than gambling on a tight border connection.

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Singapore to Johor Bahru: Woodlands to JB Sentral

Ideally there would be a direct train from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur train, however, given the border crossing at Johor Bahru, there will always be a stop with passport control/immigration at Woodlands Train Checkpoint. 

The railway crossing starts from Woodlands Train Checkpoint, not from a Singapore city-centre MRT station. Travel by MRT and connecting bus or taxi towards Woodlands and allow plenty of time for the border. The KTM Shuttle Tebrau runs directly from Woodlands to JB Sentral in about five minutes. Book the train ahead through KTM, especially around weekends.

After immigration, board the Shuttle Tebrau train for the short journey to JB Sentral. This is a train, not a shuttle bus. KTM says the Woodlands boarding gate closes 20 minutes before departure, and passengers use their passports for ticket validation. Check the current official timetable before setting out.

Note, immigration and passport control can take longer during peak times and on our most recent crossing (2022) on a weekend we were waiting for 4-hours to be stamped in at Malaysia. This is because many Singaporeans cross the borders at the weekend for cheap nightlife in Johor Bahru. It’s best to choose your times before crossing.  

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Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur: Direct ETS Trains

Updated for 2026: you can now take a direct ETS train between JB Sentral and KL Sentral. On our original 2022 journey, we changed trains at Gemas, but today’s direct ETS services make that transfer unnecessary. Check KTM’s updated ETS timetables and book ahead.

Some KTM ETS departures also continue north from Johor Bahru towards Butterworth and Padang Besar. If you are skipping Kuala Lumpur, compare through services with a connection at KL Sentral. You can compare Johor Bahru–Kuala Lumpur services on 12Go or book through KTM directly.

I would forever recommend a stopover in Kuala Lumpur for those who have never visited, where it’s easy to reach the various tourist areas (KLCC/Bukit Bintang/Chinatown) by Monorail or LRT (Light Rail Transit) from the transit hub of KL Sentral (our Kuala Lumpur Guide here). The nearby Brickfields area (predominantly Indian/Mamak) is also great to poke around during some spare time (KL Sentral hotels here).

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Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar: Trains to the Thai Border

The KTM ETS between Kuala Lumpur and Padang Besar is comfortable and generally takes around five to six hours depending on the service. Trains can now run farther south from Johor Bahru, so decide whether Kuala Lumpur or Penang is a worthwhile stopover before making bookings. Timetables change: check the official KTM schedules or 12Go booking options.

From the Thai border at Padang Besar it is also recommended a stopover at Hat Yai junction (regular local trains travel between Padang Besar and Hat Yai Junction).

At Padang Besar railway station, clear Malaysian exit and Thai entry immigration before taking your onward Thai train. Malaysia is one hour ahead of Thailand, so check which time zone each departure uses. Non-Thai travellers generally need to submit the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within three days before entering. For this specific section, my Malaysia to Thailand by Train guide has more detail. I personally prefer a stopover in Penang.

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Stopover at Penang (Butterworth/Penang Sentral)

I would personally space out the journey with a night our two in Penang which is easy to reach from Butterworth Station (Kl Sentral to Butterworth here). From Butterworth station, it is an easy 5-minute walk to Penang Sentral and the ferry (now a faster shuttle boat) crossing to Penang Island. The ferry crossing normally takes around 20 minutes (full route from shown in the video below).

For the onward journey from Penang Sentral (Butterworth) to Padang Besar at the Thai border (check the official KTM timetable) the Komuter trains run regularly, although departure intervals vary making it easy to reach the border in good time for onward travel and trains towards Bangkok.

However, the Malaysian Komuter trains do take longer (2-hrs) than the alternative ETS (1hr 30mins) and are a bit uncomfortable with subway-like seating. Here for our quick guide to Penang.

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Padang Besar to Bangkok: The Overnight Sleeper Train

The usual through option from Padang Besar to Bangkok is Thai Special Express 46, an overnight train via Hat Yai. It generally departs in the late afternoon (Thai time), but check the official Thai railway timetable or sleeper bookings on 12Go before travelling. It now arrives at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, not Hua Lamphong. And it arrives when it arrives: I’ve had Thai trains reach their destination more than three hours late.

