File photo for reference only

 

Travellers, visa runners, and railway enthusiasts can look forward to the highly anticipated return of direct train services between Bangkok, Thailand, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by the end of 2025. This move promises to enhance regional connectivity, promote sustainable tourism, and boost commerce between the two bustling Southeast Asian capitals.

 

Long valued as a scenic alternative to air travel, the rail route presents a nostalgic yet modern travel experience. The collaboration between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Malaysia's KTMB aims to reinvigorate this iconic journey, with service set to resume after improvements in cooperation and infrastructure.

 

The direct train will traverse the classic southern corridor, starting from Bangkok and moving through key Thai cities such as Hat Yai before crossing the border at Padang Besar. In Malaysia, the train will pass through major hubs in Ipoh and culminate in Kuala Lumpur. Total travel time is anticipated to be between 18 and 24 hours, dependent on scheduling, stops, and customs procedures.

 

Expect to enjoy sleeper berths, air-conditioned coaches, and a dining car, combining nostalgic charm with modern comforts. Importantly, immigration and customs checks will be streamlined at key border stations to ensure a smooth transition for international travellers.

 

For those looking to secure a Thai visa from Malaysia, the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur offers visa services via the official Thai e-Visa portal. Although visiting the embassy in person is generally unnecessary for standard visa types like tourist or non-immigrant visas, all relevant documents need to be submitted online. Approved visas are issued electronically, allowing for easy presentation at Thai immigration upon arrival.

 

This train revival not only offers convenience and unique experiences but also echoes a broader global shift towards eco-friendly travel. As concerns over aviation emissions rise, rail travel represents a lower-carbon, sustainable alternative, attracting eco-conscious tourists.

 

Backpackers and railway fans alike are expected to embrace the Bangkok–Kuala Lumpur route for its affordability and scenic allure. The journey promises to be competitive with low-cost airlines when considering baggage allowances and overnight accommodation on the train.

 

The revival has sparked optimism among tourism authorities in Thailand and Malaysia. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Malaysian tourism boards see this initiative as a chance to enhance regional tourism offerings, encouraging visitors to explore both nations conveniently by land.

 

As specific ticket prices and schedules remain pending, excitement builds among travellers and businesses eager for this renewed connectivity. With its blend of modern amenities and scenic routes, the Bangkok-Kuala Lumpur direct train is set to become a beacon of renewed connection and sustainable tourism within Southeast Asia.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-27

 

 

But will people dare to take it?

40 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

But will people dare to take it?

Yes, I will. Have to find out about reservations.

However, the train coaches are not looking very much inviting or comfortable.😳

9 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Yes, I will. Have to find out about reservations.

However, the train coaches are not looking very much inviting or comfortable.😳

And they are not bullet nor bomb proofed...

2 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

And they are not bullet nor bomb proofed...

Do they have to?

42 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

And they are not bullet nor bomb proofed...

 

42 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

And they are not bullet nor bomb proofed...

Neither are cars and buses, but no one thinks twice before using them

I took this trip 1979, looks like the same train.

Pity they can't serve alcohol on the trains anymore..wonder if they will allow it on the Malaysian side ?  probably not.

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Backpackers and railway fans alike are expected to embrace the Bangkok–Kuala Lumpur route for its affordability and scenic allure.

 

I've done Bangkok to Butterworth and the reverse many, many moons ago. Scenic allure? The other one plays Jingle Bells

26 minutes ago, JJ-Thailand said:

I took this trip 1979, looks like the same train.

Under the photo on the left hand side is the caption " File photo for reference only" 

 

 

I love to travel by train, so I’m a little biased. Did the visa run BKK-Butterworth a few times in 1988 and 1989, and also BKK to Singapore (and vice versa) in ‘88.
I’m not sure what it is, but I find traveling by train very relaxing. I might give this BKK-KL train a try this winter.

3 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Yes, I will. Have to find out about reservations.

However, the train coaches are not looking very much inviting or comfortable.😳

The "combining nostalgic charm" has me thinking.

I did the best I could in around 2017, but I had to do some of Malaysia by bus because my journey coincided with a national holiday and the trains were booked on that side of the border. Some by train, some by bus in Malaysia

 

Spent a night across the bay from Penang and a day bopping around Penang.  That was good.

 

Then I spent a couple of days in Songkhla town because I love the place. That was great.  I highly recommend Songkhla town and Samila beach.

 

But the train from Hat Yai to Bangkok was miserable.  I couldn't wait for it to be over.  In fairness, I was in cattle class with just a hard sleeper.  I don't recall if there were upgrades to nicer cars that I may have missed because ticket selection was limited on the holiday.

 

I'd do it again only if I intended to make interim stops along the way for a few days in some of the fascinating locales along the way.  That would be a great trip.  But not all at once...  I wonder if that will be feasible when the train goes through from KL to BKK?

 

9 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Yes, I will. Have to find out about reservations.

However, the train coaches are not looking very much inviting or comfortable.😳

Have a look at Richard Barrow who is THE  train  expert in Thailand. He’s been the expert for many years now , and anyone wanting to a train trip goes first to him for  the best advice. He always take the inaugural trip of all new destinations so you know first hand what you’re going to get.

Personally , I love a good train trip and have been on many following Richard’s advice.

He has a huge following on FB  if  anyone is interested.

12 hours ago, tomazbodner said:

And they are not bullet nor bomb proofed...

Why would a train need to be?

11 hours ago, johng said:

Pity they can't serve alcohol on the trains anymore..wonder if they will allow it on the Malaysian side ?  probably not.

 

thankfully, they can;t serve alcohol.

1 hour ago, MarcelV said:

Why would a train need to be?

