10/01/2026
🚆 Bangkok to Singapore by Train: My 5-Train Southeast Asia Rail Adventure
From Bangkok’s JR West sleeper cars to the Shuttle Tebrau crossing into Singapore, I just completed an overland journey across Thailand and Malaysia entirely by train. It took five trains over six days, with stops in Hat Yai, Padang Besar, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru — and finally into Singapore.
Here’s a quick overview of each leg, plus links to my full reviews with all the juicy details: border tips, seat advice, station guides, and what to expect onboard.
🚂 Step 1: Bangkok to Hat Yai
Train: Special Express No. 983
Date: 1 January 2026
Time: 19:30 – 11:10 (+1 day)
Duration: 14h 40m
Fare: 943 THB (~$29.86 USD)
Class: Sleeper (Lower Berth)
I kicked off the journey on a rare treat — SRT’s refurbished JR West Day & Night Sleeper carriages, originally from Japan. These are occasionally added to peak-period long-distance services, like this one from Bangkok to Yala.
The sleeper layout is quite different from SRT’s usual configuration, with compartments arranged across the width of the train and a side corridor. No doors, but thick privacy curtains, quiet carriages, and a uniquely comfortable vibe.
An alternative is Special Express No. 31.
📖 Full review here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CsBGypFgu/?mibextid=wwXIfr
🚉 Step 2: Hat Yai to Padang Besar (Border Crossing)
Train: Special Express No. 45
Date: 5 January 2026
Time: 07:20 – 08:05
Duration: 45 mins
Fare: 50 THB (~$1.58 USD)
Class: 3rd Class Seated
This short but crucial leg crosses the Thailand–Malaysia border. I took Special Express 45, which starts in Bangkok and continues through to Padang Besar with dedicated carriages added at Hat Yai where I boarded.
The train was late, but still made it in time for my onward Malaysian connection. Immigration at Padang Besar is inside the station — fast and efficient if you’re at the front of the queue. This is a route where planning your connection matters.
📖 Full review here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1829m1w7qx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
🚄 Step 3: Padang Besar to Kuala Lumpur
Train: KTM Platinum 9273 (Class 93 EMU)
Date: 5 January 2026
Time: 11:05 – 16:30
Duration: 5h 25m
Fare: RM139 (~$34.26 USD)
Class: Standard Class
After clearing immigration, I boarded KTM’s Class 93 Platinum service — one of the fastest metre-gauge trains in Southeast Asia. This sleek, modern train was a smooth ride to KL Sentral, with plenty of legroom, USB charging, and a bistro car for snacks.
There’s also a daily service all the way to Johor Bahru, but it arrives late and isn’t ideal if you want to reach Singapore the same day.
📖 Full review here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17pogy4ZzP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
🚄 Step 4: Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru
Train: ETS3 Platinum 9523
Date: 6 January 2026
Time: 07:55 – 12:15
Duration: 4h 20m
Fare: RM93 (~$22.92 USD)
Class: Standard Class
This was my first ride on the brand-new ETS3 Platinum trains. These are next-gen electric sets with upgraded interiors, improved charging points, and a smooth, quiet ride.
Seats all face forward, which is a big win. There’s a bistro in Coach C and plenty of luggage space.
📖 Full review here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CGa6oJycU/?mibextid=wwXIfr
🚉 Step 5: Johor Bahru to Singapore
Train: Shuttle Tebrau 79
Date: 7 January 2026
Time: 12:45 – 12:50
Duration: 5 minutes
Fare: RM5 (~$1.23 USD)
Final stretch: the Shuttle Tebrau, a 5-minute border hop into Singapore. Tickets must be booked in advance — they’re tied to your passport. Once you clear Malaysian immigration at JB Sentral, the train takes you directly into Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore for their immigration.
It’s the fastest and most efficient way to cross the land border — though buses are a solid backup if trains are sold out.
📖 Full review here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BzXcc1uyt/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Final Thoughts
This route proves that you can travel overland from Bangkok to Singapore entirely by rail — and it’s a rewarding ride. From classic Thai sleepers to high-speed EMUs in Malaysia, each leg has its own vibe and quirks.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely — just plan ahead, allow buffer time for delays, and keep an eye on ticket availability for the border segments.
📌 Pro tip: If you want to do the return trip, you can take the same five trains in reverse — or explore new ones like the KTM Gold service all the way to Padang Besar and then SRT Special Express 46 to Bangkok.
Got questions? Drop them below 👇
And check out the full reviews if you’re planning your own rail adventure across Southeast Asia.