The Thai section normally takes around 16–17 hours, so this is your overnight sleeper journey. The direct Padang Besar service generally offers air-conditioned second-class sleepers, rather than first-class private cabins. If you want a first-class compartment, check available classes carefully and consider other services departing from Hat Yai.

Then there are the 2nd class sleeper berths, best for solo travellers, and I would infinitely recommend paying extra for the lower berths in 2nd class sleepers which have window views at night. (Note, both beds will be hidden away during daytime and replaced with seating).

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Stopover at Hat Yai Junction

Hat Yai is a useful alternative to boarding the direct Bangkok sleeper at Padang Besar. Once you have crossed into Thailand, you can continue to Hat Yai Junction and choose from a wider range of northbound trains, including overnight sleepers. It gives you more flexibility if the Padang Besar service is sold out, the timing is awkward, or you would rather break up the journey. Hat Yai is also a convenient place to stop for a night (Hat Yai hotels here). Check onward departures and allow time for the border and transfer.

First-class sleeper option from Hat Yai: If you would prefer a private cabin instead of the second-class sleeper on the direct Padang Besar–Bangkok train (Special Express 46), travel to Hat Yai Junction and book Special Express 32 to Bangkok. It offers air-conditioned first-class cabins for one or two passengers, as well as second-class sleepers. Departure times can change, so check SRT schedules and available cabins and tickets for your date. Allow enough time to clear the Padang Besar border and reach Hat Yai: do not assume a same-day connection will work.

Otherwise Hat Yai is the major hub for travel in southern Thailand, with plenties of onward travel options including buses and minivans to all the southern coastlines and islands in Thailand (e.g. Koh Lipe). Then there’s a decent enough airport for cheap flights in Thailand (although it seems silly to get this far only to fly). Otherwise, most destinations are found further north on the train line including stops en route to Bangkok such as Hua Hin (tickets to Hua Hin here).

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Booking, Border Rules and Practical Tips

Book the train journey in separate sections. Use KTM for the Shuttle Tebrau and ETS trains, and check Thai railway schedules and Bangkok sleeper bookings. We also use 12Go Asia for regional connections. There is no single through ticket from Singapore to Bangkok.

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): Most foreign visitors arriving in Malaysia, including by land from Singapore, must register at the official MDAC site within three days before arrival, unless exempt. This is separate from a visa or visa-free permission.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Non-Thai travellers entering Thailand at Padang Besar must submit the free TDAC online within the three days before arrival. It is required for land entries too and does not replace any visa requirement.

Time zones: Singapore and Malaysia are on UTC+8; Thailand is on UTC+7. Make sure you use Thai time for the departure from Padang Besar. Leave a generous border connection and carry water, snacks and your booking details.

Continuing to Laos or China? My Bangkok to Vientiane, Laos to China by train and Singapore to China guides pick up the route farther north.

Looking ahead: The new Singapore–Johor RTS Link between Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar is currently targeted for February 2027, subject to final approvals. This guide describes the existing Shuttle Tebrau, which is operating now.

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Singapore to Bangkok by Train: FAQs

Is there a direct train from Singapore to Bangkok?

No. You change at the Singapore–Malaysia border and again at Padang Besar between the Malaysian and Thai networks. The newer ETS services reduce the need for additional transfers within Malaysia.

How long does it take by train from Singapore to Bangkok?

Allow roughly two days for a well-connected journey that includes the overnight train in Thailand. Stopovers in Kuala Lumpur or Penang make the trip longer but more enjoyable.

Where does the train arrive in Bangkok?

The overnight Padang Besar train arrives at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal rather than Hua Lamphong. Bang Sue MRT Blue Line is nearby.

Do I need arrival cards at the borders?

Foreign visitors may need the Malaysian MDAC and the Thai TDAC, subject to applicable exemptions. Use only the official government websites.

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