Maybe because of history of it?

 

A passenger train carrying around 300 people was bombed in Thailand’s Deep South, injuring two train officials and one passenger. [SNIP] No. 452 from Sungai Kolok to Nakhon Si Thammarat was travelling between Pattani and Ta Paet stations, carrying 300 passengers on board. The train driver opted not to halt the train and went as far as Ta Paet station in Songkhla’s Thepa district because he anticipated more attacks.

 

All 16 trains serving the Sungai Kolok-Yala line in Thailand's deep south suspend service indefinitely after suspected insurgents shot dead three railway workers and a police officer aboard a train on Saturday.

 

Gunmen opened fire at a passenger train in the Deep South province Yala, damaging the train’s braking system.

 

Hundreds of commuters were stranded following the bombing, which targeted the railway between Yala and Narathiwat provinces at about 6am today. Police said they believe local separatists were behind the attack

 

And there's a lot more news of unrest from the Southern most provinces, from attacking businesses and government buildings to blocking road and opening fire at public transport vehicles (I was in a very close shave to one of these some good 20 years ago and that's something you don't forget), to putting explosives on the train tracks and firing with automatic weapons into the passenger train cars. Go search this forum. Then ask again.

 

8 hours ago, impulse said:

I don't recall if there were upgrades to nicer cars that I may have missed because ticket selection was limited on the holiday.

 

It doesn't matter. I took a luxury cabin to Paris and it was still a valley of tears. Sleeping on a train is a nightmare. Never again.

13 hours ago, JJ-Thailand said:

I took this trip 1979, looks like the same train.

Nahh, they do look like that now 

2 hours ago, it is what it is said:

 

thankfully, they can;t serve alcohol.

Not like the old days 

In 2019 we travelled from Hua Hin to Hat Yai, the private sleeper compartment was fine. The hassle was then catching a train to Padang Besar walking across the border, another train to Butterworth then ferry to Georgetown. A train straight through to KL sounds inviting. 

Looks like a pretty chill idea. I remember there used to be BKK-Penang trains back in 2014. Good to see this is coming back.

On 5/28/2025 at 11:47 PM, tomazbodner said:

Maybe because of history of it?

 

A passenger train carrying around 300 people was bombed in Thailand’s Deep South, injuring two train officials and one passenger. [SNIP] No. 452 from Sungai Kolok to Nakhon Si Thammarat was travelling between Pattani and Ta Paet stations, carrying 300 passengers on board. The train driver opted not to halt the train and went as far as Ta Paet station in Songkhla’s Thepa district because he anticipated more attacks.

 

All 16 trains serving the Sungai Kolok-Yala line in Thailand's deep south suspend service indefinitely after suspected insurgents shot dead three railway workers and a police officer aboard a train on Saturday.

 

Gunmen opened fire at a passenger train in the Deep South province Yala, damaging the train’s braking system.

 

Hundreds of commuters were stranded following the bombing, which targeted the railway between Yala and Narathiwat provinces at about 6am today. Police said they believe local separatists were behind the attack

 

And there's a lot more news of unrest from the Southern most provinces, from attacking businesses and government buildings to blocking road and opening fire at public transport vehicles (I was in a very close shave to one of these some good 20 years ago and that's something you don't forget), to putting explosives on the train tracks and firing with automatic weapons into the passenger train cars. Go search this forum. Then ask again.

 

that was 11 may 1834

On 5/28/2025 at 9:54 AM, Grumpy one said:

 

Neither are cars and buses, but no one thinks twice before using them

He's trying to joke as the train passes an area of permanent conflict in Southern Thailand. 

It's an awful joke.

While I generally like the idea of it, the toilets and the noisy track while trying to sleep put me off.

On 5/29/2025 at 12:57 AM, Cameroni said:

 

It doesn't matter. I took a luxury cabin to Paris and it was still a valley of tears. Sleeping on a train is a nightmare. Never again.

 

I have fond memories of watching Silver Streak. 

 

But I doubt I'd run into a Jill Clayburgh between BKK and KL.

 

1 minute ago, impulse said:

 

I have fond memories of watching Silver Streak. 

 

But I doubt I'd run into a Jill Clayburgh between BKK and KL.

 

 

Oh trains look great in the movies. Cary Grant could make you want to take a train anywhere.

 

The sad reality is pretty much everyone who takes a train does so as a couple or even worse, large family groups.

 

You'd be more likely to meet Jill if you join a mixed basketball club.

On 5/28/2025 at 10:07 AM, JJ-Thailand said:

I took this trip 1979, looks like the same train.

 

On 5/28/2025 at 10:07 AM, JJ-Thailand said:

I took this trip 1979, looks like the same train.

Really, I also took " this" train in 1979, but you had to change trains in Butterworth. If there ever was a through train to KL, it must have been before 1979. 

On 5/28/2025 at 8:59 AM, newbee2022 said:

Yes, I will. Have to find out about reservations.

However, the train coaches are not looking very much inviting or comfortable.😳

Not sure how they are going to manage this.

It is my understanding that Malaysia is electrified, why they stopped the train in the first place. I can only assume that at PB you get off the train as previously, walk through the platform immigration and get on a waiting Malaysian train for the remainder of the journey.

If the Thai diesels are allowed to go all the way through then it will be the rolling stock that was introduced about 2017 which are quite comfortable. I would recommend the first class cabins and your own refreshments.

I went down to Butterworth just before the change and yes, the suspension not that great.

On 5/28/2025 at 10:34 AM, Drumbuie said:

Under the photo on the left hand side is the caption " File photo for reference only" 

 

 

"File photo for reference only" = Not my job or problam to locate up to date information to accompany the press release.🙃🙃