This complete guide will help you plan your journey from Butterworth to Padang Besar by train. It includes train schedules, fares, directions, and travel tips for a smooth trip.
KTM Butterworth to Padang Besar
Table of Contents
Padang Besar is the last train station in Malaysia. At this station, you can take a train to Thailand. Many passengers were filling out their immigration forms. As I reached got surprised at Padang Besar Railway Station, suddenly I received an SMS on my SIM card that was ‘Welcome to Thailand’ and mobile time was changed Malaysian time to Thailand time. After that, I watched to Grab app, the fare was also in Thailand currency ‘baht’.
On the way to going Couchsurfing host, saw some ostriches and deer. I listened to people, Lions are open in the forests in Kangar.
KTM Butterworth to Padang Besar
🇲🇾 Butterworth to Padang Besar Railway Station
⏱️ Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes
📏 Distance: About 158 km
🎫 Fare: RM11.40 for adults (one-way)
🔁 Frequency: 18 daily departures, roughly every 1–2 hours
🕔 Operating Hours: First train at 05:20 AM; last train at 09:35 PM
🛤️ Stations Along the Route:
Butterworth, Bukit Tengah, Bukit Mertajam, Tasek Gelugor, Sungai Petani, Gurun, Kobah, Alor Setar, Anak Bukit, Kodiang, Arau, Bukit Ketri, and Padang Besar
I traveled from Butterworth to Padang Besar in 2019, the fare has increased to RM11.40. Don’t worry, this information is fresh. We update this blog post regularly.
The ETS Fast Train is a great way to travel quickly and comfortably from Butterworth to Padang Besar. The fare is about RM 50.
Read Also – Langkawi Ferry,
My Free Ferry Ride from Penang Island to Butterworth
I traveled from Penang Island to Butterworth by ferry 🛳️, and the best part? It was completely free! While the ferry ride to Penang Island costs just RM2, the return trip from the island to Butterworth doesn’t cost a single ringgit.
The ferry itself is impressively large, carrying not only passengers but also motorbikes and cars. It’s a scenic and relaxing ride that gives you a nice view of the water and the mainland.
Once you arrive at the Butterworth ferry terminal (Piers), getting to the train station is super easy. It’s just about 200 meters away, and there’s a covered walkway with clear signs pointing you in the right direction. So even on a hot day, you can walk comfortably in the shade straight to the station.
It’s a smooth, convenient, and budget-friendly way to start your train journey from Butterworth to Padang Besar!
Where to Stay Near Butterworth
Finding a place to stay near Butterworth can be tricky, especially if you’re traveling without a credit card, like I was.
On my first night, I booked a dorm bed in a party hostel. It had bunk beds and loud music, but I’m a quiet traveler, so it wasn’t my vibe. The next morning, around 09:00 AM, I decided to find another place. I searched online, but most hostels required a bank card to confirm a booking, which I didn’t have at that time.
I walked to a few places I found online and explained my situation: “I found your hostel online, I don’t have a bank card, can I pay cash?” Most of them said, “Sorry, we charge double without a card.” I was honestly feeling disappointed.
But finally, I walked into one last hostel and asked the same thing. The owner listened, and when he found out I was from Pakistan — and that he was too — his face lit up with joy. He said, “Don’t worry, stay like it’s your own home.”
He didn’t even ask for payment right away. He told me tea and coffee were free until 11:00 AM for guests — “But for you,” he smiled, “they’re free 24 hours. If you need anything, just ask.”
That simple act of kindness made my journey even more memorable. Sometimes, it’s not just about where you stay, but who you meet along the way.
I don’t remember the name of that hostel, but I’ll never forget the kindness I received there.
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